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Enjoy the best Denver has to offer this fall without stretching your budget. The Mile High City is packed with free festivals, attractions and activities that will keep you busy all season long!
Carved from towering red rock monuments, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Morrison is one of the world's most renowned concert venues. When there's no concert, the free Visitor Center has a museum and Performers' Hall of Fame, while the surrounding park offers hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red rocks.
Fall in Colorado isn’t complete without taking in the brilliant transformation of the state’s signature tree, the Aspen. The fall change from mellow green to stunning gold takes place during various weeks in September, depending on where you are — and since the color only lasts a week, timing is everything! One of the best leaf-peeping routes on the Rocky Mountain Front Range is the Peak to Peak Highway and Scenic Byway that travels the high-altitude road between Black Hawk and Estes Park. Virtually every way you look, you’ll see majestic Aspen colors. Another great Front Range ride is along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway, just south of the historic town of Georgetown. Bunches of blazing Aspen can be found all over this incredible drive.
Retrace the motoring adventures of the early 1920s and experience the thrill of foothills exploration at the dawn of the Age of Motorcars on the Lariat Loop, a 40-mile scenic circle in the foothills west of Denver. The Lariat Loop takes motorists to several popular attractions, including the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, the Colorado Railroad Museum and the Mother Cabrini Shrine.
See some dinos — or what's left of them, anyway. Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison 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.
Travel back in time at the Littleton 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 historic Colorado artifacts.
Located just 60 miles from Denver, the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs features gigantic 500-foot-high red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak.
WHEN: Thru Oct. 16, 2024; Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Civic Center Park
Every Wednesday and Thursday from May through October, Civic Center EATS transforms Civic Center Park into a lunchtime extravaganza with Denver's best food and fashion trucks and live music. It's your chance to savor a variety of cuisines while supporting our city's small local business scene and the Civic Center Conservancy's mission to restore and enhance Civic Center Park, Denver's only National Historic Landmark.
Enjoy nine days of all things beer during Denver Beer Week.
WHEN: Thru October 2024; Second Saturday of the month
WHERE: The Shops At Northfield
Welcome to Second Saturdays at The Shops At Northfield! A handmade-only event consisting of 70+ artisans, crafters and food experts from around Colorado. This art festival occurs every Second Saturday of the month, May through October. Bring the whole family to find incredible gifts, clothing and food for everyone to to enjoy! Parking is always free, and Artisan Markets' events are pup- and kid-friendly.
WHEN: Thru October 2024; Second Sunday of the month
WHERE: Centennial Promenade, Centennial
Welcome to Second Sundays at Centennial Promenade! A handmade-only event consisting of 70+ artisans, crafters and food experts from around Colorado. This art festival occurs every Second Sunday of the month, May through October. Bring the whole family to find incredible gifts, clothing and food for everyone to to enjoy! Parking is always free, and Artisan Markets' events are pup- and kid-friendly.
WHEN: Oct. 17, 2024
WHERE: Le Méridien Denver Downtown
Celebrate the Full Moon at Denver’s highest open-air rooftop bar! Join us at 5,430 feet where the vibes are just better. Dance the night away to live music and indulge in our carefully crafted cocktails and globally inspired bites.
WHEN: Oct. 19, 2024
WHERE: Aspen Grove, Littleton
Ghosts, goblins, superheroes, princesses and everything in between are invited to the family-friendly Halloween Extravaganza and Mystikal Makers Market! Trick or treat among the vendor booths and stroll the magical, mystical and a menagerie of makers with cool, curious, extraordinary, phenomenal and uncommon goods crafted by local vendors. Head to the BARBOX Garden (next to Alamo) for music from a live DJ, Boo-Bingo, roaming sideshow acts, food, yard games, crafts and a bouncy house, plus more!
