5 Free Things to Do in Denver
From museums to art walks, there’s no need to shell out the big bucks to have a great time in the Mile High City.
Photo: VISIT DENVER
Exploring a new city can be interesting and cool—and expensive. Luckily, Denver offers plenty of no-cost activities for you and your friends and family to enjoy.
Denver Walking Tours
Denver Walking Tours has been offering free tours of the city for nearly 10 years. On an adults-only Twisted History tour, you’ll learn about the shocking and salacious stories of Denver. From chilling murders to notorious gangs, the tour “promises a day of darker revelations and laughter, offering a unique perspective on the city's past that you won't find in any history book.”
For a more family-friendly outing, try the Famous Denver Murals and Street Art tour. Departing from Denver Central Market, the tour meanders along the streets and alleyways of the RiNo (River North) neighborhood, touching on the lesser-known stories behind the well-known murals.
Levitt Pavilion’s free concerts
Journey to Denver’s Levitt Pavilion for their all-ages free concert series, where you’ll see performances from artists like G. Love & Special Sauce and the Fiesta Colorado Dance Company, plus many more.
RSVPs are encouraged, but walk-up attendance is permitted up to the venue’s capacity.
Free comedy
Looking to laugh your you-know-what off with some friends? You’re in luck—Denver offers a variety of free open mic nights across the city to fill most of your after-dark comedy cravings.
- Deep Roots Winery & Bistro on Tuesdays, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Wide Right on Wednesdays at 9 p.m.
- Coal Mine Ave. Brewing Company on Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m.
- First Draft Taproom & Kitchen on Thursdays, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
For more free comedy and stand-up offerings, visit the Visit Denver website.
First Friday events
Everybody loves Fridays, right? Well, the end of your week just got better—there are free First Fridays events all over Denver, held on (you guessed it) the first Friday of every month.
- RiNo Art District: From 6 to 9 p.m., head up to the River North arts district for an evening of art galleries, craft breweries and murals galore.
- Art District on Santa Fe: From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., visitors to the Santa Fe Art District neighborhood can take in more than 100 art galleries, shops, bars and restaurants.
- Tennyson Street Cultural District: Head north to Tennyson from 6 to 10 p.m., where you’ll find tons of live music.
- South Pearl Street: Hey, this one’s right near DU! Historic South Pearl Street’s First Friday event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and boasts live sidewalk demonstrations, live music, shopping and food.
Free days at local museums
Visiting a museum is a great way to spend a rainy (or snowy) day in Denver. Check out these institutions that offer free admission on select days:
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science: Select dates throughout the year
- MCA Denver: One-cent admission fee for Colorado residents on the first Saturday of every month
- Denver Zoo: Select dates throughout the year
- Museo de las Americas: Free admission on the first Friday of every month
- Denver Art Museum: Select dates throughout the year
- Clyfford Still Museum: Select dates throughout the year
- Denver Botanic Gardens: Select dates throughout the year; register here
For further information and a comprehensive list of free admission dates, visit Do303’s website.
