This year marks the 50th anniversary of historic preservation for Larimer Square, Denver’s first and oldest downtown shopping, dining and entertainment district. To celebrate the golden anniversary, Larimer Square is partnering with its retailers and the block’s many notable chefs and restaurateurs to host more than a dozen special events throughout the year.
Planned celebrations include a special Stories from the Square speaker series where Larimer Square will host five panel discussions throughout the year, each focusing on a topic that honors the history of Larimer Square and features business and industry leaders, developers, historians and Denver icons. Larimer Square will also host an official celebration on Aug. 15 to mark this milestone anniversary as well as surprise visitors throughout the year with 50th anniversary commemorative items and special activities.
Signature events include the Dining Al Fresco nights when some of the region’s best chefs celebrate the warm weather of summer and the season’s best produce by serving their guests seated outside in the blocked off street under Larimer Square’s canopy of lights, the annual Denver Chalk Art Festival that draws artists from around the state and around the world to showcase their talents and the return of Le Jardin Secret, the European-style open air market held every Saturday from June 6 through Sept. 26.
“When I took over ownership of this block back in 1993, it was an architecturally beautiful area filled with large, national chain stores,” said Jeff Hermanson, pesident and CEO of Larimer Associates, the company that owns and manages Larimer Square. “In order to create a memorable unreplicated visitor experience, we carefully curated a mix of independent shop owners and chefs that were local artisanal and in many cases, exclusive to Denver. That we’re getting the opportunity to celebrate Larimer Square’s 50th anniversary at a time of rapid expansion is a testament to the success of our growth strategy for the block.”
Featured 2015 special events on Larimer Square include:
St. Jude Glamour & Giving 6 to 10 p.m. today at The Four Seasons Hotel Denver.
- This is the third annual ladies-only event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude Glamour and Giving is an evening of trendy styles showcased on the catwalk by the boutiques of Larimer Square, in-person beauty consultations and makeovers by Matthew Morris Salon and Skincare, Four Seasons cuisine, signature cocktail blends served by liquid chefs, shopping at pop-up boutiques and live and silent auctions. Tickets: www.stjude.org/glamourandgiving.
Le Jardin Secret 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays June 6 through Sept. 26 in the Bistro Vendome courtyard.
- At this French-inspired chefs’ market, foodies can shop for dairy, meat, bread, produce and other goods – all with a mimosa in hand. Carefully selected vendors like Grateful Bread Company, Western Daughters Butcher Shoppe and the Truffle Cheese Shop will sell a variety of ingredients and products specifically curated for the home chef. Top chefs from Euclid Hall, Bonanno Group, Bistro Vendome, Metropolitan State University culinary students and many more will also be demonstrating culinary techniques. Free parking is available on the top levels of the Larimer Square garage (14th and Market streets) during market hours.
13th Annual Denver Chalk Art Festival presented by KURIOS from 5 to 8 p.m. June 5, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 6 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 7.
- More than 200 professional, amateur and student artists return to Larimer Square for the annual Denver Chalk Art Festival with live music, food and beverages while watching Larimer Street become a museum of chalk art over the course of this free interactive art festival.
Dining Al Fresco on Larimer Square beginning at 5 p.m. June 13, July 11 and Aug. 15.
- Join the award-winning restaurants of Larimer Square as they extend their patios into the streets for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Reservations are available through participating restaurants.
Peachy Larimer Square Sidewalk Sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25 and noon to 5 p.m. July 26.
- Larimer Square will host its annual Peachy Sidewalk Sale in July. Savvy shoppers know that they will find deals, up to 75 percent off on clothing accessories and more from more than 20 Larimer Square retail shops. Come early on Friday and get free Colorado peaches while supplies last.
L.E.G. Valet App on Larimer Square summer 2015.
- Valet parking is going to get even easier on Larimer Square this summer with the launch of the L.E.G. Valet App, a user-friendly smartphone app that allows visitors to request their vehicle return with no waiting in line and pay for valet parking in multiple LoDo locations.
The Original Block Party: Celebrate 50 years of Denver’s Most Beautiful Block from 8 p.m. to midnight Aug. 15.
- Celebrate Larimer Square’s 50th at a golden anniversary party with adult games like giant Jenga, putt-putt golf, giant beer pong, a graffiti wall, a photo booth, live music from The Whitfields and In Tandem, a beer garden, food, live art, a commemorative 50th anniversary beer and special suprises.
Larimer Square Speaker Series May through September.
- Hear from industry experts on topics including responsible historic re-development, the history of Larimer Square, experts in deliberate urban planning and more.
Firefighter Chili Cook Off to benefit MDA on Oct. 2.
- It’s going to be hot on Larimer Square as hundreds of Denver firefighters representing dozens of local and national firehouses will compete with their best red and green chili to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Dia de Los Muertos on Oct. 30.
- Join Metro State University, also celebrating its 50th anniversary, on Larimer Square for a display of Mexican flags, sugar skull painting, shopping, dining and more to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos.
Winter Fashion Show Nov. 19 at EDGE Restaurant at The Four Seasons.
- Models will strut the runway wearing the latest winter trends from Larimer Square’s boutiques as guests mix and mingle. Entry is free and open to the public and food and drink will be available for purchase.
Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.
- Shop small and support the independently owned businesses of Larimer Square on Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Yuletide Window Walk from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 5.
- Local artists will transform the windows of the Square’s various boutiques into fine art celebrating the holiday spirit.
For more information on events, go to www.larimersquare.com.
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