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Denver

2nd Summit in Denver Metro

Thoughtfully curated ways to stay active, curious, and connected across Denver.

Denver and the surrounding communities have an easy mix of city energy and relaxed, everyday adventure. Big-name museums, neighborhood galleries, local bands, and parks all sit close enough that you can build a full week without going far.

2nd Summit threads those pieces together for people in their next chapter of life. In the Denver metro area, that looks like nighttime visits to historic observatories, small-group jazz sets, architecture tours at the Denver Art Museum, hands-on cooking workshops, neighborhood dog walks, film series at local theaters, bowling nights, axe throwing, volunteer shifts at arts nonprofits, and more.

We keep a robust but curated calendar here—124 upcoming experiences across music, visual arts, talks, food, classes, walks, cultural outings, and easygoing social gatherings. Every listing is chosen to help you move a bit, discover something new, and connect with people who get where you are now.

What's coming up in Denver

71 experiences · 18 kinds of thing

Logan Lecture: A Conversation with David Huffman
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Logan Lecture: A Conversation with David Huffman

Tuesday, October 20th at 6 pm

Denver Art Museum$20 per personEasy

Educator Night 2026 at MCA
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Educator Night 2026 at MCA

Tuesday, October 20th at 5 pm

Museum of Contemporary Art DenverFREEEasy

DIVA After Dark
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DIVA After Dark

Tuesday, October 20th at 5:30 pm+1 more

Denver Art Museum$26 per personEasy

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Shared interests creating space for real conversation, familiar faces, and naturally meeting new people.

Tell Me About Joy: A True Story of Love, Regret, and Second Chances
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Tell Me About Joy: A True Story of Love, Regret, and Second Chances

Kara is a journalist stuck in a crumbling marriage, quietly losing hope. When she’s assigned to write a human interest piece on WWII Veterans, she meets Bob—a sharp, charming nonagenarian who shares his greatest regret: that he missed out.

Sat, Oct 24 · 2 pm – 4 pmDenver, CO$7.25 per personBook & Reading Clubs
Together We Climb:  An evening with Jason Janz
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Together We Climb: An evening with Jason Janz

If America is the wealthiest country in the world, why are so many people living in poverty and missing out on the promise of the American Dream? Jason Janz challenges the way we think about poverty and how to change it.

Wed, Oct 28 · 6 pm – 8 pmDenver, CO$7.25 per personBook & Reading Clubs
Between the Light and Me:  A Memoir by Kathleen Kilcup at The Tattered Cover
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Between the Light and Me: A Memoir by Kathleen Kilcup at The Tattered Cover

“For a time, I lived in a midnight zone. A place of pressure and lightlessness. What I mean to say is, this is a story about being human, born into a violent world and carrying violence inside ourselves—and in that darkness, how hungry we grow for light.”

Thu, Nov 5 · 5:30 pm – 7 pmLittleton, CO$7.25 per personBook & Reading Clubs
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Early access for Plus members

Beyond the Books: Explore Denver's Newly-Renovated Central Library

Here's your chance to learn about the many resources available with a Denver Public Library Card!

Fri, Nov 20 · 11 am – 12:30 pmDenver Central Libary$5Book & Reading Clubs
TEST ONLY EVENT
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TEST ONLY EVENT

Sun, Jan 24 · 10:45 am – 11:45 amDenver, COFrom $1Book & Reading Clubs
+ 2 more in Book & Reading Clubs
Educator Night 2026 at MCA
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Educator Night 2026 at MCA

A FREE evening of music, making, sips and snacks, and conversation surrounding MCA Denver’s Youth Programs!

Tue, Oct 20 · 5 pm – 7 pmDenver, COFreeSocial Mixers & Networking
Riverside Cemetery Walking Tour - Where Colorado's Legends Rest!
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Riverside Cemetery Walking Tour - Where Colorado's Legends Rest!

Colorado's HistoryMakers Tour - a 2ndSummit Cemetery Exclusive

Sat, Oct 24 · 3 pm – 5 pmDenver, CO$30 per personSocial Mixers & Networking
Croquet and Brunch at Wash Park's Historic Lawn!
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Croquet and Brunch at Wash Park's Historic Lawn!

Rediscover a classic game on a beautiful fall morning with new friends!

Sun, Oct 25 · 10 am – 12 pmDenver, CO$15 per personSocial Mixers & Networking
DIVA After Dark
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DIVA After Dark

Complete with live entertainment, a pop-up bar, and a chance to channel your inner diva with photo-ops, join the exclusive-to-Denver DIVA exhibit after hours.

