Free Things to Do in Denver (and Beyond) This Week

Are you ready to fall for autumn in the Rockies? Leaf-peepers have been going for the gold…and the orange, as pumpkin patches and Halloween haunts celebrate the season. You can live it up at Day of the Dead events, too, and the Biennial continues to host intriguing activities at Writer Square. Just blocks away, the city will experiment with closing the 1700 block of Wynkoop Street from Saturday through Halloween; stop by Spooky Wynkoopy and see what you think.

Check our weekly list for one-off activities worth the price of admission. Now keep reading for free things to do in Denver (and beyond) this week:

Ongoing

SCFD Free Days
Locations and dates vary
Thanks to the sales tax you pay into the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, many arts institutions around the metro area offer occasional free days and programs. Four Mile Historic Park is offering a free day on Friday, October 24. Three free days are coming up at the Denver Zoo, the first on November 7; you can register for tickets on October 27. For more upcoming bargains, check the SCFD site.

Biennial of the Americas
Through Sunday, October 26, noon to late
Writer Square, 1512 Larimer Street
The Biennial of the Americas Festival is a landmark cultural celebration uniting artists, innovators and thought leaders from across the Western Hemisphere. It’s returned to Denver with music, art and fashion events, as well as conversations about issues shaping the future of the Americas. Many sessions are free; learn more here.

This Week

Free Legal Resource Day at Denver Courts
Thursday, October 23, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Denver Court, 1437 Bannock Street, and online
Denver County Court, Denver District Court, Denver Juvenile Court and Denver Probate Court are again teaming up to offer Free Legal Resource Day. “Finding legal help shouldn’t be a luxury,” says the announcement. “Yet, many people go to court without an attorney, which is why Denver’s legal community is mobilizing a Free Legal Resource. During this annual community-centered event, lawyers, judges, and legal professionals answer questions and provide helpful resources to members of the public.” Services include one-on-one legal consultations, as well as legal education classes and community resources

MSU Denver Job Fair
Thursday, October 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tivoli Turnhall, Auraria Campus
MSU Denver is hosting this job fair with SHHRPjobs at the Tivoli Turnhalle; the goal is to bring together job seekers from entry level to professional and match qualified talent with companies that value advancing diversity as they build and maintain their workforce. Admission is free; employers are required to pay a registration fee. For more info, contact jobs@shhrp.net.

Ancestral Futures: Indigenous Knowledge & Design
Thursday, October 23, noon to 2 p.m.
Writer Square, 1512 Larimer Street
As part of the Biennial programming, leaders in design, retail and architecture will explore how Indigenous artistic practices and ancestral knowledge inform ethical, sustainable and place-based approaches to design, bridging tradition and innovation.

Sacred Landscapes of the Native Americas
Thursday, October 23, 6 to 8 p.m.
O’Sullivan Art Gallery, Regis University, 3333 Regis Boulevard
Regis is opening Sacred Landscapes of the Native Americans, an exhibition featuring relationships between Indigenous art, architecture and environment, organized by Khristen Montes and curated by students, who will discuss the process at 7 p.m.

An Evening With Author and ALS Activist Lindy Uhrlaub
Thursday, October 23, 6:30 p.m.
The Bookies
ALS activist and author Mindy Uhrlaub will be in town to discuss her new book, Last Nerve: A Memoir of Illness and the Endurance of Family. A former Denver resident, she’ll discuss her work with moderator Sarah Presta and take questions from the audience.

Foothills Art Center Fall Open House
Friday, October 24, 3 to 7 p.m.
Foothills Art Center Creative Campus, 809 15th Street, Golden
The Foothills Art Center Fall Open House and Member Appreciation Day is open to all. Watch artist demos, peek inside artist studios, and participate in hands-on activities, including creating scarecrows and fall leaf printmaking.

Witches & Wizard Paddle
Saturday, October 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cherry Creek State Park, 4201 South Parker Road, Aurora
Wear a witch or wizard costume and head to the West Shades Picnic area of the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Bring your paddleboard or kayak as well as a life jacket, and join in the free fun.

Spooky Wynkoopy
Saturday, October 26, through Friday, October 31, noon to closing
1700 block of WynkoopStreet
For one week, Denver’s Department of Transportation & Infrastrucure, the Denver Office Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, and the Downtown Denver Partnership are closing off the 1700 block of Wynkoop Street replacing car traffic with music, entertainment and some Halloween fun. Get the schedule here.

Nuggets Can-I-Val Season Tip-Off
Saturday, October 25, 3 p.m.
Wynkoop Plaza, Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop Street
The NBA season is here, and Denver Union Station is celebrating in style with the Nuggets Can-I-Val Season Tip-Off Party. Before the first home opener, party with SuperMascot Rocky, Average Joes and the Skyline Drumline. There will be games, activations and plenty of prizes.

Broadway Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 25, 6 to 9 p.m.
Start at 500 Broadway
Despite economic challenges, the Broadway Halloween Parade will be back Saturday, with more than seventy floats along with music and marchers. Wear a costume and join the fun.

Double Vision Closing Reception
Sunday, October 26, noon to 5 p.m.
Writer Square 1512 Larimer Street
The Biennial activation at Writer Square will close with a reception for the Double Vision exhibit, curated by Esther Hernandez, with participating artists and collaborators on hand.

Upcoming

Denver Arts Week
Friday, November 7, through Sunday, November 16
Around metro Denver
The nineteenth annual Denver Arts Week will include more than 500 events celebrating the city’s cultural scene. Among the big events: First Friday Art Walks on November 7 and Night at the Museum on November 8, with Black American West Museum, Denver Art Museum, Dinosaur Ridge, Forney Museum of Transportation, History Colorado Center, The Museum for Black Girls, Wings Over the Rockies and more participating. Many of the events are free, and there are special deals, too. For a complete list, check out denverartsweek.com

Do you know of a great free event? We update this list throughout the week; send information to editorial@westword.com.