WHEN: Oct. 20 & 27; Nov. 9, 2024
WHERE: EDENS
Hangin' N Slangin' vintage thrift markets will be in RiNo, in the Lot on Larimer, on the second Saturday (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.), third Sunday (12 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and last Sunday (12 p.m. to 7 p.m.) of every month from March to November right next to the Denver Central Market! Events are always free to attend, and there's always a great group of vendors, food and music.
WHEN: Oct. 26, 2024
WHERE: Civic Center Park
This traditionally Mexican holiday will be celebrated in Civic Center, bringing Denverites together to celebrate and honor our ancestors and loved ones who have passed. This year's even will feature art installations, an art sculpture garden, cultural performances by Azteca dancers and mariachi musicians, a community procession to honor our ancestors, community art workshops, and food from Mexican and Central American small business food truck vendors.
WHEN: Oct. 31, 2024
WHERE: Pearl Street Mall, Boulder
Each year, Downtown Boulder is invaded by tiny ghosts and goblins, dinosaurs and dragons, fairies and princes, superheroes and animals of every size trick-or-treating along historic Pearl Street Mall! Recommended for children ages 12 and under.
WHEN: Nov. 1, 2024
WHERE: 40 West Arts District
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with 40 West Arts! Experience the rich cultural traditions through stunning exhibitions, intricate altars and the dynamic performances of Aztec dancers. Enjoy the artistry of traditional Indigenous and Latino/a/x creators, savor delicious bites from authentic food trucks, and get hands-on at the craft stations. Don’t miss the chance to have your face painted and immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration. This free event is open to all ages, promising a memorable experience for the whole family.
WHEN: Nov. 1–10, 2024
WHERE: Various venues in Denver
Explore vibrant art districts, check out museum exhibitions and outdoor sculptures, indulge in the performing arts, be inspired at film and literary events, and even buy some art of your own! Denver Arts Week will kick off on Nov. 3, with expanded First Friday Art Walks across the city’s creative neighborhoods, followed by the free Night at the Museums on Saturday, Nov. 4, when many of Denver’s top cultural institutions will be open for free.
WHEN: Nov. 9, 2024
WHERE: City Park
The Denver Veterans Day Parade is composed of local Veterans organizations and supporters. Thousands of spectators line City Park to show respect and honor for our local Veterans. Please join the community in the appreciation of our Veterans and support this important cause. The Parade is broken down into serials that represent a different conflict in military history: Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, etc. Each serial representation will feature military memorabilia from that era, including old uniforms, vehicles and weapons. The Veteran organizations have agreed to march together to showcase their organization’s historical roots in these eras. Spectators will also enjoy corporate floats, car clubs, marching units, bands and more.
WHEN: Nov. 18 & 19, 2024
WHERE: Copper Mountain Resort
Celebrate the start of the 2024/25 winter season and dance for snow at Copper's Annual Snowsation! The event will feature free live music from Paco Versailles on Saturday and DJ Trizz on Sunday, games, giveaways and more! It's free to attend and it all goes down at Eagle's Landing in Center Village.
WHEN: Nov. 23, 2024
WHERE: Downtown Castle Rock
Step into a Norman Rockwell scene at Starlighting, an annual traditional community ceremony that includes lighting the star on top of Castle Rock followed by a fireworks display. Festivities include caroling, dancing, visiting with Santa Claus, kids activities, nonprofit booths, food vendors, hot chocolate and the iconic chili supper at the Firehouse.
WHEN: Nov. 24, 2024
WHERE: Downtown Boulder
Kick off the holiday season during Switch on the Holidays, as Boulder flips the switch that illuminates lights along the Pearl Street Mall, Civic Area and around the Boulder County Courthouse! Bring the kiddos for visits with Santa after the program until 7:30 p.m.
