We can’t get enough of our charming and vibrant downtown Arvada area. Olde Town Arvada features an RTD Light Rail Station, unique locally-owned shops and galleries, ice cream shops, community hubs, and so much more. If you plan to travel to Arvada or hope to make it your new home, you’ll find a variety of activities to help you get to know the community we call home.
Where is Olde Town Arvada, Colorado?
Olde Town is the heart of Arvada. Officially, the area of Olde Town is comprised of the downtown city blocks east to west between Yukon Street and Wadsworth Bypass, bordered on the north side by Ralston Rd and to the south by Grandview and the adjacent Light Rail and cargo train tracks.
Known for its vibrant community calendar of events and festivals, award-winning restaurants, and a variety of unique gift shops, Olde Town Arvada is a welcome reprieve for folks looking for a quieter downtown day.
Recently, the City of Arvada implemented a number of changes to downtown Arvada by creating landscaped road closures to ensure pedestrian safety along Grandview Blvd and a portion of Olde Wadsworth Blvd. This has opened up opportunities for restaurants and shops to create dining patios and sidewalk shopping areas.
What are some things to do in Olde Town Arvada?
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are twenty-five of my family’s favorites!
- Paint a ceramic masterpiece at Into the Fire
One of our absolute faves! Great for date night or a day out with the kids, simply pop in, listen to the instructional chat, and begin painting your chosen ceramic. Prices vary by piece. Give them a week or so to fire your piece and return to pick it up and take it home. Into the Fire even offers kits to paint at home!
Note: During school breaks and holidays, painting appointments book up quickly, so be sure to give the studio a call at least one week in advance of when you would like to paint and decorate your ceramics!
- Visit McIlvoy Park
A must-stop for families with children of all ages, the newly renovated playground at McIlvoy Park can’t be beat. We count ourselves lucky to have this brand-new structure so close to home, and we never end a day in Olde Town without stopping by to play.
For folks looking for a quiet walk, grounds for a picnic, or a place to throw your Frisbee, the park also has a large green area that’s well-maintained. Note: There are no bathrooms on site, so plan ahead!
- Participate in Art Drop Arvada
If you happen to be in Olde Town the first Friday of every month, don’t miss our favorite local event! Follow Art Drop Arvada on Instagram, and refresh their profile page to see a story pop up right at 6:00 pm. You’ll see a picture clue of a location in Olde Town where a one-of-a-kind piece of art from a local Arvada artist is hidden from view!
If you’re lucky enough to be the first to the site and find some art, be sure to snap a photo and tag @ArtDropArvada on Instagram to share the love.
- Grab a sweet treat at Scrumptious
Come be a kid in a candy store! Scrumptious on Grandview Ave has unbeatable homemade ice cream and serves up a huge variety of sweets and treats for all ages. If you can’t get enough of the Scrumptious ice cream and want to book their truck for your next event, you can!
- Melt your stress away with a massage
Visit one of our renowned massage therapists in Olde Town Arvada.
Eli Ashby Healing Arts Center Arvada
Olde Town Arvada Wellness Collective
- Visit the Olde Town Arvada Library
Our favorite branch of the Jefferson County Public Library, the Olde Town Arvada Library has friendly and awesome librarians, a fun children’s section with a train track, dollhouse, mini-kitchen, and more, and a thriving adult and teen collection. With printers, computers, and free Wi-Fi, as well as two bookable study rooms, the library is a welcome haven from the cold of winter or the heat and hustle and bustle of summer days.
- Attend a drop-in class at Gray Yoga
Our new yoga studio is conveniently located right on Grandview! Book a class at MindBody.
- Listen to live music at the Bluegrass Coffee and Bourbon Lounge
Self-described as a place with “a taste of Kentucky, a touch of Colorado, and a whole lot of Southern comfort,” Bluegrass is the perfect spot to sip and groove while you munch on a specialty pizza. (And don’t leave without sampling the cinnamon sugar zeppolis with a side of caramel!)
View the Bluegrass Lounge menu and event schedule.
- Fill your passport on the Taco Tour
Yup, you read that right. Make a night of it and stop at each of our local taco joints, and if you’re visiting during the summer months, be sure to stamp your Taco Passport after each round of carnitas or tacos al pastor.
Olde Town Arvada Taco Restaurants: Cheapskates, Cochino Taco, Fuzzy’s, The Grandview Tavern, Lady Nomada (our fave!), New Image Brewing, School House Kitchen and Libations, Smokin Fins, So Radish, and Teocalli (don’t skip the margarita!).
