Things to Do in Wheat Ridge
Denver's closest suburb — 6 miles, small-town feel
Dining & Nightlife
- Restaurant Count
- 40+
- Breweries & Taprooms
- 8+ (Brewery Rickoli, Colorado Plus, Mestizo, Lyric, Blind Dog, Blue Tape, Half 'Stache, Live Slow)
- Coffee Shops
- Moderate — cafes along 38th Ave corridor
- Farmers Market
- Carnation Festival food vendors (August). Nearby Lakewood and Arvada farmers markets.
- Food Trucks
- Regular presence at breweries along 38th Ave
Notable Restaurants
- Colorado Plus Brew Pub (scratch kitchen, 56 all-Colorado taps, since 2013)
- Mestizo Brew Cantina (Latin American cuisine + craft beer on 38th Ave)
- Little Brazil (cocktails and Brazilian cuisine, 38th Ave)
- Stylus & Crate (38th Ave corridor dining)
Arts & Entertainment
- Community Center
- Wheat Ridge Recreation Center — fitness, classes, community events
- Museums
- Wheat Ridge Historical Society — local history exhibits
- Public Art
- Growing collection along 38th Ave corridor
Annual Events
- Carnation Festival (August — 56-year tradition, parade, live music, fine art show, chili cook-off)
- Performances in the Park (summer concert series at Anderson Park)
- Wheat Ridge Art League exhibitions
Parks & Outdoors
- Clear Creek Trail to Golden — 7 miles of paved path
- Gold panning at Arapahoe Bar on Clear Creek
- Prospect Park
- Anderson Park — summer concerts
Pet-Friendly Living
- Off-Leash Dog Parks
- Fruitdale Park Dog Park (2 acres, fenced, separate small/large dog areas, free entry)
- Pet-Friendly Trails
- Clear Creek Trail (7 mi, dogs on leash), Prospect Park, Anderson Park
- Vet Clinics
- Clear Creek Animal Hospital, Wadsworth Animal Hospital, Second Chances Veterinary Care, West Denver Veterinary Hospital, Westridge Veterinary Hospital (since 1978), CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets
- Pet Stores
- Local pet supply shops. PetSmart and Petco nearby in Lakewood/Arvada.
- Dog-Friendly Patios
- Most 38th Ave breweries welcome dogs on patios
FAQ — Wheat Ridge
What are the school ratings in Wheat Ridge?
Wheat Ridge is served by Jefferson County School District R-1, rated A− by Niche and ranked #22 in Colorado. Wheat Ridge High School holds a B+ grade and ranks #125 statewide, with strong soccer and arts programs. Golden View Classical Academy is an A−-rated charter school ranking #80 in Colorado. D’Evelyn High School, ranked #4 in Colorado, is available to all Jeffco residents by application. District boundaries are complex — verify enrollment eligibility by address.
What outdoor recreation is available in Wheat Ridge?
The Clear Creek Trail runs 7 miles of paved path from Wheat Ridge to Golden, forming part of a National Recreation Trail. Gold panning is available at Arapahoe Bar on Clear Creek. Prospect Park offers green space and a lake, while Anderson Park hosts summer concert series. The trail connects to the broader metro-wide trail network.
What dining options are available in Wheat Ridge?
Wheat Ridge has 40+ restaurants, many concentrated along the 38th Avenue corridor. Notable options include: • Colorado Plus Brew Pub — scratch kitchen with 56 all-Colorado taps, operating since 2013 • Mestizo Brew Cantina — Latin American cuisine and craft beer on 38th Avenue • Little Brazil — cocktails and Brazilian cuisine on 38th Avenue • Stylus & Crate — 38th Avenue corridor dining The city boasts 8+ breweries and taprooms including Brewery Rickoli, Lyric, Blind Dog, Blue Tape, Half ’Stache, and Live Slow. Food trucks rotate regularly at breweries along 38th Avenue.