50 FREE SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN DENVER
Denver’s summer is packed with free things to see and do, from fun festivals and outdoor movies to scenic drives and quaint mountain towns.
FREE FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Downtown Denver Arts Festival May 24-26
http://www.downtowndenverartsfestival.com Throughout Memorial Day Weekend at the Denver Performing Arts Complex mix and mingle with 150,000 art lovers at this free fest, featuring more than 125 of Colorado’s best artists.
First Friday Art Walks June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7
http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/museum-art/first-friday-art-walks Discover Denver’s thriving creative community during a First Friday celebration, held every first Friday of the month, during which galleries in Denver’s art districts stay open late for a festive, street party-like event.
Denver Chalk Art Festival June 1-2
http://www.larimerarts.org Larimer Square’s Italian street-painting festival is a two-day pavement painting in Downtown Denver. More than 200 artists come down to turn the streets of the Mile High City’s oldest street into a virtual museum of chalk art.
Capitol Hill People’s Fair June 1-2
http://www.peoplesfair.com The largest of Denver’s summer festivals, this fun and funky event in Civic Center Park features live music, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, and a food bazaar with Colorado cuisine.
Festival For Water June 9
http://www.festivalforwater.org A fun and FREE festival in Civic Center Park, featuring amazing live entertainment from The Motet, Bonerama, and the Broken Tongues, food trucks, tasty beverages. The event highlights the importance of water – both the resources we have here in the United States and the crisis many face globally.
Denver PrideFest June 15-17
http://www.denverpridefest.org One of the ten biggest PrideFests in the U.S., this free weekend event in Civic Center Park features a parade, live music, food, and dance, all celebrating the local gay and lesbian community.
Cherry Blossom Festival June 22-23
http://www.tsdbt.org/cherryblossom A celebration of Japanese-American culture, food, music and dance, Downtown Denver’s Cherry Blossom Festival offers a taste of the Far East in the Mile High City.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival July 5-7
http://www.cherryarts.org Over Fourth of July Weekend, 350,000 visitors enjoy the visual, culinary and performing arts and interactive activities for the whole family. Meet and talk with international visual artists, sample fine cuisine, and enjoy live musical performances and artist demonstrations.
Farmers’ Markets http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/museum-art/denver-farmers-markets The many farmers’ markets spread throughout the Mile High City aren’t just about locally grown farm-fresh produce, delicious baked goods and good-to-the-last bite prepared foods – though you’ll find more than enough of those things. Each Denver Farmers’ Market is a festive, weekly street fair, with live entertainment, family friendly activities and a vibrant crowd of locals.
Colorado Black Arts Festival July 12-14
http://www.colbaf.org Boasting three stages filled with jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel, reggae, and hip hop, this free festival in Denver City Park celebrates African American heritage with a parade, special exhibits, a marketplace, children’s arts programming, and socio-civic organizations.
Mexico Night - Biennial of the AmericasJuly 18
www.denver.org/biennialThe Biennial of the Americas in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center Denver, Consulate General of Mexico in Denver, and the Denver Film Society will present a free public festival in Civic Center Park to celebrate Mexico! The night will be filled with free family activities, live performances of traditional dances representative of Mexico, traditional food, and finally, a special film presentation of
Bajo la misma luna (Under the Same Moon) from the Denver Film Society.
Denver Night - Biennial of the AmericasJuly 19
www.denver.org/biennialCelebrate The Mile High City! Denver Night is a free, unique evening of music and art in Denver’s Civic Center Park, including an eclectic concert of folk, classical, jazz, rock and avant-garde music in additional video art, sculpture, and dance. Don’t miss the amazing presentation of HEARD•DAM, by contemporary artist Nick Cave, featuring local performers, life-sized horse Soundsuits, music and movement in an electrifying and inspiring performance.
Note: Cave currently has an exhibition of new work at the Denver Art Museum,
Nick Cave: Sojourn, which takes visitors on a journey through the artist’s imagination.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival July 27-28
http://www.cdbf.org Set sail for summer fun at Sloan’s Lake Park, where vibrantly decorated dragon boats race in an exciting pan-Asian sport. This weekend-long event also features music, cultural exhibits, and delicious Asian cuisine.
