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Are you ready to fall for autumn in the Rockies? Leaf-peepers are going for the gold…and the orange, as pumpkin patches and Halloween haunts open for the season. You can live it up at Day of the Dead events, too.
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 weekend:
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 October 24, and there are three free days coming up at the Denver Zoo in November, with the first on November 7; you can register for free tickets on October 27. For more upcoming bargains, check the SCFD site.
Biennial of the Americas
Through Sunday, October 26
Downtown Denver
The Biennial of the Americas Festival is a landmark cultural celebration uniting artists, innovators and thought leaders from across the Western Hemisphere. It returns 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.
Gaining Ground in the Black Community Social Equity Summit
Through Sunday, October 19
The Colorado Black Round Table is hosting the Gaining Ground in the Black Community Social Equity Summit, a multi-day event focusing on community building, leadership and organizational dialogue, corporate-community engagement and historical remembrances. Activities will conclude Sunday at local churches; for more information, contact John Bailey at johnbailey062@gmail.com or 720-629-0964.
This Weekend
Party on the Plaza
Saturday, October 18, 2 to 10 p.m.
Writer Square, 1512 Larimer Street
The 2025 Biennial of the Americas Festival is in town, and is throwing a community bash in the heart of downtown Denver. Party on the Plaza will activate Writer Square with music, performances and interactive art inspired by the festival’s exhibitions and cultural programming, including the displays Double Vision, Sabor Ancestral, CANDY STORE, and more.
Fall Family Fun Day
Sunday, October 19, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Jeffco Fairgrounds, 15200 West Sixth Avenue, Lakewood
The Jefferson County Library Foundation is hosting its Whale of a Sale this weekend, and it will join with Colorado State University Extension on Sunday for a free Fall Family Fun Day, coimplete with a bounce house, candy giveaways and hands-on-family activities. For more bargains, you can pay admission to the Whale of a Sale and fill a bag for just $10.
KissFist
Sunday, October 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rino Art Park, 1900 35th Street
KissFist is a mural fest celebrating the deaf community, with more than a dozen artists painting murals through the weekend. There will also be an art market, live entertainment and more.
Park Hill Open Studio Tour
Sunday, October 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Park Hill, with a hub at the Art Garage, 6100 East 23rd Avenue
Artists across Park Hill will be opening their studios, sharing their art processes and selling their work during this two-day event.
Cloud 9 Fallfest
Sunday, October 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ninth Avenue and Colorado Boulevard
Celebrate autumn at the Cloud 9 Fallfest, which will offer a pumpkin patch, root beer floats, caramel apples, and plenty of carnival and lawn games.
Urban Market: Union Station
Sunday, October 19, noon to 6 p.m.
Wynkoop Plaza, 1701 Wynkoop Street
The Urban Market returns to Union Station, with an eclectic mix of local arts and crafts sold directly by the artists — including jewelry, furniture, antiques and unique treasures, along with live music and entertainment.
Flatstock
Sunday, October 19, noon to 5 p.m.
Dairy Block, 1800 Wynkoop Street
The American Poster Institute and Fireside at Five are hosting this touring gig poster exhibition featuring artists from around the country, along with live local music programmed by SoFar and drink spwxiLA.
Spooky Photos With Your Pets
Sunday, October 19, 1 to 3 p.m.
Spirit Hound Distillers, 4196 Ute Highway, Lyons
Bring your best friend for an afternoon of spooky fun. Lauren Schwab of High Heals Photography will be capturing spooky portraits of your pets. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
Plan ahead
Downtown Alive: Storytelling & Cultural Economy
Monday, October 20, noon to 2 p.m.
Writer Square, 1512 Larimer Street
The 2025 Biennial of the Americas programming continues with this roundtable, and how a mix of offerings can reflect Denver’s diverse communities while strengthening its cultural economy. The conversation highlights how design, small business and collaboration can turn downtown into a marketplace of ideas — where commerce meets creativity, and every encounter tells a story of the Americas.
Jeff Fierbert: Markets Volume 1
Monday, October 20, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
3358 York Street
Denver photographer and entrepreneur Jeff Fierberg has spent years documenting the spirit of global markets, from Mexico City to Marrakech. His upcoming book, Markets Volume 1, captures that journey with photo-based stories. See for yourself at the launch event.
Olde Town Arvada Celebration
Wednesday, October 22, 5 to 7 p.m.
Olde Town Square, 5700 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard
The Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District is celebrating a new designated drinking area located in pedestrian-only areas of Olde Town Arvada. “As part of our work to create a more vibrant Olde Town Arvada and support local businesses, we’ve created a designated drinking area,” says Kristin Chayer, president of the Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District. “In the designated drinking area, persons at least 21 may purchase and consume takeout beverages from eligible liquor licensed businesses in Olde Town’s Entertainment District as they stroll the area.”
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 educationn classes and community resources.
Do you know of a great free event? We update this list throughout the week; send information to editorial@westword.com.