People dancing under neon lights at Disco Pig Denver nightclub
People dancing under neon lights at Disco Pig Denver nightclub

Best Places to Dance in Denver: Your Ultimate Guide to Mile High City Nightlife

Denver, a city celebrated for its breathtaking mountain views and outdoor adventures, also boasts a vibrant and diverse dance scene. Beyond the hiking trails and craft breweries, Denverites know how to let loose and groove, with a plethora of venues catering to every dance style and musical taste. Whether you’re seeking a high-energy nightclub, a cozy Latin dance hall, or a down-to-earth country bar, Denver’s dance floors are calling. Forget navigating crowded, cliché clubs – we’ve curated a guide to the best Places To Dance In Denver, ensuring your nights are filled with rhythm and unforgettable moments.

Top Dance Venues in Denver: Find Your Perfect Beat

Denver’s nightlife pulses with energy, and its dance venues are at the heart of it. From underground clubs to lively bars, here’s your guide to the hottest spots to dance the night away in Denver.

Milk Bar: An Underground Labyrinth of Sound

Nestled beneath Bar Standard in the historic Jonas Furs Building, Milk Bar in the Golden Triangle neighborhood is a hidden gem for electronic music enthusiasts. Entering through a back-alley entrance, you’ll discover a maze of rooms, each pulsating with different genres. Get lost in the house, techno, or trap beats of the Red Room, or explore the retro vibes and indie tunes in the monochromatic Milk Room. Milk Bar offers an eclectic mix, including darkwave electro, synth-pop, goth, and industrial sounds on Wednesdays, guaranteeing a chest-thumping, all-night dance experience.

1037 Broadway; Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 p.m.–2 a.m.

La Rumba: Spice Up Your Night with Latin Rhythms

For a taste of Latin flavor and fiery dance moves, La Rumba in the Golden Triangle is Denver’s premier Latin dance club. Whether you’re a seasoned salsa pro or a beginner, La Rumba welcomes all levels to its vibrant dance floor. Dive into the passionate world of salsa or the smooth steps of Bachata during their themed dance nights. Arrive early for lessons that cover basic steps, spins, and cross-body turns. Dress to impress – La Rumba enforces a dress code to match the flair of the choreography.

99 W. 9th Ave; Lessons every day of the week 7–9 p.m.; Club nights Thursdays 8 p.m.–1:30 a.m.; Fridays through Sundays 7 p.m.–12:30 a.m.

Disco Pig: Retro Revelry in Larimer Square

People dancing under neon lights at Disco Pig Denver nightclubPeople dancing under neon lights at Disco Pig Denver nightclub

Image alt text: Lively dance floor at Disco Pig Denver, a retro nightclub with neon signs and disco balls, perfect for 70s themed dancing.

Step into a time machine at Disco Pig in Downtown Denver’s Larimer Square. This retro-themed bar, opened by Ruckus Hospitality, known for its holiday pop-up bars, delivers a nostalgic night of disco balls, DJs spinning classic tunes, and boozy drinks. The alleyway entrance adds a speakeasy touch, leading to a light-up dance floor, arcade games, and Instagram-worthy neon signs reminiscent of the 1970s. Disco Pig promises a night of non-stop dancing for you and your friends.

1414 Larimer St., Friday and Saturday 9 p.m.—2 a.m.

The Grizzly Rose: Denver’s Honky-Tonk Heart

Embrace your inner cowboy or cowgirl at The Grizzly Rose, a sprawling 40,000-square-foot venue in North Denver and one of the city’s last true honky-tonks. This is the place for a quintessential country experience, complete with line dancing, a mechanical bull, and billiards. Wednesday nights are dedicated to free dance lessons, perfect for learning the basics. More experienced dancers can explore advanced classes in country swing and two-step. Friday nights feature live concerts, and Sundays are family night, where kids 10 and under get in free.

5450 Lincoln St.; Wednesdays and Sundays 6 p.m.–midnight; Thursday through Saturday 6 p.m.–2 a.m.

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox: Gastropub Grooves with a Storied Past

Interior view of Ophelia's Electric Soapbox Denver, a multilevel music venue and restaurant with a unique historyInterior view of Ophelia's Electric Soapbox Denver, a multilevel music venue and restaurant with a unique history

Image alt text: Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox interior, showcasing a historic Denver venue with multiple levels, stage lighting, and a vibrant atmosphere for dining and dancing.

