39 Denver Date Ideas for Every Occasion (By a Local)

I’m a happily-married Denver local with Denver date ideas for every preference and occasion! This guide features a variety of things to do in Denver — perfect for first dates, double-dates, special occasions, and casual nights out.

And if you’re looking for unique date ideas, Denver has plenty of options in that regard, too. Find out where you and your date can square dance, roller skate to throwback tunes, catch a drive-in movie, and more!

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39 Best Denver Date Ideas

Rockies Game

Cheer on the Rockies and get to know each other.

📍 Google Maps | Colorado Rockies Website | 💖 Best for: casual dates

Colorado Rockies games at Coors Field let you enjoy beautiful Colorado summer evenings! Assuming your date isn’t a die-hard fan who needs total silence to enjoy the game, it also gives you some time to chat and learn more about each other. 

If it’s not baseball season, Denver has a total of six pro sports teams. You could catch football, hockey, soccer, basketball, or lacrosse with the Denver Outlaws! 

Red Rocks Concert

Enjoy one of the most beautiful concert venues.

📍 Google Maps | Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre Website | 🎸 Best for: special occasions

Many musicians name Red Rocks as their favorite music venue! The scenery is beautiful, the bands are popular, and it’s one of the best date ideas in Denver. There are plenty of places in Morrison to grab a bite or a drink before the show to round out the evening.

💘 Read Next: 35 Fun Date Ideas in Seattle, 29 San Diego Date Ideas

Meow Wolf Convergence Station

Share thoughts about this unusual art experience.

📍 Google Maps | Meow Wolf Website | 💖 Best for: first dates

Convergence Station’s interactive exhibits take you on a journey aboard an interdimensional train. They immerse visitors in a psychedelic, surreal world. Whether you find Meow Wolf enlightening or leave absolutely confused, you and your date will have plenty to discuss.

Meow Wolf is such a cool experience that it even made our list of the top things to do in the USA!

Linger

Taste globally inspired bites in a former mortuary.

📍 Google Maps | Linger Website | 💖 Best for: first dates

Dinner at Linger takes a classic date idea and turns it on its head. Set inside the former Olinger Mortuary, the décor is a mix of fancy and funereal. This top Denver restaurant doesn’t rely on gimmicks to attract customers, though. The food is well-known for being amazing, and the restaurant is a lively, fun place for a dinner date. 

Archery Games Denver

Team games for competitive couples.

📍 Google Maps | Archery Games Denver Website | 🏹 Best for: active dates

Archery Games Denver is great active date for competitive couples. There isn’t much talking and getting to know each other. But there’s a whole lot of running, diving behind barricades, and shooting people with foam arrows. Basically, you’ll be acting out your live-action video game fantasies!

Book your archery game here.

👉 Pro Tip: Talnua Distillery and Odyssey Beerwerks are both nearby if you want to cap the evening off with a cocktail or local craft beer.

Elitch Gardens

Channel your childhood at this amusement park.

📍 Google Maps | Elitch Gardens Website | 💖 Best for: active dates

Elitch Gardens is open on summer evenings, and even later in October for Halloween Horror Nights. Take your date on a roller coaster, buy some funnel cake and other amusement park food, and watch the sun set over the mountains while you ride the Ferris Wheel. 

EscapeWorks Denver

Test your relationship with an escape room.

📍 Google Maps | EscapeWorks Denver Website | 💖 Best for: new relationships, parents’ night out

Whether you’re in a long-time relationship or just getting to know your new partner, discover more about them in an escape room. Work together to solve puzzles and hopefully free yourselves before your time is up. This would also be a great double-date or group date activity!

Stranahan’s Guided Whiskey Tasting

Sample and learn about fine whiskey together.

📍 Google Maps | Stranahan’s Distillery Website | 🎉 Best for: special occasions

Discover how to properly taste whiskey and investigate which ones taste best to both of you with a guided tasting at a premier distillery! This would be a fun date for an anniversary or birthday, and you could end by purchasing a bottle to enjoy later. 

Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar

Sip wine while attending a cooking or baking class in Centennial. 

