Denver

Denver Alerts

Alert

Picture of the Denver skyline with DEN written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Denver with Alayna Alvarez, John Frank, and Esteban L. Hernandez.

Axios Denver

Standard

Axios Denver Partners

Axios Denver Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

A guide to fun things to do in Denver this weekend.

Axios Denver Weekender

Weekender

Axios Denver Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Denver Members

Membership

6 (relatively) affordable Red Rocks concerts

These summer shows still have seats listed below $100.

Local Brief

Concert ticket prices are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hitting astronomical heights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/23/concert-ticket-prices-live-music-demand.html" data-vars-content-id="89b5cb0d-91bf-4985-8189-49e6b5eb6613" data-vars-headline="6 (relatively) affordable Red Rocks concerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/23/concert-ticket-prices-live-music-demand.html" target="_blank">hitting astronomical heights</a> as people struggle to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stretch their budgets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/gas-consumers-spending-earnings" data-vars-content-id="89b5cb0d-91bf-4985-8189-49e6b5eb6613" data-vars-headline="6 (relatively) affordable Red Rocks concerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/gas-consumers-spending-earnings" target="_self">stretch their budgets</a>. Yes, but: You can still find relatively affordable seats — even at Colorado&#x27;s iconic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Rocks Amphitheatre" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/20/red-rocks-concerts-2026-lineup" data-vars-content-id="89b5cb0d-91bf-4985-8189-49e6b5eb6613" data-vars-headline="6 (relatively) affordable Red Rocks concerts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/20/red-rocks-concerts-2026-lineup" target="_self">Red Rocks Amphitheatre</a> — if you&#x27;re willing to take a chance on lesser-known acts.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis vetoes bills to regulate tech industry

Gov. Jared Polis wielded his veto pen more aggressively than ever after his final legislative session.

Politics

Gov. Jared Polis wielded his veto pen more aggressively than ever after his final legislative session, rejecting 12 bills — the most in his eight-year tenure.Why it matters: The tally reflects <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the hands-on role" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/14/jared-polis-governor-colorado-legislative-session-veto" data-vars-content-id="61631755-198a-4b53-ac6a-56718ddb286e" data-vars-headline="Colorado Gov. Jared Polis vetoes bills to regulate tech industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/14/jared-polis-governor-colorado-legislative-session-veto" target="_self">the hands-on role</a> the term-limited governor played in the 2026 session and the friction it created with the Democratic-led Legislature.

The ultimate summer fun guide for Denver

From museums and festivals to sporting events, there's something for everyone locally this summer.

Summer has unofficially arrived. And so has a nearly endless parade of events, performances and other happenings throughout the city and beyond. 🎭 Arts<ul><li>Candlelight Concerts series will host multiple weekend shows, including tributes to Adele, &#x27;90s hip-hop, &quot;Lord of the Rings&quot; and Vivaldi&#x27;s &quot;The Four Seasons.&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Starting at ~$35" data-vars-click-url="https://feverup.com/en/denver/candlelight?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=sc_nb&amp;utm_campaign=candlelightupper_den&amp;utm_content=805279116883&amp;utm_term=_a&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20975790405&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADGO9U-nNA9fwsbPV44-fn0-B1C2m&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwz9_QBhD_ARIsADnSCfBxGGaol_wOai9UO2vkfvAvZzxt6iJ_wg16vcVa-H_hI8C1d0uhHXIaAls_EALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="4f927b2f-2648-44b9-9aac-ae8ee713f5e1" data-vars-headline="The ultimate summer fun guide for Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://feverup.com/en/denver/candlelight?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=sc_nb&amp;utm_campaign=candlelightupper_den&amp;utm_content=805279116883&amp;utm_term=_a&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20975790405&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADGO9U-nNA9fwsbPV44-fn0-B1C2m&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwz9_QBhD_ARIsADnSCfBxGGaol_wOai9UO2vkfvAvZzxt6iJ_wg16vcVa-H_hI8C1d0uhHXIaAls_EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Starting at ~$35</a></li></ul>

Where to watch FIFA World Cup games in Denver

The tournament kicks off in Mexico on June 11.