Tue, Oct 20 · 5:30 pm – 7:30 pmDenver, CO$26 per personDining & Food Social
Sound Bath at Hudson Gardens
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Sound Bath at Hudson Gardens

Relax, restore, and reconnect with yourself during a soothing sound bath. Let calming vibrations and tranquil sounds wash over you, creating a peaceful space to slow down, release tension, and simply be.

Sat, Nov 7 · 9 am – 10 amLittleton, CO$25 per personFaith & Spiritual Community

Pets & Animals1 coming up

Adoptable Puppy Social Hour
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Adoptable Puppy Social Hour

Spend an hour cuddling and playing with adorable rescue puppies while supporting a local animal rescue organization.

Sun, Oct 25 · 1 pm – 2 pmDenver, CO$17.85 per personPets & Animals
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Join the 2ndSummit team for the Jingle Bell Walk & Run!

2ndSummit is teaming up with the Arthritis Foundation for Denver’s annual Jingle Bell Walk and Run, and we want you to be part of it this December!

Sun, Dec 13 · 8 am – 10 amWash Park45.00Volunteering & Giving Back

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Mental engagement through conversation, culture, creative exploration, and hands-on discovery.

Logan Lecture: A Conversation with David Huffman
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Logan Lecture: A Conversation with David Huffman

Join a talk with artist David Huffman, who creates “social abstractions,” large-scale paintings combining social and political themes with inventive abstract mark-making.

Tue, Oct 20 · 6 pm – 7 pmDenver, CO$20 per personVisual Arts
Halloween Edition Pottery Workshop
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Halloween Edition Pottery Workshop

Get into the Halloween spirit by creating spooky clay masterpieces! Learn beginner-friendly pottery techniques while crafting festive decorations in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Thu, Oct 22 · 6 pm – 8 pmDenver, CO$65.87 per personVisual Arts
Other Sounds: An Evening of Performances at the Clyfford Still Museum
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Other Sounds: An Evening of Performances at the Clyfford Still Museum

Whether you’re a longtime listener or entirely new to experimental sound, this evening offers an opportunity to experience the museum differently—to slow down, embrace curiosity, and discover how attentive listening can open unexpected ways of seeing.

Fri, Oct 23 · 6:30 pm – 9 pmDenver, CO$15 per personVisual Arts
Online Mindful Looking hosted by The Denver Art Museum
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Online Mindful Looking hosted by The Denver Art Museum

Mindful Looking invites you to slow down and spend time with a single work of art. Discover overlooked details, pose questions, and explore ideas as we linger, look, and connect with art and each other.

Tue, Oct 27 · 1 pm – 1:45 pmOnlineFreeVisual Arts
Mindful Looking Online:  DIVA
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Mindful Looking Online: DIVA

Mindful Looking invites you to slow down and spend time with a single work of art. Discover overlooked details, pose questions, and explore ideas as we linger, look and connect with art and each other.

Tue, Oct 27 · 1 pm – 1:45 pmOnlineFreeVisual Arts
+ 8 more in Visual Arts

Music11 coming up

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The Adam Gang Quartet
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The Adam Gang Quartet

Dynamic saxophonist, composer, and educator Adam Gang returns to the Nocturne stage for a special Thursday night show featuring his stellar quartet.

Thu, Oct 22 · 6 pm – 8 pmDenver, CO$29 per personMusic
Remy Le Boeuf Quartet at Nocturne Jazz
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Remy Le Boeuf Quartet at Nocturne Jazz

Fresh off his recent Grammy Award win, saxophonist and composer Remy Le Boeuf returns to the Nocturne stage to host a special evening of original modern jazz shaped by strong melodies, deep interplay, and adventurous improvisation.

Thu, Oct 29 · 6 pm – 8 pmDenver, CO$29 per personMusic
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The Art of Blakey by The Brian Claxton Quintet at Nocturne Jaxx

A Nocturne Jazz favorite!

Sun, Nov 1 · 5 pm – 6:45 pmNocturne Jazz & Supper Club$29Music
The Music of Julie Andrews
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The Music of Julie Andrews

Is the unmistakable voice of Julie Andrews part of the soundtrack to your life? A career that spans from the West End of London in the late 1950s to modern day, her music is foundational to the history of film and stage.

Mon, Nov 2 · 2 pm – 3 pmOnlineFreeMusic
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Ben Markley Quintet featuring Clay Jenkins

Ben Markley and his Quintet are inspired by hard bop, post-bop, and modern jazz.

