by Valley Gadfly | Feb 18, 2026 | Main Articles
Denver’s Luck Of The Irish Kicks Off March 14 With The Largest Parade West Of The Mississippi Turning Streets Green
by Glen Richardson
Pets Participate: Dress your four-legged furry friend in green for the annual Green Street St. Paddy’s Day Pet Parade on March 14.
As luck would have it, St. Patrick’s Day in Denver centers around the huge annual parade set to start March 14 on Wynkoop Street at 9:30 a.m. and weave through downtown. The actual holiday is Tuesday, March 17.
Presented by Bellco Credit Union, the 2026 theme is Stars, Stripes, and Shamrocks. It is known as the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade west of the Mississippi. Legend has it that the modern-day parade started when pub-goers at the now-defunct Duffy’s Shamrock Bar took to the streets in 1962.
Running for more than 60 years, nearly half a million people are expected to attend the downtown parade. You’ll want to get a good spot in advance since some people arrive at 6 a.m. to find a prime place for spectating. The parade happens regardless of the weather.
Floats, Dancers
Every year the spirit of the Irish seems to dance its way into town and transform the Mile High City into a vibrant sea of green. Downtown overflows with Irish jig leprechauns, four-leaf clover wearers, Irish lovers, plus those with green clothes, and an affection for green beer.
The parade celebrates Irish culture with vibrant floats, dancers, and bagpipers. It has been a hallmark of The Mile High City since 1962, celebrating a deep love for Irish culture. Whether you’re proudly Irish, or just embracing the luck of the Irish for the day, this family-friendly event is a must attend. Gather your friends, bring the whole family, and don’t forget to wear you best green attire.
More than a parade, it’s a celebration of culture, community, and camaraderie that you won’t want to miss!
Uncertain Weather
Runnin’ of the Green: Bagpipe group plays Irish music as runners compete in the classic Irish jog in Washington Park. This year’s event is March 8, 10 a.m. to noon.
March is known for wildly varying weather. The last time measurable snow occurred on St. Patrick’s Day was in 1922. It might be cold, hot, who knows? Dress in layers and bring plenty of water.
To catch the parade entries’ full performance — dancing, full music sets, etc. — the best spot is south of 20th Ave. on Blake St., which will be renamed Tooley St. for the parade. This is one of the most crowded areas of the parade and is standing room only. Folks arrive as early as 6 a.m. to stake out a spot.
During the parade, you can expect to see floats, dancing, live bands, charities, and local celebrities. Attendees can easily find some green beer to drink at one of downtown Denver’s many bars. The parade itself does not provide food or drink, so if you need to grab a snack or use the bathroom, you’ll have to find a restaurant or bar to do so.
Runnin’ Of The Green
To get in shape for this year’s St. Paddy’s Day activities, participate in the 38th annual Runnin’ of the Green in Washington Park, March 8, 10 a.m. to noon. The Classic Irish jog will have live Irish music, Irish dancers, bagpipes, and a beer garden.
The luck o’ the Irish event is a family- friendly 7K and 2 Mile run-walk celebrating Irish traditions, Saint Patrick’s Day, and Spring. The event includes professional timing and online results. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in each age category.
The awards ceremony is at 10 a.m. The event promises to be a day filled with Irish fun, live music, awards, plus cold beer. Don’t forget your bagpipes!
State’s 150 Birthday
Keggs & Eggs: ViewHouse has a four-day lineup of food and fun beginning with Keggs & Eggs on March 14.
The biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi, this year celebrates Colorado’s 150th and the Nation’s 250th Anniversaries.
Arrive early to stake out your favorite spot. The best place for families is at the end of the parade on Blake St. from 23rd to 27th Avenues.
Celebrated around the world, many cities offer unique events to mark the occasion. From the green-lit landmarks of Dublin, to Denver’s festive parade, St Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage. The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was in 1889, but the event has modernized since the days of gas lamps and the Gilded Age.
Bagpipes, Jigs, Fun
Whether you’re sporting your lucky-charms and shamrocks, or searching for a pint of the finest Irish stout, downtown on parade day is a journey through one of the most celebrated events in Denver. It is a day full of jigs, bagpipes, and fun.
The City of Denver annually paints a green strip down the Blake Street parade path in honor of St. Patrick.
Another custom is the annual changing of the sign, which is when Blake Street is changed to Tooley Street in honor of Dale Tooley, Denver’s former district attorney in the 1970s and 1980s.
Chasing Abbey
Denver’s Dublin Days: The annual parade celebrates Irish culture with vibrant floats, dancers, and bagpipers.
