2026 Washington Park Event Calendar

Event	Date	Time	Cost	Registration
Furry Scurry	Sat, May 2	9 AM walk	$50–$65	humanecolorado.org
Farmers Market (weekly)	Sundays, May–Nov	9 AM–1 PM	Free	None needed
Fourth of July	Sat, July 4	11 AM–1 PM	Free	None needed
Home Tour & Street Fair	Late September	TBD	Varies	wpena.org
Turkey Trot	Thu, Nov 26	9 AM start	Registration	raceroster.com
Winter Market	Nov–Dec weekends	TBD	Free	None needed

Washington Park’s event calendar reflects everything this neighborhood is: active, family-oriented, community-driven, and deeply committed to showing up for the place where people live. The events range from Denver traditions that draw nearly 10,000 participants to hyperlocal celebrations organized by neighbors for neighbors. What they share is Washington Park as their stage — 165 acres of green space that absorbs everything from charity dog walks to Thanksgiving morning runs.

This guide covers every major event at Washington Park in 2026, with dates, registration details, and practical tips for each. For the full picture of daily activities at the park, see our things to do at Washington Park guide. For a comprehensive neighborhood overview, see our complete Washington Park Denver guide.

Furry Scurry — Saturday, May 2, 2026

What it is: The Furry Scurry is a two-mile dog walk and festival at Washington Park benefiting Humane Colorado, the state’s largest community-based animal welfare organization. It is one of Denver’s most beloved annual events and Humane Colorado’s biggest fundraiser, drawing over 3,000 dogs and their owners each year and raising over $600,000 in 2025 alone. The 2026 edition is the event’s 33rd year.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2026. Day-of registration opens at 7 AM. The two-mile walk starts at 9 AM. The festival continues until noon.

Where: Washington Park, centered around 701 S. Franklin Street (the recreation center area). The walk route uses the park’s paths.

Cost: Early-bird registration was $50 per adult through March 22. Standard registration is $60. Day-of registration is $65. Virtual participation is $45. All registrations include the official Furry Scurry shirt and race bib. Every dog receives a tennis ball.

What to expect: The walk itself is a relaxed two-mile route through the park — this is not a race, it’s a community stroll with 3,000 dogs. After the walk, the Finish Village includes food trucks, sponsor booths, contests, a Flealess Market (vendor fair), adoption meet-and-greets, a kids’ zone with face painting and bounce houses, and a post-walk craft beer garden for adults. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and the people-watching-slash-dog-watching is extraordinary.

Tips: Register early for the lowest price and to secure your preferred shirt size. Packet pickup is at Washington Park on Friday, May 1 from 4 to 7 PM, or on event morning starting at 7 AM. Arrive by 8 AM to park easily and get situated. Street parking fills fast — the residential blocks east and south of the park are your best bet. Bring water for your dog and expect crowds. For more on navigating Washington Park with dogs year-round, see our dog-friendly Washington Park guide.

Register: humanecolorado.org or furryscurry.org

South Pearl Street Farmers Market — Sundays, May Through November

What it is: The neighborhood’s weekly Sunday morning ritual. Over 170 local vendors line the 1400 and 1500 blocks of South Pearl Street with Colorado-grown produce, prepared foods, baked goods, artisan products, flowers, and craft beverages. Live music plays throughout the market. Operating since 2001, it’s one of Denver’s longest-running and most neighborhood-embedded farmers markets.

When: Every Sunday, 9 AM to 1 PM, from approximately May 3 through November 8, 2026.

Where: South Pearl Street between East Iowa Avenue and East Arkansas Avenue, on the southwest edge of Washington Park.

Cost: Free entry. Pay individual vendors for purchases. Most accept cash and card.

Tips: Arrive at 9 AM for the best produce, meat, and flower selection. Peak social hour is 10 to 11 AM. Bring reusable bags and an insulated bag for protein purchases in summer heat. Parking fills by 10 AM — use the residential side streets or walk from within the neighborhood.

For the complete market guide including a month-by-month seasonal produce calendar and vendor highlights, see our Washington Park Farmers Market guide.

Fourth of July Celebration — Saturday, July 4, 2026

What it is: The Washington Park East Neighborhood Association has organized the neighborhood’s Fourth of July celebration at the historic Boathouse Pavilion since 2003. It’s a family picnic and children’s parade that draws hundreds of residents from both East and West Washington Park and beyond.

When: July 4, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM. The children’s parade begins at noon.

Where: The Washington Park Boathouse Pavilion on Smith Lake.