WHEN: Nov. 30–Dec. 31, 2024
WHERE: City of Golden
Golden’s beloved Candlelight Nights returns with quaint holiday shops and festive decorations along historic Washington Avenue and thousands of twinkling lights lining the banks of Clear Creek. The annual Candlelight Walk occurs on Dec. 6, featuring revelers strolling Washington Avenue holding candles and singing carols. Golden’s Holiday Parade returns on Dec. 14, with marching bands, floats, horses, Victorian carolers, elves, fire trucks and, of course, Santa. Come back for a magical day in Golden meeting and mingling with family favorite holiday characters along Washington Avenue on December 21, during the Jingle On the Avenue.
WHEN: Dec. 1, 2024
WHERE: The Learned Lemur
The Lemur and Friends Bazaar is a monthly artist market hosted right on The Learned Lemur's back patio. The bazaar hosts all kinds of artists from across Colorado, from bakers to jewelers. Pick up that perfect unique gift or something special for yourself!
WHEN: Dec. 2, 2024
WHERE: Ute Indian Museum, Montrose
Ute Indian Museum will be hosting its Annual Christmas Holiday Festival, featuring arts and craft vendors, fry bread, a silent auction, free admission to the museum and discounts on merchandise at the gift store.
WHEN: Dec. 6–29, 2024; Wed.–Sun. at 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Linger
Linger presents LITMAS: A Rooftop Holiday Popup, where the naughty list is celebrated and the Denver views are unmatched! Get festive with Linger's boozy holiday cocktail menu, cozy igloos, lights galore, super sleigh'd decor and Christmas (s)elfie/mugshot heaven. Come jingle your bells and get your holiday spirits lifted...and lit!
WHEN: Dec. 7, 2024
WHERE: Downtown Denver
This free holiday spectacular features more than 40 units, including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian units and vibrant cultural displays. And, of course, special appearances by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!
WHEN: Dec. 7, 2024
WHERE: Pearl Street Mall, Boulder
You're invited to enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches, schools, community groups and nonprofits at the annual Lights of December Parade in Boulder! The grand finale includes an appearance by the jolly old man himself: Santa Claus!
WHEN: Dec. 10, 2024
WHERE: 2401 Welton St.
Celebrate the joys of the holiday season while strolling along the Welton Street corridor. Enjoy the festive sights and winter weather-approved activities as you create meaningful holiday memories at this free event that supports small businesses located in the historical corridor. Get photos with Santa or the Grinch, listen to singing carolers and holiday storytellers, stop into 12 shops and stores with free sweet treats and warm drinks, and enjoy an unforgettable, fun-filled holiday celebration that's bound to become your family's new favorite tradition!
WHEN: Dec. 14, 2024
WHERE: Pearl Street Mall, Boulder
Partake in a celebration of winter and all things snowmen! This snowman extravaganza includes free train rides (weather permitting), visits with Santa, and reindeer games (crafts and other activities) for all.
Denver Arts Week is the perfect time to explore the city's many galleries and artist studios.
WHEN: Every fourth Friday of the month
WHERE: Four Mile Historic Park
Take a trip back in time to Denver's pioneer past at Four Mile Historic Park, nestled on the bank of Cherry Creek. Stop by for a free day of tours, historic demonstrations and more on the fourth Friday of each month.
WHEN: Every first Friday of the month
WHERE: Museo de las Americas
Museo de las Americas is dedicated to educating people about the arts and cultures of Latinidad in the Americas and is the premier Latin American art museum in the region. The museum offers free admission every First Friday, no tickets needed.
WHEN: Every first Saturday of the month
WHERE: MCA Denver
Okay, so it's not technically free. But every first Saturday of the month, Colorado residents can explore Museum of Contemporary Art Denver for just $0.01.
WHEN: Oct. 20 (Out! at the Museum free day), Nov. 2 (Denver Arts Week: Night at the Museums), Nov. 18 (free day), Dec. 8 (free day), 2024
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, a maze filled with treasures of the Earth: dinosaurs, dioramas, space exhibits, science experiments, a digital planetarium, an IMAX theatre and touring shows.
