Hello Bucket Listers! Happy early Father’s Day and Juneteenth. This week, protests are back in the news. Local activists took to the streets to demand increased protections for immigrants in three protests this week, including Tuesday’s “ICE Out” event at the Colorado State Capitol, which began peacefully but ended with the Denver police arresting 18 people. One action to watch: the No Kings Protest on Saturday, June 14, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, which is part of a “nationwide day of defiance” against President Trump and the administration.
Why Is It So Hard to Get to Red Rocks?
Red Rocks pulls in millions of visitors a year, but unless you’ve got a car, your options for getting there are slim and expensive. Concertgoers face a tangled web of overpriced Ubers, limited shuttle options and zero public transit. “Trying to get to Red Rocks without a car sucks,” says local attendee Jade Borchers. Our PJ Guidry investigates why Denver’s most iconic venue has no reliable transit access, what’s being planned for the future, and why, after 84 years of being open to the public, there’s no easy way to get there.
Pedestrians Protest Larimer Street Closure
When the 2900 block of Larimer Street reopened to cars earlier this year, community members didn’t take it lying down. What began as a pandemic-era pedestrian paradise has become the site of recurring protests, with residents demanding that the city return it to a car-free zone. Dominick Zangara digs into the neighborhood tensions and what it might take to turn the tide. A new nonprofit formed by business owners is working to bring the closure back, though city approval is still months away.
Colorado’s Roller Revival Is Built on Community
Denver’s skate scene is more than nostalgic fun—it’s community, legacy and resistance on wheels. From adult nights at Skate City to statewide festivals, skaters are building something enduring, with deep roots in Black culture and local pride. Khaleigh Reed laces up for a look at how DJs, dancers and lifelong rink rats are pushing the movement forward and making sure Colorado is no longer just a flyover state for the skate world.
Sci-Fi Under the Stars at Film on the Rocks
The 26th season of Film on the Rocks kicked off Monday night with Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and according to our Maxx Goodman, the vibes were cosmic. Between Big Dopes’ Bowie-infused opener and the towering views of Morrison’s sandstone stage, the night was equal parts surreal and serene. Maxx says it was the “perfect date night,” but advises you should bring a seat cushion unless you want to leave Red Rocks with sci-fi-induced back pain.
Night Shift Reflections from the Valet Stand
Downtown Denver changes after dark, and for one valet working solo late nights, it’s often more introspective than glamorous. In this third entry of his ongoing series, PJ Guidry recounts a long, meandering conversation with a man in a tavern-logo hat with a colorful past. Their strange, tender exchange touches on aging and the passage of time. As Mr. Tavern Hat snaps his fingers to demonstrate how quickly 23 turns into 50, PJ realizes he’s already mourning moments he hasn’t yet lost. Come for the downtown color, stay for the quiet gut punch at the end.
Stuff We Noticed
DPS Drops Its ICE Lawsuit. Denver Public Schools has officially dropped its lawsuit against the Trump administration over immigration enforcement in schools, but they’re calling it a win. Though the court didn’t grant the injunction, DPS says the case forced Homeland Security to clarify that schools are still de facto protected spaces. The district pledged to sue again if that ever changes.
Broncos Buy Big in Lincoln Park? Speculation is swirling after $146 million in land deals near Burnham Yard. The buyer? Sources say it’s the Broncos, potentially eyeing a future stadium after its current lease runs out in 2031. The team is keeping quiet, but stacked LLCs, nondisclosure agreements and eyebrow-raising price tags suggest big plans are in motion.
Meet Rhingo, RiNo’s Newest Icon. Denver’s massive new rhino sculpture officially has a name: Rhingo. The 30-foot-tall steel-and-climbing-wall hybrid was unveiled this week at Denargo Market. While Rhingo won’t be open to climbers until nearby construction wraps up in September, you can already spot him towering over the site off 29th Street and Arkins Court.
That’s a wrap for this week. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to the Holiday Theater last night for the screening of “Join or Die.” Bucket List was a media partner and enjoyed meeting folks. It was an inspiring event with people of all ages, where you could feel the community building. Keep an eye out this Sunday for our latest 5 Questions with Tiya Trent, who’s blending art, education and activism in beautiful ways. And don’t sleep on our new Tuesday Events Newsletter—it’s full of gems you didn’t know you needed. Finally, give a warm welcome to our newest sponsors, Denver Inc. and Green Door Living. Join them in our business directory. Have a fantastic week and stay safe out there, Bucket Listers!
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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