Cost: Free.

What to expect: This is a BYO-everything event: bring your own picnic lunch, blanket or camping chairs, and the red-white-and-blue spirit of your choosing. The main attraction is the children’s parade at noon, where kids ride decorated bikes, trikes, scooters, and wagons around the boathouse area. It’s wholesome in the best way — the kind of event that makes you understand why people raise families in this neighborhood.

Tips: Arrive by 10:30 AM to claim a good spot near the boathouse. The park gets busy across the board on the Fourth — not just for this event but for informal gatherings throughout the day. Parking is challenging; walking or biking from within the neighborhood is strongly recommended. The event is organized by the Washington Park East Neighborhood Association (WPENA) — check wpena.org for any updates.

Note: this is a daytime neighborhood picnic, not a fireworks event. Denver’s official fireworks are at Civic Center Park downtown.

Wash Park Home Tour and Street Fair — Typically Late September

What it is: An annual neighborhood tradition organized by WPENA that opens a curated selection of Washington Park homes for guided tours, paired with a street fair featuring local vendors, food, and live music. The home tour showcases the architectural diversity that makes Wash Park unique — from original 1920s Craftsman bungalows to fully renovated Tudor revivals to contemporary additions on historic foundations.

When: Typically a Saturday in late September. Check wpena.org for 2026 dates.

What to expect: The home tour gives you access to interiors you’d otherwise never see — a rare chance to walk through renovated historic homes and understand what living in a century-old Wash Park house actually looks like, updated systems and all. For anyone considering buying in the neighborhood, this is research disguised as entertainment. For current residents, it’s inspiration for their own renovation projects.

For more on what owning a historic home in this neighborhood requires, see our Washington Park historic homes guide and our Wash Park renovation guide. For what maintenance costs look like for these older homes, see our complete Washington Park Denver guide.

Mile High United Way Turkey Trot — Thursday, November 26, 2026

What it is: Denver’s greatest Thanksgiving tradition. The Mile High United Way Turkey Trot is a four-mile race through and around Washington Park that draws nearly 9,000 runners, walkers, and families every Thanksgiving morning. The 2026 edition is the event’s 53rd year, making it one of the longest-running Turkey Trots in the country. It is now an official BOLDERBoulder qualifier race.

When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day). Corrals open at 8:15 AM. Wave 1 starts at 9 AM. Start waves are every 30 minutes with three total waves for the four-mile event. The Lil’ Gobbler Family Fun Run (just under one mile) starts at 10:15 AM.

Where: The course starts at South High School (1700 E. Louisiana Ave) and runs a relatively flat point-to-point route through the Washington Park area. View the course map at raceroster.com.

Cost: Registration fees vary and increase as the event date approaches. Each wave has limited capacity, so register early to secure your preferred start time.

What to expect: The Turkey Trot is a scene. Costumes are everywhere — turkey outfits, pilgrim hats, matching family getups. The competitive runners take the front of Wave 1, but the majority of participants are there for the tradition: burn some calories before the feast, see half the neighborhood on the course, and start Thanksgiving with the kind of community energy that defines Wash Park.

After crossing the finish line, the Finish Village includes sponsor booths, giveaways, interactive experiences, a Lil’ Gobbler Kids Zone with face painting and photos with Gobbles the Turkey, and a post-race craft beer garden for adults.

Tips: Register as early as possible — waves fill, and the later you register, the fewer time options remain. Packet pickup is at Fleet Feet in Cherry Creek Mall on Sunday November 22 (11 AM–6 PM), Tuesday November 24 (10 AM–6 PM), Wednesday November 25 (10 AM–2 PM), or on Thanksgiving morning starting at 7:30 AM at South High School. November weather in Denver is unpredictable — it could be 50 degrees and sunny or 20 degrees with snow. Dress in layers you can shed. Parking near South High School fills quickly; plan to arrive early or have someone drop you off.

Register: raceroster.com (search “Mile High United Way Turkey Trot 2026”)

Winter Events and Off-Season Activities

South Gaylord Winter Market

After the farmers market wraps in November, South Gaylord Street picks up with a seasonal winter market on select weekends through December. The winter market is smaller and holiday-focused — gifts, baked goods, holiday decorations, and seasonal prepared foods. Check the South Gaylord Street Merchants Association for current dates.

