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1. Top of the Town | Your choice
Why: Our perennial Top of the Town feature is on newsstands now with picks from our editors and readers on all the things that make Denver, well, awesome. There are plenty of options that are gratis, too, like our favorite sunrise hike (Mt. Flora) and readers’ favorite reason to lace up running shoes (Washington Park).
2. Clyfford Still Museum | July 29
Why: On a hot summer day, we love to pop into this ultra cool (both the style and the air temperature) museum for an inspiring break from the sun. On July 29, you’ll be able to do just that without paying an entrance fee.
3. Winter Park Resort’s Colorado Freeride Festival | July 27–31
Why: During the cool months, Winter Park is all about the powder, but come summer, the slopes focus on two-wheel activities. This multi-day festival has several free events, like a Family Bike Fest.
4. Beats on the Creek | July 26
Why: Your summer is not complete unless you’ve listened to a musical set outside. Groove to the sounds of The Moderators on the bridge near Coohills and cross “outdoor concert” off your to-do list.
5. St. Mary’s Glacier | Your choice
Why: While you’re working on bucket list items, schedule a trip to St. Mary’s Glacier, a must-do for any Front Range hiker.
6. Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms’ Lavender Festival | July 16
Why: Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged because you’re going to burn through some power taking photos of all-things-purple at this new event.
7. Write Denver’s Our House: The Empathy Project | July 16
Why: We’re excited about programs that get people writing and thinking, like this joint effort (Lighthouse Writers Workshop, Denver Central Library, and History Colorado team up) to inspire scribes to explore the topic of homelessness in the Centennial State.
8. Skyline Park’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens | July 23
Why: Southwest Airlines, Denver Parks and Recreation, and the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District are sponsoring outdoor movies in Skyline Park all summer, but we think seeing Star Wars: The Force Awakens, literally, under the stars is the primo screening.
9. Union Station’s Farmers’ Market | Saturdays
Why: Because on a hot Saturday you can combine a stroll through the stalls of a farmers’ market with a dash through the water fountains on the plaza. That’s a win-win.
10. Visit a Park | Your choice
Why: There are so many awesome (and free!) ways to enjoy Denver’s 272 urban and mountain parks we’re just going to direct you to this month’s feature (think: fitness classes, a wildlife-viewing guide, and places to relax).
Looking for more things to do in Denver? Check out our events calendar.
Follow senior editor Natasha Gardner on Twitter or Instagram.
