For more entertainment opportunities this week, check our roster of events worth the price of admission as well as the concert calendar; for a list that runs into September, see our Summer Guide. Now keep reading for free things to do in Denver this week...
Free things to do in Denver...ongoing
Most museums charge admission, but there are exceptions on SCFD free days.In the meantime, Civic Center Park is a great place to visit for free; although Civic Center EATS is on a break until July 10 and the McNichols Building won't have exhibits again until fall. But the Denver Public Library wrote the book on useful free services and other amenities.
If you're stuck between planes, or waiting for someone who's stuck in summer travel glitches, DEN’s Park on the Plaza is now open at Denver International Airport. The 82,000-square-foot open-air plaza, located pre-security between Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel, will offer free entertainment options now through September 30.
Free things to do in Denver this week
Denver abounds with free events. Here are just some of the activities on the agenda this week:Green Box Arts Festival
Through Sunday, July 14
Green Box Campus, 6990 Lake Street, Green Mountain Falls
Head for the hills arts performances, exhibitions, classes, camps, conversations and parties in Green Mountain Falls. During this year's festival, Green Box will unveil five new artworks, host the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Shakespeare’s Pericles by Theatreworks, and offer a cavalcade of workshops, camps, music, movies, puppet shows and plays, stunt dogs, hikes, yoga and more. Many events are free; get all the info at greenboxarts.org.
Matt Query and Harrison Query: Wilderness Reform
Tuesday, July 2, 6:30 p.m.
Boulder Book Store, 1117 Pearl Street, Boulder
The Query brothers have found unexpected success as horror writers, and their latest novel, Wilderness Reform, promises to deliver chills and thrills. Both will be on hand in their hometown to sign and discuss the book. Admission is $5, but includes a $5 rebate on a book purchased that day. RSVP here.
Independence Eve
Wednesday, July 3, 5 to 10 p.m. Civic Center Park
Independence Eve is about much more than fireworks — which is good, because this year's event hosted by the Civic Center Conservancy will culminate with a drone show, not fireworks. But before that, there will be the new Night Market, music from emerging DJs, a live performance from the Colorado Symphony Brass & Percussion Ensemble, and two different light shows on Civic Center Park’s iconic structures. Admission is free; learn more here.
Interdependence Day Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Huston Park, 850 South Bryant Street
Start Independence Day in a new way with Warm Cookies of the Revolution's community celebration. There will be food from Tarasco's; music and poetic performances from Molina Speaks, DJ STV and Eyni Jama; and a celebration of some local heroes with special artwork by Charlo. Most important, bring names of people (past, present and future) who show us how caring for one another builds and keeps our communities strong. Admission is free, but RSVPs are appreciated here.
Beat the Heat
Thursday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
West Patio, Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas Street
While most stores are closed on July 4, the Fourth of July at the Stanley will be red, white, blue and...hot. Beat the Heat includes hours of outdoor activities, water fun, music and more, from dancing and DJs to splash pads and water games. And yes, shops will be open! Admission is free; find out more here.
Greeley Centennial Village Museum
Thursday, July 4, through Sunday, July 7, noon to 6 p.m.
1475 A Street, Greeley
During the Greeley Stampede, Centennial Village Museum will let visitors explore high-plains history through free admission to the complex, which includes more than 35 historical buildings, with costumed interpreters, historical skill demonstrations, heritage farm animals and a museum shop. Get more information here.
More than 250 artists will be featured at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.
Carol Havrda/Cherry Creek Arts
Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (accessibility hour Friday at 9 a.m.); Sunday, July 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cherry Creek North
The annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival returns with live music (fourteen acts over three days!), kids’ activities, food and more. But the real star here is the art, with more than 250 featured artists showing (and selling) their work. Admission is free, but VIP packages are available; get all the details here.
Electric Avenue: Christmas in July
Friday, July 5, 7 to 8 p.m.
Town Hall Collaborative, 525 Santa Fe Drive
This should be one hot event in the midst of First Friday: Top local chefs will be using only the latest in electric kitchen technology during this live cooking competition event that also includes an electrification expo with e-vehicles and e-bikes, and interactive displays from local utilities, tech companies, government offices and green-energy businesses. The host/emcee is Andrew Novick, local artist/artrepreneur; chefs include Cool Dre, local personality, personal chef (including Broncos players) and Insta influencer; Andrew Forlines, kitchen electrification expert; and Briana Butler of Bria’s Kitchen. Admission is free; learn more here.
Clayton Community Days
Saturday, July 6, noon to 6 p.m.
Outside Cohesion Brewing Company, 3840 York Street
The Clayton Community Days Series continues with a day of creativity and culture. The lineup includes a newcomer vendor tent, community yoga led by Urban Sanctuary, a family-friendly art workshop with Kristina Davies, and then writing workshops with Hakeem Furious. The day's live soundtrack will include a glamenco guitar performance by Gio Bard Zero, followed by jazz by the Tenia Nelson Trio. Admission is free; learn more here.
Urban Market at Union Station
Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7, noon to 6 p.m.
Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop Street
The Urban Market at Union Station will offer an eclectic mix of local arts and crafts sold directly by the artists, along with live music and entertainment. Admission is free; learn more here.
The Revival: Flobots with Kayla Marque
Saturday, July 6, 7 p.m. (doors at 6)
Levitt Pavilion, 1380 West Florida Avenue
Levitt Pavilion Denver is Colorado’s all-ages outdoor amphitheater, presenting fifty free concerts each summer — including this one with Flobots, the legendary local hip-hop band that's on a mission to use its music as a tool to create community and conversation while igniting the activist in all of us. Learn more here.
Japan Fest 2024:A Ryuichi Sakamoto Tribute
Sunday, July 7, 5 p.m. (doors 4)
Levitt Pavilion, 1380 West Florida Avenue
In partnership with the Japanese Arts Network, Levitt is presenting Japan Fest, a community-driven and multi-disciplinary festival. The event includes a music and dance tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto: a very special celebration of his musical legacy with Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky (composer, multimedia artist, turntablist, and writer), Michael Sakamoto (Japanese butoh dancer, interdisciplinary artist and scholar) and Rubin Kodelhi (celebrated and genre-transcending cellist from NYC). The festival will also feature a market of local independent artists and vendors, community organizations, and food trucks representing the multi-faceted cultural diaspora of Japan in Colorado. Admission is free; learn more here.
Do you know of a great free event? We update this list every week; send information to [email protected].
