Bored on a budget? You’ve come to the right place! Mile High On The Cheap is the answer for Coloradans wanting to live large for less. Luckily, Denver has much to do and see for frugal families, bargain hunters, savvy seniors and anyone who’s limited on funds — festivals, concerts, movies, workshops, tours, sporting events and more. And, for weekend planners, we’ve done all the work for you… [Read more…] about 105 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Denver This Weekend
Things To Do
Colorado Black Arts Festival 2026 Fills Denver’s City Park July 10 to 12
It’s the 40th year for the Colorado Black Arts Festival, scheduled for Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the West End of Denver’s City Park. Multiple stages will showcase the finest local and regional talent performing jazz, blues, soul, hip-hop, dance, and gospel. In addition, festival-goers will find a wide variety of artwork for sale, as well as food, games and services. [Read more…] about Colorado Black Arts Festival 2026 Fills Denver’s City Park July 10 to 12
Free Independence Eve Concert By The Colorado Symphony. Get Tickets Now
The Colorado Symphony extends an invitation to everyone to celebrate America’s 250th and Colorado turning 150 during a special Independence Eve celebration on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 6 p.m. This community concert is FREE and held at the Buell Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. [Read more…] about Free Independence Eve Concert By The Colorado Symphony. Get Tickets Now
Denver’s “Grand Slam Paint Jam” to Transform Ballpark Neighborhood with Live Murals and Music This Weekend
Denver’s vibrant street art community will take center stage Saturday & Sunday, June 27 & 28, 2026, during the inaugural Grand Slam Paint Jam, a live mural festival bringing together more than 20 local and nationally recognized muralists and creatives for a weekend of large-scale public art, music and workshops. Entry is FREE. [Read more…] about Denver’s “Grand Slam Paint Jam” to Transform Ballpark Neighborhood with Live Murals and Music This Weekend
Enjoy Intimate Candlelight Concerts. Get Extra 10% Off Tickets
Maybe you’ve heard about Candlelight Concerts around the metro Denver area. These special events not only provide a multi-sensory musical experience, but also include a depth of repertoire and breadth of genres, from classical and jazz to show tunes and pop music. And now’s your chance to get 10% off tickets using our special promo code. [Read more…] about Enjoy Intimate Candlelight Concerts. Get Extra 10% Off Tickets
What’s Playing This Week? 88 Drive-In Theatre Offers Unique Family Fun Every Night This Summer at Blockbuster Price
See important outside food & drinks update below! Honk! Honk! When anyone thinks of going to the movies, it’s not often they’re referring to a drive-in theater. Simply because they no longer exist in large numbers across America. Luckily, the Mile High City has a little bit of nostalgia left with the 88 Drive-In Theatre (8780 Rosemary St.) in Commerce City — the only drive-in movie theatre in the Denver metro area. [Read more…] about What’s Playing This Week? 88 Drive-In Theatre Offers Unique Family Fun Every Night This Summer at Blockbuster Price
Harry Potter: The Exhibition Comes To Denver This Summer
Harry Potter: The Exhibition celebrates all things Harry Potter by bringing to life some of your favorite moments, characters, locations, and beasts from the film series, as well as the extended Harry Potter universe. Get up close to authentic props and costumes, practice your Quidditch skills, pot a Mandrake, and more in this unforgettable experience. The exhibit opens in the South Broadway District on June 26, 2026, with tickets on sale now. [Read more…] about Harry Potter: The Exhibition Comes To Denver This Summer
4th of July 2026 – Fireworks, Festivals and Parades! Check Out Our Ultimate Guide
BOOM! BANG! CHEAP! Fourth of July festivities abound in the metro Denver/Boulder area. We’ve found most of the no-cost and low-cost festivals, fireworks and parades to keep the family entertained. Events are listed alphabetically for easier review. We expect to add more events, as they’re announced — so check back often.
In case of bad weather or fire bans, some fireworks shows may be cancelled. However, celebrations usually go on as planned. Check back here and on event websites for updated information.
If you know of any we have missed, please email Laura@MileHighOnTheCheap.com with details.
If you are looking for things to do specifically on Friday, July 4, check out this list of attractions that are open, special events at restaurants, breweries and bars, and Independence Day food deals.