Chasing Abbey, the award-winning trio from Tullamore, Ireland, plays their long-awaited U.S. debut at Globe Hall Bar-B-Q on Logan St. March 6, 8 p.m. With hits like Aris is Airs and Oh My Johnny, the group has earned multiple platinum singles and packed venues across Ireland and the world. Information: 393-296-1003.
Dress your four-legged furry friend in green for the 2nd annual Green Street St. Paddy’s Day Pet Parade on March 14, 2 p.m. The pet parade route runs from 590 29th Street, proceeding down Welton Street, and concluding at Sonny Lawson Park.
The parade will be led by the Denver Brass Band. After the parade, the celebration ends with a bar crawl featuring local establishments, live DJs, performers, and spoken-word artists.
Irishfest Follows
Irishfest Follows: Following the parade, head to the ballpark neighborhood for Irishfest. Dates are March 14 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and March 15 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Following the parade, head to the ballpark neighborhood for Irishfest. Dates are March 14 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and March 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is a community Irish festival featuring local businesses, community partners, sponsors, vendors, and entertainment.
Event is in Denver’s Ballpark District at 21st Street & Blake in the Rockies parking lot, providing an outlet for parade goers to join the community to keep the festivities going after the last float goes by.
Irishfest will be serving up Irish coffee, other libations, refreshments, and local food starting at 8 a.m. on the corner of 21st and Blake. An all-age Irish festival, it features local food and drink vendors, music, silent discos. Proceeds benefit Ballpark Collective RNO.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 18, 2026 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
Time marches on: We’ve arrived in the no-man’s-land month of March. Indeed, this is the month when we spring ahead and lose an hour of sleep. The month is all about transitions.
March in Denver is known for high variability; it can be sunny and 70°F one day, and drop to 10°F the next. It’s Denver’s snowiest month, averaging 8.5 to 11.5 inches of snowfall.
In March of last year (2025), Denver recorded a warmer-than-average mean temperature of 45.8°F. Here is our fall in and count off choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment:
There’s trouble in River City, and you won’t want to miss Meredith Wilson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Music Man. Production is in DCPA’s Buell Theatre, March 1, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Catch Israeli-born jazz guitarist Christian Loffer — with 10 award-winning albums —playing at the Bluebird Theater March 8, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Are you ready to rock & roll? Kentucky country-rock band Ole 60 plays folk and country in the Mission Ballroom March 12, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Looking for a platter of shellfish for lunch or dinner? Cherry Creek’s Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood on 2nd Ave. is a neighborhood favorite. Try the yummy and unique lobster stuffed Knuckle Sandwich. Information: 303-333-2462.
Thinking about sending your kids to summer camp? Iliff’s Summer Adventure Day Camp — kindergarteners through age 12 — includes field trips, organized sports, arts-crafts, along with STEM activities. Information: 303-757-3551.
Mexican-born stand-up comedian Felipe Esparza who won Last Comic Standing plays the Paramount Theatre March 14, 7 p.m. Information: 303-623-0106.
DJ-electronic music producer Crankdat — whose remixes have earned millions of plays — entertains at Red Rocks March 27, 7 p.m. Information: 720-865-2494.
Milan’s Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil, with guitarist Marco Coti-Zelati, plays Summit Music Hall, March 31, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-487-0111.
Attend the St. Baldrick’s Cancer Foundation fundraiser at Chopper’s Sports Grill on South Madison St. in Cherry Creek March 7, 1 to 5 p.m. In its 25th year, funding gives hope to babies, toddlers, children, teens, and young adults diagnosed with cancer. Contact Ryan Leopando for information: 720-277-8082.
March has glorious days of 60-degree weather. But alas, the accompanying wind will blow your winter coat off. Still, the sunshine will make you think of crisp mountain air.
Blossom by blossom, spring is beginning. March on, it’s a command. Do not tarry, spring growth and warmer weather means Spring fever’s restlessness and daydreaming.
Why is spring such a great time to start a gardening business? Because you can rake in the cash. Do you know why the computer went to the beach on spring break? To surf the net!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 16, 2026 | Glendale City News
From Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase To Sista Soul At Dazzle, There’s Loving Possibilities
by Glen Richardson
Thanks to love songs, poetry, music, movies, and art, the language of love seems to be constantly expanding, and what better time to brush up on the myriad ways to express your love and affection than this year’s holiday?
Glendale-Cherry Creek, and metro Denver offer a romantic, picture-perfect place to celebrate your love relationships. There’s a variety of romantic events and date activities all month long. Choose from music and performing arts, plus places to dine with your partner, kids, family, or loved ones to show them how much you care.
