OSE's monthly newsletter shares details about public events held on public property (parks, streets, sidewalks and alleys) in Denver during the coming month. Read on for more information and check out the OSE special event calendar for info and event websites for the most up-to-date details.
Happy New Year, Denver!
The Office of Special Events wishes all of our readers a successful and "event-full" 2023! We look forward to working with our Denver communities and event organizers as they continue to make Denver a vibrant place to live and play. THANK YOU one and all for a great 2022 and can't wait to see you at an event in the new year!
The National Western Stock Show Kick-off
Parade Returns
On January 5, the time-honored tradition continues as The National Western Stock Show Kick-off Parade stomps down 17th St. from Union Station to Glenarm. The streets will be lined with wide-eyed spectators as boots, chaps and cowboy hats drive Longhorn cattle down the streets of Downtown Denver.

New to this year, the return route will turn up 18th and head back to Wynkoop. For the safety of event goers, animals, and riders, please be aware of the returning parade entries. Drivers: Keep a safe distance from horses and riders as they return to the parade staging area. 
January 5, 2023, Noon - 2pm
Start: Union Station at 17th Street
End: 17th & Glenarm Pl
NEW Parade Return Route
Celebrate Civil Rights Leader at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marade
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Marade will begin at the "I Have a Dream" memorial in City Park on January 16 at 9:30 am. Crowds will gather in fellowship, then the Marade will move south down the Esplanade to east on Colfax, marching its way to Civic Center Park. There participants can enjoy presentations, service projects, and vendors.

At City Park:
9:00 am - Program commences
10:30 am - Laying of the wreath
10:45 am - Step off to downtown

At Civic Center Park:
Noon to 1 pm - Entertainment, awards and celebration
1 pm - Help clean up the park or head to other Dr. King service projects
Polar Bear 5K Run / Walk
Run for the Chill of it!
The Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk will return again this year to Washington Park on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 9:00 am.

Learn more or register at RunDenverSeries.com.
Ongoing Holiday Events
Holiday Light and Music Shows, City & County Building
The holiday lights at the City and County Building continue to shine bright every night* through Jan 23 with choreographed light and music shows occurring at 5:45 pm and 6:45 pm.

*NOTE: the show will not play on Mondays because of City Council meetings, but the static light display will still shine.
Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
January 7 - February 12
Mondays - Thursdays: 12 pm - 5 pm*
Fridays - Saturdays: 10 am - 10 pm
Sundays: 11 am - 6 pm
*MLK Jr. Day (1/16): 11 am - 6 pm
*Super Bowl Sunday (2/12): 11 am - 3 pm

Learn more about the rink here, including info about open skating, broomball, and other special events at the Downtown Denver Rink.
ATTENTION: ALL EVENT ORGANIZERS
2023 Office of Special Events Forum
The annual Special Events Forum is back and in person!  Join the Office of Special Events and representatives from key City agencies at a NEW location for a morning of networking and discussion. Learn about important City-wide updates that will impact public events in 2023 and tour event-friendly Auraria campus. The more the merrier, so share this event with your colleagues and fellow event organizers. As always, this is a FREE event. RSVPs are strongly encouraged and very much appreciated (we want to make sure to get enough coffee!).

Friday, January 20, 2023, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
NEW Location: Tivoli Turnhalle - 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver, CO 80204

Click here for more information and to RSVP to the event. See you there!
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