Winter in the Park

Washington Park doesn’t shut down in winter — it shifts. The 2.6-mile loop remains active with winter runners year-round. Snow transforms the open meadows into cross-country skiing terrain. Smith Lake occasionally freezes, though ice conditions are unreliable and skating is not officially sanctioned. The Washington Park Recreation Center operates its full indoor schedule throughout winter, including the heated pool, fitness center, and programming.

For how Washington Park homeowners prepare their historic homes for Denver’s volatile winters, see our winter home maintenance checklist and our preventing frozen pipes guide.

Who Organizes Events at Washington Park

Several organizations drive the event calendar at Washington Park. Knowing who they are helps you stay informed about dates, volunteer opportunities, and new events as they’re announced.

Washington Park East Neighborhood Association (WPENA) — wpena.org — organizes the Fourth of July celebration, the annual home tour and street fair, neighborhood cleanups, and community meetings. WPENA is the primary voice for East Wash Park residents on neighborhood issues.

Friends and Neighbors of Washington Park (FANS) — fanswashingtonpark.org — focuses on park stewardship, educational events, tree plantings, and advocacy for park maintenance and improvements. FANS hosts Audubon Society bird walks, lectures on native plants, and other educational programming in the park.

South Pearl Street Merchants Association — southpearlstreet.com — manages the Sunday farmers market, the winter market, and commercial corridor events along South Pearl Street.

Mile High United Way — unitedwaydenver.org — organizes the Turkey Trot, which has been a Washington Park Thanksgiving tradition since 1973.

Humane Colorado — humanecolorado.org — organizes the Furry Scurry, the annual two-mile dog walk and festival that has been held at Washington Park since 1994.

Follow these organizations for the most current event information. Dates occasionally shift, new events are added, and weather in Colorado can alter plans on short notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What events happen at Washington Park Denver?

Major annual events at Washington Park include the Furry Scurry dog walk in May, the South Pearl Street Farmers Market every Sunday from May through November, the Fourth of July neighborhood celebration at the boathouse, the Wash Park Home Tour and Street Fair in September, and the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. The park also hosts community events organized by FANS and WPENA throughout the year.

When is the Washington Park Turkey Trot 2026?

The 53rd Mile High United Way Turkey Trot is Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day). Corrals open at 8:15 AM and the first wave starts at 9 AM. The four-mile course starts at South High School. Register at raceroster.com.

When is the Furry Scurry 2026?

The 33rd annual Furry Scurry is Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Washington Park. The two-mile dog walk starts at 9 AM, with the festival continuing until noon. Registration ranges from $50 to $65 depending on when you sign up. Register at humanecolorado.org.

When is the Washington Park farmers market?

The South Pearl Street Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM, approximately May 3 through November 8, 2026. The market is located on South Pearl Street between East Iowa and East Arkansas avenues on the southwest edge of Washington Park. Entry is free.

Is there a Fourth of July event at Washington Park?

Yes. The Washington Park East Neighborhood Association hosts an annual Fourth of July celebration at the historic boathouse pavilion on Smith Lake from 11 AM to 1 PM. The event includes a children’s parade at noon with decorated bikes, trikes, and wagons. It is free and open to all. Bring your own picnic. Note: this is a daytime celebration, not a fireworks event.

How do I stay updated on Washington Park events?

Follow the Washington Park East Neighborhood Association at wpena.org, Friends and Neighbors of Washington Park at fanswashingtonpark.org, and the South Pearl Street Merchants Association at southpearlstreet.com. These three organizations coordinate the majority of events at and around Washington Park.

The Events That Define the Neighborhood

Washington Park’s event calendar tells you what kind of neighborhood this is better than any real estate listing can. A 53-year-old Turkey Trot that draws 9,000 people. A 33-year-old charity dog walk. A 25-year-old farmers market. A neighborhood-organized Fourth of July with a children’s bicycle parade. These aren’t events that a city government programs into a park — they’re traditions that a community built over decades because the people who live here care about the place where they live.

That community investment is part of what makes Washington Park property so consistently valuable. The homes are historic, the park is spectacular, and the calendar is full. For the complete picture of what living here looks like, see our complete Washington Park Denver guide. For all the daily activities available at the park beyond the event calendar, see our things to do at Washington Park guide.

Washington Park’s historic homes require more maintenance than newer construction, especially through Denver’s demanding seasonal cycle. Willow Home provides home concierge services for Denver’s luxury neighborhoods so that homeowners can spend their Thanksgiving mornings on the Turkey Trot course and their Sunday mornings at the farmers market — not coordinating contractors. See how Willow works to learn more.