📍 Google Maps | Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar Website | 💖 Best for: special occasions 

Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar is based in Centennial, one of the southern suburbs of Denver. This hidden gem hosts an assortment of cooking classes for all abilities. Lessons focus on ethnic cuisines, seasonal ingredients, and disciplines like grilling and baking. 

Couples can expect an engaging, hands-on event hosted by a skilled instructor. Be sure to come hungry — you’ll enjoy many delicious bites along the way! The adjacent bar offers glasses of wine and craft cocktails to pair with your creation. Couples who enjoy cooking will absolutely love this experience. 

Union Station

Enjoy a variety of activities in one spot.

📍 Google Maps | Union Station Website | 💖 Best for: casual dates

Grab a drink at the Terminal Bar and have dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision. Then, treat yourself and your date to dessert at Milkbox Ice Creamery inside Union Station. Sometimes there’s also live music in the Great Hall, and regardless, you can sit, chat, and people-watch.

If this is an anniversary or special occasion, you could even book a room at the Crawford Hotel for a romantic night at one of the fanciest hotels in Denver.

🛏️ Pro Tip: Check out Nate’s recommendations on Where to Stay in Denver for more romantic hotels! 

Little Man Ice Cream

End the evening on a sweet note.

📍 Google Maps | Little Man Ice Cream Website | 💖 Best for: casual dates

Little Man Ice Cream is well-known in Denver and a great spot to end an evening. You can’t miss the giant milk jug building in the Lower Highlands. If you prefer indoor seating, there’s the The Little Man Ice Cream Factory on West Colfax.

There’s a good chance you’ll find a line for the ice cream, which gives you a chance to talk to your date a little more while you wait.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Tiptoe through the tulips at twilight.

📍 Google Maps | Denver Botanic Gardens Website | 🌼 Best for: anniversaries, creative dates

The Denver Botanic Gardens are a little bit romantic, a little bit active, and an all-around fun way to get to know your date! The gardens stay open until 8 pm on certain summer nights, and in winter, the Blossoms of Light display is a special holiday show.

Denver Art Museum 

Experience art together.

📍 Google Maps | Denver Art Museum Website | 🎨 Best for: first dates

The Denver Art Museum is one of the top museums in Denver and a great choice for couples. It’s open until 9 pm on Tuesdays, making it one of those unique date ideas, not many people will think to plan! You and your date can stroll the galleries, talk about art, and end with a meal at a nearby cafe.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Take in a play, musical, or concert.

📍 Google Maps | DCPA Website | 🎶 Best for: special occasions

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is home to several theaters. Here, you can watch musicals, plays, ballet, orchestra performances, and much more!

If your date enjoys the performing arts, you’ll find plenty of options for Denver dates here. There are also many restaurants and downtown Denver bars nearby where you can grab a bite or a drink before or after the show.

The Clocktower Cabaret

Watch fun cabaret shows in an iconic Denver setting.

📍 Google Maps | The Clocktower Cabaret Website | 💖 Best for: first dates, special occasions

Downtown’s historic clocktower is one of the most notable structures of the Denver skyline. It’s home to a cabaret theater that has music, burlesque, comedy, and many other shows. There’s also a full bar and kitchen at the underground venue, so you can make it a full evening in one spot. 

Craft Brewery Tour

Try several of Denver’s renowned craft breweries.

Craft Brewery Tour Website | 💖 Best for: first dates

If you can’t decide which brewery to visit on a date, try a few on a craft brewery tour! Sample a variety of beers at four of Denver’s best breweries, and learn more about the brewing process. You’ll both end the evening with a souvenir tasting glass as well.

Book your brewery tour here.

1Up Arcade Bar

Challenge your date to a Pac-Man showdown.

📍 Google Maps | 1Up Arcade Bar LoDo Website | 💖 Best for: first dates 

1Up Arcade Bar is the perfect date idea for first dates in Denver. It has a variety of arcade games, from older games like Donkey Kong and Ghostbusters to newer releases. Grab a cocktail and enjoy an evening of gaming together. 

Punch Bowl Social

Sip adult beverages and play games from your youth.

📍 Google Maps | Punch Bowl Social Website | 🎳 Best for: active dates

If you’re looking for date night ideas, Denver has not one, but two Punch Bowl Social locations! Find one downtown on Broadway, and the other in Stapleton.

