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- Free Things to Do in September 2025
- Free Things to Do in August 2025
- Free Things to Do in July 2025
- Free Things to Do in June 2025
September
We have officially entered fall festival season, and honestly, we couldn’t be more excited. This is the perfect time to sample all the free things to do in Denver.
Seriously, September has lots of cool free events ranging from cultural celebrations to outdoor-themed events to traditional fall festivals with pumpkins, fireworks, and even drone shows.
Check out our list below for some of the best free things to do in and around Denver this September, and be sure to come back for all the spooky celebrations coming up in October.
- 🏙️ Central Denver Free Things to Do
- ⛰️ Northwest Denver Free Things to Do
- ✈️ Northeast Denver Free Things to Do
- 🌲 West Denver Free Things to Do
- ⛵️ Southeast Denver Free Things to Do
Central
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
- When: Throughout the day Sept. 6-7
- Where: Sloan’s Lake Park, 1700 N. Sheridan Blvd, Denver
This fun event is easily one of the best free things to do in Denver all year. Post up at Sloan’s Lake, take in unique views of the city’s skyline, and enjoy the sights and sounds of dozens of brightly colored dragon boats coasting across the water. Along the way, be sure to stop at the Taste of Asia Food Court, check out unique wares at the marketplace, and catch live music at one of the multiple stages. If you have time, we highly recommend crossing Sheridan and checking out one of the bars and restaurants in Edgewater.
Golden Hours Music Festival
- When: 2-9 p.m., Sept. 6
- Where: Riverfront Park, 1610 Little Raven St., Denver
This relatively new music festival in the Lower Highlands neighborhood has quickly distinguished itself as one of the top free things to do in Denver. To start, there’s the venue: With views of the downtown skyline as well as the Platte River, it pretty much encapsulates the whole downtown Denver vibe. Then there’s the lineup, which includes national acts like the Knocks and Dragonette. And finally, there are the intangibles, like the opportunity to silently question the folks brave enough to tube on the South Platte. No matter what, be sure to enjoy local beverages from the beer garden, snacks from the food trucks, and views of the epic early fall sunsets in the Mile High City.
Northwest
Broomfield Days
- When: Throughout the day Sept. 20
- Where: Midway Park, 1270 W. Midway Blvd., Broomfield
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids, look no further than Broomfield Days, a festival that for decades has been a fall highlight for all generations. Start the day with a community pancake breakfast, stick around for an epic parade, and throw on your walking shoes to check out over 300 vendor booths, a car show, children’s clown contest, petting zoo, dockdogs competition, and live music.
Fall Festival at Memory Square Park
- When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sept. 1
- Where: Memory Square Park off Spruce Street and Jefferson Avenue in Louisville
Downtown Louisville is the place to be over Labor Day Weekend, and this fun festival is easily one of the best free things to do. After the city’s annual parade, head to Memory Square Park and enjoy checking out unique handmade goods from local vendors, fine arts, baked goodies, and a variety of local food trucks. A bonus? You can sample delicious sweet treats at Louisville’s annual pie contest (or bake your own, if that’s your thing).
Northeast
Festival Latino
- When: Noon-6 p.m., Sept. 14
- Where: Riverdale Regional Park, 9755 Henderson Rd., Brighton
If you’re looking for free things to do in Denver, it’s hard to beat this festival in Adams County. As the name suggests, Festival Latino is all about the rich culture and vibrancy of Latino heritage. It features everything from live music to art. Honestly, the art is the centerpiece thanks to large-scale sculptural installations and interactive murals. Definitely stick around once it gets dark for an incredible fireworks display.
Lochbuie Fall Festival
- When: 3-8:30 p.m., Sept. 20
- Where: Downtown Lochbuie
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids this month, we recommend ditching the Interstate 70 traffic and heading east instead. The Lochbuie Fall Festival is well worth the road trip. This community-centric event features everything from live music to children’s activities to all the food trucks for when hunger inevitably strikes. Be sure to hang around until 8:30 p.m. so you can catch the drone show.
West
Arvada Harvest Festival
- When: 5-10 p.m. Sept. 5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 6, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 7
- Where: Olde Town Arvada
For the past 100 years, the Arvada Harvest Festival has long been a community favorite event, and it’s easily one of the best free things to do in Denver this fall. Post up in Arvada’s very fun downtown for a weekend that includes an epic grand parade, the chance to recreate a 100-year-old photo of people at this same event, chicken races, a baking contest, kids activity zone, a pancake breakfast, and so much more.
