Free and cheap things to do in Denver in January: Denver Zoo, stock show, mystery movies

 
 

$1 Mystery Movie Monday

Enjoy a major plot twist even before the movie starts at Regal Cinemas’ Mystery Movie Mondays. You can be the first to experience a new release before it opens to the public, usually at a discounted price. But Regal can’t tell the audience what film will be showing, so you take your chances. During Mystery Movie Mondays, Regal Crown Club members enjoy a small popcorn and soft drink combo for $9. The next “secret” screening at Regal is on Jan. 8, when tickets are $5. Screenings take place at select locations. For more secret screenings, go to regmovies.com/static/en/us/promotions throughout the year.

Denver Zoo free days

Monkey around with the family at the Denver Zoo at no cost in 2024. The zoo is giving back to the community with free admission on Jan. 5, Jan. 21, Feb. 11, April 7, Nov. 1, Nov. 9 and Nov. 17. Tickets are not available at the gate, but online only, and are first-come, first-served. Tickets are up for grabs 11 days prior to each free day, and you can get up to five tickets per person. They are valid only for the specific day and entry time reserved. The next lottery opens on Jan. 10 for the Sunday, Jan. 21, free day. denverzoo.org/free-days.

MLK free concert

The Colorado Symphony honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual tribute concert on Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Boettcher Concert Hall (1000 14th St.) in Denver. Admission is free. The evening will feature special guest performances and honor recipients of the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award. The performance promises to hit the right notes with a moving, celebratory program highlighting works by various composers. Tickets are required for admission, which are now available online. Limit 10 tickets per household. All seating is general admission. However, a ticket does not guarantee a seat, so arrive early.  tickets.coloradosymphony.org/6749/6750

NWSS free admission

Since 1906, the National Western Stock Show has been attracting thousands to Denver every January. Thanks to Arrow Electronics, cowboys and cowgirls of all ages can saddle up for Free Grounds Admission Day on Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Note that general admission does not include ticketed events.) The regular price on Tuesdays is $17 for adults and $4 for children, so a family of four will save $42. Stock Show parking is free, but space is limited. Consider parking at Coors Field, where lots open at 8 a.m. daily and free shuttles take attendees to the National Western complex. nationalwestern.com

Jewels for Hope

Jewels for Hope collects pre-owned fine jewelry and holds sales throughout the year with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Find plenty of bling at its first sale of the year on Jan. 12 and 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at Jewel for Hope’s shop at 3500 S. Corona St. in Englewood. Snag three pairs of earrings for $10, buy-one-get-one-free necklaces and pins, low-priced watches and more. childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/jewels-for-hope

Lafayette Oatmeal Festival

The 27th annual Lafayette Oatmeal Festival on Jan. 13 features a huge oatmeal breakfast with nearly 100 toppings to customize your bowl. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Pioneer Elementary School (101 E. Baseline Road). Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for kids 3 to 12 and seniors (60+). Children 2 and under eat free. Plus, free face painting will be available starting at 8 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to use the free shuttle from Flatirons Community Church, carpool or use public transportation. Purchase tickets at the event, in advance at the Lafayette Chamber or online. lafayettecolorado.com

National Park Service free days

Outdoor enthusiasts can take in the natural beauty of our state for free in 2024. Kicking it off, in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees to all of its parks, monuments and other sites on Jan. 15. The free day does not include amenity or user fees for activities such as camping. It is an opportunity to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just enjoy the frosty landscape of nearby Rocky Mountain National Park on a budget. There are five more free days in 2024: April 20, June 19, Aug. 4, Sept. 28 and Nov. 11. nps.gov

Civic Center Stargaze

Embark on a free celestial journey to the moon and stars right in the heart of Denver during Civic Center Stargaze. The Civic Center Conservancy and AstroTours are partnering on the event to be held at the main promenade of Civic Center park on Jan. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participants can learn from trained astronomers about the wonders of the cosmos through high-powered telescopes accessible to all ages. Local food trucks will be on hand if you need a hot beverage. The event is free, but space is limited. Secure your spot by Jan. 21. More stargazing is set for Feb. 21, March 20 and April 24. civiccenterpark.org/event/civic-center-stargaze/

Lakewood Arts Gallery sale

The Lakewood Arts Gallery (6501 W. Colfax Ave.) holds its New and Gently Used Art Supplies Sale from Jan. 27 to Feb. 23. Find painting supplies, kids’ crafts, art books, and fabric and jewelry-making supplies. For a minimal donation, pick up new and/or used art and craft supplies. The gallery, operated by the Lakewood Arts Council, is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and until 9 p.m. on Friday. lakewoodarts.org or 303-980-0625

Read more at DenverPost.com

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in North Carolina

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Oregon

Search homes in Minnesota