After a less-than-stellar ski season, Coloradans are itching to make the most of summer. While outdoor adventure is a top priority for many folks living in the Centennial State, there are plenty of other ways to capitalize on all the summer vibes, and many of them come at no cost. Free things to do in Denver and Boulder this summer include everything from bustling farmer’s markets and First Fridays art walks to outdoor movie nights and community game nights. As you begin to map out your summer 2026 plans, keep the following fun and free happenings in mind.
Downtown Denver Walking Tour
Daily from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Why not play tourist in your own town? For the history and infrastructure buffs out there, the Downtown Denver Walking Tour meanders through downtown, highlighting the top landmarks and stories along the way. While the tour is free, it operates on a pay-as-you-wish model, so tip what you can. denverfreewalkingtours.com
Kids Rides on the Tebo Train
Every weekday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. through September 4, 2026
Take your kiddos to enjoy Pearl Street’s popular summer tradition, the Tebo Train. The small, colorful train welcomes children 10 and under to hop aboard for a fun jaunt around downtown Boulder. boulderdowntown.com
Bingo Night at The Waldschänke
Every Tuesday starting at 6:30 p.m.
Put your luck to the test at bingo night at the Denver Waldschänke, a Swiss-inspired cidery in Sunnyside. Traditional bingo takes place three out of four Tuesdays per month, while music bingo happens every second Tuesday. Participation is free, but competitors must purchase a food or drink item to join in on the fun. Thankfully, with a menu of European comfort food and a bevy of ciders and coffees to choose from, you’re bound to find a fitting bite or drink to accompany your next game night. waldschankeciders.com
Trivia Tuesdays at Bigsby’s Folly
Every Tuesday starting at 7 p.m.
Show off your smarts at Bigsby’s Folly any Tuesday you see fit. The RiNo craft winery and restaurant brings an upscale vibe to an otherwise casual community game night, not to mention some of the most elevated prizes along the Front Range. Every week, one lucky winner receives two concert tickets for an upcoming show. Recent shows have included Deadtronica at Meow Wolf and CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso at Red Rocks. bigsbysfolly.com
Boulder County Farmers Market
Wednesdays (3:30 to 7:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) through November 21, 2026
The Boulder County Farmers Market is renowned for its exceptional produce, humanely raised meat and eggs, scrumptious baked goods and mouth-watering prepared foods (Not Bad Cooks’ sauces are a personal favorite). The market, which has locations in Boulder and Longmont, also buzzes with live music and a true sense of community—and browsing is totally free. bcfm.org
On the Rocks at Bear Creek Distillery
Every second Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m.
Bear Creek Distillery knows good music, which is why they switch up their weekly event calendar to feature numerous genres. Every second Saturday, visitors can enjoy a DJ-led all-vinyl yacht rock soundtrack that feels equally fun and nostalgic. bearcreekdistillery.com
READ MORE: More Than a Farmers Market: A New Community Hub Takes Root in Harvey Park
Woods Boss Brewing Company Oprah’s Rook Club (AKA Chess Night)
Every Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m.
