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 127 Free & Cheap Things To Do in Denver This Weekend
Things To Do
Rare Free Tours of Colorado Governor’s Mansion
There are so many ways to celebrate the historical Colorado Day on August 1 in our beautiful state. However, one of the best spots might be Colorado’s Home also known as the The Governor’s Residence. Coloradans are welcome to take a FREE public tour of the mansion during its summer Open House, Friday & Saturday, July 31 & August 1, 2026. [Read more…] about Rare Free Tours of Colorado Governor’s Mansion
How to Get Cheap Tickets for ‘The Sound of Music’ in Denver
Can you hear the music in the air? Going to the theater can be expensive, so any opportunity to save money on tickets is music to the ears of theater lovers on a budget. And the next big musical coming to the Mile High City is The Sound of Music, with 8 performances total at the Buell Theatre from July 29 to August 2, 2026. [Read more…] about How to Get Cheap Tickets for ‘The Sound of Music’ in Denver
Love & Romance Weekend! 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 Love & Romance Weekend! How to Get Discounted Tickets for 2026 Colorado Renaissance Festival This Summer
Downtown Evergreen Dam Ducky Derby Floats Down Bear Creek on August 1
Ready! Set! Float! During the Downtown Evergreen Dam Ducky Derby, thousands of bright yellow, rubber ducks cascade down Bear Creek from the starting line at the dam spillway to the finish line at Highland Haven Creekside Inn. Eager fans gather along the bank hoping their lucky duck wins. And, no wonder. Cash prizes are on the line for the top three finishers, plus quite a few lower placing ducks also earn prizes. [Read more…] about Downtown Evergreen Dam Ducky Derby Floats Down Bear Creek on August 1
Aurora’s Day Of Resilience Returns July 25 With Festival, 5K, Music & More
Aurora’s 2026 Day of Resilience is Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Aurora Municipal Center. This powerful community event is organized by the 7/20 Foundation and honors those impacted by the Aurora Theater tragedy, while celebrating the power of community healing and resilience. The event brings together survivors, families, first responders, supporters and the community. [Read more…] about Aurora’s Day Of Resilience Returns July 25 With Festival, 5K, Music & More
Free Night of Outdoor Adventure at Children Museum’s Joy Park
Explore 60,000 square feet of outdoor adventure space including Adventure Forest for FREE at the Children Museum’s Joy Park at its Denver Marsico Campus. They’re keeping the exhibit open after hours from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (or sunset) on Fridays: May 22, June 19, July 17, August 21 & September 25, 2026, thanks to a collaboration with Denver Parks & Recreation. [Read more…] about Free Night of Outdoor Adventure at Children Museum’s Joy Park
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
Build Beyond Borders: A Family-Friendly STEM & Music Festival
Build Beyond Borders: A STEM & Music Festival is a family-friendly evening of science, music, and fun on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Number 38. The FREE events is hosted by the Engineers Without Borders – Denver Professional Chapter. It features live music, games, hands-on engineering activities, food and drinks, and engaging presentations that highlight the chapter’s global projects. Attendees are invited to support the organization’s mission through donations while enjoying an evening of learning, innovation, and community celebration. [Read more…] about Build Beyond Borders: A Family-Friendly STEM & Music Festival
Historic Elitch Theatre Presents Free Summer Concerts
The Historic Elitch Theatre offers its summer music programming, Concerts in the Carousel with three FREE summer concerts inside the beautifully restored Historic Elitch Carousel Shell. These Sunday evening performances showcase talented local artists and are set for once a month in July, August and September. All concerts start at 6 p.m. [Read more…] about Historic Elitch Theatre Presents Free Summer Concerts
New Summit Canyon Now Open! Water World Offers Ticket Discounts, Season Passes and More for Summer 2026
See bottom of the page for Costco savings! When the summer temperatures start to sizzle, a day at Water World (8801 N. Pecos St.) in Federal Heights is one of the best (and most fun!) ways to cool off in Colorado. Since opening in 1979 with the first two water slides in the state, the popular water park now boasts more than 50 water adventures, including a new area for 2026 — Summit Canyon! [Read more…] about New Summit Canyon Now Open! Water World Offers Ticket Discounts, Season Passes and More for Summer 2026
Date Change! Take A Trip Around The World at Denver International Festival