Cultivate Denver August 17
http://chipotle.com/cultivate Chipotle Mexican Grill -- a chain that got its start in Denver -- is throwing a BIG (and FREE) party in City Park this August, including cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, live music, food artisans and other activities emphasizing fresh and affordable food. Entertainment will be provided by indie rock favorites Cold War Kids and many more.
Golden Fine Arts Festival August 17-18
http://www.goldenfineartsfestival.org Browse a variety of beautiful art at Colorado’s most accessible arts festival, the 20th annual Golden Fine Arts Festival. The juried festival is an open-air art gallery in a gorgeous foothills setting adjacent to the Clear Creek.
A Taste of Colorado Aug. 30 - Sept. 2
http://www.atasteofcolorado.com Held every year over Labor Day Weekend in Civic Center Park, A Taste of Colorado puts the spotlight on the diversity of Colorado cuisine. Delight your taste buds with creations from the state’s favorite restaurant and food establishments.
Outdoor Movies in the Parks All Summer
http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/museum-art/denver-outdoor-summer-movies Spread out a blanket in one of Denver's gorgeous parks for a FREE, family friendly movie at dusk. Click the link above for dates, movies and locations.
FREE LIVE MUSIC
Five Points Jazz Festival May 18
http://artsandvenuesdenver.com/events-programs/five-points-jazz-festival Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood celebrates its rich African American heritage with a day filled with jazz music of all stripes, from bebop to swing, performed by Denver’s best musicians. Grab some BBQ or soul food and enjoy the free tunes.
Denver Day of Rock May 25
http://www.denverdayofrock.com For the fifth year in a row, the 16th Street pedestrian mall will be transformed into a massive block party with twenty-five free rock concerts throughout the day, performing on five stages, for the annual Denver Day of Rock. Great national headliners are scheduled, as well as some of the Mile High City’s most talented performers.
City Park Jazz http://www.cityparkjazz.org Every Sunday night in June and July, the City Park Bandstand and Pavilion turns into a swinging, open-air jazz club as music lovers of all ages congregate for the free City Park Jazz.
Skyline Park Lunchtime Concerts Fridays, July - August
http://www.downtowndenver.com/Life/WhattoDo/SkylinePark/tabid/110/Default.aspx As you check out the shopping and dining options on the 16th Street Mall, you may hear the sound of live music emanating from Skyline Park. You’ve stumbled upon a free lunch-hour concert series held every Friday, July through August. The concerts begin at 12 p.m. The Skyline Park Free Summer Concerts are sponsored by Southwest Airlines and feature some of Denver's finest musicians. So, bring a blanket and your lunch and take a seat!
Confluence Concerts http://www.greenwayfoundation.org Nothing beats a cool summer evening kicking back in Confluence Park with some great free live music as the soundtrack. Every Thursday in July at 6:30 p.m., some of the Mile High City’s best musicians set up shop along the banks of the river and jam the night away.
Civic Center Park's Independence Eve July 3
http://www.civiccenterconservancy.orgThe fourth annual Independence Eve Celebration will feature a free patriotic concert by The Colorado Symphony, an innovative light show on the Denver City and County Building and a stunning fireworks finale.
FREE ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS
US Mint Tour http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?action=StartReservation Learn how to make money! The Mint produces 50 million coins a day, each one stamped with a little “D” for Denver. Free tours show every step in the process of turning a dull, blank, metal slug into shiny pocket change.
Garden of the Gods http://www.gardenofthegods.com Located 60 miles from Denver, the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods features gigantic 500-foot high red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak.
Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Free Days http://scfd.org/p/free-days-calendar.html Colorado residents can enjoy the following cultural attractions for free on select days throughout the summer: The Denver Art Museum (June 1, July 6, August 5, September 7-8, – free to all, not just Colorado residents); Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street (July 9, August 27); Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield (June 7, August 2); Denver Museum of Nature & Science (June 17, July 1, August 4, September 1, September 8); Clyfford Still Museum (June 7, August 8); Denver Firefighters Museum (August 3, September 7).