Wed, Nov 4 · 6 pm – 7:45 pmNocturne Jazz & Supper Club$29Music
+ 6 more in Music
Crochet 101
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Crochet 101

Get Hooked on Crochet!

Thu, Oct 22 · 5:30 pm – 7 pmLouisville, CO$65 per personClasses & Continuing Education
Workouts for the Young at Heart sponsored by Parkinson’s Pointe
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Workouts for the Young at Heart sponsored by Parkinson’s Pointe

Boxing. Yoga. Spinning. Proven to improve mobility and slow disease progression. Exercise also builds community when it is done together. It is never too late to start!

Thu, Oct 22 · 1 pm – 3 pmDenver, COFreeClasses & Continuing Education
Spiders of the Garden: Misunderstood Predators
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Spiders of the Garden: Misunderstood Predators

Spiders are some of the most effective natural pest controllers in the garden. Move past your fear and into fascination while learning how spiders contribute to healthy ecosystems.

Sat, Oct 24 · 12:30 pm – 2 pmLittleton, CO$15 per personClasses & Continuing Education
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Retirement Reimagined

Retirement and our later years can be a great phase of life, but its quality largely depends on how we prepare for it—emotionally, mentally, and financially.

Wed, Nov 4 · 10 am – 12:30 pmUniversity of Denver's Knoebel Institute of Healthy Aging$150Classes & Continuing Education
KIHA Lunch & Learn:  The Restorative Power of Yoga Nidra
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KIHA Lunch & Learn: The Restorative Power of Yoga Nidra

Imagine stepping away from the busyness of daily life and entering a space dedicated to restoration, relaxation, and renewal.

Mon, Nov 9 · 11:30 am – 2 pmDenver, COFreeClasses & Continuing Education
+ 4 more in Classes & Continuing Education
DU's Knoebel's Institute of Healthy Aging:  Alzheimer's/Dementia 101
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DU's Knoebel's Institute of Healthy Aging: Alzheimer's/Dementia 101

This comprehensive Zoom webinar will explore the risk factors, warning signs, and lifestyle changes that could lower your risk for dementia.

Tue, Oct 20 · 10:30 am – 12 pmOnlineFreeLectures & Speaker Series
Rosenbery Lecture Series:  History for the Curious
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Rosenbery Lecture Series: History for the Curious

Reconciliation, Shared History, and America’s 250th Anniversary. In a moderated conversation focused on reconciliation and shared history, two descendants from different branches of Thomas Jefferson's family will gather to mark America's 250th Anniversary.

Sat, Nov 7 · 1 pm – 2 pmDenver, CO$15 per personLectures & Speaker Series
Veterans Day:  An Active Minds Conversation
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Veterans Day: An Active Minds Conversation

What started as Armistice Day in 1919 to mark the end of World War I, Veterans Day changed in 1954 to honor all U.S. service members. Join Active Minds to learn the history and significance of this day during both war and peace time.

Mon, Nov 9 · 2 pm – 3 pmOnlineFreeLectures & Speaker Series
Canada:  Our Neighbor, Our Aly, Our Changing Story
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Canada: Our Neighbor, Our Aly, Our Changing Story

The world’s longest land border is between the United States and Canada. The link between the two allies, culturally and economically, is deep. But Canada has its own unique story, one that includes rising tension with its neighbor to the south.

Mon, Nov 16 · 2 pm – 3 pmOnlineFreeLectures & Speaker Series
The Story of Our National Parks
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The Story of Our National Parks

The 63 National Parks are as diverse as our country itself. They cover over 84 million acres of land and host over 300 million visitors per year. But their story is changing. Join Active Minds for a conversation about how they came about.

Mon, Nov 23 · 2 pm – 3 pmLittleton, COFreeLectures & Speaker Series
+ 3 more in Lectures & Speaker Series
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Building a Circle of Support: Practical Ways to Ask For and Accept Help

Learn how to expand your circle of support as a caregiver.

Tue, Oct 20 · 10 am – 11:30 amOnlineFreeHealth Education & Wellness
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Flourishing Through Caregiving—How to Care for a Loved One Without Sacrificing Yourself

Learn how caregivers—and the ones they’re caring for—can thrive and enhance their wellbeing.

Tue, Nov 10 · 10 am – 11:30 amOnline$15Health Education & Wellness
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Living Well with Hearing Loss

How can you manage to hear as best as possible when coping with hearing loss?