- Get a haircut at one of Olde Town Arvada’s Barbershops or Beauty Salons
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week—or looking to find a new home in Arvada—you may need to know where to find the best barber and beauty salons. We’ve got plenty of vibes and styles to choose from!
- Catch a game of footy with some fish and chips
While not technically within the boundaries of Olde Town Arvada, we can’t leave our favorite fish and chips joint off the list, and the ten-minute walk is well worth it. GB Fish ‘N Chips is a fantastic place to catch a game of football (AKA soccer—you won’t see any helmets here!).
- Gather your friends for a wine tasting at Silver Vines Winery
Enough said. Order a flight or a glass and watch the world go by. Our favorite is the Valhalla red.
Check the events calendar for the next Singles Night or live musical performance!
- Peruse the local Olde Town Arvada Art Galleries
The local art culture is alive and well here in Olde Town! Visit our art galleries to find your inspiration—or your next piece of home decor.
- Indulge in a sweet pastry at Rheinlander Bakery
Don’t be alarmed if you need to take a number if you’re visiting on a summer Saturday morning! Rheinlander Bakery in Olde Town Arvada is renowned in the area for its European-inspired treats, including cakes, cupcakes, cookies, coffee cakes, and so much more. We especially appreciate the huge variety of sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options.
- Sip world-class bourbon for Happy Hour at School House Kitchen and Libations
We went to School House for the poutine; we stayed for the drinks. With over 2,000 whiskeys, 50+ beers, and wine galore, if alcohol is in the cards for your evening, you’ve found your spot.
- Catch a cultural show at Arvada Winterfest
For cultural performances, live ice sculpting, a beer garden to quench your thirst, and plenty of food trucks, head to Arvada Winterfest at McIlvoy Park. Don’t forget to bundle up!
2024 Arvada Winterfest Details: Saturday, February 24, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at McIlvoy Park
- Enjoy a freshly brewed cuppa at one of our local coffee shops
If you ask us to name the best coffee shop in Olde Town Arvada, we won’t do it! Both Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters and La Dolce Vita Coffee House have delicious beverages to stay or to go. We love Hunter Bay for the location and people-watching, while family-owned and operated La Dolce Vita has a more familiar and cozy vibe. You can’t go wrong!
- Catch a movie at Harkins Theaters Arvada 14
Your standard neighborhood movie theater. Take home a giant bag of popcorn for a stay-in movie night, or pop into the theater and enjoy.
- Tour the historic McIlvoy House
Home to the Arvada Historical Society, the McIlvoy House is open for tours every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Tour the historic Arvada Flour Mill
Your tour guide takes you through the mill while sharing about the history of the area, the milling process, and the machinery.
Tours are by donation and provided by the Arvada Historical Society; call 303-431-1261 to book your visit.
- Put your knowledge on display at pub trivia night at Denver Beer Co
Join the locals for a Geeks Who Drink trivia night and some delicious brews at Denver Beer Company every Thursday at 8:00 pm. Trivia lasts about two hours. (If you see a team name related to a song from the musical Chicago, there’s a chance you may have spotted hubby and me in the wild!)
- Visit Grandview Ave and Olde Wadsworth Blvd for shopping and a stroll
We have a number of unique gift shops and stores in Olde Town.
Grandview Ave.
Carly’s Boutique
Balefire Goods
Penzey’s Spices
Super Zoom Bang Bang
Olde Wadsworth Blvd.
Ramah Home
Crystal Joys
Sock.
Adiluna Boutique
- Enjoy the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Held in the streets of Olde Town, visit 70+ vendors, food trucks, the kids’ zone, and, of course, adult beverages. Admission is free!
2024 Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival Details: March 16 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Dance along to the live band on parade at the Annual Mardi Gras Festival
The 2024 Mardi Gras parade kicks off in front of Carly’s Boutique on Grandview Ave. at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 13th. Vendors and shops will be offering exclusive food and drink specials.
- Top your high score at Secret Level Arcade
New to the Olde Town Arvada scene, Secret Level Arcade is the “raddest spot in town,” serving up a limited yet yummy bar-style menu with classic pinball and arcade games.
Join the pinball league, show your stuff at the weekly Monday night trivia, or sing your heart out at a Karaoke and Arcade party.
Ready to venture outside Olde Town and need more ideas of things to do in the greater Arvada, Colorado area? Check out our list of 50 things to do in Arvada!
Hi there! I'm Carly.
We love to travel, explore, and meet new people, so we're here to help you find the best Arvada has to offer!
— Carly