Denver SkatePark http://www.denverskatepark.com This expansive area – one of the most renowned skate parks in the country – is filled with bowls for all levels of skating skill. Admission is free. Helmets are required.
National Center for Atmospheric Research http://www.ncar.ucar.edu Learn about global warming, the 21st century’s hottest topic, at this fascinating free museum. See a hailstone the size of a softball, watch as a miniature tornado is whipped up in front of your eyes, and get an up close look at how lightning is created.
Red Rocks Hall of Fame & Trails http://www.redrocksonline.com Carved from towering red rock monuments, this 9,000-seat arena is one of the world’s most renowned concert venues. When there’s no concert, the free Visitor Center has a museum and Performers of Fame, while the surrounding park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red rocks.
Colorado State Capitol Tour http://www.colorado.gov/capitoltour Tour Colorado’s magnificent gold-domed Capitol Building. Stand at exactly a mile high on the steps, see Allen True’s beautiful murals, listen in on the Colorado General Assembly, and check out the gorgeous Rose Onyx wainscoting. Free tours are available Mondays through Fridays. Note: The Capitol Dome will be undergoing major structural renovations for 2-3 years and will not be accessible during that time-frame.
Denver Story Trek http://www.denverstorytrek.org Ever wonder about the stories of the places you pass? On Denver Story Trek you’ll explore the stories behind Denver’s historic landscapes and landmarks on an interactive, self-guided tour of the city. It’s simple to use and free!
Littleton Historical Museum www.littletongov.org/museum Travel back in time at this free museum and get a glimpse into Colorado’s pioneer past. Located on 39 acres, the museum consists of two living history farms (one from the 1860s and one from the 1890s), with a working farm, a blacksmith shop and more than 40,000 historically Colorado artifacts.
Tattered Cover Bookstore http://www.tatteredcover.com The Tattered Cover is one of the nation’s largest and most well-known independent bookstores and often hosts free signings by some of the literary world’s most famous authors. They also offer free wi-fi if you want to surf the net while you’re there. There are three locations: Lower Downtown, East Colfax, and Highlands Ranch.
Coors Brewery Tour www.millercoors.com/who-we-are/locations.aspx “Taste the Rockies!” The world’s largest brewing site still uses the same Rocky Mountain spring water that Adolph Coors discovered in 1873. Free tours show every step in the brewing process, and end with free samples for those over 21.
Celestial Seasonings Tour http://www.celestialseasonings.com See how the largest specialty tea manufacturer in North America blends, packages and ships its teas, then enjoy free samples of every variety they make, and discover a gallery of original artwork from their famous tea boxes.
Great Divide Brewery Tour http://www.greatdivide.com Get a behind-the-scenes look at Denver’s craft beer world on a free tour at the Great Divide Brewery in Downtown Denver. Tours take place at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday - Friday and each hour starting at 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Dinosaur Ridge http://www.dinoridge.org See some dinos – or what’s left of them anyway. Dinosaur Ridge features famous Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus, discovered in 1877, and Cretaceous dinosaur footprints. A guidebook is available for use on self-guided tours.
Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum http://www.coloradosports.org Housed in Sports Authority Field At Mile High (home of the Denver Broncos), this free museum honors the legacies of the Mile High City’s greatest sports heroes, and features the Gallery of Legends, a “Great Moments in Colorado Sports” exhibit and a section celebrating the achievements of girls and women in Colorado Sports.
Rockmount Ranch Wear http://www.rockmount.com Browse the racks and enjoy the free museum at Lower Downtown’s historic Rockmount Ranch Wear, the originator of the western snap-button shirt. The walls are adorned with photos of the many celebs who have worn Rockmount shirts, including Eric Clapton, Robert Redford and Elvis Presley.
REI Flagship www.rei.com/stores/18 Located in the restored 1901 Denver Tramway building, the REI Denver Flagship store is a complete outdoor resource, a historic landmark and an award-winning architectural accomplishment. Don’t miss the interactive features, including mountain bike trails, a 45-foot climbing wall and more.
