Mile high fun doesn't have to be pricey! Delve into our list of 40 free things to do in Denver to experience art, culture, scenic views, complimentary nibbles and more... all year round. Keep your pockets full and your memory bank growing while enjoying Denver, Colorado to its fullest.
40 Free Things to do in Denver
Free Educational Experiences
1. Free museum passes through the library
The Denver Public Library offers reservable free passes to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, The Denver Firefighters Museum, The History Colorado Center, and more.
2. Denver Free Days at museums
Explore Denver free days at the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, The DAM, and more here!
3. Colorado State Capitol Tour
Make your reservations to get the inside scoop on Colorado legislation.
4. Denver Story Trek (history, self guided)
Head to https://denverstorytrek.org for a self guided audio tour of Denver's history.
5. Audio Tour of LGBT history
Download the free Geotourist app on your smartphone then search GLBT History Tour of Capitol Hill to be guided based on your location.
Free Denver Tours
6. Stranahan's
Check out the distillery and sample some of Colorado's very own whiskey.
7. Tour the Denver Mint
Learn about coin production at a guided tour of the Denver Mint. Be sure to make your reservations in advance.
8. Hammond's Candy Factory
Gaze at candy production and enjoy a sample while you're at it!
9. Great Divide Brewery
Tour this downtown brewery for free to see where the hops meet the foam.
Free Local Favorites in Denver
10. Enjoy one of the many Marketplace Collectives: Stanley Marketplace, Denver Central Market, Avanti, The Source, Union Station, Broadway Market
Grab a seat to catch up on work, people watch, or window shop at one of Denver's oh-so-popular food halls or Marketplaces.
11. Summer farmers markets
You'll find farmers markets in many of Denver's most popular neighborhoods. Many stands offer free samples and live music for your enjoyment.
12. Horseshoe Market
Visit the Denver Horseshoe Market for some pinterest-worthy eye candy!
13. Dragon Boat Festival
Head to Sloan's Lake for Denver's annual celebration of Asian and Asian American Heritage.
14.Denver PrideFest
This spring event includes a colorful and spirited parade, as well as many other festivities.
15. Tattered Cover Book Store
This Denver staple is one of the largest independently owned bookstores in the country. Sit in one of their cozy nooks with a book for as long as you'd like.
16. Highlands Street Fair
Browse local artwork, food, and fun yearly at this free street fair.
17. Stock Show Parade
See cowboy boots, lassos, bulls, and horses, starting at Union Station and ending at 17th and Tremont.
Free Denver Music
18. Summer Concert Series at Levitt Pavilion
Catch a new lineup every year!
19. City Park Jazz
Denverites look forward to this City Park musical event all year round.
20. Sunnyside Music Festival
This Chaffee Park festival features free bluegrass music and lots of fun.
21. Five Points Jazz Festival
Hosted on the third Saturday of each May, this free festival is a must for music lovers.
22. Denver Day of Rock
This free event hosts 5 stages and benefits Amp the Cause.
Free Things to do in Denver's Great Outdoors
23. Frisbee golf, picnic, or stroll around a Denver Park
Washington Park, Cheesman Park, City Park, and Commons Park are just a few of your gorgeous nature-filled urban locations.
24. Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Enjoy free admission at this wildlife refuge, located in Stapleton's Northfield community.
25. The city's 100+ miles of bike paths
Cycle Denver's Cherry Creek Bike Path and many others for car free, scenic recreation and transportation.
26. Union Station's Splash Pad
Frolic through Union Station's fountain display on those hot summer days.
27. Red Rocks
Walk the stairs while taking in the world famous views or pack a picnic and dine al fresco on one of the stadium risers.
28. Movies in the park
Most Denver parks offer free movie nights during the summer months. Past favorites have included Back to the Future, The Princess Bride, and Shrek.
29. Denver Cruisers
Hop onto your bicycle and cruise Denver with monthly themes and varying start locations.
Free Denver Activities for Art Lovers
These guided tours are free and oh-so-urban
31. Denver Arts Festival
Explore the work of local artists at Stapleton's Conservatory Green
32. Denver Chalk Art Festival
The street art created completely by art will blow you away! Located yearly at Larimer Square.
33. Dikeou Collection
This hidden gem of an art museum is always free and displays modern pieces.
34. Colorado Black Arts Festival
Celebrates African Arts and Culture in Denver. Join in at City Park West.
35. First Friday Art Walk
Head to Denver's Art District on Santa Fe to browse galleries and sidewalk displays.
Free Seasonal Family Fun
36. Halloween fun: Trick or Treat Street, Denver Zombie Crawl
37. 4th of July: 4th of July Parade, fireworks at Civic Center
38. Spring: Cinco De Mayo Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival
39. Winter Holidays: Ice Rink on the 16th Street Mall, Sunnyside Sleigh Rides
40. New Year's Eve: Downtown Denver Fireworks
For more free things to do in Denver, explore events, classes, and programs at The Denver Public Library - all for free!
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