City Park

Planning a race at City Park? Below you will find park details, the events held here, and upcoming events. Reserve the City Park Pavilion through Denver Parks →

Venue Overview

City Park is Denver’s largest park at about 330 acres, bounded by York Street, 17th Avenue, Colorado Boulevard and 23rd Avenue just east of downtown. It is one of the most popular running race and 5K venues in Denver: park roads and paths loop past Ferril Lake, the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Races run here through the year, from Halloween and Thanksgiving runs to charity 5Ks, and the historic pavilion on Ferril Lake gives organizers a natural start, finish and gathering point.

About the Park

• About 330 acres, the largest park in Denver
• Ferril Lake, home of the Prismatic Fountain (1908), and Duck Lake
• Historic City Park Pavilion on Ferril Lake, rented for events through Denver Parks and Recreation
• Paddle boat rentals on the lake, including pelican and duck novelty boats
• Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science inside the park
• City Park Golf Course immediately to the north
• Managed by Denver Parks and Recreation

History

Colorado’s 1878 state legislation allowed Denver to acquire land for parks, and construction of City Park began in 1886. The Spanish-style boat pavilion was designed by architects John Humphreys and William Fisher, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science opened its first wing to the public in 1908. City Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 17, 1986, as part of the Denver Park and Parkway System.

The Course and Trails

Race courses at City Park use the park’s roads and paths, looping around Ferril Lake and past the zoo and museum. Exact routes vary by race, so check each organizer’s course map.

Events Held Here

• Ghosts and Goblins 5K/10K: a Halloween costume race in late October.
• Pumpkin Pie 5K/10K: a pre-Thanksgiving race in November.
• Feet for Justice Run: a charity run each November, in person or virtual.
• Charity 5Ks and fun runs: nonprofit runs and walks throughout the year, plus a free summer concert series in the park.

Upcoming events at this venue are listed below.

Food, Drink & Amenities

• Paddle boat rentals on Ferril Lake in season
• The City Park Pavilion for rentals and event staging

Private Events & Groups

The City Park Pavilion on Ferril Lake is the park’s main rentable event facility, reserved through Denver Parks and Recreation. Races and larger park events need a special event permit from the Denver Parks Permit Office.

Membership or Access

City Park is a free public park open to everyone. Pavilion rentals and race permits are handled by Denver Parks and Recreation.

Contact & Links

• City Park Pavilion rentals, Denver Parks and Recreation
• Ghosts and Goblins 5K/10K at City Park
• Pumpkin Pie 5K/10K at City Park

Permit questions go to the Denver Parks Permit Office at Park.Permits@denvergov.org.

Questions About City Park

What races are held at City Park in Denver?

City Park hosts the Ghosts and Goblins 5K/10K in late October, the Pumpkin Pie 5K/10K in November and the Feet for Justice Run in November. Charity 5Ks and fun runs are held throughout the year.

Is the City Park race course paved?

Yes, races at City Park mainly use the park’s roads and paths. Routes loop around Ferril Lake and vary by organizer.

How big is City Park?

City Park covers about 330 acres, making it the largest park in Denver. It includes Ferril Lake, Duck Lake, the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Do I need a permit to hold a race at City Park?

Yes, races and large events at City Park need a permit from the Denver Parks Permit Office. Pavilion rentals are booked through Denver Parks and Recreation.

Is the City Park Pavilion historic?

Yes, the City Park Pavilion was designed by architects John Humphreys and William Fisher. City Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Does City Park have tennis courts?

Yes. City Park has public tennis courts, so tennis events and league play can be listed at this venue on CUP alongside its races.

Can I host an event at City Park?

Yes, City Park hosts races, fun runs and charity events with a permit from the Denver Parks Permit Office. The pavilion can be rented for gatherings.

How do I list my event?

You can list your 5K, fun run or charity walk at City Park for free at coloradounderpar.com/submit-event. Once approved, it appears on this venue page.

Planning Your Event Here

Apply for your Denver Parks special event permit early, since fall and spring race weekends are popular. Parking lots and park roads near the pavilion can be restricted during events, so check the city’s park access information. Contact the venue for current pricing and availability.

Hosting an Event at City Park? List It on Colorado Under Par

If you’re organizing a 5K, fun run, trail race or charity walk at City Park, once you have your permit from Denver Parks and Recreation, you can list your event for free on Colorado Under Par, Colorado’s dedicated platform for discovering and promoting golf, pickleball, and sporting events. Getting your event in front of Colorado’s active sports community takes less than five minutes.

List your event here: coloradounderpar.com/submit-event