You can spend an entire evening at Punch Bowl Social, starting with great food and craft cocktails. Continue on with bowling, arcade games, karaoke, or board games. The activities are just plain fun, and the atmosphere is loud and lively.

Drag Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s

Join a raucous game and enjoy delicious diner food.

📍 Google Maps | Hamburger Mary’s Website | 🎉  Best for: special occasions

Hamburger Mary’s in City Park West has Drag Bingo every Wednesday night. If your date is on a different night, don’t worry — they’ve got events like Mary-Oke and Dinner With A Side of Drag planned for just about every night of the week.

Stem Ciders

Try hard cider at this RiNo staple.

📍 Google Maps | Stem Ciders Website | 🍎 Best for: first dates

Stem Ciders has a variety of delicious hard ciders in unique flavors like lavender, pear, and salted cucumber. They also offer beer, wine, and snacks. The taproom has places to sit and play boardgames, along with special events like music and trivia nights.

Top Golf

Perfect your swing at this fun driving range.

📍 Google Maps | Top Golf Website | 🏌 Best for: casual dates

Top Golf is one of those low-pressure date ideas. It’s a driving range with a bowling alley feel. Plenty of drinks and food are available in between swings and the place has a party atmosphere that keeps your date light-hearted.

Denver Cruiser Ride

Try a blissful bike ride through town.

📍 Google Maps | Denver Cruiser Ride Website | 🚲 Best for: active dates

Each week, a group of Denver bike riders gets together for a cycle through the city. You and your date can ride together, then bike to grab a post-ride cocktail or some dessert.

If you’re visiting as a tourist, consider taking a bicycle tour of downtown Denver! You’ll pass several city highlights on this scenic 9-mile route. 

Upstairs Circus

Craft with a cocktail in hand.

📍 Google Maps | Upstairs Circus Website | 💖 Best for: new relationships

If you want to try date night classes together, this DIY workshop-plus-bar will get your creative juices flowing! Upstairs Circus has specialty cocktails, wine, and beer to set the mood. Then, you and your partner can collaborate on DIY projects including jewelry making, crafting leather goods, and more. 

Skate Night at Tracks

Skate to classic tunes at Denver’s favorite LGBTQIA+ club.

📍 Google Maps | Roll Denver Website | 💖 Best for: active dates

Denver’s best-known LGBTQIA+ nightclub, Tracks, hosts monthly skate nights. Here, you and your date can jam out to old school songs like “Ghostbusters” and “YMCA.” Even if you don’t go for skate night, Tracks has other fun things to do, like dancing, drinks, and tons of special events.

Grizzly Rose

Line dance with your love.

📍 Google Maps | Grizzly Rose Website | 🤠 Best for: active dates

A night at the Grizzly Rose can be as crazy or low-key as you want it to be! You can learn to line dance, try the mechanical bull, take in a live show, or grab a drink and people-watch with your date. 

Drive-In Movie

Be entertained at one of the rare remaining theaters.

📍 Google Maps | 88 Drive-In Theatre Website | 💖 Best for: creative dates

There are still a few drive-in movie theaters left in Denver… but not many! Drive-ins are great retro date ideas that make for a relaxing night. Head to the 88 Drive-In where you’ll get two showings for one low price, plus reasonably priced snacks and drinks. 

Santa Fe Art District 

Admire art, eat, and drink — all in one place.

📍 Google Maps | Art District on Santa Fe Website | 💖 Best for: first dates

First Fridays along the Santa Fe Art District are fun date ideas that include plenty of art, of course. But there are also food trucks, places for drinks, restaurants, and often live music.

You and your date can wander galleries and discuss the art, followed by a great meal, all with a fun outdoor atmosphere. If you can’t make it there for the Friday art walk once a month, the area is fun any time. 

Inventing Room Dessert Shop

Learn about the science of sweets… and sample a few!

📍 Google Maps | Inventing Room Dessert Shop Website | 💖 Best for: new relationships, parents’ night out, creative dates

Book reservations at the Inventing Room Dessert Shop. It’s part sweet shop, part science demonstration, and a truly unique night out!

