Denver, CO

Free and cheap things to in August in Denver: 50-cent oysters, local fairs and more

Published

2 years ago

August 3, 2024

Free and cheap things to in August in Denver: 50-cent oysters, local fairs and more

Water World’s 45th anniversary celebration

Adventure seekers cool off in the Thunder Bay Wave Pool at Water World in Federal Heights, Colorado Wednesday, June 26, 2024. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Water World is making a big splash for its 45th anniversary by celebrating the milestone with a variety of fun activities throughout the park on Aug. 4. Whether you prefer the tranquility of the Lazy River or thrills of the water coaster Roaring Forks, there’s something fun for everyone. The park will be open for the day from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Activities include a meet-and-greet with mermaids, a free concert, appearances by their mascots Walliver and Winnie, free cookies and more. Plus, visitors will have the chance to win an Elite Season Pass for 2025. All of the fun is included with regular gate admission or a Season Pass. waterworldcolorado.com

Parker Honey Festival

Parker is all abuzz for the family-friendly Parker Honey Festival on Aug. 4 at the town’s O’Brien Park (10795 Victorian Drive). From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., learn about the importance of honey bees and how to support the health of bees and other pollinators. See hives up close, sample honey, make crafts, try on a beekeeper’s suit and pick up lots of bee booty, including honey sticks, dippers and recipes. Attendees will also find lots of health and beauty products made with honey and beeswax. New this year, all vendors will offer an interactive and educational activity. Also, enjoy a Kids’ Hive, music performances and artistic displays. Admission is free. Register to attend at parkerarts.org

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar

Aw, shucks! Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar has shucked more than 7 million oysters since first opening in Boulder back in 1994. In honor of its 30th anniversary, Jax is throwing it back to 1994 to celebrate the milestone on Aug. 5. From 4 to 6 p.m., each Jax location will serve 700 Jax proprietary CrackerJax oysters on the half shell at their 1994 price of just 50 cents each. The oysters will be sold by the half dozen with a limit of one dozen per order. Customers can order more, once they have cleaned their plate. (Once all 700 oysters are sold, the price will revert back to the happy hour pricing of $2 each.) Jax has five locations in Colorado. jaxfishhouse.com

A&W Restaurants root beer float giveaway

A frosty glass mug of A&W root beer, topped with a head of foam. — Provided by A&W Restaurants
A&W root beer float. (Provided by A&W Restaurants)

Good deals always float to the top, especially on National Root Beer Float Day. A&W Restaurants started with a tiny root beer stand in 1919. To this day, the chain’s signature beverage is still made with real cane sugar and a proprietary blend of herbs, bark, spices and berries. To celebrate, the restaurant is giving customers a free small root beer float on Aug. 6 from 2 to 8 p.m. No purchase necessary. As a part of the celebration, the restaurant chain will also be collecting donations for Disabled American Veterans. awrestaurants.com/national-root-beer-float-day

Washington Park 125th Anniversary Jubilee

In 1899, Denver city landscape architect Reinhard Schuetze drew up the plans for Washington Park. Now, 125 years later, the urban forest is marking its birthday with a blow-out party, and everyone is welcome. The park’s 125th Anniversary Jubilee is Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. On the schedule are a variety of family-friendly activities, including a dog parade, scavenger hunt and visits with live animals. For those feeling active, there’s a yoga class, fishing, tennis clinics, croquet lessons, a climbing wall and more. Plus, enjoy live jazz music, history talks and food trucks. fanswashingtonpark.org/washington-park-celebrates-125th-anniversary

2024 Parade of Homes

The 2024 Parade of Homes features dozens of newly designed and custom homes across the greater metro area, all open to the public for free tours from Thursday to Sunday. The event runs Aug. 8-25 from noon to 5 p.m. No reservations are required. Homes range from luxury show homes to affordably-priced houses, from innovative to elegant, located in neighborhoods across the Front Range. Some people visit with an eye to buy, while others are simply looking for design inspiration for their own homes. If you prefer, virtual tours are also available online. Download a map for directions and to plan your route. paradeofhomesdenver.com

