Are you handy around the house? Celebrate Habitat for Humanity’s 50 years of impact and its longstanding partnership with Lowe’s. Join the home improvement store for fun, hands-on volunteer activities, including decorating materials that will be used in future Habitat home builds, at select locations (including Lakewood!) for one day only. [Read more…] about Lowe’s Celebrates Habitat for Humanity’s 50th with Family Fun Volunteer Event and 20% Discount
Things To Do
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
Kids Can Visit Denver Botanic Gardens for Free on Three Saturdays This Summer
The kiddos can enjoy all the Denver Botanic Gardens has to offer for FREE on three Saturdays this summer. The Gardens have announced Kids Free Summer Second Saturdays at both its York Street and Chatfield Farms locations. Children ages 3 to 15 (accompanied by an adult) get FREE general admission on the following Saturdays: June 13, July 11 and August 8, 2026. [Read more…] about Kids Can Visit Denver Botanic Gardens for Free on Three Saturdays This Summer
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
Celebrate 15 Years of the PACE Center. Bubbles, Art & Outdoor Concert
Celebrate 15 years of the PACE Center with a FREE community celebration at Discovery Park in Parker on Thursday, July 16, 2026. From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., enjoy an evening of family-friendly activities, including giant bubbles with The Bubble Guy, balloon art by Scott Howard, face painting by All About Fairies, live chalk art by Parker Artist Guild artist Rachel Hueske, interactive booths from local arts and community partners and more. [Read more…] about Celebrate 15 Years of the PACE Center. Bubbles, Art & Outdoor Concert
Discount Tickets Available at Costco! 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 Discount Tickets Available at Costco! Water World Offers Ticket Discounts, Season Passes and More for Summer 2026
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
Tons of Fun at Arapahoe County Fair July 23 to 26
It’s time for the 2026 Arapahoe County Fair, with four days of fun Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora. Fairgoers will find their dollar goes a long way with gate admission that includes unlimited carnival rides and FREE parking, plus all main stage performances, rodeos, 4-H livestock shows, public competitions, mutton bustin’ for the little buckaroos and more. [Read more…] about Tons of Fun at Arapahoe County Fair July 23 to 26
Glen Haven Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast Helps Support Equipment & Training
You may not have heard of the Glen Haven Volunteer Fire Department, but the group, located near Estes Park, is a critical part of the response community. They try and raise money by holding a Pancake Breakfast. This year it’s on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Glen Haven Firehouse. [Read more…] about Glen Haven Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast Helps Support Equipment & Training
Take An International Trip To The One World Festival
Take a trip around the world without ever leaving Colorado. Formerly known as The Mile High Global Bazaar, the One World Festival is a two-day celebration of international cultures, arts, crafts, merchandise and music. It runs Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19, 2026, from noon to 6 p.m. on both days at Wynkoop Plaza at Union Station in Downtown Denver. [Read more…] about Take An International Trip To The One World Festival
Regal Cinemas’ Summer Movie Express 2026: Enjoy $1 Family-Friendly Flicks for 11 Weeks
All aboard, bored kids! On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than a morning at the movies to keep the family entertained…and all in an air-conditioned theater. Regal Cinemas has scheduled 9 weeks of family-friendly flicks at select theaters for its popular (and budget-friendly!) Summer Movie Express. [Read more…] about Regal Cinemas’ Summer Movie Express 2026: Enjoy $1 Family-Friendly Flicks for 11 Weeks
Enjoy Landmark Theatres’ Family Friendly Film Series with $2 Tickets — 3 Screenings Every Week
As if you need another reason to seek out air-conditioning during the summer heat, Landmark Theatres is now offering families one more option for an inexpensive cinematic adventure with its Family Friendly Film Series for Summer 2026 — from June 20 to August 12, 2026. Best of all (besides the air-conditioning!), tickets are only $2. [Read more…] about Enjoy Landmark Theatres’ Family Friendly Film Series with $2 Tickets — 3 Screenings Every Week
Arapahoe Libraries Invites Teens & Tweens To Main Character Energy Festival Inspired By Their Favorite Books & Movies
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Teens and tweens can step into the spotlight at Main Character Energy, a new series of festivals put together by Arapahoe Libraries. The FREE festivals were inspired by teen library patrons, who said they wanted the chance to feel like the heroes of their favorite books and movies. At Main Character Energy, attendees can explore a variety of art stations, games and treats and step into their own “main character moment.” [Read more…] about Arapahoe Libraries Invites Teens & Tweens To Main Character Energy Festival Inspired By Their Favorite Books & Movies
Get Movie Ticket to See New ‘Moana’ ($15 Value) & Collectible Cup for $1 This Summer
Moana fans will definitely want to sail over to Subway this summer! Fans and families are excited for the highly anticipated live-action reimagining of the popular family film from Disney, which opens in theaters on July 10, 2026. Whether rediscovering Moana’s story or introducing a new generation to the adventure, Subway is helping families see the new movie without causing major waves in their budget. [Read more…] about Get Movie Ticket to See New ‘Moana’ ($15 Value) & Collectible Cup for $1 This Summer
Denver Center for the Performing Arts Offers Discounted Tickets with DCPAccess Program
Denver is a world-class city, when it comes to the arts and so much more. And, fortunately for theater lovers on a budget, the city makes the arts more affordable for all. Among the Denver Center for Performing Arts’ discount programs, the most popular is its DCPAccess. The much-loved program provides affordable access to its shows — even the occasional touring Broadway production. [Read more…] about Denver Center for the Performing Arts Offers Discounted Tickets with DCPAccess Program
Summerfest Community Festival in Evergreen July 18 & 19
It’s a festival of arts, crafts, music and more in Evergreen at Summerfest with more than 100 artists from across the country on hand, Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19, 2026, at Buchanan Park. Enjoy live music and entertainment, kids’ craft activities, and shopping the multitude of artists’ booths. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. [Read more…] about Summerfest Community Festival in Evergreen July 18 & 19
Lavender Festival at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms July 18 & 19
Back in 2015, a Lavender Garden was planted at Chatfield Farms. Now that the plants, more than 2,000, have come into bloom, the Denver Botanic Gardens is hosting a Lavender Festival on Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The beautiful purple blooms should create the perfect backdrop for a day devoted to “all-things lavender”. Because tickets go fast, you should get yours now if this event is of interest. [Read more…] about Lavender Festival at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms July 18 & 19
Elitch Encore Performance of ‘Just Like Us’ by Su Teatro
In a city where history and the present collide daily, two of Denver’s most storied cultural institutions are joining forces this July. The Historic Elitch Theatre is proud to welcome Su Teatro for two special performances on Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19, 2026, of their acclaimed production Just Like Us as part of the 2026 Elitch Encore summer series. [Read more…] about Elitch Encore Performance of ‘Just Like Us’ by Su Teatro
Enjoy Free Entrance to National Parks, Monuments & More Throughout 2026
Only 124 of our National Parks charge you to get in, but the U.S. National Park Service is waiving entrance fees to all of its more than 400 parks, monuments and other sites throughout 2026. Time to enjoy the beautiful landscape of Rocky Mountain National Park, virtually in the metro Denver/Boulder area’s backyard. There’s definitely lots to explore and experience in nature! [Read more…] about Enjoy Free Entrance to National Parks, Monuments & More Throughout 2026
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 weather or fire restrictions, 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