Denver’s Back To School Fest is bigger and better than ever as it kicks off the school year in style! The FREE event is Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Westwood Community Center (1000 S. Lowell Blvd., Denver). This is a great chance to gear up for the school year with free backpacks and school supplies, free haircuts and more. [Read more…] about Denver’s Back To School Fest, August 8 – Free Backpacks, School Supplies, Haircuts, Resources & More
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Papa John’s Hosts Back-To-School Bash with Free Backpacks, School Supplies & Family Fun
It’s nearly the time of year that most kids dread — Back-to-School season! And, of course, the end of summer means parents will need to start shopping for school supplies. To help those families in need, Papa John’s (10551 E. Garden Dr.) in Aurora is hosting a Back-To-School Bash on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. [Read more…] about Papa John’s Hosts Back-To-School Bash with Free Backpacks, School Supplies & Family Fun
Get Free School Supplies and More at Douglas County Resource Fair July 28
Summer vacation is quickly passing by and not all families may be in a financial position to buy required school supplies, clothing and other back-to-school necessities. FREE school supplies and more will be available on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Strive to Thrive Resource Fair from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Southeast Christian Church in Parker. [Read more…] about Get Free School Supplies and More at Douglas County Resource Fair July 28
Want To Park in Downtown Denver For $5 This Summer? Here’s How
Frustrated by pricey parking in Downtown Denver? Now thousands of spots are available for just $5. The City and County of Denver has partnered with SpotHero to launch “Mayor’s Park $5”, a discount program that lasts through the end of September. The discount parking will be available from morning to late afternoon (8 hours max) on Mondays and Fridays and every weeknight evening beginning at 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. In addition, customers can pay $5 for 12 hours of parking ($10 for 24 hours) on Saturdays and Sundays. [Read more…] about Want To Park in Downtown Denver For $5 This Summer? Here’s How
Recycle Your Old Electronics, Even TVs and Monitors For Free in Douglas County. Service Now Available Year-Round
Do you have old electronics taking up space in your basement or garage? Douglas County residents can now recycle their electronics for FREE year-round (Monday to Saturday). This program is through GreenWorks, the County’s new one-stop location for waste diversion services. Residents can schedule appointments to drop off a wide range of electronic items at the GreenWorks site in Sedalia. You can recycle your items for FREE. This is for DougCo residents ONLY and reservations are required. [Read more…] about Recycle Your Old Electronics, Even TVs and Monitors For Free in Douglas County. Service Now Available Year-Round
How To Report Illegal Fireworks In Denver and Beyond
Most of us love professional fireworks shows, but when our neighbors and others set off illegal fireworks, we don’t feel the love. For those with PTSD or nervous pets, fireworks are an assault on the senses. And with all of us especially skittish about fires, law enforcement understands your concerns. However, they don’t want concerned citizens tying up 911 and delaying responses to true emergencies. That’s why many municipalities and counties are offering alternative ways (including dedicated hotlines and non-emergency dispatch lines) to report illegal fireworks this year. [Read more…] about How To Report Illegal Fireworks In Denver and Beyond
Save Money by Saving Food from Being Thrown Away at Local Restaurants
No one wants food to go to waste! Unfortunately, lots of good food gets tossed out every day at restaurants because it wasn’t sold that day or is about to expire. However, it’s still perfectly delicious and edible. Why throw it away, when someone can still enjoy it? Thanks to Goodie Bag, hungry bargain hunters can pick up unsold food from local restaurants at a discounted price — 50% off or more. [Read more…] about Save Money by Saving Food from Being Thrown Away at Local Restaurants
Best Places To Recycle Electronics & Paint For Free Or Cheap
As most of us living in the Denver area are aware, electronics are prohibited from being dropped off in a normal trash can, due to hazardous materials. It’s a real no-no. The same goes for paint. It can be a real hassle to dispose of these items, especially if you want them gone now, rather than waiting for a neighborhood recycling event. That said, a growing number of Colorado businesses and counties that recycle electronics or paint year-round for free or a small charge.
We’ve compiled a list of places and companies that will either pick-up or let you drop-off your stuff throughout the year. If you know of others we have missed, be sure to send an email to news@milehighonthecheap.com and we’ll do our best to get it added to the list. [Read more…] about Best Places To Recycle Electronics & Paint For Free Or Cheap
Where To Find Cheap(er) Gas Prices In Denver-Boulder Before Filling Up

Looking for the cheap gas prices in and around Denver — and who isn’t these days? Fill your tank without totally emptying your wallet. Gas Buddy helps drivers find the cheapest fuel prices across the U.S. The service has a nifty feature allowing MHOTC to bring you (in real-time!) the current Top 10 lowest gasoline prices in the Denver metro area.
