Lasers meet meditation in a very weird Denver way. You go to BEYOND at the International Church of Cannabis for a guided light-and-music show with rock soundtrack, then you can roam the rest of the building. It’s offered hourly, 7 days a week, and it’s built for all ages, not just night owls.

I love the retro arcade lounge access with unlimited time. It turns the ticket from a simple “sit and watch” into a full evening plan, especially if you’re traveling with mixed ages or energy levels. I also like the church setting itself, with tons of photo spots that feel more interesting than yet another mural wall.

One thing to consider is the format. The meditation is guided, and a few people wish the seats were more relaxing for longer stillness. If you’re sensitive to sitting for 40-ish minutes, bring that into your planning.

Key things you’ll notice right away

• Rock music paired with guided meditation, so you’re not just watching lights
• Shows start at :20 past the hour and run about 40 minutes
• Unlimited entry to the arcade lounge, art gallery, movie theater, and Gandhi Garden
• Rotating art installations that add visual texture beyond the laser show
• Family-friendly, non-consumption hours, with a relaxed vibe for different groups
• Open seating plus plenty to do before and after, so you can pace your visit

Entering the International Church of Cannabis in Denver

BEYOND happens at the International Church of Cannabis, a Denver landmark that mixes the feel of a real place you can walk around with an art-forward show venue. Even before the lights start, you’ll notice it’s not trying to be a typical theater. This is more like a campus built for lingering, with fun spaces that keep the atmosphere light and friendly.

That matters because the experience is short. The show portion is about 40 minutes, and the ticket also covers plenty of “hang-out time.” If you arrive early, you’re rewarded with more to do than just waiting in a hallway.

Also, it helps that it’s straightforward. You pick a start time, show up with your mobile ticket, and you’re in. The venue is near public transportation, so you can keep your plan simple if you prefer not to park.

What your $25 ticket buys, and why it feels fair

At $25 per person, you’re not paying just for the laser portion. Your admission includes unlimited access to several parts of the church: the retro arcade lounge, art gallery, movie theater, and Gandhi Garden. You also get access to the many Instagram-friendly picture spots around the property.

For me, that’s the value angle. You’re basically buying an evening pass to a distinctive Denver stop, then getting a show on top. People love the free arcade setup, including classic-style games and even projector-style play like Mario Kart. That turns the ticket into something you can enjoy at your own pace.

If you’re expecting the kind of experience that runs for hours, you might feel shortchanged. A few guests have said they wanted the light show to be longer for the price. Still, when you count the arcade, art, and movie room time, the $25 starts to look like an admission price more than a “pay per minute” ticket.

Timing and show schedule, with the :20 past the hour detail

BEYOND is offered hourly, 7 days a week. The show itself starts at :20 past the hour and runs about 40 minutes. That timing is useful when you’re building the rest of your day around it.

Hours vary by day:

• Fridays through Mondays, the church is open 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Tuesdays through Thursdays, it’s open 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

And the building’s general opening hours run across the full range from noon to 8 PM most days.

In plain terms: if you show up at 6:10 PM, you’re likely early for the 6:20 PM start. If you show up at 6:45 PM, you’re close to missing the next one. When you’re paying for a timed start, build a little buffer.

Also, since it runs hourly, you can choose a start time that matches your energy. Want family-friendly earlier hours? Great. Want a later, more relaxed vibe? You can do that too.

The main event: rock music, guided meditation, and mapped light visuals

The centerpiece is a laser light show paired with guided meditation. Lasers dance to the beat of rock music, and the meditation guidance is built into the flow rather than tacked on like an afterthought.

What I like about this pairing is the contrast. Lights and music give your brain something to track, while the guided meditation gives it something to do. For some people, it feels like a brain reset disguised as a party trick. For others, it’s a fun way to “try meditation” without needing to be a meditation expert first.

The show is also designed as a 360-degree mapped projection experience, which means the visuals are meant to wrap around you rather than stay fixed on one wall. That’s the practical difference between seeing lights and actually feeling surrounded by them.

One heads-up for expectations: because it’s guided, you should not assume it’s silent or purely meditative. There may be spoken narration beyond meditation cues. A few guests said the tone felt more motivational than calming, and one mentioned political references. I can’t say how it will land for you, but if you’re coming specifically for quiet introspection, go in knowing it is a performance with narration as part of the package.

If you’re sensitive to comfort during meditation, plan for it. The experience includes seating, and many people find it comfortable. But some guests have wished for more supportive seating for the meditative stillness.