2026 Washington Park Event Calendar

Event	Date	Time	Cost	Registration
Furry Scurry	Sat, May 2	9 AM walk	$50–$65	humanecolorado.org
Farmers Market (weekly)	Sundays, May–Nov	9 AM–1 PM	Free	None needed
Fourth of July	Sat, July 4	11 AM–1 PM	Free	None needed
Home Tour & Street Fair	Late September	TBD	Varies	wpena.org
Turkey Trot	Thu, Nov 26	9 AM start	Registration	raceroster.com
Winter Market	Nov–Dec weekends	TBD	Free	None needed

Washington Park’s event calendar reflects everything this neighborhood is: active, family-oriented, community-driven, and deeply committed to showing up for the place where people live. The events range from Denver traditions that draw nearly 10,000 participants to hyperlocal celebrations organized by neighbors for neighbors. What they share is Washington Park as their stage — 165 acres of green space that absorbs everything from charity dog walks to Thanksgiving morning runs.

This guide covers every major event at Washington Park in 2026, with dates, registration details, and practical tips for each. For the full picture of daily activities at the park, see our things to do at Washington Park guide. For a comprehensive neighborhood overview, see our complete Washington Park Denver guide.

Furry Scurry — Saturday, May 2, 2026

What it is: The Furry Scurry is a two-mile dog walk and festival at Washington Park benefiting Humane Colorado, the state’s largest community-based animal welfare organization. It is one of Denver’s most beloved annual events and Humane Colorado’s biggest fundraiser, drawing over 3,000 dogs and their owners each year and raising over $600,000 in 2025 alone. The 2026 edition is the event’s 33rd year.

When: Saturday, May 2, 2026. Day-of registration opens at 7 AM. The two-mile walk starts at 9 AM. The festival continues until noon.

Where: Washington Park, centered around 701 S. Franklin Street (the recreation center area). The walk route uses the park’s paths.

Cost: Early-bird registration was $50 per adult through March 22. Standard registration is $60. Day-of registration is $65. Virtual participation is $45. All registrations include the official Furry Scurry shirt and race bib. Every dog receives a tennis ball.

What to expect: The walk itself is a relaxed two-mile route through the park — this is not a race, it’s a community stroll with 3,000 dogs. After the walk, the Finish Village includes food trucks, sponsor booths, contests, a Flealess Market (vendor fair), adoption meet-and-greets, a kids’ zone with face painting and bounce houses, and a post-walk craft beer garden for adults. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and the people-watching-slash-dog-watching is extraordinary.

Tips: Register early for the lowest price and to secure your preferred shirt size. Packet pickup is at Washington Park on Friday, May 1 from 4 to 7 PM, or on event morning starting at 7 AM. Arrive by 8 AM to park easily and get situated. Street parking fills fast — the residential blocks east and south of the park are your best bet. Bring water for your dog and expect crowds. For more on navigating Washington Park with dogs year-round, see our dog-friendly Washington Park guide.

Register: humanecolorado.org or furryscurry.org

South Pearl Street Farmers Market — Sundays, May Through November

What it is: The neighborhood’s weekly Sunday morning ritual. Over 170 local vendors line the 1400 and 1500 blocks of South Pearl Street with Colorado-grown produce, prepared foods, baked goods, artisan products, flowers, and craft beverages. Live music plays throughout the market. Operating since 2001, it’s one of Denver’s longest-running and most neighborhood-embedded farmers markets.

When: Every Sunday, 9 AM to 1 PM, from approximately May 3 through November 8, 2026.

Where: South Pearl Street between East Iowa Avenue and East Arkansas Avenue, on the southwest edge of Washington Park.

Cost: Free entry. Pay individual vendors for purchases. Most accept cash and card.

Tips: Arrive at 9 AM for the best produce, meat, and flower selection. Peak social hour is 10 to 11 AM. Bring reusable bags and an insulated bag for protein purchases in summer heat. Parking fills by 10 AM — use the residential side streets or walk from within the neighborhood.

For the complete market guide including a month-by-month seasonal produce calendar and vendor highlights, see our Washington Park Farmers Market guide.

Fourth of July Celebration — Saturday, July 4, 2026

What it is: The Washington Park East Neighborhood Association has organized the neighborhood’s Fourth of July celebration at the historic Boathouse Pavilion since 2003. It’s a family picnic and children’s parade that draws hundreds of residents from both East and West Washington Park and beyond.

When: July 4, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM. The children’s parade begins at noon.

Where: The Washington Park Boathouse Pavilion on Smith Lake.