Colorado Mountain Fest
- When: Throughout Sept. 23-26
- Where: American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., Golden
This very Colorado event is easily one of the best free things to do Denver has to offer in September and beyond. The Colorado Mountain Fest celebrates all things outdoors and includes everything from adventure film screenings to athlete speaker sessions to climbing clinics. Sept. 24 will be a big day at the festival thanks to a lineup filled with HIIT and yoga classes, an intro to birding on hikes, and opportunities to scale a climbing wall. You can register for these events ahead of time here, and since you’re in Golden anyway, we recommend pregaming the event with a hike and postgaming it with a brewery visit. It’s the Colorado way, after all.
Southeast
Chalk Art Festival
- When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 13
- Where: Streets at Southglenn, 6851 S. Vine St., Centennial
The literal streets at Streets at Southglenn will get a makeover thanks to the ingenuity of some local artists at this event that happens to be one of the top free things to do in Centennial. Visitors will have the chance to vote on their favorite chalk art creations by talented local artists. Along the way, you can also check out live music, family activities like face painting, balloon artists, and rock painting, and a special Children’s Entrepreneur Market featuring over 50 booths belonging to kids selling their products.
Parker Fall Fest
- When: All day Sept. 27
- Where: O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Dr., Parker
Downtown Parker is always a fun place to spend a weekend afternoon, and it will be especially idyllic come Sept. 27. That’s thanks to Fall Fest, one of the best free things to do Denver and the surrounding area has to offer. This celebration of all things autumn includes everything from a prowl for pumpkins to street hockey to lawn games led by a mysterious figure named Sam the Scarecrow. Needless to say, this is one of the top free things to do with kids this September, but there’s also plenty of fun for adults thanks to the beer garden and axe throwing. Be sure to stick around when it gets dark for a drone show that will feature designs from local kids.
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(Editor’s Note: Our articles focus on five metro Denver regions: central, northeast, northwest; west; southeast. Some cities span across more than one region. See map.)
August
With kids headed back to school, August feels like the unofficial conclusion of summer, but it doesn’t mean the end of fun.
Even if you spent a bulk of your budget on back-to-school shopping, there are still plenty of free things to do in Denver this month, ranging from a downtown concert series to historical reenactments to Marvel movies in the park.
Here are our ideas broken down by region. No matter what, stay cool, keep hydrated, and we’ll catch you with more fun, free events for September.
Jump to:
- 🏙️ Central Denver Free Things to Do
- ⛰️ Northwest Denver Free Things to Do
- ✈️ Northeast Denver Free Things to Do
- 🌲 West Denver Free Things to Do
- ⛵️ Southeast Denver Free Things to Do
Central
Upper DownTUNES
- When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 4-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday through Aug. 29
- Where: 16th and Welton streets in downtown Denver
The seemingly never-ending construction project on 16th Street is finally drawing to a close, which means that this iconic mile-long thoroughfare is suddenly a much more pleasant place to be. And in addition to shopping and people-watching, you can now catch live music throughout August thanks to Upper DownTUNES, where local bands play during your weekday lunch break and during happy hour on Thursdays and Fridays. This might have you dancing in the office for the rest of the day, and if your boss is cool, they’ll love it.
Catch a free summer concert at the Levitt Pavilion
- When: Multiple nights throughout August; Check out the full schedule here
- Where: Levitt Pavilion, 1380 W. Florida Ave., Denver
Red Rocks gets all the love when it comes to music venues in Denver, and while it is awesome, shows there are expensive, and parking can be quite the adventure. The Levitt Pavilion offers an alternative outdoor amphitheater experience, and as a bonus, many of its shows are free! We counted 12 free Levitt Pavilion shows for August, featuring acts ranging from booming southern rock to hip-hop, as well as the Dashiki Fest, a celebration of Colorado’s African heritage. While walk-ins are generally allowed at the Levitt Pavilion’s free shows, attendees are encouraged to register in advance. Learn more at the venue’s free concerts page.
Northwest
Catch the last two editions of the Louisville Street Faire
- When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 1 and 8
- Where: Steinbaugh Pavilion, 824 Front St., Louisville
The Downtown Louisville Street Faire has been a tradition for the last 25 years, and if you haven’t been able to stop by earlier in the summer, you’ll have two last chances on the first two Friday evenings in August. Aug. 1 features Led Zeppelin tribute band Ten Years Gone, and if listening to “Stairway to Heaven” again is simply not your speed, you’ll find something different on Aug. 8 thanks to the funky brass band Dumpstaphunk (say that three times fast). No matter what concert you choose, you’ll have additional entertainment in the form of window shopping, fun activities for kids, cold beverages, and food trucks.
