Doors Open Denver 2025 celebrates the interrelated built and natural environments of Denver over a long weekend filled with 120 events and activations. This year’s event will offer a rich mix of programming that makes it easy to explore iconic architecture, meet the people behind the buildings, and engage in forward-thinking conversations about the intersection of design and nature, and the importance of both to our quality of life.

“Doors Open Denver will once again fill the city with curiosity, energy, and connection,” said Meg Touborg, president and CEO of Denver Architecture Foundation. “In just one long weekend, you can tour hidden gems, hear from visionary designers, and experience our city from fresh and inspiring perspectives. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to Denver, this festival will deepen your love for the city’s architecture and natural beauty.”

The festival will be anchored on September 25 by an original keynote lecture from Susannah Drake FAIA , FASLA, an award-winning architect, landscape architect, educator, and author. A reception and book signing will follow. Susannah’s most recent publication “Sponge Park: Gowanus Canal” (University of Chicago Press, 2024) will be available for purchase before or after the lecture. Later that evening, celebrate the life, legacy, and former residence of renowned Denver urban preservationist Dana Crawford. Doors open to the Harry C. James Residence — the historic house Dana cherished and where she raised her family — for an intimate evening of cocktails, live jazz music, conversation, and camaraderie. Mingle with Denver’s leaders in architecture, preservation, urban development, and planning amid the mahogany-and-marble interiors of this exquisite Italian Renaissance mansion. 

On Friday, September 26, enjoy open sites and guided tours including open houses called On the Boards at 22 acclaimed architecture and design offices! That evening, take in spectacular city and mountain views at an Evening of Elevation, a rooftop celebration in honor of Doors Open Denver at One River North. Enjoy a night of music, local flavors, and panoramic views as the sun sets over the front range, celebrating the people and places that elevate daily life through design. Raise a glass to community and creativity. One River North opened in 2024 as a mixed-use development in the River North Art District (RiNo), designed by MAD Architects in collaboration with Davis Partnership. The luxury residential building includes a canyon inspired by natural terrain carved into the 16-story glass facade, a vertical landscape for residents to wander as if hiking in the mountains.

Saturday, September 27 begins with an author’s lecture from principals John Rowland, AIA and Sarah Broughton, FAIA of Rowland+Broughton as they present ten of their remarkable residential projects set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. John and Sarah will share their inside stories of how they bring creativity and collaboration together with professional expertise in urban design and historic preservation to reveal the deeper connections between people, place, and purpose. Designing Aspen: The Houses of Rowland+Broughton (Princeton Architectural Press, 2024) will be available for sale and for personalization during the reception.

Then later in the day and on Sunday, September 28 enjoy more open sites and guided tours to explore Denver. 

Doors Open Denver is the signature event of the Denver Architecture Foundation, a non profit educational organization dedicated to encouraging exploration of the city through tours and special events and a special K-8 youth education program. Since 2024, Meg Touborg has led the Denver Architecture Foundation with a renewed and reinvigorated vision and slate of programming. Prior to this role, Meg’s career included founding Metworks Inc., a business development consultancy for the design industry, and co-founding the Leaders of Design Council. She also served as CEO of Rose Tarlow Melrose House. Today, she lives in Denver, Colorado and Taos, New Mexico and serves on the Board of Colorado Preservation Inc.