Cost: Free.

What to expect: This is a BYO-everything event: bring your own picnic lunch, blanket or camping chairs, and the red-white-and-blue spirit of your choosing. The main attraction is the children’s parade at noon, where kids ride decorated bikes, trikes, scooters, and wagons around the boathouse area. It’s wholesome in the best way — the kind of event that makes you understand why people raise families in this neighborhood.

Tips: Arrive by 10:30 AM to claim a good spot near the boathouse. The park gets busy across the board on the Fourth — not just for this event but for informal gatherings throughout the day. Parking is challenging; walking or biking from within the neighborhood is strongly recommended. The event is organized by the Washington Park East Neighborhood Association (WPENA) — check wpena.org for any updates.

Note: this is a daytime neighborhood picnic, not a fireworks event. Denver’s official fireworks are at Civic Center Park downtown.

Wash Park Home Tour and Street Fair — Typically Late September

What it is: An annual neighborhood tradition organized by WPENA that opens a curated selection of Washington Park homes for guided tours, paired with a street fair featuring local vendors, food, and live music. The home tour showcases the architectural diversity that makes Wash Park unique — from original 1920s Craftsman bungalows to fully renovated Tudor revivals to contemporary additions on historic foundations.

When: Typically a Saturday in late September. Check wpena.org for 2026 dates.

What to expect: The home tour gives you access to interiors you’d otherwise never see — a rare chance to walk through renovated historic homes and understand what living in a century-old Wash Park house actually looks like, updated systems and all. For anyone considering buying in the neighborhood, this is research disguised as entertainment. For current residents, it’s inspiration for their own renovation projects.

For more on what owning a historic home in this neighborhood requires, see our Washington Park historic homes guide and our Wash Park renovation guide. For what maintenance costs look like for these older homes, see our complete Washington Park Denver guide.

Mile High United Way Turkey Trot — Thursday, November 26, 2026

What it is: Denver’s greatest Thanksgiving tradition. The Mile High United Way Turkey Trot is a four-mile race through and around Washington Park that draws nearly 9,000 runners, walkers, and families every Thanksgiving morning. The 2026 edition is the event’s 53rd year, making it one of the longest-running Turkey Trots in the country. It is now an official BOLDERBoulder qualifier race.

When: Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day). Corrals open at 8:15 AM. Wave 1 starts at 9 AM. Start waves are every 30 minutes with three total waves for the four-mile event. The Lil’ Gobbler Family Fun Run (just under one mile) starts at 10:15 AM.

Where: The course starts at South High School (1700 E. Louisiana Ave) and runs a relatively flat point-to-point route through the Washington Park area. View the course map at raceroster.com.

Cost: Registration fees vary and increase as the event date approaches. Each wave has limited capacity, so register early to secure your preferred start time.

What to expect: The Turkey Trot is a scene. Costumes are everywhere — turkey outfits, pilgrim hats, matching family getups. The competitive runners take the front of Wave 1, but the majority of participants are there for the tradition: burn some calories before the feast, see half the neighborhood on the course, and start Thanksgiving with the kind of community energy that defines Wash Park.

After crossing the finish line, the Finish Village includes sponsor booths, giveaways, interactive experiences, a Lil’ Gobbler Kids Zone with face painting and photos with Gobbles the Turkey, and a post-race craft beer garden for adults.

Tips: Register as early as possible — waves fill, and the later you register, the fewer time options remain. Packet pickup is at Fleet Feet in Cherry Creek Mall on Sunday November 22 (11 AM–6 PM), Tuesday November 24 (10 AM–6 PM), Wednesday November 25 (10 AM–2 PM), or on Thanksgiving morning starting at 7:30 AM at South High School. November weather in Denver is unpredictable — it could be 50 degrees and sunny or 20 degrees with snow. Dress in layers you can shed. Parking near South High School fills quickly; plan to arrive early or have someone drop you off.

Register: raceroster.com (search “Mile High United Way Turkey Trot 2026”)

Winter Events and Off-Season Activities

South Gaylord Winter Market

After the farmers market wraps in November, South Gaylord Street picks up with a seasonal winter market on select weekends through December. The winter market is smaller and holiday-focused — gifts, baked goods, holiday decorations, and seasonal prepared foods. Check the South Gaylord Street Merchants Association for current dates.