Learn about cooking chemistry and sample a few of Denver’s best desserts along the way. You’ll try glow in the dark cotton candy, and finish the night with a delicious sundae that’s been supercharged with liquid nitrogen. 

Millers And Rossi

Enjoy a cocktail at this secret speakeasy.

📍 Google Maps | Millers And Rossi Website | 🍸 Best for: first dates, anniversaries

This RiNo cocktail bar and art gallery is a great place to grab a drink with a date! Investigate the art gallery before stepping through the secret entrance and into the dimly lit bar in the back.

You’ll find more art, plus excellent cocktails. Their Manhattan is my favorite. The smoked glass the bartender pours your drink in makes it something special.

K1 Speed Go Karting

Head here if you’ve got the need for speed.

📍 Google Maps | K1 Speed Go Karting Website | 💖 Best for: active dates

Channel your inner child with a fun date driving go karts! K1 Speed in Littleton has go kart racing, plus a lounge with food and drinks for in between races. 

Puff Pass & Paint

Experience a 420-friendly painting class.

Puff Pass & Paint Website | 🎨 Best for: special occasions, double dates

You may have heard of sip and paint classes with wine and instructions on how to paint your own masterpiece. Puff and paint is the same concept, but with cannabis!

You do have to have a bit of an adventurous spirit for this one — you won’t get the class location or all the details until you’ve registered. But its one of the most unique and fun ideas for 420-friendly couples.

The Mayan Theatre

Watch a modern movie in a historic theater.

📍 Google Maps | Mayan Theatre Website | 💖 Best for: first dates

Built in 1930, The Mayan has gorgeous architecture and a beautiful neon sign that lights up at night. Inside, you’ll find current movies, along with older offerings and special events. The theater also has a bar, so you and your date can grab a drink before the show.

iFly Indoor Skydiving

Take to the (indoor) skies.

📍 Google Maps | iFly Website | 💖 Best for: active dates

For a really unique date, try indoor skydiving! iFly in Lone Tree promises an adrenaline-packed date that you and your partner will remember for a long time after. 

Axe Throwing

Practice your aim on a unique date.

📍 Google Maps | Axe Whooping Website | 💖 Best for: unusual first dates

Axe throwing is growing in popularity, but it’s still one of the more unusual date ideas out there! Practice tossing an axe with your crush, then visit the beer bar when you’re finished to quench your thirst. Axes and alcohol — what could go wrong?

The Fillmore

Catch a cool concert.

📍 Google Maps | The Fillmore Website | 🎶 Best for: special occasions,  anniversaries 

The Fillmore Auditorium is one of the more intimate venues in Denver. It hosts everything from up-and-coming bands to seasoned performers. Grab tickets to a band you both love.

The Fillmore has food and drink available inside, but there are plenty of options in Capitol Hill, one of Denver’s best neighborhoods.

Comedy Works Downtown

Laugh it up together.

📍 Google Maps | Comedy Works Website | 💖 Best for: first dates

You don’t have to be funny the entire date — outsource to a comedian for a while! Comedy Works Denver is one of the most popular comedy clubs in Colorado’s capital city.

It hosts hilarious stand-up comedians, some of which are the biggest names in comedy. Spend the evening guffawing, and enjoy cocktails, appetizers, or dessert while you’re there. 

Urban Putt Mini Golf

Drink and putt-putt.

📍 Google Maps | Urban Putt Denver Website | ⛳ Best for: first dates

Urban Putt takes mini golf from kitschy to trendy and has tasty food, cocktails, beer, and wine as well, making it one of those really fun date ideas in Denver.

You may have to wait a while to get on the course. It’s first-come, first served for the mini golf, but you can eat and drink while you wait.

Lakeside Amusement Park

Check out Denver’s first amusement park.

📍 Google Maps | Lakeside Amusement Park Website | 🎢 Best for: active dates

One of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S., Lakeside opened in 1908. Ride the train around the lake to enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains, and check out some of the other rides.

Lakeside often gets overshadowed by the flashier Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. But it’s a great spot for people who appreciate vintage Denver attractions. 

FAQs About Planning a Date in Denver

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Hopefully, this guide has given you a bunch of Denver date ideas! For even more options, check out our article on the top coffee shops in Denver — perfect for a casual morning out.