With three major celebrations this weekend, downtown Denver is expected to draw nearly 500,000. So experts say to plan ahead and explore your transit options.
, which runs June 15-17 at the Colorado Convention Center, is expected to attract over 100,000 participants. , which takes place June 16-17 at Civic Center Park, draws approximately 375,000 people each year. The set for 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 16 also will draw crowds and close roads.
Here’s what you need to know to navigate the city this weekend:
STREET CLOSURES
The will close for PrideFest starting Friday and will reopen at 11:59 p.m. Sunday:
- Bannock Street from Colfax to 13th Avenue, beginning at 7 a.m.
- 14th Avenue from Cherokee Street to Broadway, beginning at 7 a.m.
- Colfax Avenue eastbound: from Cherokee Street to Lincoln Street beginning at 6 p.m.
- Colfax Avenue westbound: from Lincoln Street to Cherokee Street beginning at 6 p.m.
- Broadway from 16th Street Mall to 13th Avenue, beginning at 7 p.m.
Welton Street will close Saturday between 25th and 29th street for the Juneteenth celebration.
PARADES
The Juneteenth Parade will take place on 26th Street, starting at the Manual High School Parking lot (26th and Gilpin) and ending at the intersection of 26th and Welton Street. Staging begins at 9 a.m. Saturday and the parade officially kicks off at 11 a.m.
The PrideFest parade begins at 9 a.m. Sunday at Cheesman Park, exiting at 13th Avenue and Franklin. The route on Franklin to Colfax, then travel down Colfax to Lincoln Avenue at Civic Center Park.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Light-rail and bus service will be many people’s best (and cheapest, outside of cabs and ride-sharing services) options this weekend for getting around town. has straightforward tools for planning routes, scheduling and tracking your next ride. For more tailored information, apps such as will use your location to suggest every regional and local bus or light rail line close to your location, including how long until it arrives and exact GPS positioning of the pickup location (most RTD buses, trains, etc. are fitted with GPS trackers).
From 5 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on June 16, there will be no service at the 27th and Welton Station and the 30th and Downing Station on the L-Line due to the Juneteenth festival. Bus shuttle service will replace the light rail service at these stations and more information can be found .
The GLBT Center of Denver has partnered with Lyft for PrideFest. Using the code DENPRIDE18, riders can receive a 25 percent discount on rides to PrideFest, the Trash Fashion Show or the Center, up until June 30. Lyft will also donate $1 to the Center out of every ride using this code.
The offers 700 bikes at 88 locations in 10 central Denver neighborhoods. Bikes can be rented at one location and returned at another location. Riders can purchase a 24-hour pass for $9 allowing them to take unlimited trips that are 30 minutes or less at no additional cost. Visit the B-cycle’s FAQ page for more detailed information and check out the station map (with dozens of locations in and around central downtown) at .
PARKING
PrideFest attendees can reserve a parking spot through ParkWhiz for or and the company will donate 15 percent of its fees to the GLBT Center. Additionally, the PrideFest website lists a of parking lots near the event. You’re largely on your own for Juneteenth and Comic Con, although a number of parking apps offer customized, location-based searches regardless of whether you’re already downtown or on your way there. Click here for , including BestParking, ParkWhiz, ParkMe, Parkifi and CurbStand. Most are free and available via the iTunes and Google Play stores.
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