No plans for the upcoming weekend? There’s still plenty of action happening around Denver and beyond to get folks off the couch

Each Thursday, explore Denver’s essential weekend events curated by The Denver Gazette. Dive into cultural experiences and entertainment delights across the city. Whether you enjoy art galleries, pottery, or outdoor sports, there’s something for everyone in Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. To submit an event for consideration, email [email protected].

FRIDAY

U.S. Women’s National Team v Japan
What: The US Women’s National team takes on Japan in a unique matchup between teams with two very different styles of play. This long-time rivalry will make for an emotional game between two of the top women’s soccer teams in the world. There will be tailgates, unique matchday memorabilia, and even meet-and-greets with Hello Kitty. The game is the third match against Japan during the inaugural season for the Denver Summit FC, which recently signed U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps.
Cost: Starting at $59. Get tickets here.
When: Tailgates start at 3:00 p.m., Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2026
Where: Dicks Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, CO 80022

Earth Day Party for Our Planet at the Children’s Museum
What: Celebrate the planet Earth with a party at the Children’s Museum in Denver, which will be hosting an Earth Day event filled with activities for the whole family that help celebrate Mother Earth. There will be meet-and-greets with some cool critters from Nature’s Educators and The Urban Farm. There will be interactive Earth Day activities and demonstrations woven throughout the museum, don’t forget to bring your aluminum cans to recycle for a 20% discount on a gift shop purchase.
Cost: Under age 1, Free. Age 1, $17.75. Ages 2-59 $19.75. Ages 60+ $17.75. Members, free.
When: 9:00 a.m. Friday-Sunday, April 17-19, 2026.
Where: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver, CO 80211

SATURDAY

Colorado Rapids 30th Anniversary Match Featuring Lionel Messi
What: GOALLLLL! The Colorado Rapids celebrate 30 years of soccer in Colorado with a matchup between the Colorado Rapids and Inter Miami CF at Empower Field. This matchup is expected to bring Argentine professional soccer player, Lionel Messi to the Mile High city, making an important matchup for soccer fans across Colorado.
Cost: Tickets starting at $73. Get tickets here.
When: 2:30 p.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026
Where: Empower Field, 1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204

Coffee & Cars at Denver Premium Outlets
What: Grab your beverage and join Colorado Cars and Coffee for a free event featuring all the BRAPPS from your favorite local car enthusiast. This event is a mini car show that showcases models from local car enthusiasts who just want to show off their mods. This event is perfect for people who are interested in looking at cool cars just for fun, hobby photography and education from car owners on how to get into the hobby of modifying your car.
Cost: Free
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026
Where: Meetup in the parking lot A by Tory Burch and Gap at the Denver Premium Outlets, 13801 Grant St. Suite 290, Thornton, CO 80023

Earth Day Celebration with Butterfly Pavilion at the Play Park at Denver Premium Outlets
What: Celebrate Earth Day and learn about pollinators and get outside for a party held by the Butterfly Pavilion in collaboration with Toys R Us. Meet Geoffrey the Giraffe, make Earth Day-themed crafts, and learn about insects from experts from the Butterfly Pavilion.
Cost: Free
When: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026
Where: Denver Premium Outlet Play Area, 13801 Grant St., Thornton, CO 80023

MONDAY

The Mile High 420 Festival
What: The Mile High’s ultimate cannabis celebration, the Mile High 4/20 festival is an outdoor event bringing together cannabis enthusiasts for a day of live music, culture and entertainment. There will be vendor booths throughout the space selling crafts, food and merchandise. This year’s festival will feature performances from Juicy J, That Mexican OT, Paul Wall, Trap Dickey and Mike Jones.
Cost: Tickets start at $30. Get tickets here.
When: 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2026
Where: Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, Denver, CO 80204