Winter in the Park

Washington Park doesn’t shut down in winter — it shifts. The 2.6-mile loop remains active with winter runners year-round. Snow transforms the open meadows into cross-country skiing terrain. Smith Lake occasionally freezes, though ice conditions are unreliable and skating is not officially sanctioned. The Washington Park Recreation Center operates its full indoor schedule throughout winter, including the heated pool, fitness center, and programming.

For how Washington Park homeowners prepare their historic homes for Denver’s volatile winters, see our winter home maintenance checklist and our preventing frozen pipes guide.

Who Organizes Events at Washington Park

Several organizations drive the event calendar at Washington Park. Knowing who they are helps you stay informed about dates, volunteer opportunities, and new events as they’re announced.

Washington Park East Neighborhood Association (WPENA) — wpena.org — organizes the Fourth of July celebration, the annual home tour and street fair, neighborhood cleanups, and community meetings. WPENA is the primary voice for East Wash Park residents on neighborhood issues.

Friends and Neighbors of Washington Park (FANS) — fanswashingtonpark.org — focuses on park stewardship, educational events, tree plantings, and advocacy for park maintenance and improvements. FANS hosts Audubon Society bird walks, lectures on native plants, and other educational programming in the park.

South Pearl Street Merchants Association — southpearlstreet.com — manages the Sunday farmers market, the winter market, and commercial corridor events along South Pearl Street.

Mile High United Way — unitedwaydenver.org — organizes the Turkey Trot, which has been a Washington Park Thanksgiving tradition since 1973.

Humane Colorado — humanecolorado.org — organizes the Furry Scurry, the annual two-mile dog walk and festival that has been held at Washington Park since 1994.

Follow these organizations for the most current event information. Dates occasionally shift, new events are added, and weather in Colorado can alter plans on short notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What events happen at Washington Park Denver?

Major annual events at Washington Park include the Furry Scurry dog walk in May, the South Pearl Street Farmers Market every Sunday from May through November, the Fourth of July neighborhood celebration at the boathouse, the Wash Park Home Tour and Street Fair in September, and the Mile High United Way Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. The park also hosts community events organized by FANS and WPENA throughout the year.

When is the Washington Park Turkey Trot 2026?

The 53rd Mile High United Way Turkey Trot is Thursday, November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day). Corrals open at 8:15 AM and the first wave starts at 9 AM. The four-mile course starts at South High School. Register at raceroster.com.

When is the Furry Scurry 2026?

The 33rd annual Furry Scurry is Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Washington Park. The two-mile dog walk starts at 9 AM, with the festival continuing until noon. Registration ranges from $50 to $65 depending on when you sign up. Register at humanecolorado.org.

When is the Washington Park farmers market?

The South Pearl Street Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM, approximately May 3 through November 8, 2026. The market is located on South Pearl Street between East Iowa and East Arkansas avenues on the southwest edge of Washington Park. Entry is free.

Is there a Fourth of July event at Washington Park?

Yes. The Washington Park East Neighborhood Association hosts an annual Fourth of July celebration at the historic boathouse pavilion on Smith Lake from 11 AM to 1 PM. The event includes a children’s parade at noon with decorated bikes, trikes, and wagons. It is free and open to all. Bring your own picnic. Note: this is a daytime celebration, not a fireworks event.

How do I stay updated on Washington Park events?

Follow the Washington Park East Neighborhood Association at wpena.org, Friends and Neighbors of Washington Park at fanswashingtonpark.org, and the South Pearl Street Merchants Association at southpearlstreet.com. These three organizations coordinate the majority of events at and around Washington Park.

The Events That Define the Neighborhood

Washington Park’s event calendar tells you what kind of neighborhood this is better than any real estate listing can. A 53-year-old Turkey Trot that draws 9,000 people. A 33-year-old charity dog walk. A 25-year-old farmers market. A neighborhood-organized Fourth of July with a children’s bicycle parade. These aren’t events that a city government programs into a park — they’re traditions that a community built over decades because the people who live here care about the place where they live.

That community investment is part of what makes Washington Park property so consistently valuable. The homes are historic, the park is spectacular, and the calendar is full. For the complete picture of what living here looks like, see our complete Washington Park Denver guide. For all the daily activities available at the park beyond the event calendar, see our things to do at Washington Park guide.

Washington Park’s historic homes require more maintenance than newer construction, especially through Denver’s demanding seasonal cycle. Willow Home provides home concierge services for Denver’s luxury neighborhoods so that homeowners can spend their Thanksgiving mornings on the Turkey Trot course and their Sunday mornings at the farmers market — not coordinating contractors. See how Willow works to learn more.