Tue, Nov 17 · 10 am – 11:30 amOnline$15Health Education & Wellness
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Forest Therapy: Reconnecting with Nature for Health, Healing, and Well-Being

Learn how experiences in nature can foster resilience, support mental health, and promote holistic well-being.

Tue, Dec 1 · 12 pm – 1 pmOnlineFreeHealth Education & Wellness
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Difficult Conversations: End-of-Life Doulas

End of life decisions are difficult and conversations about those decisions are challenging. Join to learn how to support those you love in these decisions.

Thu, Dec 10 · 11 am – 12 pmOnlineFreeHealth Education & Wellness

Science & Nature4 coming up

Astronomy Nights: Constellations
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Astronomy Nights: Constellations

Discover the stories and history behind the constellations, then enjoy telescope viewing and s’mores under the night sky.

Fri, Nov 13 · 5:30 pm – 8:30 pmAurora, CO$12.45 per personScience & Nature
Math in Bloom Presents Fibonacci Day
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Math in Bloom Presents Fibonacci Day

Nature. Patterns. Math. It all comes together in the Fibonacci Sequence. Math’s presence in the plant world is unmistakable. Fibonacci sequences appear across plant biology as a growth pattern that optimizes light, space and reproduction.

Sat, Nov 21 · 10 am – 2 pmDenver, CO$16.25 per personScience & Nature
Converting Lawn to Xeriscape
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Converting Lawn to Xeriscape

2026 was a year of drought, with water restrictions and sur-charges, which may have left you thinking that it is time to get rid of some of your lawn. Learn how to design your own xeriscape in this online class.

Sat, Dec 5 · 9:30 am – 11:30 amOnline$40 per personScience & Nature
Benefits of Planting Native
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Benefits of Planting Native

Colorado’s native plants have received a lot more attention in recent years, and for good reason! Join us virtually to learn how native landscapes typically offer great water savings compared to traditional landscapes.

Sat, Dec 5 · 12 pm – 1:30 pmOnline$40 per personScience & Nature

Walking Tours2 coming up

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Early access for Plus members

THE "GRAVE" SECRET OF CHEESMAN PARK! A 2ndSummit Special Halloween Walking Tour!

Join 2ndSummit for a fascinating Historic Denver walking tour of Cheesman Park, where we’ll uncover the eerie history behind this beloved urban oasis.

Tue, Oct 27 · 4:30 pm – 7 pmCheesman Park$35 is the Plus member price — $5 off the standard $40.Walking Tours
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Honoring Those Who Served: A Veterans History Tour at Fairmount Cemetery

With its tree-lined paths, historic monuments, and more than a century of Colorado history, Fairmount offers a memorable setting to honor our veterans.

Sat, Nov 7 · 10 am – 11:30 amFairmount CemeteryFreeWalking Tours
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Early access for Plus members

Behind the Scenes at Denver's Hammond's Candy Factory

Hosted 2ndSummit tour of Hammond's Candies with live candy making, Denver history, and time to shop for holiday treats.

Fri, Dec 4 · 12:15 pm – 12:45 pmHammond's Candies$5 is the Plus member price — $5 off the standard $10.Behind the Scenes
The United Nations:  An Active Minds Discussion
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The United Nations: An Active Minds Discussion

Formed in 1945 in the immediate aftermath of a second world war, the United Nations was intended (in the words of its founding Charter) “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. Has it fulfilled that charter?

Mon, Oct 26 · 2 pm – 3 pmLittleton, COFreeCultural Experiences

History1 coming up

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Haunted Tales from the Denver Press Club

Who better to tell the Denver Press Club ghost stories than a professional storyteller?

Tue, Oct 27 · 6 pm – 7:30 pmDenver Press ClubFreeHistory

Move

Physical activity, casual to adventurous — meeting you where you are, without pressure or performance expectations.

Winter Solstice Walk
Move

Winter Solstice Walk

Take a lantern walk across the prairie as you celebrate the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year.

Mon, Dec 21 · 4 pm – 5:30 pmAurora, CO$5 per personHiking & Trail Walking

Yoga & Pilates1 coming up

Qigong Movement and Sound Bath
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Qigong Movement and Sound Bath

This unique program combines the ancient practice of Qigong with the healing power of sound, offering a transformative experience for both body and mind.

Tue, Oct 20 · 9 am – 10 amLittleton, CO$20 per personYoga & Pilates

Recently in Denver

50+ experiences have already run here.