Before the show: use the arcade lounge and art spaces to set the mood

BEYOND is more enjoyable when you arrive with time to roam. The ticket lets you access several spaces before the show begins, including:

• the retro arcade lounge
• the art gallery with rotating installations
• the movie theater
• Gandhi Garden
• plus photo spots around the church

I recommend using this time to get your bearings. Pick a few games. Look at the artwork. Take pictures before the lights start, when the spaces are brighter and easier to photograph.

The arcade is a big draw. Guests mention projector-style play like Mario Kart, plus other retro favorites. There’s also a feel-good lounge vibe, where people are relaxed rather than rushing. If you’re traveling with friends, this is where you can sync up your energy level before the show begins.

Also, since it’s family-friendly, you’re less likely to feel like you’re interrupting anyone’s date night silence. It’s a place where a kid playing a game and an adult grabbing a seat can exist side by side.

After the show: keep your ticket moving through the rest of the church

The show is the hook, but it’s not the entire experience. After BEYOND ends, you can keep exploring the free spaces your ticket covers. This is a smart layout for a short trip because it gives you two bites at the apple:

1) You get the laser and music moment.

2) You get a built-in place to chill for longer.

Many guests suggest planning to stay afterward. You can spend time in the arcade lounge again, check out the art, or relax in the lounge areas. Some even recommend arriving early specifically so you’re not stuck deciding what to do once the show ends.

One review detail I found particularly useful: this is not just about “watching a show and leaving.” The property has enough going on that you can turn it into an easy date night or group hang. If your group splits ages or interests, that flexibility is real value.

Who should book BEYOND, and who might want to rethink it

This works best if you want a Denver activity that is:

• fun without being childish
• built for groups, including families
• a mix of art, music, and a guided mental reset
• a little odd in a good way

I especially think it’s a great fit for:

• couples looking for something different from dinner-and-a-movie
• families who want one scheduled show plus open time for games
• small groups who disagree on what to do, because the arcade and art help cover different moods

It may be less ideal if:

• you need a long seated performance, since the main show is about 40 minutes
• you want meditation in complete silence, because narration is part of the format
• you strongly dislike any kind of spoken messaging layered into the program

And one more practical thought. Since there are photo spots and a lively arcade, it’s best if you’re okay being social and a little sensory. If you want a totally quiet sanctuary experience, you might find the overall setting more playful than you expected.

Comfort, vibe, and small practical tips for a smoother visit

The vibe is generally described as laid back and friendly. Staff guidance is part of the experience, and people mention the front-desk team being cheerful and helpful. That matters because it can reduce friction when you arrive unsure where to wait or when to settle in.

Seating is adequate for most guests, but if you want extra comfort for meditation time, plan accordingly. A few people asked for more supportive chairs or softer setups. You can solve this by dressing for sitting still, wearing layers, and taking a seat that feels good for you.

On scheduling, since shows start at :20 past the hour, I would not cut it too close. Arrive early enough to grab a good spot, especially if your group wants time to check out games and art before the lights start.

On the “cannabis theme” point: the church is clearly cannabis-inspired in theme, but the experience is presented as art and meditation with rock music. If you’re concerned that it will feel heavy-handed, it might help to know it is framed as a family-friendly, non-consumption time period.

Should you book BEYOND in Denver?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a one-hour Denver plan that gives you more than a standard show. The biggest reasons are unlimited arcade access and the mix of rock music with guided meditation plus mapped light visuals. For $25, you’re buying an evening of options, not just a single performance.

Skip it if you want quiet, silence-first meditation only, or if you’re expecting a long light show. The main portion is about 40 minutes, and the experience is designed around you doing things before and after.

If you’re flexible, bring your group to the International Church of Cannabis with a “let’s see what this is” mindset. It’s exactly the kind of odd, local Denver stop that feels different from the usual city checklist.

FAQ

How long is BEYOND in Denver?

The full experience is about 1 hour. The light show portion lasts approximately 40 minutes.

How often do the shows run and when do they start?

BEYOND shows run hourly, 7 days a week. All shows start at :20 past the hour.

What is included in my $25 ticket?

Your ticket includes unlimited access to the International Church of Cannabis areas such as the retro arcade lounge, art gallery, movie theater, and Gandhi Garden, plus entry to the BEYOND guided meditation and light show experience.

Is it family-friendly, and can I bring a service animal or a dog?

Yes. It is described as family-friendly and non-consumption. Service animals are allowed, and the venue is described as dog friendly.

Is the show available in English, and do I need a printed ticket?

It is offered in English. You get a mobile ticket.

Is the experience refundable if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel, the amount paid is not refunded.