Unity in the Community
- When: 4-9 p.m. Aug. 22
- Where: Downtown Longmont near 4th Avenue and Kimbark Street
Downtown Longmont is always a fun place to hang out, and it will be extra special on Aug. 22. That’s thanks to Unity in the Community, one of the top free things to do in Longmont all year that highlights everything that makes this northwest Denver city so great. Stop by to listen to live music, check out some kids’ activities, and connect with more than 100 local businesses and nonprofits. Chances are, you’ll make at least one new friend — and even if you don’t, there are worse ways to spend a late summer night.
Northeast
Adams County Fair
- When: July 30 through Aug. 3. Check out the event schedule for exact hours
- Where: Riverdale Regional Park, 9755 Henderson Rd., Brighton
Adams County easily has one of the biggest and best fairs in the Denver metro area, and you’ll definitely want to stop by Riverdale Regional Park to see why. Even if you aren’t springing for the concerts, it’s still one of the top free things to do in Denver this August, thanks to a variety of activities ranging from live music to 4-H activities, dog racing, and people watching. Don’t worry: You can also buy plenty of fried food, since a county fair simply isn’t complete without it.
Food and Flick Fridays
- When: The festivities start at 6 p.m. Aug. 8
- Where: Harney Park, 10245 Devonshire St., Firestone
Even though back to school is just around the corner, there’s still time for one last movie night in the park. So grab your lawn chairs and coolers and head over to Harney Park for free crafts, games, and fun activities before a showing of “Captain America: Brave New World” (yes, it’s on Disney+, but like any Marvel movie, it’s way cooler on the big screen).
West
Colorado Heritage Day
- When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 3
- Where: Conifer Historical Society & Museum, Little White Schoolhouse, 26951 Barkley Rd., Conifer
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids this month, look no further than this unique event just west of Denver. During Colorado Heritage Day, Conifer’s Little White Schoolhouse will transform into a living museum, offering numerous free, interactive activities. These range from stories of mining in the Rocky Mountains to dinosaur digs with kids, and even the opportunity to create your own walking stick. Along the way, you can listen to both modern music and songs from the 1880s (and decide which you like better), and snag a snack from Conifer’s Rocky Mountain Wraps food truck.
Parade of Homes
- When: Noon-5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, Aug. 7-24
- Where: Locations vary. You can find a full map here
If you’re anything like me and love to spend your free time creeping on immaculate houses you can’t afford on Zillow, then this is the perfect August event for you. Experience a real-life version of a Zillow spiral by taking a walk-through of actual homes throughout the Denver area. We put this one in the West category simply because we noticed there are lots of cool homes to tour in Evergreen, Littleton, and Lakewood, but honestly, this is a choose-your-own adventure event. Regardless of where you go, this event is easily one of the best free things to do in Denver.
Southeast
Sunset on Summer
- When: Event starts at 6 p.m. Aug. 8
- Where: Piney Creek Hollow Park, 6140 S Tower Rd., Aurora
August means that summer is coming to a close, and if given the choice between being sad about it or having a celebration, definitely choose the latter. Enter this event, which is easily one of the top free family-friendly things to do in Aurora for August. Piney Creek Hollow Park will be one of the best places to make some of your last memories of summer 2025, thanks to s’mores, a community picnic, food trucks, and finally, a sunset drone show to cap it all off. This brand-new event is sure to become a summer tradition for years to come.
Visit the Havana Street Global Night Market
- When: 6-10 p.m. Aug. 30
- Where: Leezakaya at 2710 S. Havana St., Aurora
There are lots of summer markets across the city, so what makes this one special? The fact that it happens in the most diverse community in the metro area — meaning it’s truly a global celebration of food, culture, and community, with vendors selling unique finds from around the world. Just people-watching and checking out what’s available is one of the best free things to do in Aurora, and that’s not including the live music, dance, and interactive giveaways that happen throughout the evening. If you get hungry, be sure to stop at one of the food trucks; like the rest of the festival, they highlight the global flavors of Aurora and offer the opportunity to sample everything from authentic street tacos to Korean barbecue.
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(Editor’s Note: Our articles focus on five metro Denver regions: central, northeast, northwest; west; southeast. Some cities span across more than one region. See map.)