Develop your chess skills at Woods Boss Brewing Company’s Oprah’s Rook Club. The weekly chess night meet-up has become something of a staple of the Denver bar scene over the past few years, regularly drawing a few dozen participants every Wednesday. woodsbossbrewing.com
Movie Night at 11th Avenue Hostel
Every Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. through July 29, 2026
Connect with fellow film fanatics at 11th Avenue Hostel’s weekly movie night. Held in the hip hotel’s event center, this summer’s screenings include The Batman, 10 Things I Hate About You, Interstellar and Back to the Future, among others. Free snacks and light refreshments are also included. 11thavenuehostel.com
Civic Center EATS
Every Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 15, 2026
Instead of paying to attend a pricey food festival this summer, align your calendar with Civic Center EATS. Every Wednesday and Thursday, more than a dozen food trucks fill Civic Center Park, making for a fun summer dining experience—whether you’re on your own or trying to accommodate multiple palates. civiccenterpark.org
Flatiron Crossing Summer Concert Series
Every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. through July 20, 2026
Sit back and take in the sights, scents and sounds at Feature Park near Dick’s Sporting Goods at Flatiron Crossing. The weekly concert series showcases live music and local food trucks for fun and delicious Thursday night. Upcoming bands include Jakarta Jazz, The Spicy Pickles, Radio Band Orchestra and The Royal Street Ramblers. flatironcrossing.com
Avanti F&B Outdoor Movie Nights
Every Thursday starting at 8:30 p.m. through September 3, 2026
If light snacks won’t be enough to sustain you, hold out for movie night at Avanti F&B in Denver. The popular food hall hosts a weekly outdoor movie night on its 30-foot screen all summer long, with tasty bites and bevs just steps from the viewing area. Mark your calendar for classics like 10 Things I Hate About You, The Sandlot, The Parent Trap, Anchorman and The Princess Bride. avantifandb.com
First Friday at Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe
Every First Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Revive your end-of-week zapped energy with overflowing creativity at First Friday at Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe. The family-friendly art walk features art-lined galleries, studios, co-ops, alleys and streets, plus blocked-off areas for vendors and food trucks. Just keep in mind that this monthly event can get pretty busy, with thousands of attendees descending upon the district. denversartdistrict.org
First Friday in RiNo
Every First Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.
For a less shoulder-to-shoulder First Friday experience, consider heading to RiNo. The beauty of First Friday in RiNo is that, in addition to awe-inspiring works of art by hundreds of artists and makers, the neighborhood is also home to over a dozen breweries, so there’s plenty to do before and after the event. rinoartdistrict.org
Rotating Tap Stand-Up Comedy at The Waldschänke
Every fourth Friday starting at 7:30 p.m.
Everyone can use a good laugh every now and again. At The Waldschänke in Denver, you can enjoy endless giggles and a wide variety of coffees, ciders and Swiss comfort food every fourth Friday for stand-up comedy on the patio. waldschankeciders.com
READ MORE: Over-the-Top Eats and Drinks to Try at Coors Field This Season
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 10, 2026
As if you needed another reason to head to Cherry Creek for a day of shopping, the Cherry Creek Fresh Market draws visitors every summer Saturday with live music, gorgeous fresh flowers, impeccable local produce, tasty small-batch baked goods and curated clothing and accessories. Whether you stop by before or after brunch or a nearby workout class, trust us, you’ll be glad you strolled through. coloradofreshmarkets.com
Rum & Reggae at Bear Creek Distillery
Every first Saturday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Embrace a laid-back, island-time mood here in the Rocky Mountain Front Range with Rum & Reggae every first Saturday at Bear Creek Distillery. The Caribbean music night makes for a warm, soulful summer evening with seriously good sips available for purchase to accompany the tunes. bearcreekdistillery.com
Woods Boss Brewing Company Jazz Night
Every Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m.
There’s nothing not to love about an afternoon of jazz to round out the week. Local jazz artists steal the show every Sunday at Woods Boss Brewing Company. woodsbossbrewing.com
South Pearl Farmer’s Market
Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November 8, 2026
A Sunday well-spent brings a week of content, and we can assure you that a stroll through the South Pearl Farmer’s Market is bound to fill your reusable bag with ample meal-prep goodies and mouth-watering snacks. With more than 150 vendors, a dozen merchants and a packed live music schedule, the South Pearl Farmer’s Market is one of the liveliest markets in the Denver Metro Area. southpearlstreet.com
First Fridays Creator Market at Stanley Marketplace
Every first Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Farmer’s markets aren’t the only option in Denver. If you’re on the hunt for something a smidge more creative, keep tabs on the First Fridays Creator Market at Stanley Marketplace, where 45 local artists showcase their art, ceramics, woodwork, textiles and jewelry alongside a handful of marketplace food and beverage vendors. stanleymarketplace.com
Vibrations and Libations at Bear Creek Distillery
Every third Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m.
If funk, soul, and hip hop are more your speed, mark your calendar for the third Saturday of every month. Guests can look forward to fan-favorite tracks with flavorful spirits to keep the good vibrations flowing. bearcreekdistillery.com
