A Comprehensive Guide to Denver’s Best Free Activities

Affectionately known as the ‘Mile High City’, Denver, Colorado, is a place of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Its geographical diversity from towering mountains to expansive parks, and its rich arts scene make it an excellent destination. What’s more, it offers numerous free activities that make your experience in this wonderful city even better. Here, we explore some of the best things you can do in Denver without spending a dime.

Bask in Denver’s Natural Glory

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

Experience the magic of one of the world’s most unique concert venues set in a geological marvel. During non-event days, the amphitheater serves as a free public park where you can witness stunning views of the city and plains. You can also enjoy hiking, rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding here. You’ll find an array of fauna, including mule deer, red fox, and the occasional mountain lion.

Denver Skatepark

Boasting over 60,000 square feet of skateable terrain, Denver Skatepark offers a free venue for skating enthusiasts. It is not just the size, but the diversity of features that makes it a magnet for skateboarders. The park includes bowls, flatbars, a snake run, and a streetscape, providing a variety of challenges for both beginners and experienced skaters. It’s open from 5 am to 11 pm, offering plenty of flexibility for visitors.

City Park

Covering 330 acres, City Park offers an expanse of greenery amidst the urban landscape. While strolling through the park, you’ll find historical statues and monuments, vibrant flower beds, two lakes, and the captivating Prismatic Fountain. You can also get an amazing view of the city skyline juxtaposed with the distant Rocky Mountains, creating a perfect setting for an evening picnic.

Sloan’s Lake Park

Situated at the city’s western edge, Sloan’s Lake Park offers unique lakeside views. It covers 177 acres, making it the city’s second-largest park. You can enjoy a 2.6-mile loop around the lake, perfect for jogging, biking, or a relaxing walk. In addition, the park hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival, a celebration of Denver’s Asian communities, every July.

Immerse in the Art and Culture Scene

Denver Art Museum

On the first Saturday of every month, Denver Art Museum provides free access to its extensive collection. You can explore more than 70,000 works of art from all corners of the world, spanning centuries. The museum’s architecture itself, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, is an artistic spectacle.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Situated downtown, this center hosts numerous performances throughout the year, many of which are free to the public. The center houses several theaters and venues, making it one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country. Free tours of the complex are offered on Mondays and Saturdays.

First Friday Art Walk

The city’s numerous art districts, including Santa Fe, RiNo, and Tennyson Street, participate in the First Friday Art Walk. During this event, galleries and studios open their doors for the public to enjoy art, music, and food. The atmosphere is festive, filled with street performances, live music, and local food trucks.

Colorado State Capitol

Step into the heart of Colorado’s government with a free tour of the Colorado State Capitol. The iconic gold-domed building offers a peek into the state’s history, with portraits of every U.S. president lining the halls. Don’t forget to take the steps leading to the 13th step marked at precisely one mile above sea level, denoting Denver’s famous ‘Mile High’ status.

Indulge in Denver’s Public Markets

Union Station

Beyond being a transit hub, Denver’s Union Station is a central gathering place for locals and tourists. Inside this architectural marvel, you’ll find a mix of boutiques, restaurants, bars, and the Crawford Hotel. Free public events, historical exhibits, and public art are regular features.

Denver Central Market

Located in the heart of the RiNo Art District, the Denver Central Market houses a mixture of dining and shopping venues. You can grab a cup of locally brewed coffee, savor a gourmet sandwich, or shop for local produce, all under one roof. Enjoy the lively atmosphere while you window-shop or watch the world go by.

Cherry Creek Fresh Market

Operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May through October, the Cherry Creek Fresh Market showcases local farmers and artisans. It’s an excellent place to sample locally grown produce, homemade treats, fresh flowers, and gourmet cheeses, even if you’re just browsing.

Celebrate with Denver’s Seasonal Events

Denver Day of Rock

This annual one-day music festival transforms downtown Denver into a massive, free concert venue on Memorial Day weekend. Five stages along the 16th Street Mall showcase live music across a range of genres. It’s a great opportunity to soak in the city’s music scene while enjoying the beginning of summer.

Independence Eve

Every year on July 3rd, Denver hosts a grand, free celebration in Civic Center Park. Independence Eve features a concert by the Colorado Symphony, followed by a light show and fireworks display. The evening attracts thousands of spectators, making it a premier event of Denver’s summer season.

Parade of Lights

The Parade of Lights is a cherished holiday tradition in Denver, marking the beginning of the holiday season. The two-mile parade route in downtown Denver is illuminated by more than a million lights on 40+ floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, marching bands, and horse-drawn carriages.

Cinco de Mayo Festival

This festival in Civic Center Park is a two-day celebration of Mexican culture, with live entertainment, a parade, and numerous vendors. It’s an opportunity to learn about and experience Mexican heritage and traditions.

Absorb Knowledge in Libraries and Museums

Denver Public Library

Aside from its vast collection of books, Denver Public Library regularly hosts free public events, art exhibits, and workshops. It’s an excellent resource for researching local history or tracing genealogy, with a dedicated Western History and Genealogy department.

National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Located in Boulder, a short drive from Denver, NCAR provides a free, educational experience where you can learn about Earth’s atmosphere and the research behind weather forecasting and climate change. It features interactive exhibits and guided tours, plus a scenic hiking trail right outside the door.

U.S. Mint

Discover the intricate process of coin production with a free guided tour at the U.S. Mint. You’ll learn about the history of the Mint, see where billions of coins are produced each year, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the famous Denver Mint gold bars.

Museum of Outdoor Arts

This Englewood museum, easily accessible from Denver, offers free exhibits that blend art, architecture, and landscape into unique outdoor installations. Indoors, you can explore changing exhibitions that feature local and international artists.

Conclusion

Denver is a city teeming with free activities that cater to every interest, from the majesty of natural landscapes at Red Rocks Park and the Denver Skatepark to the vibrant cultural scenes at the Denver Art Museum and the First Friday Art Walk. Enjoy the buzz of public markets like Union Station, celebrate at free seasonal events, and immerse yourself in knowledge at the Denver Public Library and the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Denver’s rich assortment of free offerings not only makes it a budget-friendly destination but also creates an environment where every visitor can enjoy an authentic Mile High City experience regardless of their budget.

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