Ten Things to Do for Free in Denver (and Beyond) This Weekend

The temperature is dropping this weekend, but the entertainment calendar is heating up. Earth Day action continues, Copper Mountain is hosting its end-of-season celebration (though the season has been extended), Independent Bookstore Day is here...and there are free Día del Niño events across town.

For more activities, see our list of events worth the price of admission. Now keep reading for the best free things to do in Denver and beyond this weekend..and before you go, check to see if the weather has affected the event!

Sunsation
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Copper Mountain
Because of recent snowfalls, Copper Mountain will stay open into May, but it will hold its annual Sunsation event celebrating the season on the original closing dates. This year's spring celebration will feature bingo and other games; free live music with Brass Attack, Ripe, Beau Thomas Band and the Main Squeeze; and the return of Slush Rush at noon today. Although registration is closed, there's no fee to watch participants ski into icy pools of water. Learn more here.

Independent Bookstore Day at Tattered Cover
Saturday, April 27, 10 to 8 p.m.
Tattered Cover Stores
On the last Saturday in April, independent bookstores are celebrated online and in-store across the country. All Tattered Covers are getting in on the act with special deals and activities, including free goodie bags, discounts on books and a Tarot card reader at the Colfax location. Leading up to Independent Bookstore Day, Tattered is hosting a Spirit Week with themes and day-of promotions. Get the details here.

The Bookies Grand Re-Opening
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2085 South Holly Street
After being closed for a year, the Bookies is celebrating its new location with a grand re-opening celebration on Independent Bookstore Day. Explore the shelves, buy books and hear some stories and live music. The festivities include an author storytime with Melanie Crowder, musical storytelling with Bradley Weaver, a tae kwon do demo and a reading by Jill Carstens from her new memoir, which looks back at old Denver. The event is free; see more information on the Bookies' website.

Día del Niño: Celebrating All Children
Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28
Around Metro Denver
The Mexican Cultural Center is promoting events and activities across the metro area, including at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Zoo, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Clyfford Still Museum, Denver Public Library, History Colorado Center, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, the Colorado Symphony, and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The Denver Zoo will host "Día del Niño: Celebrating All Children" on Saturday with the Colorado Youth Mariachi playing for the animals and their human guests on Saturday; the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art will host its event at the Boulder Central Park's Glen Huntington Bandshell the same day. The Central Denver Library, Denver Art Museum and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science will hold festivities on Sunday. Many of the events are free; learn more here.

Westminster Arts Week
Saturday, April 27, 1 to 5 p.m.
Downtown Westminster Plaza, 8900 Westminster Boulevard, and downtown Westminster
Last weekend's weather put a damper on the start of Westminster Arts Week, but it will end with a bang, including a Friday Dance Party that includes performances by the City of Westminster Baton Twirlers, the Denver Pow Wow Dance Group, and the Fly Boys Swing Band, all at the Downtown Westminster Plaza. On Saturday, enjoy music, art shows and a closing reception at Aar River Gallery (3707 West 73rd Avenue). Admission is free to all events; learn more here.

Denver Art Society Artist Talk: Kevin Nealon
Saturday, April 27, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
734 Santa Fe Drive
Kevin Nealon — comedian, actor and Saturday Night Live alum — is also an artist, and he'll talk about his work at a free appearance between gigs at the Comedy Works Saturday. Stick around for At Ease, a relaxed and interactive evening that starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
The Fall of Bent’s Fort
Saturday, April 27, 4 p.m.
Lone Tree Hub, 8827 Lone Tree Parkway, Lone Tree
Sunday, April 28, 1:30 p.m.
Goodson Rec Center, 6315 South University Boulevard, Centennial
As part of the nonprofit Tesoro Cultural Center’s annual Historic Lecture Series, Jake Koch will present “The Fall of Bent’s Fort – 175 Years Later," detailing the history of the fort and what led to its decline and abandonment. Both lectures are free, but registration is required through South Suburban Parks & Recreation.

WestFax Comedy Night
Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m.
WestFax Brewing Co, 6733 West Colfax Avenue, Lakewood
WestFax is celebrating its eighth birthday with a free Comedy Night. The lineup includes Edward Bell, Scott Shaffer, Sam Sisson, Roxey Grant and George Delgado. Learn more here.

Spring BAZAAR
Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gold's Marketplace, 2625 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge
Because of the weather, the first Wheat Ridge Spring BAZAAR has been moved to Sunday. The outdoor market will still feature eighty-plus curated vendors, live DJs, craft cocktails and more. Admission is free, but you can buy Shop & Sip tickets, too. Get all the details here.

Live From Planet Earth 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2 to 9 p.m.
Sanitas Brewing, 3550 Frontier Avenue, Boulder
Climatique, an alliance of artists and activists focused on harnessing the power of community to protect our people and our planet, is hosting Live From Planet Earth 2024, a celebration with live music performances, speakers on climate justice, interactive discussions and more. Admission is free; learn more here.


Plan ahead:

Cinco de Mayo Festival
Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Civic Center Park
Yes, the free fest will return, with live music on three stages, food vendors, a lowrider car show and a taco-eating contest. Mark your calendars, and learn more here.

Do you know of a great free event? We update this list several times every week; send information to [email protected].