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 DaysLocations and dates vary
Thanks to the sales tax you pay into the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, many art institutions around the metro area offer occasional free days and programs. There's no admission charge at the Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street and Chatfield Farms on Wednesday, August 27; although the Botanic Gardens has filled its spaces, there's still room at Chatfield. For more upcoming bargains, check the SCFD site. Civic Center EATS
Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Civic Center Park
For over a decade, food trucks have rallied at Civic Center for lunchtime fun that often includes live entertainment. The summer session ends on August 28; the fall session starts September 10.
Skyline Beer Garden
Wednesday through Sunday
16th and Arapahoe streets
Experience summer the Denver way at this outdoor beer garden with food, drinks, games and live entertainment all summer long. On Saturday, August 30, Bites & Bites will run from 4 to 7 p.m., with live music and a food truck on hand. Find the complete schedule here.
Upper DownTUNES
Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.
Outer Space, 16th and Welton streets
Liven up your lunch at Upper DownTUNES, a free live music series in Upper Downtown Denver.
This Week
Semiprecious Presents: The Humans Who Feed Us
Tuesday, August 26, 4 p.m. to midnight
Semiprecious, 2839 West 44th Avenue
This special evening of food and drink benefits Justice for Migrant Women, furthering its efforts to guarantee the human and civil rights of migrant women. No reservations or tickets required; enjoy cocktail specials by award-winning mixologist Lynnette Marrero (Delola, Speed Rack, Milly's), highlighting Del Maguey and Olmeca Altos; and delicious bites and live fire cooking by Kelly Whittaker (Hey Kiddo and The Wolf's Tailor). A portion of all proceeds will go to the nonprofit.
Telling Tales
Tuesday, August 26, 7 to 9 p.m.
Bruz Beers Midtown, 1675 West 67th Avenue
Telling Tales is a monthly event that has continued for nearly twenty years; it used to be at the Mercury Cafe under the name StoriesStories, It features up to six Colorado writers reading from diverse fictions and personal narratives.
Chatfield Farms Free Day
Wednesday, August 27, 9 to 5 p.m.
8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton
While the free day at the Denver Botanic Gardens may already be filled up, you can still register to go to Chatfield Farms, the Denver Botanic Gardens adjunct in Littleton.
The Zine Scene
Wednesday, August 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Sam Gary Branch Library, 2961 Roslyn Street
Join the Denver Zine Library for a hands-on workshop to create your own zine, while exploring the history of zine-making and browsing a curated collection highlighting the lived experiences of Asian Americans. The program is part of the One Book One Denver program that focuses on Stay True, the memoir by Hua Hsu. Find the complay OBOD schedule here.
Keystone Oktoberfest
Friday, August 29, 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, August 30, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
River Run Village, Keystone
Colorado's Oktoberfest season kicks off with a bash at Keystone, that includes free music by Andy Stratton on Friday. While you'll need to buy tickets to enter the official Oktoberfest on Saturday, you can listen to more free music, including the Summit Concert Band, Those Australian Guides and the CB3, and also watch stein-hoisting contests and a free performance by the Alpen Auerhahn Schuhplattlers. VIP tickets and food and drink packages are available.
Beaver Creek Oktoberfest
Friday, August 29, 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, August 30, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, August 31, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Village Green, Beaver Creek
Colorado's Oktoberfest season kicks off in Beaver Creek with Bavarian beer and food, as well as live music from three classic rock cover bands: Trachtenkapelle, Austria’s traditional band from Beaver Creek’s sister city, Lech, and The Hit Men, whose members played or sang with classic rock bands including Foreigner, Journey, Wings and Billy Joel, on Friday; Trachtenkapelle, The Helmut Fricker Band and The Ultimate Queen Experience on Saturday, and Trachtenkapelle, The Helmut Fricker Band and Beginnings – A Celebration of the Music of Chicago. Admission is free, with VIP packages available.
Pride Pop-Up Market
Saturday, August 30, noon to 4 p.m.
