Tired of the global pandemic? World-weary of all the political shenanigans? Blast off with the Colorado-based Space Foundation, which is hosting a week of free programming through the Space Unites festival. And for more down-to-earth information, you can listen to artists talk about sexuality and social justice, watch films about racism and prayer, and learn more about wolves.

Keep reading for seven great free events around town, and watch for updates.

Space Unites: A World Space Week Celebration
Through Saturday, October 10 (Hall of Fame Awards Thursday at 11 a.m.)
The Space Foundation, a global space advocate for 37 years, is presenting a weeklong series of virtual and in-person events. “Space access and opportunity are created by imagination, ingenuity, and collaboration of daring and like-minded people," says Space Foundation CEO Tom Zelibor. "We will celebrate the full spectrum of those possibilities during World Space Week and show there is space for everyone within this expanding and adventurous global community.” And consider this: soccer with drones! Find out more about the programming here.

Science Live: Deciphering Ancient Climates
Thursday, October 8, noon
Our best source of information about how our modern climate might change in the near future is to look back into the past, according to Dr. Ian Miller, paleobotanist and earth science director at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Join him for a live chat on how fossil leaves can be used to figure out how hot or cold it was in the past. Sign up for the free Zoom talk here.

Wolves in Colorado: Community Perspectives and Conflict Over Wolves
Thursday, October 8, 5 p.m.
In this third program on wolves, Bill Fales, a rancher in Colorado’s Crystal River Valley, and Jonathan Proctor, program director of the Rockies and Plains Program for Defenders of Wildlife, will discuss their hopes and concerns about Proposition 114, which would bring wolves back to Colorado, and also take questions. Register here.

Presidential Debate: Free & Equal Elections Foundation
Thursday, October 8, 2 through 8 p.m.
Ten presidential candidates have been invited and five have confirmed their participation in this debate hosted by Free & Equal Elections Foundation (Free & Equal's Christine Tobin will moderate) and Open the Debates: Brian Carroll, Brock Pierce, Don Blankenship, Gloria La Riva and Howie Hawkins. Before the debate, Free & Equal's United We Stand tour will present performances by musicians, artists and thought leaders. From its base in Denver, the debate will be live-streamed at freeandequal.org.

a prayer, 2020/Still With Lares Feliciano
Thursday, October 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock Street
John the Clifford Still Museum for the premiere of a prayer, a short film by Denver-based artist Lares Feliciano. The film will simultaneously screen online via Zoom while it is also projected on a loop on the front of the museum. After the showing, Feliciano will discuss her work with some of her collaborators — including Wheelchair Sports Camp, Machete Mouth and KOKO LA — on Zoom, and also take questions. Find out more about this free program and register here.

Hispanic Heritage Month Free Day at Museo de las Americas
Saturday, October 10
In collaboration with Denver Public Library, Museo de las Americas will present a free day with tours and arts-and-crafts activities entirely en español. The Bookmobile will be there, full of Spanish books, movies and magazines. Registration is required; sign up here.

National Period Day
Saturday, October 10, noon to 1 p.m.
La Alma Park
Celebrate National Period Day at a free event with speakers — including Denver School Board member Tay Anderson, Senator Faith Winter and Representative Brianna Titone — discussing how to end stigma and period poverty. There will also be a product drive and period-kit distribution. It's sponsored by Period Kits; find out more here.

Know of a great free event around town? Send information to editorial@westword.com.

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