FREE DAYTRIPS
Lariat Loop Byway http://www.lariatloop.org Retrace the motoring adventures of the early 1920s and experience the thrill of foothills exploration at the dawn of the Age of Motorcars on this 40-mile scenic circle in the foothills west of Denver. The Lariat Loop takes motorists to several popular attractions, including Buffalo Bill’s Grave & Museum, the Colorado Railroad Museum and the Mother Cabrini Shrine.
Denver Parks & Lakes www.denver.org/what-to-do/sports-recreation/denver-parks-outdoors Denver may not be anywhere near the ocean, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of places to kick back by a shimmering body of water. Confluence Park, located within walking distance of downtown, offers sandy shores for sunbathing and wading, a kayak practice route, and bike paths. Up in the Highlands neighborhood, explore Sloan’s Lake Park, an urban oasis with the enormous Sloan’s Lake taking center stage.
Estes Park http://www.estesnet.com At the entrance to the legendary Rocky Mountain National, the historic resort village of Estes Park offers shopping and dining – as well as the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining!
Boulder http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com A recent study pegged Boulder as the “happiest” city in America. You’ll find out why when you stroll past the shops, cafes and street performers on the Pearl Street Mall, or take a hike on the city’s 200 miles of trails.
Peak To Peak Scenic & Historic Byway www.byways.org/explore/byways/2114 Less than an hour from Denver, this 55-mile-long route provides matchless views of the Continental Divide. From Black Hawk to Estes Park, the pleasantly winding road – the oldest scenic byway in Colorado – meanders through valleys and ridges, with shimmering aspens visible throughout the entire route.
El Dorado Canyon State Park http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/EldoradoCanyon/Pages/EldoradoCanyonHome.aspx A hidden gem just outside of Boulder, El Dorado Canyon offers hiking amidst towering sandstone cliffs, picnicking along scenic South Boulder Creek and rock climbing on Eldo’s sheer golden walls.
Denver Bike Trails www.denver.org/what-to-do/sports-recreation/denver-bike-trails Denver is home to a massive network of more than 850 miles of paved, off-road trails that crisscross throughout the seven county metro area, making it a two-wheeled paradise. Paved trails connect to hundreds of additional miles of dirt trails, offering mountain bike adventures.
Clear Creek History Park http://www.clearcreekhistorypark.org See how Colorado’s early settlers worked and played in the late 1800s at this two-acre living history park. Try your hand at gold panning in the river where a half-billion dollars of it was found.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway & Echo Lake http://www.mountevans.com The highest paved road in North America climbs 9,000 feet from Denver, passing through five life zones en route to the 14,264-foot high summit. This is one of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners (peaks that climb to 14,000 feet and above), and one of only two in the nation that you can drive up. Note: Driving the Scenic Byway is $10 per vehicle, but hiking to Echo Lake is free – as is all that magnificent fresh mountain air.
Georgetown http://www.georgetown-colorado.org Nestled in a steep mountain valley, the “Silver Queen” is one of Colorado’s most elegant mining towns with 200 Victorian buildings. Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad over a 100-foot high trestle to neighboring Silver Plume.
Golden http://www.2hourvacation.com The authentically Western town of Golden was Colorado’s first capital city. Today, visitors encounter a mix of outdoor cafes, Western stores and museums with a quaint main street that in places still has covered walkways, false-front buildings and plankboard sidewalks. An award-winning kayak course runs through the center of the town.
The Highlands www.denver.org/metro/neighborhoods/highlands Explore one of Denver’s most happening ‘hoods. Sip a mojito while relaxing on a patio with a panoramic view of the city skyline. Go bargain hunting at one of Highland Square’s unique boutiques. Get a delicious treat at an artisan cheese shop or a bakery devoted to cupcakes.
South Park http://www.southparkcolorado.org The mountain town that inspired the long-running animated TV series of the same name is actually a charming spot, offering plenty of adventures, just up U.S. 285 from Denver. Try hiking, biking, horseback riding, excellent fishing and hunting, and ATV/jeep trails. Tour historic sites and visit shops full of local crafts.