July
Summer festival season is well underway, and there’s seemingly a free, fun activity to do every day of the week if you’re willing to put in some planning.
Whether you feel like toting your camp chair to a community park and catching a cover band or learning tai chi and conquering a slightly smaller version of the Incline, there’s no reason to be bored in Denver this July.
We rounded up a list of the best free things to do in Denver and beyond this month, from summer concert series to arts festivals to celebrations of Colorado’s history. Check out our recommendations below, and be sure to come back for more ideas in August.
Jump to:
- 🏙️ Central Denver Free Things to Do
- ⛰️ Northwest Denver Free Things to Do
- ✈️ Northeast Denver Free Things to Do
- 🌲 West Denver Free Things to Do
- ⛵️ Southeast Denver Free Things to Do
Central
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
- When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 4 and 5, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 6.
- Where: The Cherry Creek North neighborhood on 2nd Avenue from Clayton to Adams streets, and between 2nd and 3rd Avenues from Detroit to Adams streets
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is probably one of the top free things to do in Denver all year. Stop by this ritzy Denver neighborhood to see the works of more than 260 artists from across the country. You can also catch live music all weekend. If that’s not enough, this is also one of the best free things to do with kids, thanks to the interactive “Creation Station,” where they can do everything from learning about Indigenous art to adding their own touch to a huge community mural.
Esme Patterson at the Levitt Pavilion
- When: 4 p.m. July 12
- Where: The Levitt Pavilion, 1380 W. Florida Ave, Denver
While Red Rocks rightfully gets tons of attention, the Levitt Pavilion is quickly making a name for itself as one of the best outdoor venues in the Mile High City — and unlike the inevitable Ticketmaster stress that comes from trying to catch a show at its more famous counterpart, many of the shows at this west Denver venue are free. The July 12 concert with Colorado icon (and now Tennessee resident) Esme Patterson will be extra special. She’s made a big name for herself as a solo act after being part of the popular group Paper Bird, and she’ll be performing new music from her fifth full-length album, “Notes from Nowhere.” Grab your camp chairs, pack up the cooler, and spend a night enjoying music from an act that very much evokes that classic Colorado sound.
Northwest
Pearl Street Arts Fest
- When: 3-8 p.m. July 18, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 19, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 20
- Where: Pearl Street Mall, Downtown Boulder
The Pearl Street Mall is always an enjoyable place to hang out on a summer day, and it will have an extra dose of fun during its annual arts fest, which is now in its 45th year. It’s long been considered one of the best free things to do near Boulder, and for good reason. This show features more than 100 artists representing 21 states and showcases mediums ranging from water color to sculpture. This is also an excellent event for the kids since the Open Studios Mobile Art Lab will be on hand to provide free art instruction on the Courthouse Lawn.
Thursday Nights @ The Museum Concert Series
- When: Thursdays through July 31 from 7-8:30 p.m.
- Where: Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont
Summer in Colorado means there’s no shortage of places where you can catch a free concert series, but this one has one of the most unique lineups we’ve seen. Case in point: July’s acts include a Zimbabwean marimba virtuoso (among other things), a psychedelic group honoring astronauts, an old-school blues band, and a local duo known for their powerful harmonies. All the concerts take place at the Longmont Museum’s newly transformed courtyard, and while the music itself is free, be sure to bring cash for snacks and drinks if you want them.
Northeast
Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market
- When: Every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.
- Where: Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center, 4890 Argonne Way, Denver
When it comes to free things to do in Denver, it’s hard to beat a morning wandering a good farmer’s market — and the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood has one of the best. Outside of the opportunity to snag fresh produce, this community event also has lots of live music and free art activities for kids.
Northglenn Fourth of July Festival
- When: Noon-9:30 p.m. July 4
- Where: EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11800 Community Center Dr., Northglenn
The northeast Denver city of Northglenn knows how to do Independence Day right. This free community event includes everything from a huge car show to a duck derby to an afternoon full of live music. Be sure to stick around when it gets dark: Northglenn’s fireworks show is one of the best in the area. Pets are allowed at this free event, but use your judgment when it comes to how they’ll react to the fireworks. And since it is a long day, don’t worry: Food and alcohol are available for purchase.
West
Golden Buffalo Bill Days
- When: All day July 25-27
- Where: Downtown Golden
If you’re looking for free things to do in Denver with your kids, you won’t want to miss this old-school Western event in downtown Golden. Buffalo Bill Days has been going on since the 1940s and honors the history of this hardscrabble foothills community. Activities include an arts and crafts festival, a parade, free kids’ activities, and live music from multiple acts, including bona fide Colorado legends Chris Daniels and the Kings.
