Ballpark Collective RNO, the registered neighborhood organization in Denver’s Ballpark District, and its partners program a series of community events. The area lacks public parks/community gathering space and the city does not own property that can be converted to public space.

In Summer 2017, the RNO began promoting community events to support The Square on 21st pop-up park project and partnered with the City of Denver, Parks and Rec, Public Works, Downtown Denver Partnership, Community Planning and Development, and other partners. The goal of the pop-up park was to test closing a public street and converting it into a community space. This demonstration is a part of the larger vision to upgrade 21st Street from Blake Street to Tremont Place and fully or partially close the three blocks between Blake and Lawrence to create a permanent public space. Learn more at: 5280 Loop.

The Square on 21st project won a community engagement award due in part to the series of 15 events that the Ballpark Collective programmed on the block including singers, DJs, Lucha Libre-style wrestling, movies nights, dueling pianos, salsa lessons, and the popular Silent Disco Street Parties.  Ballpark Collective is planning a series of weekend closures and possibly a longer summer closure to continue to program, test, raise money, and build support for the project.

In Summer-Fall 2018, the RNO promoted Silent Disco Street Parties and other community events to continue to build momentum for creating public space.

In March 2019, Irishfest Denver was launched to provide a community festival during the weekend of the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Goals were to provide a multi generational festival style event where parade goers could join the community to stay in the district and enjoy local offerings. The weekend was a success with over 10,000 people enjoying a beautiful Colorado weekend.

In March 2020, the RNO planned to double the festival into a two block event and projected attendance of 25,000+. The event followed the lead of the parade, advice of the city, and sadly canceled two days prior because of the public health concern at the start off the COVID pandemic shutdowns.

In July 2021, the RNO collaborated with the City of Denver to close four blocks on Larimer and 21st St to produce the Stars and Stripes Streetfest and for local businesses to expand their operations during the MLB All-Star festivities. 

In August 2024, the RNO introduced the Colorado Cornhole Classic and festival that brought together local celebrities, politicians, community leaders, and neighbors in a friendly cornhole competition.

The mission of Ballpark Collective RNO is to make the area fun for everyone! Please join us and support this grassroots community building effort to activate Denver’s Ballpark District and Downtown Denver to be a world class destination for all.

EXPLORE THE OTHER EVENTS & SPECIAL ACTIVITIES HAPPENING IN THE BALLPARK DISTRICT

The Ballpark District is a thriving entertainment district and is the center of activity for St. Patrick’s weekend.

Our goal is to offer a diverse community-oriented addition to the existing festivities in the district. Our focus is to highlight the best of the district and to promote all activities in the area.

Irishfest Denver is seeking additional sponsors and partners to participate in this community event.

Contact us if you are interested in becoming a part of the festivities.