WHEN: Nov. 2 & 12, Dec. 10, 2024
WHERE: Denver Art Museum
Explore the Denver Art Museum's galleries showcasing a world-famous Indigenous art collection, as well as traditional and contemporary art from around the world. And admission is ALWAYS free for youth ages 18 and under, every day.
WHEN: Nov. 2, 2024 (Night at the Museums)
WHERE: History Colorado Center
History Colorado Center showcases powerful stories, honoring Colorado’s treasured memories and vibrant communities through exhibitions and programs. The center is also home to the State Historic Preservation Office and Stephen H. Hart Research Center — the portal to History Colorado’s more than 200,000 artifacts.
WHEN: Free General Admission
WHERE: Plains Conservation Center, Aurora
The Plains Conservation Center helps students and adults grow their knowledge and appreciation of the prairie ecosystem and the cultural history of Colorado through a variety of educational programs managed by Denver Botanic Gardens in cooperation with the City of Aurora.
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2024
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is a 24-acre oasis in the middle of the city, with 45 different gardens (some 33,000 plants), as well as one of the nation's top 10 conservatories. Relax in the Japanese Garden, climb through the Rock Alpine Garden and explore the Mordecai Children's Garden.
WHEN: Nov. 29, 2024
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms is a picturesque nature preserve among the grasslands, ponds and cottonwood banks of Deer Creek. Facilities include nature trails, a wildlife observation area, display gardens, educational exhibits, a historical farm, a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse, working beehives and picnic areas.
WHEN: Nov. 3, 9 & 17, 2024
WHERE: Denver Zoo
Say hello to the animals for free this season. Denver Zoo, located in City Park, spans over 75 acres and is home to more than 4,000 animals, including rare amur leopards, okapi, black rhinoceros, elephants, vampire bats, orangutans, Komodo dragons and more!
WHEN: Oct. 18 (Boulder County Residents), 2024
WHERE: Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden
Travel back in time at this 15-acre railyard and museum in nearby Golden, Colorado. The Colorado Railroad Museum features more than 100 engines, cabooses and coaches, a garden railway and a library and roundhouse restoration facility with working turntable.
WHEN: TBA 2025
WHERE: Clyfford Still Museum
Enjoy nine beautiful galleries of Clyfford Still’s art, historic photos and letters from the Clyfford Still Archives, an interactive timeline, dozens of videos and books and a pair of tranquil outdoor terraces. New for 2024, the museum launched Pay-What-You-Wish Days: an initiative to increase community access at the Clyfford Still Museum on select days throughout the year. Admission can be as little as one penny, and online registration will open one week before each Pay-What-You-Wish Day.
WHEN: Every First Friday
WHERE: Denver's Art Districts
Discover Denver's thriving creative community during a First Friday celebration, held every first Friday of the month. Galleries in Denver's creative art districts stay open late.
Denver Arts & Venues invites art and architecture lovers to participate in free public art tours on foot, bike and scooter. These free guided tours focus on small segments of the city’s public art collection and give citizens and visitors the opportunity to venture inside venues such as the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and Colorado Convention Center to view works and hear the intimate details of their creation and installation.
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!
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Denver's craft beer world on a free tour at the Great Divide Brewing Co. downtown or the Great Divide Barrel Bar in RiNo.
Housed in Empower Field at Mile High (home of the Denver Broncos ), the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame 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.
The expansive Denver Skatepark — 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.
The Denver Beer Trail provides a sampling of Denver’s top microbreweries. Follow the suggested routes or pick and choose from the list of featured breweries.
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.
No matter where you find yourself in The Mile High City, you’re likely only a few steps away from a lush and relaxing green space. Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to explore Denver's more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, as well as an additional 14,000 acres of spectacular mountain parks in neighboring counties that are maintained by the City and County of Denver.
Denver street artists have been busy brightening (and enlightening) the urban landscape for decades by making canvases of the city’s alleyways, building exteriors, warehouses, garage doors and storefronts. Grab your camera and take a stroll past some of the city's favorite murals.
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