DENVER -- Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some family friendly events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area this weekend.
1. Get in to Colorado's four national parks for free
What: National parks across the United States are waiving admission fees on Saturday, Sept. 22 for National Public Lands Day. It’s important to note that while national parks will be free on Saturday, Colorado state parks will still be charging admission.
When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
Where: Various locations across Colorado
Admission: Free of charge
More info: Learn more about this free day here.
2. Enjoy 31 Colorado museums free of charge
What: Love looking at dry paint that was placed on a canvas centuries ago? Enjoy contemplating at statues and/or sculptures that do not seem to make a lot of sense? This Saturday you’ll have to chance to get in to 31 Colorado museums for free as part of the 14th annual celebration of Museum Day.
When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
Where: Various locations across the state - as well as the rest of the country
Admission: Free when you present your Museum Day ticket at the door
More info: Learn more about all the Colorado sites participating in Museum Day here.
3. Prost! Holen Sie sich im deutschen Geist auf dem Denver Oktoberfest!
What: That was German for "Get in the German spirit at Denver's Oktoberfest," by the way. Cool, huh? The 49th annual Denver Oktoberfest returns for another year of food, beer, music, stein hoisting, the bratwurst eating finals, and the long dog derby, among many other things.
When: Friday, Sept. 21 and Saturday, Sept. 22 as well as Friday, Sept. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, Sept. 23 and 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Larimer Square, corner of 20th and Larimer Streets in Denver
Admission: Free of charge
More info: https://thedenveroktoberfest.com/
4. Travel to the mountains for the Autumn Gold Festival
What: Get ready to enjoy some comfort fare like funnel cake and corn on the cob and listen to the sounds of bugling bull elk, who gather in the area annually during the start of the rutting (breeding) season to show off for their entourages.
Where: Estes Park, Colo.
When: Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23, 2018
Admission: Free of charge
More info: https://www.visitestespark.com/events-calendar/special-events/autumn-gold-festival/
5. Taste a little spice of southern Colorado at the Chile and Frijoles Festival
What: Pueblo gets a bad rap, but that all goes away during the Chile and Frijoles Festival. Experience the taste of green chile in its many forms – smoking on a stick, chopped into a tortilla, or served as green salsa. Partake in cooking competitions, dancing, live music, arts and crafts and a farmers’ markets.
When: Friday, September 21 through Sunday, September 23, 2018
Where: Union Avenue Historic District in Pueblo, Colo.
Admission: Free of charge
More info: http://festival.pueblochamber.org/
6. This is the last weekend to see "Pixelated: Sculpture by Mike Whiting" at the Denver Botanic Gardens
What: Feel like staying in but still want to do something fun? "Pixelated: Sculpture by Mike Whiting" explores the relationships between the natural world and the artificial world of digital media. Whiting’s sculptures also represent the intersection of two distinct visual styles: 8-bit pixel graphics—which have enjoyed a recent resurgence in games like Minecraft—and minimalist sculpture.
When: Now until Sunday, September 23, 2018
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens
Admission: $9-$12.50. Children 2 and under get in free.
More info: Learn more about this exhibit here.
7. Doors Open Denver
What: Doors Open Denver (DOD) is an annual two-day event that provides opportunities for residents and visitors to explore our city, creating meaningful connections to the built environment. Doors Open Denver tells the story of where Denver is, where it has been, and where it's going.
When: Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23, 2018
Where: Various locations across Denver
Admission: Free of charge
More info: https://denverarchitecture.org/
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11 Colorado fall festivals to check out in 2018
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com so he can put your event on the list.
