Get your tickets to the Denver-est holiday party this season!
Drumroll please! 🥁 The nominations are in, and we’re excited to announce the finalists for the first ever Denver-est Denver Awards Show on Dec. 18 at The Oriental Theater!
We asked YOU 🫵 to help us determine the best of the best in the Mile High from the past year so we can end 2025 with an epic celebration of the people, places, and things that make living in Denver so amazing. We were bowled over by all the heartfelt nominations and seriously struggled to narrow down the shortlists to five finalists in each of our six different categories. (Preference was given to the highest number of nominations and then the most persuasive testimonials when the raw numbers were close.)
Now it’s your turn again to decide who should get our inaugural batch of Denver-est Denver Awards 👇
Note: You can only vote for one nominee in each category and you can only vote once. But you can send this form to all your friends so they can vote, too! Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 15.
The Most Denver-est Denverite of 2025
A person who this year most embodied the best qualities of a true Denverite — courageous, gritty, and driven to make Denver a better place. They’re a diehard lover of and believer in the Mile High City no matter what.
Democratic Strategist, HD5 Candidate, City Cast Denver’s own Green Chile Correspondent
Why she was nominated: “She has spent her life advocating for the citizens of Denver and trying to make Denver a better place through grassroots work and policymaking. She knows all the hidden gems of Denver, can bridge the gap between Old Denver and New Denver, and absolutely loves her city.”
Content Creator, Community Organizer, HD5 Candidate
Why she was nominated: “Rayna is the true definition of a Denverite. She has a true passion for the city as she uplifts Denver in all aspects of her life. Her community club, Hi Neighbor, has been doing an amazing job over the last two years of bringing people together in shared experiences to make the city less lonely, while also shining a light on specific Denver neighborhoods. … The activist group she started at the beginning of 2025, the Denver Activist Women's Group (DAWG), does amazing work for the community, such as connecting people with nonprofits in the women's rights, community health, and immigration spaces.”
Blake Davis and Caitlin Braun
South Broadway Neighbors
Why they were nominated: “When South Broadway businesses and Lincoln Street residents kept experiencing prolonged and frequent power outages, Blake and Caitlin stood up and asked ‘Why is this happening?’ Because of the pressure and the investigation, City Council didn’t renew Xcel’s contract, and we were told that City Council demanded that Xcel come back when they were serious about doing better. All of that happened because these two neighbors cared enough to do something.”
Executive Director, Ednium
Why he was nominated: “Richard is one of Denver’s greatest educators and is passionate about uplifting its residents. … He empowers young alumni of Denver Public Schools to drive positive change. Richard deeply believes the significance of how authentic community engagement can impact student learning. Also, as the leader of Ednium he has crafted impactful programs and policy platforms that are shaping Colorado’s educational landscape such as passing the first statewide law providing personal finance classes for ALL Colorado children.”
CEO, Green Spaces
Why he was nominated: “Jevon is the future of Denver. After launching a killer clothing line and a nonprofit to bring trees to neighborhoods that need them, he has built Green Spaces into a powerhouse … and he got millions in DDA money to expand his vision on 16th Street. He's on an amazing run and deserves this award for the hard work and vision he's put into making Denver a great place to live.”
Biggest Win of 2025
A moment from the past year that was defining, challenging, and history-making for Denver. An instance where someone(s) took a big swing and knocked it out of the park. A movement, a change, a flat-out win that all Denverites can be proud of!
Why it was nominated: “Denver’s new professional women’s soccer team, the Denver Summit FC, are preparing to take the women's soccer world by storm and have scored some wins already — most notably, having their first home game at Empower Field and moving forward with plans to build a purpose-built women's soccer stadium in Denver.”
Why it was nominated: “We came together as a community to vote this down. All sides — left and right — said no to it, and I think that was a special moment of unity.”
Why it was nominated: “Despite the long journey to get here and however you feel about it, it is going to be awesome to see that space transform into a signature park in our city. I can't wait to see how it unfolds!”
Why it was nominated: “This was the biggest win of 2025 because it showed the power of organized workers standing up for better schools, better conditions, and a better future for Denver kids. It was bold, history-making, and a reminder that when educators move together, the whole city moves with them.”
Why it was nominated: “This is a big win for preserving independent and old venues! Big, big win for preserving that historical space and turning it into something new.”
Best Artist of 2025
A visual artist, musician, photographer, performer, writer, or any other type of multimedia creative who this year contributed to Denver's culture and daily life through their art.
Why he was nominated: “His piece ‘It's Not What You Take It's What You Bring Back,’ at the airport is incredible, along with his other artworks across the city. His pieces evoke a pride in Denver, and his colors lift up the areas where they exist.
Why she was nominated: “She’s a Denver middle school teacher, artist, and the jersey artist for Avalanche Hispanic history month.”
Why she was nominated: “She had a phenomenal exhibit at History Colorado and made headlines for a piece of art so provocative that it got her kicked off a contract with the city of Vail.”
Why she was nominated: “As a queer Vietnamese-American filmmaker raised by refugee parents, Hannah brings a rare blend of lived experience, artistic vision, and cultural responsibility to every project she touches. Her commitment to cultural preservation, identity-based storytelling, and elevating historically marginalized narratives makes her not only a remarkable filmmaker, but a vital force in Denver’s arts and cultural scene. She is, simply put, one of Denver’s most powerful and necessary storytellers.”
Why she was nominated: “Her talent for performance and comedy speaks for itself, but what many people don’t know about her is how much love and effort goes into maintaining the theater and providing that same opportunity to students. The art of fostering creativity within one’s community is a crucial contribution to the culture, and there is no one in town doing it quite like Amey.”
Best Neighborhood/Street of 2025
A place with a strong sense of community and a unique identity that serves as a microcosm of what makes Denver great!
Why it was nominated: “Despite the BRT construction, people keep showing up to support businesses, opening businesses in this area, and wanting to move here. It's got charm and grit. It's got late-night pizza and some music venues that bring a boogie to Denver.”
Why it was nominated: “This street is the BEST street in Denver, with its seasonal festivals, incredible local businesses, and top food. It’s my go-to place on a weekend to enjoy a sunny day.”
Why it was nominated: “Everyone who lives here loves it. … It's a great place to wander around shopping on weekends, to go to mid-week shows, for large group parties, or to just hang out with that friend you haven't seen in a while. Plus it is on one of RTD's most reliable bus lines (the 0), and has one of the newer and smaller (but excellent) neighborhood associations. Oh, and the Halloween parade!”
Why it was nominated: “For three square miles, this neighborhood has the most involved, caring, and kind residents I have ever experienced. Our folks have 2 RNOs, we have free live music in the park, we donate our time, talent, and treasures to a wide variety of charities and nonprofits throughout the year. We have our own litter team — volunteers who walk the streets and parks picking up. We have an ice rink and soccer fields and tennis/pickleball courts and a sweet little rec center.”
Why it was nominated: “It is ideally situated close to downtown with great views of the skyline, has one of the best parks in Denver (Huston Lake) with stellar views of the mountains, and is directly adjacent to the South Platte River trail for easy access north and south. Our neighbors are kind and look out for each other and it has a robust and engaged RNO. … It is situated perfectly between Alameda and Federal with close proximity to some of Denver. … Athmar Park has been known as ‘The Best Little Known Neighborhood in Denver,’ and I couldn't agree more!”
Best Bar/Restaurant of 2025
Good food, good service, good atmosphere — all the things that make you want to eat more, have another round, stay a little longer, and be a regular. Who had it all this year?
Why it was nominated: “Part piano bar, part neighborhood watering hole, with a massive menu that's all delicious. I've never taken anyone there who didn't find something to love. It's a great place to have dinner, and an even better place to have a few too many and belt out some Billy Joel at the piano.”
Why it was nominated: “Convivio Café is the essence of community — it literally says it in the name! In only a few short years of being open the owners have created a space that is welcoming, affordable, comfortable, and that you just want to spend all day in … very sunny, warm and inviting, with a mix of local art and imported crafts made from women in Guatemala. My favorite part of the business model is that they buy coffee directly from farmers who roast it on-site, meaning the majority of dollars spent stay with the farmer.”
Why it was nominated: “Cuppa is a wonderful beating community heart in the Highlands. I always find a friend, and Beth (the owner) exemplifies the best of us here in Denver and creates a space that is filled with joy and spunk.”
Why it was nominated: “It's so delicious and fun to go to! A perfect reflection of East Colfax.”
Why it was nominated: “The Pearl had such big shoes to fill, and they have maintained so much of what made the Merc special. It's not just a gay(er) Merc, they have also expanded the events to be inclusive of people of all ilks.”
Best Store/Small Business of 2025
A place that has made a true impact on the people of Denver — both customers and employees! — by creating a sense of community and serving the Mile High City well.
Why it was nominated: “They are a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and for Denver. They offer something no one else does. The handmade French sausages are wonderful, the to-go food is addictive (sandwiches!), and it's such a great environment for a peaceful lunch.”
Why it was nominated: “Sadboy is a business that exemplifies quality and community. Through its weekly ice cream drops, it brings people together in the best way possible. Built from the ground up here in Denver, it is everything a small business should be. It is a place that you need only try once and they will have you hooked.”
Why it was nominated: “Petals & Pages has been a sense of calm in a year that has been a storm for the queer community. They host cool events from writing workshops, to craft nights, to game nights. Their ‘Pay it Forward’ board creates tons of random acts of kindness for those who need it the most.”
Why it was nominated: “Mr. Perfect Plumbing is the kind of small business that restores your faith in what service companies can be. They’ve made a real impact on Denver by showing up for people with honesty, empathy, and craftsmanship that speaks for itself. … What’s equally impressive is what they’ve created for the people who work there. Their technicians feel supported, valued, and proud of the work they do, and that pride shows up in every customer experience. They’ve built a culture based on integrity and community impact, and Denver is genuinely better because they’re here.”
Why it was nominated: “Truong An Gifts is more than a store — it is a Denver legacy. Family-owned for over 40 years, Truong An Gifts has become a cultural landmark and a beloved gathering place for generations of families across the Mile High City. … The store embodies resilience, gratitude, tradition, and love for Denver. Customers feel like family, employees are valued and supported, and the shop continues to evolve while honoring its roots.”
🎧 Tune into today’s episode of the City Cast Denver podcast to hear more about the finalists in all six award categories, how we narrowed it down, and the nominees we’re excited about!
Get Your Tickets
Grab your tickets to join the City Cast Denver team (and our sponsor Denver Health) for a night of festive frivolity, complete with local celebrity guests, not-to-be-missed photo ops, and live entertainment!
📣 And don’t forget, City Cast Denver Neighbors get access to a members-only after-party, exclusive swag, and a discount on tickets!
