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Denverites may have a reputation for their prowess in the great outdoors, but they know a thing or two about getting down on the dance floor, too—which makes sense, given the dozens of spots to cut a rug on any given week night around town. Avoiding the rowdy crowds and washed-up club tunes, however, is an art in and of itself. To help you navigate, we put on our dancing shoes and rounded up our favorite places to get down in Denver.
Milk Bar
Golden Triangle
It’s as easy to get lost in the music as it is the maze of rooms at this South Broadway nightclub—but in the best way possible. Venture into the underground bass haven located below Bar Standard in the historic Jonas Furs Building through its back-alley entrance, and boogy your way through several rooms, each blasting different genres of music. So whether you’re into the Red Room’s house, techno, or trap, or feeling the indie mix spinning in the monochromatic, retro-themed Milk Room, you’re guaranteed a taste of eclectic, chest-thudding beats to keep you moving all night. (The venue also features darkwave electro, synth pop, goth, and industrial sounds on Wednesdays.) 1037 Broadway; Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
La Rumba
Golden Triangle
Grab a partner and spice up any weeknight at Denver’s mainstay Latin dance club. Dancers of all levels are welcome for the fiery, fast-paced salsa or suavemente Bachata-style dance nights. Arrive as the club opens for a lesson on basic steps, spins, and cross-body turns. Just be sure to don a fit that matches the choreography’s flair, as this club enforces a nightly dress code. 99 W. 9th Ave; Lessons every day of the week 7–9 p.m.; Club nights Thursdays through Saturdays 7 p.m.–1:30 a.m.; Sundays 7 p.m.–12:30 a.m. Find information on class schedule, special events, cover charges and more online
Lustre Pearl Denver
Five Points
A laid-back, open-garage hangout by day, this RiNo Art District outpost takes on a whole new vibe when the sun goes down. Every Friday and Saturday night (and on occasional weeknights, check the bar’s Instagram page for more info), the vintage lounge chairs and high-top tables are moved out of the way to make room for the unofficial dance floor. There, you’ll be treated to melodies from musicians like bluegrass band Brandywine and the Mighty Fines or DJ and radio personality Bella Scratch. 1315 26th St.; Mondays through Fridays 2 p.m.–2 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays noon–2 a.m.
Daybreaker
Various locations
This global wellness community and dance company brings the all-ages-welcome party to you in broad daylight—and proves you don’t need the ol’ dancing juice to have a blast—at its monthly 9 a.m. ragers. First, warm up with the optional one-hour yoga session that opens each of the sober, pop-up fêtes (often hosted at some of Colorado’s most iconic venues such as Empower Field at Mile High and Meow Wolf Denver). Then, let loose with hundreds of fellow dancers at the emcee-guided extravaganza, with plenty of glitter, confetti, and EDM beats. Don’t miss the next Daybreaker event, Together Tour, at a secret location on October 14. Locations and pricing vary; find more information online
Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox
Downtown
Just three blocks from Coors Field, this gastropub and music venue is the ostentatious needle in a sports-bar-laden haystack.The multi-level venue is located inside a historic 19th-century Victorian brownstone that once housed a brothel and peep shows and is storied for its delicious dinners and brunches, intimate live music performances, and unmatched dance nights (Think: Disco get-downs, ’80s/’90s/early-aughts throwback themes, Beyoncé versus Rihanna battles.) After its renovations in early 2022, Denverites have even more room to get down on the expanded dance floor at events like Eddie Roberts and the Lucky Strokes on September 23. 1215 20th St.; hours vary; find lineups and more information online
Lip Gloss
Downtown
Whether you’re a music snob or are simply tired of hearing the same overplayed hits, this indie dance party from local DJ Michael Trundle is for you. Born on South Broadway and now hosted once a month at Ophelia’s, the dance utopia for Mile High music nerds is still going strong after 21 years. Trundle—aka Boyhollow—carefully curates a weekly alternative tracklist of guilty pleasures and lesser-known gems, so you can blissfully bop your head to faves otherwise underplayed in Denver’s clubs, like the Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Fontaines D.C., and more. 1215 20th Street; 9 p.m.–2 a.m.; Tickets starting at $7
The Stampede
Aurora
Hit the hardwood at this 20-year-old staple, where every Wednesday is dedicated to bootscootin’ fun for Western ladies’ night, and cowgirls drink for free until 11 p.m.. Join instructor Laurie Burkhardt at 6:30 p.m. for one-hour line dancing lessons on the Two-Step, Cowboy Cha Cha, and other classic combinations you can bust out when the music (and drinks) start flowing. If country isn’t your thing, Monday nights are reserved for modern swing. Plus, the venue hosts other one-off events like Noche de Banda on September 29, where bands will play Mexican norteñas and corridos. 2430 S. Havana St., Aurora; Hours and cover charges vary; Find more information online
No Special Occasion @ 715 Club
Five Points
Embrace this dive’s kitschy, come-as-you-are vibes and dance to beats from around the globe at the recurring installment inside Five Points’ 715 Club, hosted by local music collective Groove On on the first Saturday of each month. Rotating resident and guest DJs like Tyler Wyatt and Milky.Wav serve up a mix of Brazilian Funk and Afrobeat sounds infused with modern hip-hop and pop, so you can work up a proper sweat. Should you need to refuel, by-the-slice Famous Original J’s Pizza is waiting for you on the patio. 715 E. 26th Ave.; 2 p.m.–2 a.m.
The Grizzly Rose
North Denver
For a quintessential country night of line dancing, mechanical bulls, and billiards, this 40,000-square-foot venue is one of Denver’s last remaining honky-tonks. Swing by every Wednesday night for free dance lessons at 7 p.m., although more advanced line dancers can check the calendar for classes covering everything from country swing tricks to two-step patterns. Fridays are reserved for concerts, like the upcoming country band Parmalee on September 29. On Sundays, bring your tots in their tiny boots for family night, when kids 10 and under get in for free. 5450 Lincoln St.; Wednesdays and Sundays 6 p.m.–midnight; Thursday through Saturday 6 p.m.–2 a.m.
X Bar
North Capitol Hill
This lively, LGBTQ+ friendly hangout has marked itself as one of Denver’s most welcoming watering holes. Bring your best performance skills on Thursday nights for a weekly lip sync contest hosted by local drag queens Bethany and Tiffany, where the best faux singer wins a $100 cash prize—plus, a slew of adoring fans. And keep an eye on the event calendar for ticketed affairs like the occasional Laugh Your Yas! Off queer comedy showcase, which occurs on select Wednesdays. 629 E. Colfax Ave.; 3 p.m.—2 a.m.