For romantic things to do with your loved one this month, the Denver Botanic Gardens offers great choices. Make a date to view exotic orchid blooms during the Denver Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase Feb. 10-17, 9 a.m-5 p.m.
Captivating Colors
Musical Glamour: Pink Martini and the Colorado Symphony entertain at Boettcher Concert Hall Feb. 13-14.
Pops of purple, bursts of buttery yellow, flashes of fuchsia — orchids are bright, charismatic, and just a little strange. These botanical wonders are as diverse as they are dazzling, and their vibrant blooms are the perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Dive into the captivating world of orchids on view in the Botanic Garden’s Marnie’s Pavilion and the Orangery. You’ll view hundreds of spectacular blooms from all over the world, including specimens from the Gardens’ collection. The Orchid Showcase is a visual feast of shapes, color, and texture, not to be missed in the dead of winter.
Connect with your kids during the Garden’s Make & Take Valentine event, Feb. 10-14. You’ll learn the shapes, textures, and colors of dried flowers, leaves, and seeds, plus how to use them to decorate a Valentine’s Day ornament. Information: 720-865-3500.
Pink Martini
Spend time with your Valentine enjoying Pink Martini and the Colorado Symphony at Boettcher Concert Hall Feb. 13-14, 7:30 p.m. Brimming with “fizzy spirit and breezy sophistication,” Pink Martini is a glamorous and global phenomenon.
The exhilarating evening will feature a mix of Brazilian samba, Parisian café music, cabaret, and vintage jazz. The show will feature Storm Large as lead singer.
Romantic Recital: Grammy winning soprano Heidi Melton sings “Love Stories,” at the Newman Center Feb. 13.
Now in their 31st year of performing, Pink Martini was founded by bandleader-pianist Thomas M. Lauderdale in 1994 to provide beautiful and inclusive performances at fundraisers and galas. The musical style was inspired by Latin, big band, classical, and the Golden Age of Hollywood. With the Colorado Symphony and Christopher Dragon on the podium, this promises to be a Valentine’s Day weekend to remember. Information: 720-865-4220.
Sista Soul At Dazzle
Titled “Reflections of Love,” Sista Soul and her band plays a blend of R&B and soul with modern hip-hop, as Dazzle celebrates Valentine’s Day Feb. 13, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Backed by her band, she delivers a captivating mix of R&B grooves, heart-stirring ballads, and timeless classics that invite you to sing along and reminisce. The evening features tracks from her Grammy album Soul Reflections, plus fan favorites from Celebration, and iconic R&B songs, along with a few surprises.
With a voice that is both powerful and tender, Sista Soul transforms each performance into a deeply moving experience filled with love, healing, and joy. This Valentine’s weekend, head for Dazzle in the DCPA complex on 14th Street to feel the music, share the moment, and leave with your heart full and your spirit lifted. Information: 203-839-5100.
Soprano Melton
Love Jogging: If running is your love language, participate in the Valentine’s Day 4 Mile at Wash Park Feb. 8.
On the eve of Valentine’s Day, join Grammy winning soprano Heidi Melton and pianist Sahar Nouri for “Love Stories,” a recital of passion, longing, and devotion. Performing in the Hamilton Recital Hall at the Newman Center, the program features Wagner’s radiant “Wesendonck Lieder” alongside other works that explore the many shades of love Feb. 13, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
With a voice that is “big, gleaming, and tonally resplendent,” Melton has sung at the Metropolitan Opera, the San Francisco Opera, the Deutsche Opera Berlin, plus many more. She has also performed with the Vienna Philharmonic, the Scottish Symphony, and many others.
Iranian pianist Sahar Nouri, has been Music Director of Lamont Opera Theater at the University of Denver since 2019. She has also served at Opera Colorado as chorus master-assistant conductor since 2016.
Dakota Blonde Concert
Sweet Sounds: Dakota Blonde — dubbed the “Front Range darlings,” — do their Valentine Concert at Swallow Hill Feb. 14.
Dakota Blonde — dubbed the “Front Range darlings,” — do their annual Valentine Concert at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Made up of Mary Huckins, Don Pinnella, and Tony Raddell, they have received honors for their songwriting, CD projects, and performances across the country and internationally. Information: 303-777-1003.
Also known as “the sweetest acoustic sound around,” the group met through their careers in Music Therapy, working with children and adolescents. All three come from musical families, and their charm stems both from the music they play and from the family feeling they bring into any concert hall or venue. Their shows are very personal and sincere.
