Free things to do in Denver (and beyond) this week, June 29 through July 5

The Colorado Primary Election is over, and June has gone out with a bang. But all the political fireworks will be replaced by Fourth of July festivities (at least for a few days). There’s also another big First Friday coming up on July 3, and fests and fairs will see us through the weekend.

For more options, check our Summer Guide, with hundreds of events for the months ahead, as well as our list of activities worth the price of admission this week. Now keep reading for more free things to do in Denver (and beyond):

This week

Marianne Rabalais Sulser with Kyle Dyer
Wednesday, July 1, 6 p.m.
Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave.
Local author Marianne Rabalais Sulser will discuss and sign her debut novel, Like Snow Before Sun, a historic romance. Generative journalist Kyle Dyer will be on hand to lead the audience Q&A. Admission starts at $7.25, but includes a signed paperback copy of the book or a $5 gift card to Tattered Cover. Register here.

Breckenridge Wildflower Week
Thursday, July 2, through July 12
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is hosting its first Wildflower Week, an 11-day celebration that includes guided wildflower hikes hosted by Breckenridge Open Space and Trails, concerts from the National Repertory Orchestra and Breck Create’s wildflower-inspired arts classes taking place in wildflower meadows. Most events are free, and the fun kicks off with NRO’s Music in the Mountains at 1:30 p.m. on July 3 at Milne Park. Late that afternoon, enjoy Market & Music at the Thursday farmers’ market. Get the full schedule here.

Glendale 4th on the Second
Thursday, July 2, 6 to 10 p.m.
Infinity Park, 950 S. Birch St., Glendale
Glendale is always out of the gate early with a major fireworks show. This year, it’s hosting a screening of “F1” first. You can bring a picnic (no glass), but food trucks will also be on hand.

Star-Spangled 250th Birthday Bash Concert
Thursday, July 2, 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Highlands Heritage Regional Ranch, 9651 S. Quebec St.,,Highlands Ranch
The Highlands Ranch Community Association and Highlands Ranch Metro District are hosting this new Birthday Bash Concert at Highland Heritage Regional Park on Thursday, July 2, beginning at 6 p.m. The event will feature local bluegrass favorite Ragged Union at 6 p.m., followed by 2025 Colorado Country Male Vocalist of the Year Jeff Goodwin and the Front Range Cowboys from 7:30 to 9 p.m. There will be a drone show at 9 p.m. And don’t forget the traditional Highlands Ranch Independence Day 5K and Fourth of July Parade on July 4.

A250: Portrait of a Nation With Deanne Fitzmaurice
Thursday, July 2, 7 p.m.
Wheeler House, Aspen
This free Changemaker Speaker Series event features Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice talking about nearly forty years as a photojournalist. Her Portrait of a Nation Illustrated talk includes work covering the AIDS crisis, the Loma Prieta earthquake, marriage‑equality rulings, global conflict, climate events, and cultural touchstones from professional sports to Route 66. Reserve a seat here.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cherry Creek
The beloved Denver tradition celebrates 35 years in Cherry Creek, with three days of art, food, music and fun – featuring 260 artists from around the world, live performances, and interactive experiences for all ages. Opening night on July 2 is ticketed; after that, the entire fest is free. Learn more here.

Fourth of July Weekend at Union Station
Friday, July 3, 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, July 4, 3 to 8 p.m.
Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St.
All aboard for fun at Union Station, which will come alive with music.. On Friday, Earl Nelson & the Company will play on the Terminal Bar patio — also a great place to catch the fireworks at Coors Field; David Burchfield will play on Saturday. Also on Saturday, the Great Hall will feature live performances by John McKay at 3 p.m., and David Burchfield at 4 p.m. Get more details here.

Independence Eve Celebration
Friday, July 3, 6 p.m.
Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Celebrate America’s 250^th and Colorado turning 150 during this special Independence Eve celebration that’s moved indoors from its traditional Civic Center location (since that park is under construction). The program features patriotic favorites and iconic American music performed by the Colorado Symphony under the baton of conductor Scott Terrell, with Colorado Symphony Principal Trumpet Justin Bartels featured as soloist. The community concert is free thanks to the sponsorship of CU Anschutz, but seats are not guaranteed. Get a ticket here.

Sunset Cinema: “National Treasure”
Friday, July 3, 6 p.m.
Sculpture Park, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Head to Sculpture Park for a special screening of “National Treasure,” a guest appearance by Mayor Mike Johnston and the special America 250 | Colorado 150 Drone Show after the film. It’s all free, but reservations are encouraged here.