Here’s what’s bursting July 2, 3 & 4 (plus a few days before):
[Read more…] about 4th of July 2026 – Fireworks, Festivals and Parades! Check Out Our Ultimate Guide
Lowe’s Gives Away Totally Free Summer Fun Gift for One Day Only
Now’s the time to have a little fun in the sun! And Lowe’s is the perfect place to pick up everything you need to keep your garden, lawn and patio looking their best for summer. Even better, the popular home improvement store is hosting a big, beachy one-day-only giveaway for families having fun in their backyard, at the pool or on vacation this summer. [Read more…] about Lowe’s Gives Away Totally Free Summer Fun Gift for One Day Only
How to Get Discounted Tickets for 2026 Colorado Renaissance Festival This Summer
Hear ye! Hear ye! Merriment (on a budget) awaits! The 47th annual Colorado Renaissance Festival (650 W. Perry Park Ave.) in Larkspur returns for adventure and family fun for eight weekends this summer — from June 13 to August 2, 2026. There’s plenty for families to do and see, including entertainment, an Artisan’s Marketplace and themed weekends. [Read more…] about How to Get Discounted Tickets for 2026 Colorado Renaissance Festival This Summer
Enjoy Unlimited Game Play for Just $2.50 at Dave & Buster’s on Fourth of July
Game on! This year, the 4th of July marks 250 years of freedom for America. And Dave & Buster’s is celebrating with a big bang of a deal! Families on a budget looking for lots of fun-packed action (and air-conditioning!) on the patriotic holiday should head to the popular entertainment complex. Enjoy the day by playing lots high-tech, interactive games — many based on hit movies and characters. [Read more…] about Enjoy Unlimited Game Play for Just $2.50 at Dave & Buster’s on Fourth of July
Anythink Libraries Summer Community Concert Series Runs July Through September
Anythink Libraries continues its Community Concert Series this summer. It transform parks and public spaces into neighborhood celebrations filled with live music, dancing and community connection. The three-concert series will feature internationally acclaimed and Colorado-based musicians performing world music, Latin rock and cumbia-inspired sounds in Northglenn, Arvada and Thornton from July through September. [Read more…] about Anythink Libraries Summer Community Concert Series Runs July Through September
Landmark Theatres Celebrates Fourth of July with ‘The Firework Bundle’ Movie Deal for 4 Days
Going to the movies in the summer has always been a go-to activity for friends and family. There’s something magical about munching on popcorn in a darkened (and air-conditioned!) movie theater watching the latest summer blockbuster on the big screen. And frugal film fans can spark big savings at Landmark Theatres this Fourth of July weekend. [Read more…] about Landmark Theatres Celebrates Fourth of July with ‘The Firework Bundle’ Movie Deal for 4 Days
See Movie Preview in Reserved Seats – ‘The Invite’
In The Invite, Joe and Angela’s marriage is on thin ice. When they invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbors for a dinner party, the night spirals into unexpected places. Have they reignited the spark or lit the match that burns it all down? Directed by Olivia Wilde, the film stars Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton. [Read more…] about See Movie Preview in Reserved Seats – ‘The Invite’
Enter to Win Family 4-Pack of Tickets to Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
Congratulations to our winner Viola! Get ready to rev your engines, Denver! Following the success of Glow-N-Fire (winner of the Pollstar Family Show of the Year award!), Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is thrilled to continue the momentum by introducing an all-new truck to the tour: Rhinomite — the dynamite Rhino themed truck. Charging horn-first into challenges, Rhinomite is on a mission to destroy the competition. [Read more…] about Enter to Win Family 4-Pack of Tickets to Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
197 Free & Cheap Things to Do This Week Around Denver
Plan your week on the cheap with this list of FREE & CHEAP things to do around Denver. The list is updated daily, so check back often. Looking for more free and low-cost things to do in the following weeks? Find additional activities on our Mile High Events Calendar, which you can view by day or month.
Looking for trivia nights? Check out this long list of trivia events.
If you don’t already, keep up with the latest deals, discounts and freebies by signing up for our daily e-newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook. Click on each link for details, as some events may require registration.
Here’s what’s happening this week: [Read more…] about 197 Free & Cheap Things to Do This Week Around Denver
Up! Up! and Away! Frederick in Flight June 26 to 28
The Town of Frederick celebrates the many forms of flight with its annual Frederick in Flight — including hot air balloon lifts, tethered balloon rides, a Glow Party with beer garden and food trucks, and tons of FREE fun for the whole family Friday to Sunday, June 26 to 28, 2026. [Read more…] about Up! Up! and Away! Frederick in Flight June 26 to 28
Downtown Denver’s Cherry Blossom Festival On June 27 & 28
Celebrate Japanese-American culture, food, music, crafts and dance at Denver’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival, Saturday & Sunday, June 27 & 28, 2026. FREE performances start each day at 11 a.m. and include martial arts, folk dancing, Japanese drumming, Japanese Enka (traditional) songs, and lots more. [Read more…] about Downtown Denver’s Cherry Blossom Festival On June 27 & 28
Coohills Beats on the Creek 2026 Summer Concert Series Offers Six Shows
Spend the summer dancing the night away with Coohills’ Beats on the Creek 2026 Summer Concert Series. Tuesdays from July 7 to August 11, 2026, Coohills restaurant hosts musical acts on a bridge over Cherry Creek in LoDo. Admission onto the bridge, which opens at 6 p.m., is $10 and benefits First Descents. Bands perform from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. [Read more…] about Coohills Beats on the Creek 2026 Summer Concert Series Offers Six Shows
Free and Cheap Things for July 4th in Denver – Food Deals, Activities, Concerts & Parties!
Haul out the red, white and blue — it’s going to be a firecracker 4th of July. Not only are there parades, community festivals and fireworks, but also — surprise! — many popular attractions like the Denver Zoo and museums are open as well on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, 2026. Plus, there are smaller (but just as fun) parties, BBQs and picnics across the Front Range. And deal-seekers will find dozens of special deals and discounts at area restaurants and retailers. [Read more…] about Free and Cheap Things for July 4th in Denver – Food Deals, Activities, Concerts & Parties!