10 (Mostly) Free Things to Do: June 2015 Edition

1. Ride: 5280’s Historic Bike Tour of Denver

• Why you should go: You like to bike. You like history. You love Denver. Combine the three in our two-wheeled tour of the city (it’s great for newcomers, too).
• Details: Your choice, Denver

2. Build: Sand in the City

• Why you should go: Slip on your sandals and head to Arvada for this ode to the beach party (sans ocean, of course), complete with build-your-own-sand-castle activities for the kids.
• Details: June 27 and 28, Ralston Park, Arvada

3. Cool Down: Run Through a Water Sprinkler (or find an alpine lake)

• Why you should go: Now that the mercury is rising, it’s time for the ever-popular summertime treat of running through a sprinkler. Set one up in your yard or head downtown to chill out in Wynkoop Plaza’s pop-up fountains near Union Station (pictured). Want to get away? Here, seven alpine lakes to explore.
• Details: Your choice, Colorado

4. Draw: Denver Chalk Art Festival

• Why you should go: OK, you won’t be the one creating these temporary artworks on the street, but once you see the professionals at work, you’ll be mesmerized.
• Details: June 6 and 7, Larimer Square, Denver

5. Play: The People’s Fair

• Why you should go: This massive event—it boasts more than 200,000 attendees—is a perennial effort to build and celebrate community in the Mile High City (hosted by the Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, Inc.).
• Details: June 6 and 7, Civic Center Park, Denver

6. Find: Play Grounds’ Hopscotch

• Why you should go: As part of RedLine’s Play Grounds exhibition, Artist Agustina Woodgate’s hopscotch art will pop up in seven neighborhoods to help aid communication about space, play, and community.
• Details: June 21 to 30, various locations, Denver

7. See: Cherry Blossom Festival

• Why you should go: Downtown’s Sakura Square on 19th and Lawrence Streets becomes the spot to appreciate and learn about Japanese American culture in Denver with don’t-miss dancing and singing demonstrations.
• Details: June 27 and 28, Sakura Square, Denver

8. Celebrate: PrideFest

• Why you should go: Grab your most colorful outfit; it is time to celebrate the 40th year of Denver’s PrideFest parade.
• Details: June 20 and 21, Denver

9. Learn: Denver Museum of Nature and Science Free Day

• Why you should go: Lions, and tigers, and bears…and dinosaurs, of course. Check them all out on this day when the museum’s entrance fee is waived.
• Details: June 29, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver

10. Get Inspired: Summer Art Market

• Why you should go: Keen on sharing your watercolor hobby with the masses? Take a cue from the more than 280 Colorado artists doing just that in this two-day street party/art show.
• Details: June 13 and 14, Art Students League of Denver

Looking for more things to do in Denver? Check out our events calendar.

Discover more ways to enjoy summer in Denver at 5280.com/summerguide.

Follow senior editor Natasha Gardner on Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.