Military & Vets free admission to Colorado state parks

In a show of appreciation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting active duty, veterans and the National Guard to enjoy all state parks for free during the month of August. Military members and veterans, resident and nonresident, can pick up a complimentary August Military Pass at any Colorado State Park or CPW office by showing proof of service. All other park fees remain in effect, including camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle registrations, as well as hunting and fishing licenses. cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/MilitaryBenefits.aspx

Boulder County Fair

At 155 years of age, the Boulder County Fair is Colorado’s oldest. Rodeos, a colorful midway with all kinds of entertainment, a slew of kid’s activities, animal barns, a traditional carnival, music, crafts, food and more fill the fair calendar from Aug. 7 to 11. The event takes place at Boulder County Fairgrounds (9595 Nelson Road) in Longmont from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Parking and gate admission are both free, with most special events ranging from $10 to $20 for adults. An unlimited carnival rides wristband is $35 per day. Aug. 8 is Kids’ Day at the carnival from noon to 11 p.m. with unlimited rides for just $20. The discounted wristband is available between noon and 4 p.m. and can only be used that day. bouldercountyfair.org

Lafayette Peach Festival

The 25th annual Lafayette Peach Festival in Old Town turns the city’s main street into one sweet event on Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Morton’s Orchards, Tate Orchards, Green Barn Fruit Co. and Palisade Organic Peach Ranch truck in more than 30,000 pounds of certified organic peaches from Palisade for peach lovers to purchase. Plus, find hundreds of fresh peach pies and pans of peach cobbler at the Festival Plaza. Get there early because the peach treats always sell out quickly. The festival will also showcase crafters, antique dealers and artists from the Front Range and Western states. For kids, there’s free face painting and balloon sculpting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods — just do not block driveways or park in restricted areas. lafayettecolorado.com/special-events

South by Southeast

Southeast Denver is home to a huge summer festival. This year’s South by Southeast is set for Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Bible Park. The free community festival features food trucks, a beer garden, live music, vendors and more. Family-friendly games and activities include corn hole, bubble tower, giant cup pong, kids’ play area, a Denver fire truck, Denver Mounted Patrol, photo booth and more. Parking is limited, so consider walking or biking to the event. They’re also looking for volunteers to assist with the festival. Get a free T-shirt and drink, if you do. denvergov.org

Arvada Days

Looking for some old-fashioned fun before summer ends? Look no further than Arvada Days on Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Clear Creek Valley Park (3700 W. 58th Place). The event features food trucks, magic shows, train rides, live music, a beer garden, Nerf Zone, games and inflatables, community resources, crafts vendors and more. Admission is free. Adults can quench their thirst at the beer garden with proceeds benefiting Ralston House. There will also be a secure complimentary bike valet on site. arvadafestivals.com/arvada-days

Affordable Arts Festival

CEO Dave Prokupek says Smashburger expects ... — Provided by Affordable Arts Festival
The Affordable Arts Festival features jewelry and more for under $150.

The annual Affordable Arts Festival is unlike any arts fest you have attended because all of the art is priced at $150 or less. The event takes place outdoors on Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Arapahoe Community College (5900 S. Santa Fe Drive). This is the “Black Friday” of art sales, with more than 160 artists from around the country selling their works in a variety of mediums at bargain prices. Art lovers and enthusiasts will find paintings, mixed media, jewelry, glass, photography, sculptures and more – some of which were originally priced at thousands of dollars. Gates open at 9 a.m., but enthusiastic shoppers who line up early at 7 a.m. will enjoy a coffee cart selling java and pastries. Admission is $12 online or at the gate, with proceeds benefitting the Arapahoe Community College scholarship program. Use promo code CHEAP online for a $1 discount. Children 12 and under are admitted for free. affordableartsfestival.com

