25 Fun and Free Summer Activities in Denver This Summer (Local Recs)
Denver is a little expensive to live in and visit. In fact, I had no idea how expensive it has gotten until recent out of state trips. What I realized was that I was still hacking my way to an affordable and accessible experience of my town. I realized that there are a lot of people in town who don’t have the time and energy to methodically work their way across town to find great experiences and spaces to enjoy and share with others. Fortunately for you, this website gives me the excuse to explore town and share it with you. I also grew up here and so there are spaces that I’m familiar with that folks who are new to town might not now about yet. I’ve shared a list of 25 fun and free summer activities in Denver this summer.
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Cowtown Denver
Quick Tips
- Check Eventbrite for free activities
- Follow Facebook Events for free activities
- Join Meetup (dot) com and join communities that match your personal interests
- Find local Facebook groups connected to your personal interests
- Sign up for local newsletters that share events weekly
25 Fun and Free Summer Activities in Denver
You’ll notice that I didn’t include many of the “usual suspects” on my list of fun and free summer activities in Denver. I actually live in Denver and get to enjoy a number of events that never make these lists because they’re so often written by travel bloggers.
Head Over to Dikeou Collection
Post COVID, you do need to reserve your viewing time. If you’re an art enthusiast, I highly recommend enjoying this unique and fun permanent art collection that many Denverites don’t know about.
Watch a Free Movie at MacGregor Square
Watching a movie outdoors can be so much fun. MacGregor Square hosts fun events and activations throughout the year and free movies is one of them. Do bring money so that you can buy something to eat at MilePost Zero-the food hall that is located in at MacGregor Square.
Wander through a local farmers market
There are several markets hosted throughout the Denver metro.Set a strict budget and enjoy browsing through your next market.
River Sessions at Confluence Park
If you love listening to live music and hanging out at a park, add this fun summer event to your list.
Relax in beautiful Centennial Gardens
This lovely garden is a surprisingly calm, beautiful and quiet spot behind Elitch Gardens. I also consider it one of the most beautiful parts in Denver that no one knows about.
Night Lights Denver
Watch the video art projected onto downtown’s Clocktower
Ride your bike to Boulder from Denver
This has been on my list for years! If you’ve driven down US-36 you’ve likely seen the bike path that runs adjacent to the highway (it is NOT connected to the highway and is safe)
Attend the Juneteenth Music Festival
One of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the United States, it’s a ton of fun with historic significance. Not sure what Juneteenth is? Google it.
Support Good Causes
During the Denver Day of Rock-I’ve helped out at this event several times, including in 2023. Enjoy great music, cocktails and more. You will spend money at this event but it’s for charity.
Head over to Hecho en Westwood
For one of the many unique events and experiences that they host throughout the year. This is one of my favorite local community spaces in town.
Little Man’s Ice Cream’s Fun and Free events
Last year I took a really cool dance class for free…and then bought an ice cream LOL! The only downside is the events are announced pretty close to the date that they will be happening.
Work out on a Larimer Square Rooftop
One of my favorite experiences post COVID was taking a yoga class on the Larimer Square parking garage rooftop. There’s a completely unobstructed view of the mountains and it’s a wonderful experience.
Denver Fringe Festival
I feel like this unique and whimsical experience doesn’t get enough coverage. Held in RINO, Denver Fringe Festival is a celebration of creative movement, expressions and the experience of art as a collective.
First Friday Art Walks
These evenings are a lot of fun but my favorite one takes place in August. It’s the car-free First Friday Santa Fe Art Walk when the street is shut down to traffic. Bring a lot of cash and be ready to wander slowly down the street and inside the different art studios and other spaces as you make your way down Santa Fe.
Skyline Park Denver Activities
This is one of my favorite art activations in town. Unfortunately, because of when it was launched and the ongoing 16th Street Mall renovation, a lot of people don’t know about it.
Party en the Paseo at Basecamp Denver
Last year I made a point of heading over to Basecamp Denver (16th and Market Street) to enjoy live music, hanging out and at least one food truck.
City Park Jazz
This long standing summer event is attended by thousands of Denverites every year. Walk, bike or take a bus over and find a spot on the lawn.
Visit a Local Library
Denver Public Libraries has so many wonderful resources and hosts numerous events throughout the year. I like to check for upcoming events using the main DPL website.
Denver Cruiser Ride
Have you ever imagined riding your bike with hundreds of other people dressed up in costumes and following a bike with a giant speaker attached to it? That’s the Denver Cruiser Ride. It’s so much fun, inviting and a welcoming community. Wear protective gear.
Denver Urban Skate Troop
There is something about roller skating that has captured my imagination in the past couple of months. I’m looking forward to joining in on the fun and appreciate any opportunity to buy a pair of cute skates. Similar to Denver Cruiser Ride, Denver Urban Skate meets at different starting points around the City and then participants make their way through town.
Dairy Block Denver Market
This development continues to be one of my favorite new(er) activations in Denver. What I especially like are the different markets and activities held in the Alley. From the Winter Market with carollers singing about the holidays, Basta used to host a cool grilling station a few times throughout the year. And the makers markets are fun to browse and support local vendors.
La Raza Park Day
One of my favorite experiences in 2023 was La Raza Park Day. I enjoyed the performances, the food and the people watching.
Ethiopian Festival
You can experience this wonderful event for free. However, I would bring money so that you can eat your way through the different vendors’ offerings.
Love Free and Inexpensive Concerts?
Levitt Pavilion Hosts Free Concerts! I’m really excited to attend the Black Opry Revue in July. It is a collective created to uplift, highlight and share Black country music artists and I’m so here for it.
Take a Dance Class with Mile High Shufflers
Late last fall I had the opportunity to take a class with the Mile High Shufflers at Meow Wolf. Despite being horribly out of shape, the experience was fun, the music was amazing and the community is so welcoming. I’m looking forward to attending more of these classes this summer. By the way, classes cost money. Keep an eye out for fun events that the community may host from time to time.