Street Fest Concert Series
- When: 5-8 p.m. July 10
- Where: Belmar Plaza, 439 S. Teller St., Lakewood
The Belmar Plaza is full of fun, free events throughout the year, and it’s an especially fun spot during summer nights for the Street Fest Concert Series. The July event features local act The Country Music Project, which will make this suburban Denver neighborhood feel a little more like Nashville. The music’s free, and the bars and restaurants surrounding the stage have plenty of deals on food and drinks to make this an affordable night of quality summer entertainment.
Southeast
Fitness Fridays
- When: 8-9 a.m. every Friday through Aug. 29
- Where: Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
If you’re looking for free things to do in Castle Rock that will also provide a healthy start to your weekend, look no further than Fitness Fridays at Philip S. Miller Park. This community event showcases new ways to stay fit each week, and the July lineup features outdoor Reb3l Groove, Zumba, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates classes. Afterward, be sure to test yourself on Philip S. Miller Park’s mini (but still challenging) version of the Manitou Springs Incline.
HRCA Summer Concert Series
- When: Thursday nights from 6:30-8 p.m.
- Where: Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St., Highlands Ranch
Few things scream “summer in Colorado” more than a free concert series, and this one has all the ingredients for a perfect evening. Perhaps most importantly, the venue — Highland Heritage Regional Park — has epic views of the mountains and the sunset. July’s lineup of music will be good, too, with acts ranging from a 90s/2000s rock cover band to an up-and-coming country artist to an epic Prince tribute group.
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Editor’s Note: Our articles focus on five metro Denver regions: central, northeast, northwest; west; southeast. Some cities span across more than one region. See map.)
June
June might be one of the best months in Colorado, and we’re not just talking about the weather. With summer heating up, so is the summer festival schedule, creating plenty of options for fun, free things to do in Denver and beyond.
Whether you and the kids want to watch “Moana 2” (again) or you’re more interested in seeing “Back That Thang Up” live in one of Denver’s most historic neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of fun, free events throughout the metro area.
Here are our recommendations for the month of June.
Jump to:
- 🏙️ Central Denver Free Things to Do
- ⛰️ Northwest Denver Free Things to Do
- ✈️ Northeast Denver Free Things to Do
- 🌲 West Denver Free Things to Do
- ⛵️ Southeast Denver Free Things to Do
Central
Denver Chalk Art Festival
- When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 7 and 8
- Where: The Golden Triangle Creative District (use West 12th Avenue and Bannock Street as a good spot to navigate to).
This annual event is one of the best free things to do in Denver every year. During this unique festival, dozens of artists paint stunning chalk art creations on the sidewalks over multiple blocks. Many of those artists have been participating in the event for years, creating masterpieces that put whatever you’ve been doing in your driveway lately to shame (no offense to your kids). The good news is that there’s a dedicated place for them to up their game on a special corner where kids can practice their own chalk art. This free festival also happens to be lined with food trucks and spots to grab a drink, and be sure to take a moment at the CherryArts Stage to catch numerous local bands.
Juneteenth Music Festival
- When: June 15 from noon-8 p.m.
- Where: 2701 Welton St. Denver, Colorado, 80205 (in the heart of the historic Five Points neighborhood)
If you’re looking for free things to do in Denver, it’s hard to beat this celebration of Black freedom, culture, and community in one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. The Juneteenth Musical Festival includes a full day of acts by artists both local and national, as well as hundreds of cultural vendors and food trucks, and a youth zone (making it another option for free things to do with kids!). You’ll probably embarrass the kids, though, when the headliner Juvenile starts his set since you’ll be busting out all the moves to his hits “Slow Motion” and “Back That Thang Up.” (Sidenote: Juvenile recently did a great Tiny Desk Concert).
Northwest
Catch a Free Summer Concert in Downtown Longmont
- When: From 4:30-9 p.m. on June 14
- Where: Fourth Avenue and Kimbark Street, Longmont
Downtown Longmont happens to be one of the most underrated spots to hang out near Denver, and this weekly summer event proves it. June 14 is the first edition of the downtown concert series in Longmont, but don’t let the name confuse you: There aren’t just concerts here, there’s so much more to do. There’s a special interactive performance from 4:30-5:30 p.m. that makes this one of the top free things to do with kids, and the two great regional bands that perform from 5:30-9 p.m. also make this one of the best free things to do in Longmont for adults. Along the way, be sure to check out the craft fair, and bring some cash to buy beer and tokens for your kids to bounce on the inflatables.