They will be joined for the concert by “The Valentine Band,” made up of some of Colorado’s finest musicians. The group includes Ernie Martinez, Gordon Burt, and Kristi Bartleson. Recently honored as the International Western Music Association’s Instrumentalist of the Year, Martinez plays mandolin, banjo, and dobro. Gordon Burt is on fiddle and viola. He has played, toured, and recorded with many Colorado artists. Harpist Kristi Bartleson has performed with the Eastman Symphony in Carnegie Hall and for the Heidelberg Opera Festival in Germany. She has also played with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and with the Colorado Ballet.
Other Options
Love Blossoms: Make a date to view exotic orchid blooms during the Denver Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase Feb. 10-17.
There’s also a Valentine’s Day Concert playing the best of Mozart and Beethoven at Trinity United Methodist Church February 6, 6:30 p.m. In addition, Wings Over the Rockies features string quartet the Range Ensemble on Feb. 15, 6:15 and 8:30 p.m.
Guitarist and vocalist Lorian Bartle celebrates Valentine’s Day playing popular traditional and classical favorites at the Lone Tree Arts Center Feb. 19, 1:30 p.m. Information: 720-509-1000.
If running is your love language, you won’t want to miss the Valentine’s Day 4 Mile at Wash Park Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Event includes a Cupid’s Kids Fun Run. A costume contest begins at 10 a.m. followed by awards.
by Valley Gadfly | Jan 16, 2026 | Valley Gadfly
Aahh February! Welcome to the month of love, laughter, and beautiful surprises. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch. It’s the month when we celebrate romance.
At the heart of it is Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14. It’s a day dedicated to expressing love through heartfelt gestures, thoughtful gifts, and quality time with those we love.
The year’s shortest month is named for Roman purification rituals. It also features Super Bowl Sunday. Here are our tease and freeze choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment:
Experience the thrill of the roaring 20s, as the Colorado Ballet does F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. With original score by Carl Davis, show is at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Feb. 1-8, 7 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Enjoy the music of Israeli-born jazz guitarist Gilad Hekselman — with 10 award-winning albums — playing Dazzle Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Singer, bassist Mashell Ndegeocello entertains by singing-playing funk, soul, jazz, and rock at the Newman Center Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Looking for a V-Day or any day dining spot with a friendly staff and remarkable service? Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café is a culinary institution with a standout menu of Italian comfort foods and wine in a cozy setting. Information: 720-328-9481.
Want your kids grades K to 8th grades to participate in no-contact winter indoor rugby? Start them on Saturdays in February with the Glendale Raptors at the Glendale Sports Center. Information: GlendaleYouthRugby.com/winter-rugby.
Colorado’s “Front Range Darlings” Dakota Blonde perform their annual Valentine Concert in Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Catch the witty Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 1 — a romp filled with humor —playing at Boettcher Concert Hall, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-4220.
Instrumental band Drama and vocalist Via Rosa entertain with rock and electronic music at the Mission Ballroom, Feb. 27, 8 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
Attend the elegant 14th Annual Kaleidoscope Gala at the Ritz-Carlton February 21, 5 p.m. Benefiting Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation, event supports sick children, infants, and their families. Assistance includes everything from rent payments to donor milk for premature infants. Information: 720-644-8767.
February can often seem like a difficult month. It’s the last month of winter, so you are likely fed up with waking up on cold, dark mornings, and driving to work in the dark.
Many of us feel like February is just January pretending it’s still cold. Yet, in the heart of winter, February brings warmth and love. There’s everything to hope for and nothing to regret.
Roses are red, violets are blue. If you think finding love is hard, try getting a reservation on Valentine’s night. What did the hamburger buy his sweetheart? An onion ring.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com
by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2025 | Main Articles
Bond’s $1 Billion Package To Fund Streets, Bridges, Parks, And Playground
by Glen Richardson
Walk The Walk: Santa Fe Art District —home of the First Friday Art Walk — will receive just over $29 million in bond funds.
Denver voters approved the November 4, 2025 Vibrant Denver bond package, giving the city $950 million of long-term debt to pay from projects citywide.
The bond bucks will pay for repairs and improvements to roads, bridges, parks, playgrounds, and community spaces without adding new taxes. Mayor Mike Johnston says the package will “create 7,000 new jobs, and generate $1.8 billion in economic activity.” The city is expected to pay off the debt over six years.
The most funding — about $441 million — will go toward transportation and mobility, meaning streets, bridges, and traffic safety improvements. Here’s a look at the projects having the most impact near Cherry Creek North and the Village of Glendale:
Signals, Crosswalks
Big Bucks Change: With $89 million of funding, the eastern portion of the 8th Ave. Viaduct will be removed.
