Spring is here! Warm days, blue skies, sunshine and flowers are popping up all around campus. Along with them are fields of opportunities for fun around Denver. In a city flourishing with live music, museums, parks and mountains, there is no shortage of activities to participate in this month. And for students, the best activities are the free ones.
To take the best advantage of the free activities both on and off campus, keep reading this compiled list of five free things to do this month in the blossoming city of Denver.
Free day at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Want to embrace the spring weather and blooming flora? The Denver Botanic Gardens is hosting a free day for the public on Earth Day, April 22. There, you can experience a plethora of greenery, flowers, trees and native plants in a peaceful stroll around their grounds. They have a range of plants from different climates, a Bonsai garden, a hothouse for tropical plants and beautiful ponds to admire.
There is free parking for visitors located in their parking garage between York and Josephine Streets; however, their garage usually fills up quickly, especially on free days. Don’t fret, you can always try your luck with street parking in Cheesman Park or Congress Park. If you want to beat the crowds and get a guaranteed spot, the best bet is to get there early. Their hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
Embracing the biodiversity of nature on Earth Day right from the city has never been easier than at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Civic Center Stargaze
The April fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets; the nighttime activities are just as exciting. From sunshine to starlight, Denver’s Civic Center Park is alight with exploration.
On Wednesday, April 24, the Civic Center Conservancy and AstroTours will be hosting a free community stargaze event from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Bring a blanket and some pals to admire the stars right from the heart of our sparkling city. Trained astronomers and high-power telescopes will be there to enhance your views and understanding of the cosmos, creating an unforgettable celestial experience.
But wait, there’s more! There will be a local food truck selling warm beverages and desserts, making your experience even sweeter. Make sure to mark your calendar for this otherworldly April fun.
Free day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Scientific learning and exploration don’t need to stay confined to the DU campus. You can further engage your curiosity at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
On Sunday, April 28, the museum will be hosting a “free day” with open access to the Wildlife Halls and permanent exhibitions. There will also be celebrations for the Day of the Child (Día del Niño) in collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Center, featuring lively music and special cultural performances.
The museum boasts three floors of exhibits and attractions, so there will be no shortage of activities to participate in during your time there. Their hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offer free parking to all. Cultivating your curiosity has never been more accessible than at a free day at the museum!
Mile High 420 Festival (21+)
Go green and get groovy at the Mile High 420 Festival this April! This event will be hosted by Jars Cannabis, offering “mile high” fun to those 21+ this 4/20.
There will be live music featuring artists such as Gucci Mane, OhGeesy, Afroman and more. This celebration will be held at the Civic Center Park starting at 1 p.m. General admission tickets are free.
This 4/20 friendly celebration is aimed at decreasing the stigma around cannabis and uplifting the cannabis industry in Denver. Think green and find your vibe at this free festival, and don’t forget to play some Snoop Dogg before you arrive!
Earth Week Climate Fresk at DU
Want to celebrate Earth Day and learn about climate change? Do you enjoy games, free food and hanging out with friends? Then the Climate Fresk is just the event for you.
Hosted by Divest DU, this event is an interactive and learning-based workshop for students to learn about climate change through card games. The event will take place in Dimond Family Residential Village Room 195 on April 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Their informal education style of game-based learning and community conversations allows anybody, regardless of their background in environmental science, to engage with climate change issues. Make sure to RSVP on CrimsonConnect for this evening of free food and engaging conversations!
Whether you are looking for events on campus or off campus, April in Denver offers endless springtime excursions. From dawn to dusk, this lively city will undoubtedly have something for you. Embrace the thrill of spring newness and try something out from this list to make the most of your spring quarter.