  • Explore and Understand The Gulf States with Active Minds

    October 19

  • Fall Watercolor Landscape Painting

    October 18 · Hudson Gardens

  • Hazel Miller and the Collective

    October 18 · Dazzle Denver

  • Emma Hedrick and the Max Moore Trio

    October 18 · Nocturne Jazz and Supper Club

  • Relive the Rock ’n’ Roll Magic of Tommy

    October 18 · Denver Center for the Performing Arts - BUELL THEATER

  • The Who’s TOMMY: The Rock Opera That Changed Everything

    October 17 · Denver Center for the Performing Arts - BUELL THEATER

Why Denver

A Metro Area Built for Everyday Adventure

Denver’s scale makes it unusually easy to build a full life between home and the mountains. The city and county alone operate 30 recreation centers with pools, clubs, and classes, and nearby communities add their own parks and paths.

2nd Summit adds another layer on top of that foundation—low-pressure hikes and trail walks, hosted dog-walking groups, observatory nights, and other ways to enjoy the region’s open spaces without needing to be a hardcore athlete or expert outdoorsperson.

Arts, Music, and History Within Reach

From the Denver Art Museum to the History Colorado Center, municipal band concerts to jazz rooms like Nocturne, the Denver area is dense with ways to hear great music and see powerful art on an ordinary weeknight.

Our Denver calendar leans into that strength: music in the galleries, intimate chamber performances, jazz sets in listening-focused clubs, architecture tours, local film series, and volunteer opportunities at creative reuse centers. You get the richness of Denver’s cultural scene, without having to wade through every general event listing on your own.

Space for Curiosity Beyond the Gym

Local institutions like the Denver Public Library already treat later life as a chance for deep learning—offering talks, Memory Cafes, and genealogy resources. The city’s rec centers add arts classes, excursions, and clubs alongside fitness.

2nd Summit builds on that spirit of curiosity. In Denver, you’ll see lectures and speaker series, collaborative ancestry research sessions, book and reading clubs, hands-on cooking labs, and science and nature programs that reward questions more than performance. It’s about keeping your mind engaged as much as your body.

Finding Your People in a Sprawling Region

The Denver metro stretches across many distinct communities. That sprawl brings variety—but it can also make it hard to find your circle once work routines or family schedules change.

Our gatherings are designed to make a big region feel smaller: relaxed social mixers, shared meals, networking evenings without the hard sell, group outings to concerts and films, even a hosted bowling night on a Broncos-free Sunday. Come once and you’ll start seeing familiar faces at different kinds of events around town.

Common questions

What kinds of 2nd Summit experiences are happening in the Denver area?

In Denver and the surrounding communities, we currently host 124 upcoming experiences. The heaviest concentrations are in music and visual arts, social mixers and networking, lectures and speaker series, and dining and food-focused socials. You’ll also find book clubs, classes and continuing education, performing arts, science and nature programs, cultural experiences, gentle hiking and trail walks, wellness offerings, and even pet-friendly gatherings.

Is it okay to come to a 2nd Summit gathering on my own?

Yes. Many people here show up solo, especially if they’re new to the area or simply ready for a new chapter. Hosts and partners are prepared for that, and experiences are structured around shared activity or conversation so you’re not left standing on the edge of the room. Think small-group tours, workshops, concerts, and walks where it’s natural to talk with the people around you.

Where in the Denver metro do events take place?

Experiences are spread across Denver and nearby communities rather than anchored to one building. We partner with observatories, museums like the Denver Art Museum, jazz clubs, cooking schools, local arts nonprofits, parks, bowling alleys, and similar venues. Each listing clearly notes the exact location, directions, and any access details so you can decide what works for your corner of the metro area.

How much does it cost to join or attend?

Costs vary by experience and by partner. Some Denver-area gatherings are free or volunteer-based, while others follow standard museum, performance, or workshop pricing. Each listing spells out any ticket price or materials fee up front, so you can choose the options that fit your budget and interest without surprises.

What happens when the weather turns cold or stormy?

When outdoor walks and stargazing are less appealing, the Denver calendar naturally tilts toward indoor experiences. You’ll see more music in intimate venues, gallery and museum programs, talks and discussion groups, film screenings, cooking classes, and easygoing socials. When conditions allow, we still schedule shorter walks and other outdoor time for those who enjoy crisp-air outings.

Who is 2nd Summit for in Denver?

2nd Summit is built for people whose routines have shifted and who are asking what comes next—empty nesters, people easing out of full-time work, career shifters, long-time locals, and recent arrivals. There’s no age requirement and no labels; you won’t see anyone sorted by birth year. If you’re looking to stay active, curious, and connected in the Denver area without pressure or perfectionism, you’re in the right place.