Art Students League of Denver’s Summer Art Market

More than 175 local artists will bring their wares to the public during the Arts League of Denver’s Summer Art Market (200 Grant St.) in Denver on Aug. 24 and 25. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Whether your home looks like a museum or you’re a novice collector, find lots of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, fiber art and mixed media at reasonable prices. All artists are students, faculty or members of the league. Tickets are $5 and valid for the entire weekend. Children 12 and under get in free. Purchase tickets online or at the door. Parking is limited, so organizers recommend carpooling, public transportation or biking/walking to the event. asld.org/show-details/summer-art-market

Send tips to info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance.

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Originally Published: August 3, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

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Denver, CO

Jazz List 8 Players on Injury Report vs. Nuggets

Published

1 hour ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Jazz List 8 Players on Injury Report vs. Nuggets

The Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets are tipping off their second-to-last meeting of the 2025-26 season on Friday in the Mile High, where for the Jazz in particular, they’ll be dealing with several injuries headed into the matchup that’ll make them shorthanded once again.

Here’s what to expect on the injury front for both the Jazz and Nuggets on Friday night:

Utah Jazz Injury Report

OUT – Isaiah Collier (hamstring)

OUT – Keyonte George (hamstring)

OUT – Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee)

OUT – Walker Kessler (shoulder)

OUT – Lauri Markkanen (hip)

OUT – Jusuf Nurkic (nose)

PROBABLE – Kyle Filipowski (illness)

OUT – Blake Hinson (two-way)

It’s a lot of the same for the Jazz when looking back at some of their recent injury reports, but there’s also some good news to note as well.

Second-year big man Kyle Filipowski, specifically, is trending up to play in Denver after dealing with an illness against the Washington Wizards; an issue that kept him sidelined for one game and left the Jazz’s frontcourt notably shorthanded for what would be a double-digit loss.

During his post-All-Star stretch, Filipowski has been averaging 13.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, along with 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks through 11 games.

He’s slotted in primarily as the Jazz’s starting center since both Walker Kessler and Jusuf Nurkic have been out with season-ending injuries, and has shown some nice flashes throughout.

Mar 23, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Kyle Filipowski (22) controls the ball during the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images | Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

However, outside of getting Filipowski back in the mix, the Jazz will still be without second-year guard Isaiah Collier, who continues to deal with hamstring soreness, and will also continue to be down Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen with their extended absences.

It remains to be seen if any of the latter two will be able to return at some point this season, but now with less than 10 games to go on the calendar before the offseason officially hits, the chances of either Markkanen or George coming back keep getting slimmer and slimmer.

For the extent either remains out, expect to see a good chunk of Ace Bailey being the primary scoring option as he has through his recent slate of games, along with an expanded role for their two-way and 10-day players down the bench who have gotten more minutes in recent weeks.

Denver Nuggets Injury Report

OUT – David Roddy (two-way)

OUT – KJ Simpson (two-way)

As for the Nuggets, their injury slate remains clean. The only names out will be a pair of their two way signings in David Roddy and KJ Simpsons, while the rest of their roster is slated to be active.

It’s a major change from what the Nuggets have been used to all season when factoring in their several injuries to key players lasting multiple weeks.

Nikola Jokic, Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, and Peyton Watson have all missed significant time at one point or another this season, but against Utah, they’ll have all systems go as they roll into the game on a three-game win streak.

Tip-off between the Jazz and Nuggets lands at 7 p.m. MT in Ball Arena.

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‘The math just doesn’t work’: Little India to close in West Highland

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13 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

‘The math just doesn’t work’: Little India to close in West Highland

Little India will close its West Highland location in the coming months, owner Simeran Baidwan told BusinessDen.

It marks the end of a five-year run at the corner of 32nd Avenue and Lowell Street for the local Indian chain.

