Fall has arrived, bringing with it many free events designed to expand your horizons. And you won't have to leave home to take an intellectual, artistic journey: Virtual events are more prominent than ever.
Keep reading for ten of the best free things to do this week, including two that will actually get you out of the house!
The Peak of Southlands Grand Opening
Friday, September 25, and Saturday, September 26
6155 South Main Street, Aurora
Southlands celebrates a major renovation this weekend, starting with the dedication of a pop-up fountain by Mayor Mike Coffman, followed by a laser light show with live music at 7 p.m. on September 25; activities on September 26 include a mini chalk art festival, sidewalk sales and a craft market, a Cub Club tulip garden, fitness classes and demonstrations, and the debut of new street murals. Get the full schedule here.
Denver American Indian Festival
Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27
In its seventh year, the free, family-friendly Denver American Indian Festival has gone virtual. Experience American Indian culture through song, dance, arts and crafts; world-renowned performers Calvin Standing Bear, Rose Red Elk, Bear Limvere, Sevenfalls Dancers, Sid Whiting, Kristina Badhand and more will entertain. There will also be a kids' zone, cultural arts zone, food vendors and even a recipe corner, along with special lectures daily in the Blazing Your Own Path speaker series. Find out more at denveramericanindianfestival.org.
Avalon Drive-Thru Art Event
Saturday, September 26, noon to 4 p.m.
Avalon Ballroom parking lot, 6185 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder
Think of the Avalon Drive-Thru Art Event as an arts festival that you travel through and view from the safety of your car, from which you can purchase fresh work by some sixty local artists, all while enjoying live music, dance performances and wacky art installations. Mask up, roll down your windows and chat with the artists as you roll around the tented, drive-thru gallery; the entire event is free, meaning you’ll have more dough in your wallet to give artists a reason to live again. Reserve timed tickets in advance at Eventbrite.
Cirque du Freedom Variety Show
Saturday, September 26, 7 p.m.
Oriental Theater, 4335 West 44th Avenue
A ’60s variety show meets ’90s telethon, all for the benefit of Global Orphan Prevention. You can attend in person (for a fee), or register here for a free, all-access pass.
Public Trust: The Fight for America's Public Lands
Through Saturday, September 26
Aspen Film, in partnership with Wilderness Workshop, is offering a screening of the new documentary Public Trust; the screening will be followed by a recorded panel discussion with Angelo Baca and Judy Fox-Perry, moderated by Will Roush, executive director of Wilderness Workshop. Although there's a suggested donation of $20, which directly benefits Aspen Film and Wilderness Workshop, two of the Roaring Fork Valley’s venerable nonprofit organizations, you can watch for free. Find out more here.
Purple Mountains
Through Election Day
In this new film presented by Protect Our Winters, iconic snowboarder and POW founder Jeremy Jones searches for a path forward on climate change through a shared love of the outdoors. Purple Mountain can be pre-screened for free now through Election Day at PurpleMountainsFilm.com
Know of other great free events in Denver? We update this list throughout the week. Send information to [email protected].