James Barrs at The TANK
Friday, July 3, 8 p.m.
The TANK, Rangeley
Guitarist and composer James Barrs recorded his 2024 album Everything Ends in Darkness underground in a Colorado cave. He’s going aboveground for his new album, How Sweetly I Sleep Here Alone, with classical guitar and folk adaptations and improvisations; it was recorded at the TANK. He’ll perform selections at this free concert with Ben Bentele on bowed banjo and Rai Omri on guitar. Reserve a spot here.

Mile High Art & Craft Pop-Up
Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5
Denver City Park Pavilion, 2001 Steele St.
Celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at this free event where art and handmade crafts take center stage. Register for a spot here.

In(ter)dependence Day Celebration 2026
Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.
Cheesman Park Pavilion, 1900 E. 11th Ave.
For the third year in a row, Warm Cookies of the Revolution is bringing all the stuff you love about the Fourth of July, with none of the stuff you might not. There will be music from DJ STV, a celebration of local heroes with art by Olive Moya, a botanical walk through the park with herbalist Monticue Connally, a poetic incantation by Jovan Mays, Afrofusion dance from Divine Flow Collective, chalk art and other craft activities for all ages. Chef Ruben Hernandez and his team from La Reyna del Sur will offer Oaxacan food, too. Get more info and RSVP here.

Green Box Arts Festival
Saturday, July 4, through Sunday, July 18
Green Mountain Falls
This fest, which got its start in 2009, is a two-week multi-disciplinary event with arts performances, exhibitions, classes, camps, conversations and parties…some paid, some free, including a big Fourth of July celebration. The free fun runs from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and starts with an old-fashioned parade, followed by a community lunch and block party featuring Telluride Bluegrass winners Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light, Cary Morin & Ghost Dog, and Jeremy Mohney & His Orchestra. As a tribute to America’s semiquincentennial, the National Museum of WWII Aviation will conduct a ceremonial flyover of historic WWII-era fighter aircraft; the evening concludes with the traditional Water Lantern Launch at Gazebo Lake. Get the complete schedule here.

Urban Market
Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, noon to 6 p.m.
Union Station, Wynkoop Plaza, 1701 Wynkoop St.
The Urban Market is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Denver; it features booths selling everything from local art to antiques, clothes and furniture.

Denver Municipal Band Independence Day Concerts
Saturday, July 4, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Washington Park
Sunday, July 5, 7 p.m., Cheesman Park
At 11 a.m. on the Fourth, the Denver Municipal Band — the country’s longest continually-performing ensemble — will be at the Washington Park Boathouse with the Brass Quintet. At 7 p.m. on the Fourth, it will be at the Washington Park Meadow with Denver District 9 City Councilmember Darrell Watson narrating Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, trombone soloist Richard Harris, and Marguerite Endsley performing aerials. And at 7 p.m. on July 5, it will be at the Cheesman Park Pavilion with Denver District 10 City Councilmember Chris Hinds narrating Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait.

Park Hill Parade
Saturday, July 4, 1:30 p.m.
E. 23rd Ave., Dexter Street to Krameria Street
This will be the 16th parade through Park Hill, with more than 50 groups, including floats, marching bands, classic cars and costumed characters.

4thFEST
Saturday, July 4, 3 to 10 p.m.
Outside Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City
Commerce City is throwing its annual 4thFest, this year in a first-time partnership with USA Rugby that’s hosting the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup. There will be family-friendly activities, live music and a big fireworks show. While you’ll need tickets to get into the games, the 4thFEST is free.

Movies at McGregor: “Project Hail Mary”
Saturday, July 4, 6:30 p.m.
McGregor Square, 1900 Wazee St.
Movies at McGregor Square are back for the summer, with film favorites on the 66-foot Jumbotron. On July 4th, the movie is “Project Hail Mary.”

Artgasm: An Erotic Art Fair
Sunday, July 5, 1 to 5 p.m.
Sexploratorium, 1800 S. Broadway
Artgasm: An Erotic Art Fair is a free community event showcasing the work of talented local artists exploring themes of sensuality, intimacy, desire, fantasy, and the human body. From paintings and prints to photography, sculpture, jewelry, crafts, and beautifully erotic creations, this fair is packed with artwork designed to intrigue and inspire.

Blucifer’s First Rodeo Bicycle Roundup
Sunday, July 5, 1 p.m.
Z Cycle, 3217 E. Colfax Ave., to Records on Main, 2430 Main St., Littleton
Join a free group 13-mile bike ride from Z Cycle in Denver to Records on Main. The destination is a 2:30 p.m. show featuring LEGS. THE BAND, Elektric Animals, and Evie Valentine. The show is $5, but reserve a spot for the free bike ride here.