“We opened to preserve jobs because we didn’t have enough revenue,” he said of the pandemic days when restaurants were struggling.

The 3496 W. 32nd Ave. store helped keep dozens of chefs and servers in Baidwan’s “Little India family,” he said. Those workers will now have the opportunity to work at his other restaurants.

“Five years later, the question isn’t whether people love the food,” he continued. “It’s whether independent restaurants can survive the compounding pressures and expenses, especially in Denver.”

Baidwan, who opened the first and still-running Little India at Sixth and Grant alongside his parents in 1998, singled out rising minimum wage, insurance, delivery fees and credit card processing fees as factors contributing to the closure.

“I think what it is, is a Denver restaurant industry story, it’s not just our one restaurant story,” he said. “I think what’s happened, in this day and time, is that life has become really expensive. There’s no margins. The math just doesn’t work.”

Being in the Highlands was also a factor, Baidwan said. The desirable location comes with high rent as well as skyrocketing property taxes he’s been responsible for. Add in dwindling consumer spending and Baidwan said his hand was forced.

“Busy doesn’t always mean profitable,” he said. “A lot of people look through the window and assume the restaurant is good, and we have the several locations too. But it just isn’t like that anymore.”

Baidwan said there’s no plan to close his three other locations, in Cap Hill, Central Park and off Downing Street near the University of Denver. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been making tweaks.

At the original store off Sixth, he started operating 24/7 about eight months ago, something he’s thinking about for his other neighborhood restaurants. He’s also added entertainment, like jazz music and dancing, to help get more customers through the door.

Baidwan himself has also returned to the floor as a server — the first job he had at his parent’s store. But having the owner-operator model is difficult for his sprawling Little India empire since he can only be in so many places at once.

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How Denver’s Ballpark District now has ties to Chicago’s Wrigleyville

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

How Denver’s Ballpark District now has ties to Chicago’s Wrigleyville

DENVER — A new Rockies season is on deck, with the team’s first game of the 2026 campaign set for Friday night in Miami. The home opener is next Friday at Coors Field.

It’s also a new season for the Ballpark neighborhood’s General Improvement District (GID) and its street ambassadors.

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Those ambassadors, dressed in maroon shirts and jackets, patrol the streets around Coors Field and the Ballpark neighborhood. They are tasked with helping with cleaning, maintenance, security, outreach to those experiencing homelessness, and general hospitality for neighbors and visitors.

How Denver’s Ballpark District now has ties to Chicago’s Wrigleyville

This week, Denver7 spoke with Kate McKenna, who stepped in as the GID’s executive director last summer. McKenna said while she works in the office, the district has six full-time ambassador employees through programming partner block by block. She said the team patrols the area year-round, but adds staffing for big events like St. Patrick’s Day and Rockies home games.

McKenna comes to Denver from a similar role in Wrigleyville, the iconic neighborhood outside Wrigley Field in Chicago. She said that serves as a source of inspiration for the future, but adds that Denver’s ballpark neighborhood has its own unique advantages.

“All of our businesses are independently-owned and operated,” McKenna told Denver7. “There is no chain, there is no commercial sort of large entity here in Ballpark that you’re going to see… To have a true small, hyper-local-owned economy is what really sets this district apart, both in Denver and then nationwide.”

Even after the Rockies set a franchise record with 119 losses in 2025, McKenna said the on-field product does not make the District’s job harder.

“I like to think win or lose, they’re the best neighbor you could possibly have, regardless of their season,” McKenna said. “They continually have one of the highest attendance rates for home games, as well as walk-up ticket sales.

McKenna said there continues to be good conversations between the district and local businesses. Property owners pay a fee based on property value that goes into the GID’s annual budget.

“Folks are coming out. Folks are patronizing local businesses. They’re bringing their families down here, and they’re enjoying their time, which is all you can really ask for in terms of community… Bringing people together is at the core of what we’re doing here.”

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