Funding to make traveling through the intersection at 1st Ave. and University safer is budgeted at $5,700,000.
Signal improvements and geometric changes are among the modifications planned. One of Cherry Creek North’s busiest intersections, designs aim to improve safety for people driving, walking, bicycling, and taking transit.
Pedestrian crossing safety improvements citywide will get $3 million. Crosswalk markings, signage, and rapid flashing beacons will be funded.
Santa Fe Upgrades
Upgrades to Santa Fe Drive through the heart of the Santa Fe Art District from 6th Ave. to 13th Ave. is budgeted at $29,085,000. The district comes alive each month as thousands descend upon the street for the First Friday Art Walk from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Wider sidewalks, landscaping, and improved public spaces are planned. Aimed at improving the experience for people walking on Santa Fe, it also seeks to improve safety, while enhancing the district’s identity, history, and culture.
Projects along east-westbound Evans Ave. are budgeted for $18 million. Improvements will design and construct enhancements to signals and pedestrian crossings. Work will be on Evans Ave. from Colorado Blvd. to S. Downing St. and I-25 to Quebec St. Another $1,500,000 will fund neighborhood road safety projects. The project will prioritize, design, and construct improvements on nearly a half-dozen streets. Traffic calming — physical design, signs, and painted markings, and pedestrian safety enhancements — will be constructed on Holly St., 6th Ave., 8th Ave, Uinta St., and Exposition Ave.
Cherry Creek Bridges
Go Broncos: The Denver Broncos plan to make Burnham Yard — less than a mile from Empower Field — their new home. Photo: Gabriel Christus
Denver’s two bridges over Cherry Creek are funded with $29,375,000. Both the Lincoln St. and the 6th Ave. bridges are over 65 years old, and at the end of their serviceable lives.
Both are in poor condition, and on the verge of being load posted with restrictions on emergency vehicle access. The two structures carry major arterial roads through a heavily traveled part of the city.
Moreover, they provide a critical connection to the Denver Health complex. Both are designated as emergency response routes. Replacement of the two deteriorating bridges is critical to maintaining safe and reliable connections.
6th Ave Viaduct
Bond Business: Mayor Mike Johnston talked up the bond initiative prior to the November 4th voter approval. Photo: Kevin J. Beaty
Repairs and access improvements for the 6th Ave. Viaduct are allocated at $50 million. The 6th Ave. Viaduct is one of the busiest roads in Denver’s central core, carrying about 64,000 vehicles a day. It is a critical east-west connection that supports the movement of people and goods between the city, region, and the state.
Piers have deterioration with no load idleness and have high criticality and consequences of failure. Failure of the bridge — or even load rating it — would have major consequences for the region.
Funding will complete structural repairs; create additional connectivity and access points. It will also fund pre-design for the future replacement of the bridge. The project also provides funding for emergency repairs — deck repairs and joint replacements — plus work to maintain connectivity, capacity, and efficiency of the transportation network in the near-term and into the future. Moreover, it will help the city reduce its liability and risk associated with the viaduct.
8th Ave. Viaduct
Boettcher Bucks: Bond funding earmarks $20 million for improvements at Boettcher Concert Hall in the DCPA complex.
The 8th Ave. Viaduct, with $89,200,000 of funding, will leave the western portion of the viaduct and remove the eastern portion. The eastern portion will be reconstructed as an at-grade roadway after it ramps down over the Consolidated Main Line.
The 6th Ave. and 8th Ave. projects will benefit the Denver Broncos’ plan to build a stadium in the area. Denver officials, however, contend the viaducts need fixing nonetheless. The Broncos want the new stadium in Barnham Yard ready for the 2031 season.
The 8th Ave. bridge — it carries about 14,500 vehicles a day — is considered a couplet partner to 6th Ave. that’s essential to connectivity into Denver’s central core during 6th Ave. reconstruction. Work will provide sufficient clearance for Cherry Creek Trail users, and be built in accordance with floodplain requirements.
Boettcher Concert Hall
Bond funding earmarks $20 million to support maintained and improvement projects at Boettcher Concert Hall in the DCPA complex. Tasks include roof repairs, safety system upgrades, plus electrical and mechanical improvements.
The Denver Animal Shelter on W. Bayaud Ave., is allocated $10 million. Included are improvements of the existing animal shelter to mend spaces for dog kennels and-or runs, as well as enhancement to the lobby and clinic spaces.
The Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo, and Denver Museum of Nature & Science each receive $3 million. Funding will support repairs and improvements. Included are safety upgrades, roof repairs, plus electrical and mechanical improvements.
