8 Free Things to Do Around Colorado This August

The Current & Future State of Affairs: How to Better Position Our Allies | August 4
To kick off to their #Vote2Vent campaign aimed at encouraging Coloradans to vote, the organizers behind Denver’s annual Womxn’s March are bringing an essential set of voices to the table for an open discussion on anti-racist work and everyone’s role in addressing the disparities faced by Denver’s Black community. Join for the virtual panel to hear from several local community leaders—like Tamra DeBrady, president of the Colorado Black Women for Political Action, and Sondra Young, president of the local NAACP branch—and register in advance to ask direct questions and be a part of the discussion. 6:30–8:30 p.m.; find more information and register to join the zoom call online

Her Flowers | August 5, 12, 14
Have a young adult who is eager to help make a change? This prompted virtual workshop series aims to highlight female teenage voices in our current conversations around social justice and create a judgment-free learning zone for teens of all backgrounds. Moderated by community psychology researcher Dani Miranda and local adolescent therapist Julie Goldberg—and adapted from themes in Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning—the workshops will aim unpack the many ways racism can impact friends, classmates, and peers at any age, and empower teens to stand confidently as allies. 2–4 p.m.; Find more information and register online

Clyfford Still Museum’s Virtual Empathy Tour | August 6
If there’s one thing we could all use a little more of right now, it’s probably empathy. Luckily, art can be an ideal avenue for reflecting on our innate emotional responses. Join the Clyfford Still Museum staff for a virtual dialogue as they evaluate the work of the museum’s namesake creator and renowned Abstract Expressionist, and his ideology of art as a means for understanding of inner interpretations and making personal connections. 5:30–6:15 p.m.; Find more information on livestream or Zoom access online

Breckenridge Main Street Art Festival | August 6–8
Step out for some fresh air and fine art at the Mountain Art Festivals’ 19th annual Breckenridge Main Street Art Festival. Explore handcrafted ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and more from 50 jury-selected artists scattered throughout The Village at Breckenridge—with required social distancing and safety precautions, of course. The Village at Breckenridge, South Park Avenue, Breckenridge; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Find more information online

Colorado Black Arts Festival | August 7–9
Colorado’s largest celebration of African American art and culture is taking the festivities virtual this year with all of the same crowd favorites: From West African drum and dance, Reggae sounds, to visual artwork from community creators. Tune in to the Colorado Black Arts Festival’s YouTube page to experience the whole showcase live. Friday, 12–8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Find more information online

Conversations with GenZ: Afrofuturism & Beyond at 48 Hours | August 8 
Hear from the next generation on the cultural genre of Afrofuturism—with source material ranging from science fiction, social justice, to modern pop culture—and much more at the RedLine Contemporary Art Center’s virtual summit led by local high school students and PlatteForum ArtLab interns. Engage with ideas for a vibrant future as these young innovators spearhead conversations about inclusivity, and representation in media and art with stakeholders and creators like Rep. Lesie Herod and slam poet Toluwanimi Obiwole. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Find more information on program schedule and streaming access online

Opera in the Park | August 29
Experience classical music outside the theater walls at the Boulder Bandshell with vocals from the Boulder Opera, themed this year around the exploration of folklore elements in opera. Join for a family-friendly first act tailored to the kiddos with scenes from favorite fairy tale operas like Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, and more. Or come for the second act geared toward more mature musicophiles featuring popular Spanish opera iterations and some of the best hits of the Zarzuela genre. 1212 Canyon Blvd, Boulder; 7–9:15 p.m.; Registration limited; RSVP and find more information on lineup online

Denver Architecture Foundation’s Audio Journeys | through August 31
Get out and experience the Mile High City in fresh and curious ways—while still practice safe social distancing—with the Denver Architecture Foundation’s latest audio tour journeys through the city. Choose your trek through the heart of downtown or Civic Center Park to discover of over a century’s worth of Denver’s cultural history and architectural marvels. Find more information online