15 Things to Do in Denver This Week · May 14–17, 2026

Arts & Culture

MJ the Musical

The acclaimed Broadway musical celebrating Michael Jackson's iconic music and story plays its final Denver performances at the Buell Theatre.

Friday, May 15, 2026 – Sunday, May 17, 2026 · Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex

Pictures at an Exhibition with Christopher Dragon + Albert Cano Smit

The Colorado Symphony performs Mussorgsky's iconic Pictures at an Exhibition alongside pianist Albert Cano Smit, conducted by Christopher Dragon.

Friday, May 15, 2026 – Sunday, May 17, 2026 · Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex

William Havu Gallery Opening: Amy Metier – Sea Change

Opening reception for Amy Metier's new paintings and works on paper, abstracted landscapes and still lives from an artist in the Denver Art Museum's permanent collection.

Friday, May 15, 2026 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · William Havu Gallery

Music & Nightlife

Something Else! at Dazzle

Denver's beloved jazz lounge at the Arts Complex hosts Something Else!, a touring jazz showcase featuring adventurous and boundary-pushing performances.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Friday, May 15, 2026 · Dazzle, Denver Performing Arts Complex

Mohanad Elshieky Live at Denver Comedy Underground

New York-based, Libyan-born comedian Mohanad Elshieky brings his sharp, nuanced political and cultural stand-up — as seen on The Late Show and Comedy Central — to Denver's intimate Five Points club.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:30 PM · Denver Comedy Underground, 675 22nd St, Denver

Joe Gatto at Denver Improv

The beloved Impractical Jokers star Joe Gatto performs four shows across the weekend at Denver Improv in the heart of the city.

Friday, May 15, 2026 – Sunday, May 17, 2026 · Denver Improv

Grandaddy: Sophtware Slump 25th Anniversary w/ Pedro the Lion

Grandaddy performs their landmark indie rock album Sophtware Slump in full to celebrate its 25th anniversary, with Pedro the Lion in support at Gothic Theatre.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · Gothic Theatre

Festivals & Special Events

Moonshot Annual Showcase

Moonshot's cohort 8 presents their annual showcase of innovative projects and entrepreneurial ventures at Upper Larimer in RiNo.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Upper Larimer, 3034 Larimer Street, Denver

Denver Ska Fest 2026

The Aquabats!, Five Iron Frenzy, and Dance Hall Crashers headline this annual ska celebration at the Mission Ballroom in the RiNo Art District.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · Mission Ballroom, RiNo Art District

Free Events

Third Friday Collector's Night

Santa Fe's galleries throw open their doors for this beloved monthly art crawl through Denver's premier art district, with openings and receptions across multiple spaces.

Friday, May 15, 2026 · Art District on Santa Fe

Colfax Marathon Shakeout Run

A free community shakeout run to unite Denver runners before the Colfax Marathon, with Altra shoe demos and giveaways — open to runners, spectators, and curious locals.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:00 AM · Denver, CO

Date Night

Friday Night Comedy at Denver Comedy Lounge

Denver Comedy Lounge in RiNo pairs craft sake, great food, and a curated stand-up lineup for an intimate evening of laughs in a stylish venue.

Friday, May 15, 2026 7:00 PM · Denver Comedy Lounge, 3559 Larimer St, RiNo

Disney Villains Drag Brunch

An outrageously fun afternoon drag brunch featuring your favorite Disney villains in full costume, live performances, and bottomless mimosa vibes at Denver Improv.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 2:00 PM · Denver Improv

Outdoors & Active

Hey! Let's Yoga at Sloan's Lake

The fifth season of this beloved weekly outdoor yoga series returns Thursdays at Sloan's Lake — all-levels flow under the trees with sunset mountain views.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 6:30 PM · Sloan's Lake, 2201 N Stuart Street, Denver

Hike Expo Colorado

A two-day outdoor expo celebrating Colorado's hiking culture with gear demos, expert talks, guided hikes, and community connections at Gaylord Rockies Resort.

Friday, May 15, 2026 – Saturday, May 16, 2026 · Gaylord Rockies Resort, 6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora