Downtown Denver is going vertical later this month.

On May 31 and June 1, 2025, the IFSC Speed Climbing World Cup will land in the heart of the city as part of the 16th Street Summer Kickoff, transforming the iconic corridor into a world stage for climbing’s fastest athletes.

The competition marks the first time Denver will host an International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) event, joining a global circuit with stops in China, Indonesia, Poland, and France.

Set against the urban energy of downtown and the distant backdrop of the Rockies, athletes will race up a 15-meter wall in sub-five-second bursts. The event follows the Boulder World Cup in Salt Lake City the week prior—giving fans back-to-back elite competitions on U.S. soil.

The weekend-long celebration is more than just a climbing comp. The 16th Street Summer Kickoff will include live music, public art, food, and retail activations, showcasing the revitalized mile-long promenade that’s been under construction for years.

Team USA stars Sam Watson (world record holder), Brooke Raboutou, Emma Hunt, and more are expected to compete. With the sport gaining steam after Olympic success in Paris, the energy in Denver is set to be electric.

“It’s everything we stand for,” said Downtown Denver Partnership CEO Kourtny Garrett, who helped bring the event downtown alongside USA Climbing, Denver Arts & Venues, and Visit Denver.