Located near Coors Field in Downtown Denver, Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox is a unique gastropub and music venue housed in a historic Victorian brownstone. Once a brothel and peep show venue in the 19th century, Ophelia’s now offers delicious dining, intimate live music, and energetic dance nights. Enjoy themed nights ranging from disco to 80s/90s throwbacks and Beyoncé vs. Rihanna battles. Following renovations, Ophelia’s boasts an expanded dance floor, providing even more space to move to the music.

1215 20th St.; hours vary; find lineups and more information online.

Lip Gloss: Indie Dance Beats for the Discerning Ear

Tired of the same old club hits? Lip Gloss, Denver’s long-running indie dance party, offers a refreshing alternative. Created by local DJ Michael Trundle (Boyhollow), Lip Gloss is a haven for music lovers seeking unique and alternative sounds. Held monthly at Ophelia’s, this dance night features carefully curated playlists of indie gems and guilty pleasures often overlooked in typical clubs. Expect to hear artists like Crystal Castles and Toro y Moi, perfect for those who appreciate a more eclectic musical landscape.

1215 20th Street; Times and ticket prices vary

The Stampede: Boot Scootin’ Boogie in Aurora

Line dancers on the wooden dance floor at The Stampede in Denver, a popular country and western dance clubLine dancers on the wooden dance floor at The Stampede in Denver, a popular country and western dance club

Image alt text: Energetic line dancing at The Stampede Denver, featuring a large wooden dance floor filled with people enjoying country western dancing.

Head to Aurora for The Stampede, a 30-year-old institution for country and Western dancing. Wednesdays are “Western Ladies’ Night,” with free drinks for cowgirls until 11 p.m. and line dancing lessons led by instructor Laurie Burkhardt. Learn the Two-Step, Cowboy Cha Cha, and other classic line dances. Monday nights switch to modern swing, and special events like Latin American cumbia nights add to the diverse dance offerings.

2430 S. Havana St., Aurora; Hours and cover charges vary; Find more information online.

Beacon: Artistic Ambiance and Modern Beats

For a more upscale dance experience, Beacon in Five Points offers a stylish and artistic atmosphere. This RiNo bar features seven uniquely themed spaces created by over 20 visual artists. Enjoy drinks amidst LED orbs in the Portal or relax in the beehive-inspired Hive Mind room. The dance floor, set beneath a moving cloud-like ceiling, provides a sophisticated setting to enjoy modern beats and electronic music. Beacon is a departure from typical dive bars, offering a classy take on Denver’s dance scene.

2854 Larimer St., Hours vary

X Bar: LGBTQ+ Friendly Fun and Lively Drag

Crowd dancing and drinking at X Bar Denver, a welcoming LGBTQ+ bar with a vibrant nightlifeCrowd dancing and drinking at X Bar Denver, a welcoming LGBTQ+ bar with a vibrant nightlife

Image alt text: Lively crowd enjoying drinks and dancing at X Bar in Denver, an LGBTQ+ friendly bar known for its welcoming atmosphere and energetic events.

X Bar in North Capitol Hill is a vibrant and welcoming LGBTQ+ hangout that’s become a Denver staple. Thursday nights are a highlight, featuring a weekly lip sync contest hosted by local drag queens Bethany and Tiffany, with a $100 cash prize for the best performer. Beyond drag nights, X Bar hosts various events, creating a fun and inclusive space to dance and socialize.

629 E. Colfax Ave.; 3 p.m.—2 a.m.

Mercury Cafe: Eclectic Dance and Community Vibes

Mercury Cafe in Downtown Denver, open since 1990, is an iconic venue known for its food, concerts, and diverse events. Dance is a central part of the Mercury Cafe experience, offering Charleston lessons on Sundays, Brazilian dance classes on Mondays, and swing dance lessons followed by social dancing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For a daytime dance option, check out the AM Frequencies morning dance party. They even host baby raves, proving dance is for all ages at the Mercury Cafe.

2199 California St., Hours vary

Conclusion: Denver’s Dance Scene Awaits

From underground electronic clubs to Latin dance halls and country honky-tonks, Denver offers a diverse and exciting array of places to dance. No matter your style or musical preference, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to move your feet and experience Denver’s vibrant nightlife. So put on your dancing shoes and explore the rhythm of the Mile High City!

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