Vanishing West Ciders, 9735 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora
Come for the cider, stay for the sparkle. Celebrate Aurora Pride at this all-day Pride Pop-Up Market, with a live set by DJ Naster and a drag queen show.
Pig Roast & Whisky Library Sale
Saturday, August 30, 3 to 9 p.m.
Spirit Hound Lyons Tasting Room, 4196 Ute Highway, Lyons
Celebrate both history and history in the making at this community party, with a classic pig roast. Dig into the Spirit Hound whisky archives, and raise a glass to ten years since the release of its very first whisky. There will be live music by Joe Kuckla from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event is dog-friendly, and admission is free.
Big Something With Rado and The Hip Snacks
Saturday, August 30, 7 p.m. (doors at 7)
Levitt Pavilion, 1380 West Florida Avenue
Hailing from the North Carolina countryside, or “The Middle of Nowhere,” as it’s proudly dubbed on the six-member act's debut album, Big Something has become one of the most unique rock bands to emerge from the Southeast, with its own summer music festival and seven full-length studio albums.
Havana Street Night Market
Saturday, August 30, 6 to 10 p.m.
Leezakaya Restaurant, 2710 South Havana Street, Aurora
On Havana Street & Bonfire Event Co. are hosting this global celebration of food, culture and community, with vendors selling jewelry, clothing, art and unique finds from around the world. Add in live music, dance, interactive games and giveaways, and you’ve got the perfect setting for a night out. Read Anthony Bruno's story here.
Concerts on the Fly: Rose Royce, BigPocket and DJ Bella Scratch
Sunday, August 31, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Park on the Plaza, Denver International Airport
The final installment of the 2025 Concerts on the Fly series features Rose Royce, BigPocket and DJ Bella Scratch.
Dust Bowl Revival With Heavy Diamond Ring
Sunday, August 31, 5 p.m. (doors at 4)
Levitt Pavilion, 1380 West Florida Avenue
Going strong into its second decade after starting with a humble Craigslist ad posted in bohemian Venice Beach, Dustbowl’s ever-evolving collective (there have been nearly thirty members!) plays a spicy cocktail of folky-funk,expertly mixing its New Orleans-tinted brass section with signature Laurel Canyon harmonies and fearless lyrics.
Denver Racquets Club
Through September 1
6505 West Sixth Avenue, Lakewood
Interested in trying padel? Meadow Creek Tennis & Fitness Club has rebranded as Denver Racquets Club, and through September 1, all padel courts, classes, training and demo equipment are free. Learn more here.
Plan ahead
Art Drop DayTuesday, September 2
Around Town
Originally started in Provo, Utah, by artist Jake Parker, Art Drop Day is a worldwide celebration that connects communities by creating bonds between strangers through the act of sharing art. With support from Denver Arts & Venues, Denver has been celebrating Art Drop Day since 2017. More than 2,000 art pieces have been hidden around the city for discovery, including sculpture, music, pottery, fiber arts, metal works, jewelry, photography, prints, books, paintings, and even concert and theatre tickets. Learn more here.
Neustadt Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies and Music Festival Kickoff
Tuesday, September 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jewish Community Center Denver, 350 South Dahlia Street
Celebrate the start of the Neustadt Festival, which celebrates Jewish creativity through art, film, music and literature, at this free kickoff preview. See the art show, vist the JAAMM bookstore, and more.
Denver Journalism, History, Motivation and Place
Wednesday, September 3, 6:30 p.m. (doors at 5)
Denver Press Club
The Denver Press Club building is turning 100, and as part of the celebration, the organization is hosting this discussion on the impact of Denver journalism and its publishers on the city and state, and how and where the building of their offices continues to cement and shape the perception of power, freedom of speech, journalism and truth. Panelists include Jason Hanson, chief creative officer for History Colorado; John Deffenbaugh, chief executive officer for Historic Denver; Phil Goodstein, author of over thirty books on Denver’s history; and Patricia Calhoun, Westword editor. Alan Kania, Denver Press Club historian and author, will moderate. Admission is free; learn more about the Denver Press Club.
Do you know of a great free event? We update this list through the week; send information to [email protected].