Flatiron Sounds Music Festival
- When: 1-8 p.m. on June 21.
- Where: Colorado Chautauqua National Historic Landmark at 900 Baseline Rd., Boulder
Thanks to its towering views of the Flatirons, Chautauqua National Historic Landmark is always one of the most gorgeous places to visit near Denver — and the sound of live music makes it even better. That’s what makes this music festival hands down one of the best free things to do in Boulder. Bring the whole family and enjoy the music all day, as well as a vibrant artisan market, selection of food trucks, and beer garden (because Colorado).
Northeast
Catch Moana 2 in the Park
- When: The movie starts at 7 p.m. on June 12.
- Where: Carmichael Park at 650 Southern St., Brighton
If you have kids of a certain age, you’ve likely seen “Moana 2” more times than you can count at home, so perhaps it’s time for a change of venue? During this event, you can watch “Moana 2” with other superfans in a park, automatically making it one of the top free things to do with kids. As the “Moana 2” cast once sang, “What Could Be Better Than This?” Just be sure to bring a cooler full of snacks and your coziest camp chair, and enjoy a rendition of “Beyond” under the stars. Now, “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?”
Thorntonfest
- When: Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m
- Where: 108th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, Thornton, Colorado
If you find yourself bored the first weekend of June and — as many often do — ask yourself: “What are some free things to do in Thornton?”, look no further. The annual ThorntonFest honors everything that this north metro suburb has to offer, from special opportunities for kids to get face to face with police cars and fire trucks to a skatepark competition to canine demos with the Thornton Police Department. Since this is a festival, you can also catch live music, enjoy a cold one in the beer garden, and let the kids expend some energy in the Kid Zone. Definitely don’t miss Birdie Ball, where staff from the Thorn Creek Golf Course will let you see how your golf swing holds up against giant inflatables.
West
Littleton Museum Summer Concert Series
- When: Every Wednesday from June 4-July 23 from 6:30-8 p.m.
- Where: The Littleton Museum at 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton, Colorado
If it’s a summer Wednesday and you’re wondering about free things to do in Littleton tonight, may we recommend this concert series? Bring your camp chairs and post up on the lawn of this super cool historical museum in one of Denver’s most scenic suburbs for a wide variety of music encompassing everything from a cappella to a modern take on Irish pub classics. There’s even a special dancing zone just to the left of the stage for kids. Keeping this even more budget-friendly, visitors are welcome to bring their own coolers full of snacks (just leave the beer at home — no alcohol is permitted on city property).
Visit the Foothills Art Center
- When: This free spot is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays and open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday
- Where: 1133 Arapahoe St., Golden, Colorado
If you’re looking for Golden free things to do, it’s hard to beat this underrated art center tucked into a historic house. This free destination has a rotating assortment of collections, with some very interesting options for the summer, including one that features the journey from sketchbook to canvas, and another that uses candid photography to show exactly how unhinged cruise vacations get. Be sure to check out the events calendar to see what’s going on each night — you could find yourself in a fun art class or meeting new creatives.
Southeast
Parker Days Festival
- When: Thursday, June 12, to Sunday, June 15 (Check out the full rundown of hours by day here)
- Where: Downtown Parker
This annual festival is one of the best things to do for free in Parker — or really anywhere — during the month of June. And it’s most definitely one of the best free things to do with kids, thanks to the huge variety of activities and games (we’re intrigued by the human hamster and street hockey activities), and the crafting area. Everyone will be stoked to see the buskers roaming around the festival, as well as the live music on the Main Stage encompassing everything from a band playing the full Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack to a P!nk tribute group. If this makes you hungry, there will be dozens of food trucks in the area (and mom and dad can find plenty of spots to snag a cold adult beverage).
Sounds of the Southlands
- When: Every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. from June 19 to Aug. 7
- Where: The Aurora Southlands Town Square
The Sounds of Southlands is hands down one of the best free things to do in Aurora this summer. That’s mostly thanks to its great lineup, which includes local bands encompassing everything from very danceable soul music to top 40s country to Eagles and 80s tributes. And since this is on a Thursday, it’s a great way to get pumped up for the weekend a day early and enjoy a very summer event with lots of awesome people from the community.
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(Editor’s Note: Our articles focus on five metro Denver regions: central, northeast, northwest; west; southeast. Some cities span across more than one region. See map.)