Free Weekly Stand-Up Comedy Show
Sunday, July 5, 8 to 10 p.m.
East Fax Tap, 8001 E. Colfax Ave.
This free comedy showcase and open mic is hosted every Sunday at East Fax Tap. The show starts with a booked showcase hour featuring local and traveling comedians, along with a couple surprise bucket spots mixed in. After the showcase hour, the show opens into the regular open mic, and things usually get a little weird from there. Reserve a spot here.

Ongoing

FIFA World Cup Live at McGregor Square
Through July 19
McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St.
Catch the world’s game the way it’s meant to be seen: loud, proud and surrounded by fellow fans. McGregor Square is showing FIFA World Cup matches live on the 66-foot screen, turning downtown Denver into a full-blown watch party. Although Mexico and USA games are ticketed, admission is free to other matches. Learn more here.

Soccer Celebration at Skyline Park
Through July 19
Skyline Park, 16th St.
This block of Skyline Park is being turned into a free soccer central, with massive outdoor screens featuring match broadcasts for fans. And Biker Jim will be selling his hot dogs!

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. Admission to the Denver Botanic Gardens (both York Street and Chatfield Farms) is free on July 1; for more upcoming bargains, check the SCFD site.

Canstruction
Through July 31
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Eight teams have been working to build summer-themed sculptures entirely out of canned food, everything from a flamingo pool floatie to a sandcastle. They’re on exhibit during regular mall hours, and you can vote for your favorite. When the display ends, the cans will be donated to We Don’t Waste.

Plaza on the Park
Daily through Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Denver International Airport
Have extra time at the airport? Activities return to Plaza on the Park, the space between the Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel. The nine-hole mini golf course is back; the space also hosts occasional special events and performances.

Music in the Gardens
Weekdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
17th Street Community Gardens, 17th and Wewatta streets
After a cold start to its first week, the sixth annual Music in the Gardens lunchtime music series continues with live performances every weekday lunch in the Union Station neighborhood. Get the schedule here.

Westracks Shuttle
Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Various stops in Jefferson County
The Westracks Shuttle Pilot Program will run free buses from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays through Labor Day, connecting riders to key destinations from the Jefferson County Government Center/RTD Golden Station, from Matthews/Winters Park, the Martin G. Lockley Center at Dinosaur Ridge, the Red Rocks Trading Post, Downtown Morrison, and the Morrison Natural History Museum.

Civic Center EATS
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1400 Block of Bannock Street, Civic Center Park
On Wednesdays and Thursdays through mid-October, Denver’s summer food truck rally will return to Civic Center Park. Although the location has shifted toward Bannock Street because of renovations in the park, there will still be at least a dozen trucks to choose from, as well as civic booths and live music from Youth on Record. Get the full lineup in our story (and note that there’s no EATS on 7/1, 7/2, 8/12, 8/13, 9/2 or 9/3).

Colorado State Capitol Tours
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
200 E. Colfax Ave.
The legislative session is over, but the Capitol remains open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and free guided tours are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check in at the Visitor Information Desk, which opens at 9 a.m.

America 250 – Colorado 150
Through 2026
Around the state
Happy 150th birthday, Colorado! On August 1, 1876, Colorado became a state, and there will be celebrations all year — at the same time this country is celebrating its 250th anniversary. You can find a full list of the activities at Am250CO150.org.

“We Are the Land”
Denver’s YouTube
Denver documented the history and culture of the city’s current American Indian population, as well as Tribal Nations with cultural and historic ties to the land that is now Denver, with the oral history project “We are the Land: American Indian Life, Legacy and Future in Denver.” The project includes an accompanying documentary, “We Are the Land,” produced by Off the Road Productions, which is now available for free on Denver’s YouTube channel.

Plan ahead

Colorado Day 2026
Saturday, Aug. 1
Across Colorado
Party like it’s 1876 on Colorado’s 150th birthday! There will be celebrations around the state, including History Colorado’s eight locations. Here in Denver, the Center for Colorado Women’s History at 1310 Bannock Street will offer a free pancake breakfast at 9 .m., followed by free admission and tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an interactive community art project, roaming musicians, the grand opening of the “Shared History” mural and more. Nearby, the History Colorado Center at 1200 Broadway will offer free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as history, lab activities, gold panning, and the launch of Setting Colorado’s Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy. Find info on all state activities here.

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