DENVER (July 8, 2025) – This summer, Denver is celebrating the newly renovated 16th Street. Just two blocks from the Colorado Convention Center, 16th Street is a mile-long, pedestrian-friendly street offering event organizers and attendees a clean, safe, car-free space lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues, all connected with free, electric transportation.  

The renovated street features wider walkways, vibrant public spaces, expanded restaurant patios, a new tree canopy, seating areas, interactive art and family-friendly play structures. 16th Street's transformation prioritizes walkability, connectivity and community engagement. 

Electric shuttle buses branded as the 16th Street Free Ride provide convenient transit between Denver Union Station, the terminus for Denver's airport rail line, and Civic Center Park with stops on every corner in between. The free, electric shuttles run approximately every five minutes most hours of the day as an alternative way to connect with the 52 downtown hotels and nearly 13,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center.  

“The revitalized 16th Street is a dynamic new centerpiece for Denver's meetings and events scene,” said Lee Ann Benavidez, senior vice president and chief sales and services officer at Visit Denver. “This vibrant, clean, pedestrian-friendly corridor — lined with local restaurants, unique shops and iconic attractions — creates an inviting and safe atmosphere where attendees can recharge, connect and experience the heartbeat of our city. It's more than a street; it's a fresh outdoor extension of the meeting experience. This investment elevates the quality, convenience and excitement we offer our clients in the heart of downtown Denver.” 

Renovations for the $175 million investment began in the spring of 2022 with a goal of improving safety and mobility, addressing deteriorating infrastructure and creating more opportunities for the people who live, work and visit the Mile High City. 

Originally envisioned by the Regional Transportation District and Downtown Denver Partnership in the 1980s to replace congestion and improve quality of life in downtown Denver, 16th Street has long served as a hub for employees, convention attendees, residents and tourists. World-famous architect, I.M Pei designed the street's original granite stone sidewalks and streets to resemble the scale pattern of the western diamondback rattlesnake, which the new design replicates. With the latest upgrades, the street continues to evolve and reaffirms Denver's commitment to sustainability and community connection. 

As a nod to Denver's historical roots, the mile-long street has welcomed back mounted horse patrols with the Denver Police Department. The patrol program has helped keep the area safe and serves as a strong community engagement tool, encouraging pedestrians to safely bond with the horses. 

To celebrate the new 16th Street, The Downtown Denver Partnership will have events all summer and throughout the year, including a beer garden from June through September, Upper DownTUNES, a free live music series Monday through Friday during lunch time and happy hour, Colorado Rockies baseball pregames and more. Check out the complete calendar at summerindenver.com. Beyond 16th Street, Denver has a packed summer event schedule with outdoor movie nights, concerts, art festivals and more. Check out a complete events calendar on the Visit Denver website.  

Visit Denver is thrilled to welcome meetings and conventions this summer, whose attendees will be among the first to enjoy the newly revitalized 16th Street, including: 5,000 attendees of the Barbershop Harmony Society convention, 75,000 attendees of Fan Expo, 5,000 attendees of the Cardinal Health annual conference, 5,500 attendees of the Global Business Travel Association conference and many more. 

Thanks to record-setting bookings and downtown infrastructure improvements on 16th Street, Denver's meetings and conventions industry is on track to generate $980 million in economic impact in 2025, emphasizing its vital role in the city's economy and downtown vibrancy.  

16th Street Fast Facts: 

• 16th Street is approximately 1.25 miles, stretching from Denver Union Station to Civic Center Station 

• 16th Street's urban tree canopy has been expanded to include over 200 trees with a new underground irrigation network 

• There are over 950,000 new granite pavers along the street arranged in patterns inspired by Navajo rugs and the diamondback rattlesnake, paying homage to the original 1982 design by architect I.M. Pei. 

• The Denver Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit includes six members: a sergeant, four mounted officers, a stable master and five horses—Maximus, Maverick, Ollie, Orei and Wylie.