In a word, it’s a hassle. The Denver Center is home to a variety of different theatre spaces, ranging from the small Garner Galleria to the enormous Buell. If it’s a Friday night and there are multiple shows going on in the theatre complex along with anything happening at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House or the Boettcher Concert Hall, parking can be nothing short of a nightmare.

Here are the options:

Denver Center parking garage

This is by far the closest place to park, but it comes at a price that seems to go up every year. As of this writing in October, 2025, the event price is $17 (hourly rates apply outside showtimes). Compared to parking rates in the area, it’s not too bad — but when you add it to the cost of your ticket, drinks, dinner, etc., it’s yet another add-on to a night at the theatre.

If you do choose to park there, here’s a few things to consider:

  • When parking, try to back in. When the show’s over and everyone’s trying to leave at the same time, this makes it easier to nose into the queue.
  • Try to arrive at least 45 minutes before showtime or, better yet, get there even earlier and have dinner in the area. That will boost your chances of parking on one of the lower levels of the parking structure which, in turn, means you’ll get out faster when the show’s over.
  • If you didn’t get in early enough and it’s a busy night, consider grabbing a drink at one of the many local spots. Delaying departure by 30 minutes will save you the unpleasant experience of circling down the parking structure’s spiral of death.

Convention Center parking structure

This is another horrific, concrete death spiral of a parking garage, but it’s sometimes less busy than the one at the Denver Center. Parking is usually a couple of bucks cheaper as well, and it’s only a few steps to the theatre complex.

On-street parking

This is a pretty big gamble if you’re trying to find a place somewhat close to the theatre while trying to make curtain. On the other hand, if you don’t mind a bit of a walk, you can likely find a spot on the other side of Speer or Colfax in one of the neighborhoods. If you’re a regular theatregoer determined to avoid the DCPA parking situation, consider arriving early some night to scope out an area that you might use on a regular basis. Some of these neighborhoods may be less well-lit at night or have more transient populations, so consider your comfort level.

Parking apps

Apps like Park Whiz or Parkwell offer covered parking near the theatre complex. It may not save you much, but a guaranteed spot likely without a big line in or out isn’t a bad thing to have.

Nearby restaurants and hotels

These are typically valet parking offers for people staying or dining at one of these establishments. You will likely pay more, but it can get you out of the parking melee around the DCPA. A good place to check is on the DCPA website, which has a list of restaurant partners that offer ticket-holders deals on meals and parking.

Uber, Lyft etc.

There’s always this option, which can save you money if you’re relatively close by.