Okay, folks. This is weird. Apparently, after sending us this flyer for 2026, the Festival organizers changed the date to October 2026. Sorry for any confusion and we will repost this event when details are firmed up. The world comes together the city’s largest celebration of global food, music and art at the Denver International Festival on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the heart of Historic Five Points. The family-friendly festival is FREE and open to all. Shake your hips to the sounds of Salsa, feel the bass of live African drums, get down to the rhythm of Reggae and rock out with live performers. [Read more…] about Date Change! Take A Trip Around The World at Denver International Festival
American Museum of Western Art Open for Free for The First Time in Over a Decade for Colorado Day. Reserve Timed Tickets Before They Are Gone
For the first time in over a decade the American Museum of Western Art is opening on a Saturday. In celebration of Colorado’s 150th Anniversary, AMWA will open on Saturday, August 1, 2026, offering FREE Self-Guided timed admission. It is highly recommended that you reserve a timed ticket here, as this event is expected to sell out. Galleries close at 4:30 pm. Last admission is at 4 pm. The Museum does not allow children under 8 years of age. [Read more…] about American Museum of Western Art Open for Free for The First Time in Over a Decade for Colorado Day. Reserve Timed Tickets Before They Are Gone
Golden’s Buffalo Bill Days Brings Wild West Fun, July 24-26
The annual Buffalo Bill Days festival brings rootin’ tootin’ FREE Wild West fun to Golden, July 24 to 26, 2026. The weekend includes western-style entertainment, Best of the West Parade, arts and crafts festival, children’s activities and live concerts by local bands filling Golden’s downtown streets. [Read more…] about Golden’s Buffalo Bill Days Brings Wild West Fun, July 24-26
New Date! See New Release First for $5 with Landmark Theatres’ Secret Movie Series
Love a good plot twist at the movies? Many of the major movie theater chains (AMC Theatres, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas) host “mystery” screenings with an opportunity for film fanatics to be one of the first to see a new release before it’s “officially” released to the public. And, best of all, tickets are available at a discounted price. [Read more…] about New Date! See New Release First for $5 with Landmark Theatres’ Secret Movie Series
AMC Theatres Offers 50% Off Tickets Every Tuesday & Wednesday — Includes New Releases!
Going to the movies during the week can be a much more enjoyable experience than on the weekends, especially because there are fewer people in attendance. That means you can usually get better seats and won’t have to wait in line to get your popcorn and snacks. However, most importantly, you can save money on tickets at most theater chains on Tuesdays, including AMC Theatres. [Read more…] about AMC Theatres Offers 50% Off Tickets Every Tuesday & Wednesday — Includes New Releases!
223 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 223 Free & Cheap Things to Do This Week Around Denver
Best Indoor Play Areas for Kids Around Denver
When the kiddos are bored or the weather is being uncooperative (too hot or too cold) you may be looking for a place for them to play. This list of indoor play areas around Denver should come in handy.
I’ve included all sorts of activities, some free and some with an admission fee. For some of the pricier attractions, I noted if there’s a Groupon available (and you should always check Groupon yourself for those not marked, as new Groupons pop up from time to time). Also keep in mind memberships are a great way to save big.
This list is by no means comprehensive as there are a gazillion spots across the metro area. Know of something that should be in the list? Just email laura@milehighonthecheap.com. [Read more…] about Best Indoor Play Areas for Kids Around Denver
Pearl Street Arts Fest in Downtown Boulder Showcases 100+ Artists
Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall between 11th and 15th Streets becomes one large outdoor gallery during the annual Pearl Street Arts Fest. This juried show features more than 100 local and visiting artists (from 22 states), some of whom provide demonstrations even as they showcase their work. Admission is FREE. This year’s festival is Friday to Sunday, July 17 to 19, 2026. [Read more…] about Pearl Street Arts Fest in Downtown Boulder Showcases 100+ Artists
Watch Masterful Chainsaw Artists Compete at Chainsaws & Chuckwagons In Frederick
Only the most masterful chainsaw carvers can turn giant logs into beautiful works of art and they’re gathering in Frederick to compete against each other! Chainsaws & Chuckwagons is set for July 15 to 18, 2026, at Frederick’s Centennial Park. The carving competition will take place each day, alongside family entertainment and food trucks (Chuckwagons). [Read more…] about Watch Masterful Chainsaw Artists Compete at Chainsaws & Chuckwagons In Frederick