[Read more…] about Where To Find Cheap(er) Gas Prices In Denver-Boulder Before Filling Up
Recycle Batteries at Commerce City Take-Back Event. Everyone Is Welcome!
Commerce City is hosting a community battery take-back event on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the South Adams County Fire Department – Station 28. Most household batteries are accepted and everyone, even if you don’t live in Commerce City, is welcome to bring in their old batteries. [Read more…] about Recycle Batteries at Commerce City Take-Back Event. Everyone Is Welcome!
Free Summer Shuttle to Boulder’s Chautauqua Park
To say that parking at Boulder’s popular Chautauqua is limited does not even begin to describe the challenges in finding a space. To solve the problem, the city operates the FREE Park-to-Park shuttle between downtown Boulder and Chautauqua Park between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays all summer long. It runs every 30 minutes. [Read more…] about Free Summer Shuttle to Boulder’s Chautauqua Park
Safely Dispose Old Medications on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day April 25
It’s never a good idea to keep expired or unused medication around the house, but what do you do with them? Well, National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, offers an opportunity to safely discard them for FREE. Bring any over-the-counter or prescription medication for proper disposal to any one of the drop-off sites throughout the Front Range from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. [Read more…] about Safely Dispose Old Medications on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day April 25
MHOTC Is Looking For An Intern With Social Media Savvy
Do you know someone who is a whiz creating Reels and Videos for social media including Facebook, TikTok and/or Instagram? Mile High on the Cheap is looking for an intern who would love to expand their portfolio helping us create Facebook and Instagram posts, as well as both short and longer videos for our website. [Read more…] about MHOTC Is Looking For An Intern With Social Media Savvy
Need A Ride? Free Link On Demand Now Serves Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker & Stonegate
If you’ve ever needed a ride to a doctor’s appointment, grocery store, work or other destination, there’s a new option in Stonegate and Parker that might be just what you’re looking for. Link On Demand, a FREE, on-demand transportation service is now officially serving Stonegate and select areas of Parker. The service has been operating in Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree for some time. [Read more…] about Need A Ride? Free Link On Demand Now Serves Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker & Stonegate
Get Totally Free Polish & Shine Express Wash at Cobblestone Car Wash ($15 Value)
Bargain hunters with a dirty car can really clean up at Cobblestone Car Wash! The popular car wash company is the official sponsor of both the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets. And they’re giving fans a complimentary car wash, so they can be ready for the road. However, in Colorado, you never know what the weather will be from one hour to the next! [Read more…] about Get Totally Free Polish & Shine Express Wash at Cobblestone Car Wash ($15 Value)
Where To Find Free Help With Your Taxes In 2026
Even if you’re expecting a tax refund, this time of year can be, well, taxing on your wallet when it comes to paying for tax preparation services. The good news is that, if you qualify, you can get FREE help filing your return and not spend a dime. Here are some online and in-person programs to investigate: [Read more…] about Where To Find Free Help With Your Taxes In 2026
Your Old Refrigerator Or Freezer Is Worth $50 Cash
Xcel Energy is willing to pay you $50 for any old (working) refrigerator or freezer you might own. C’mon you know the one that seemed like a good idea at the time and now just takes up valuable garage or basement space (plus costs you $100 or more in higher electric bills). Xcel will recycle your fridge for FREE. They’ll even pick up the beast at no charge and give you a $50 rebate. [Read more…] about Your Old Refrigerator Or Freezer Is Worth $50 Cash
Bread Fell Flat Again? Call King Arthur for Baking Tips & Strategies from Experts
Baking can be fun for the whole family, but it’s also a science in getting the recipe just right. It can often take several batches of cookies, breads or pies before an amateur baker can perfect the process. In any case, it’s always frustrating to pull out a batch of bad cookies from the oven. There’s something not right in the texture or the way they look, but you can’t figure out where you went wrong in the process. [Read more…] about Bread Fell Flat Again? Call King Arthur for Baking Tips & Strategies from Experts
Where To Find Free Food Pantries & Distribution Sites In The Denver/Boulder Area
Organizations in Denver, Boulder and other Colorado communities offer free food pantries for individuals and families needing help stretching their grocery dollar. Some sites allow you to “shop” the pantry on specific days, others provide drive-through pickups, while still others offer deliveries to your home for eligible participants. [Read more…] about Where To Find Free Food Pantries & Distribution Sites In The Denver/Boulder Area
How To Enjoy Surplus Food at Discounted Price from Local Restaurants, Bakeries
Did you know it’s estimated that one-third of all food around the world goes to waste? Every day, unsold food from your favorite restaurants, grocery stores and cafés is thrown away simply because it wasn’t sold in time — even though it’s still good and tasty. And now there’s an opportunity to be part of the solution right here in Denver and Boulder, thanks to Too Good To Go. [Read more…] about How To Enjoy Surplus Food at Discounted Price from Local Restaurants, Bakeries