Sports

Soccer stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo won&#x27;t be taking the pitch in Denver when the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup kick off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/08/world-cup-2026-tickets-prices-fifa-resale" data-vars-content-id="eb326cd1-26ce-4b43-bdcf-1cb440b74bbd" data-vars-headline="Where to watch FIFA World Cup games in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/08/world-cup-2026-tickets-prices-fifa-resale" target="_self">FIFA World Cup kick off</a> next Thursday — but that doesn&#x27;t mean the Mile High City will be sitting on the sidelines.Why it matters: Local bars, restaurants and public spaces are gearing up and trying their hardest to bring a little World Cup magic to fans here at home.

Denver police defend plan to replace some discipline with coaching

The proposal would apply to low-level offenses.

News

Denver police chief Ron Thomas on Wednesday defended a proposal to let some officers who commit low-level misconduct avoid the traditional disciplinary process and instead complete a coaching and training program. Why it matters: While police pitch the plan as a way to improve efficiency and morale, Denver&#x27;s independent monitor, Lisabeth Pérez Castle, criticized the proposal, saying it isn&#x27;t discipline at all.

Denver settles for $2.9M with George Floyd protesters

The payouts add to Denver's growing protest-related costs.

Denver will pay $2.9 million in a settlement to 13 people who allege police used excessive force during the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2020 George Floyd protests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/10/denver-pays-latest-george-floyd-settlements" data-vars-content-id="65b7a1df-cdc2-4b4a-836a-a2ee4f7be069" data-vars-headline="Denver settles for $2.9M with George Floyd protesters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/10/denver-pays-latest-george-floyd-settlements" target="_self">2020 George Floyd protests</a>. Why it matters: Denver is on the hook for costs tied to its police department&#x27;s botched protest response after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the city acknowledged" data-vars-click-url="https://kdvr.com/news/local/denver-appears-to-admit-liability-in-court-filing-as-trial-over-police-actions-during-george-floyd-protests-starts-monday/" data-vars-content-id="65b7a1df-cdc2-4b4a-836a-a2ee4f7be069" data-vars-headline="Denver settles for $2.9M with George Floyd protesters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kdvr.com/news/local/denver-appears-to-admit-liability-in-court-filing-as-trial-over-police-actions-during-george-floyd-protests-starts-monday/" target="_blank">the city acknowledged</a> liability in a court filing last month.

Watchdog challenges disciplinary changes to sheriff's office

Denver's executive public safety director says the proposals are intended to improve efficiency.

Denver&#x27;s executive public safety director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Al Gardner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/16/al-gardner-public-safety-director-three-year-plan" data-vars-content-id="f1f735bf-8a6c-47e6-bbe3-e2b729b3dd1b" data-vars-headline="Watchdog challenges disciplinary changes to sheriff&#x27;s office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/16/al-gardner-public-safety-director-three-year-plan" target="_self">Al Gardner</a> is changing how some sheriff&#x27;s deputy misconduct cases are reviewed, a move he says will improve efficiency. Yes, but: The Office of the Independent Monitor disagrees. The civilian watchdog agency argues the changes will reduce transparency and accountability.

Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low

Street homelessness in Denver fell 64% since 2023, city leaders say.

Denver&#x27;s homelessness fell to its lowest level in nine years, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest point-in-time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" target="_self">latest point-in-time</a> (PIT) count, which found street homelessness has dropped 64% since Mayor Mike Johnston took office in 2023. Why it matters: The sharp decline marks a major milestone for Johnston&#x27;s signature homelessness initiative, All In Mile High (AIMH), which has garnered both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national acclaim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" target="_self">national acclaim</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/07/mayor-johnston-clash-denver-auditor" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/07/mayor-johnston-clash-denver-auditor" target="_self">local scrutiny</a> since launching three years ago.

Colorado Boulevard BRT's plan draws massive public interest

The state is providing three potential options.

Transit

A wall-sized map of Colorado Boulevard turned into a public venting session on Wednesday evening.Zoom in: Residents dotted the map with comments on colorful sticky notes — including multiple &quot;NO!!&quot; — during an open house hosted by the state transportation department about its proposed bus rapid transit line (BRT).

Denver marred by violent start to year

The rate could upend a historic reduction posted in 2025.

Data now confirms what the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" public has suspected" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/colorado-news/denver-residents-voice-concerns-over-violence-five-points-neighborhood/73-a937cfdb-958d-44cd-93d2-32a865885b69" data-vars-content-id="8d1a437b-53a8-453e-84f4-59e435d72e4e" data-vars-headline="Denver marred by violent start to year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/colorado-news/denver-residents-voice-concerns-over-violence-five-points-neighborhood/73-a937cfdb-958d-44cd-93d2-32a865885b69" target="_blank"> public has suspected</a>: Homicides are up in Denver.Why it matters: The city recorded 18 homicides as of Sunday — four more than this time last year, police data shows, a rise that could upend <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year&#x27;s historic decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/22/denver-homicide-decline-lowest-nationwide-2025" data-vars-content-id="8d1a437b-53a8-453e-84f4-59e435d72e4e" data-vars-headline="Denver marred by violent start to year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/22/denver-homicide-decline-lowest-nationwide-2025" target="_self">last year&#x27;s historic decline</a> in killings.

Denver police clarifies Taser policy after proposed changes surface

The department says a proposal was mistakenly published.

Denver police say a recent Taser policy rewrite was published &quot;in error&quot; after the city&#x27;s Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) publicly warned the updated policy expanded officers&#x27; right to use their stun guns.Why it matters: The watchdog says the rewrite could increase unnecessary Taser use, while the department&#x27;s mistake raises questions about how the policy was mistakenly published prior to proper review.

Denver rejects DOJ demand on assault weapons ban

City leaders say the decades-old law is legal and saves lives.

The city of Denver won&#x27;t comply with a demand from the U.S. Department of Justice to repeal its longstanding ban on assault-style weapons, Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s office said Monday. Why it matters: Johnston is framing the demand as federal overreach — setting up a broader fight over local control of gun laws. It also escalates a brewing clash with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/12/colorado-trump-administration-fights-escalate" data-vars-content-id="96090f1a-722c-469a-a562-e2f85afe458c" data-vars-headline="Denver rejects DOJ demand on assault weapons ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/12/colorado-trump-administration-fights-escalate" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s administration</a>.

Officials call for proactive approach after string of Denver shootings

At least three people were fatally shot in the city's east side last month.

City leaders are calling for swift action to keep people <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safe this summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/07/11/denver-youth-violence-school-mental-health-services" data-vars-content-id="5c49aaf3-52c2-4ad4-92e8-d7fe74e9e229" data-vars-headline="Officials call for proactive approach after string of Denver shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/07/11/denver-youth-violence-school-mental-health-services" target="_self">safe this summer</a> after a spate of homicides — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="including three fatal shootings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/colorado-news/denver-residents-voice-concerns-over-violence-five-points-neighborhood/73-a937cfdb-958d-44cd-93d2-32a865885b69" data-vars-content-id="5c49aaf3-52c2-4ad4-92e8-d7fe74e9e229" data-vars-headline="Officials call for proactive approach after string of Denver shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/colorado-news/denver-residents-voice-concerns-over-violence-five-points-neighborhood/73-a937cfdb-958d-44cd-93d2-32a865885b69" target="_blank">including three fatal shootings</a> — rattled Denver&#x27;s east side neighborhoods last month.Why it matters: The springtime spike is alarming, though it&#x27;s too early to tell whether it signals what&#x27;s ahead for the summer, when violent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crime historically rises in Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/05/24/denver-violent-summer-teens-children" data-vars-content-id="5c49aaf3-52c2-4ad4-92e8-d7fe74e9e229" data-vars-headline="Officials call for proactive approach after string of Denver shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/05/24/denver-violent-summer-teens-children" target="_self">crime historically rises in Denver</a>.

Colorado considers releasing more inmates to ease prison crowding

The Democratic-led measures are designed to decrease spending on prisons.

Colorado is preparing to make it easier for some convicted criminals to get released from prison as part of a three-part strategy to ease the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overcrowding problem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/08/colorado-prison-inmate-population-spending" data-vars-content-id="6f3e36d5-7322-4bc7-aea8-41c1555c970d" data-vars-headline="Colorado considers releasing more inmates to ease prison crowding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/08/colorado-prison-inmate-population-spending" target="_self">overcrowding problem</a>.Why it matters: The Democratic-led measures are designed to decrease spending on prisons by releasing lower-level offenders and juveniles.

Public Safety

Denver police defend plan to replace some discipline with coaching

"Raw" emotions as Aurora revisits McClain accountability

Denver settles for $2.9M with George Floyd protesters

Watchdog challenges disciplinary changes to sheriff's office

Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low