Looking for fun ways to explore Denver without spending a fortune? September is packed with free days and budget-friendly experiences, making it the perfect month to discover more of the Mile High City. From Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Free Days and outdoor adventures to concerts, festivals, historic attractions, and family-friendly events, there’s something happening all month long.
Enjoy free admission at museums and gardens, catch an outdoor concert, explore a local festival, watch a film under the stars, or discover Colorado’s history and natural beauty, all without spending a dime.
Many Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) organizations also offer recurring free days throughout the year, giving you even more opportunities to experience Denver’s cultural attractions, gardens, museums, and outdoor spaces for free.
Ready to make the most of September? Check out these free events and attractions and start filling your calendar. As always, be sure to double-check event details with each organization before attending, as schedules, hours, and availability may change.
Free & Low-Cost Attractions Around Denver
Several local museums, cultural organizations, and outdoor destinations are offering free admission or free events throughout September. Some favorites include:
- Molly Brown House Museum
- Hudson Gardens
- Carson Nature Center & South Platte Park
- Denver Art Museum
- Clyfford Still Museum
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
- Four Mile Historic Park
- Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
- Dinosaur Ridge
- Marjorie Park
- Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre
Thursday, September 3rd
Molly Brown House Museum – SCFD Free Evening
🕒 4PM–9PM
Tour the historic home of Titanic survivor and philanthropist Molly Brown during this free evening event for SCFD residents.
16 LIVE - Boombox v Bluetooth: Millennial Hits vs. Gen Z Bangers
🕒 5PM–9PM
Bring your dancing shoes to Glenarm Plaza for 16 LIVE, a free downtown series featuring Colorado DJs, dance battles, community dance instruction, silent disco showdowns, and themed competitions beneath the “Quaking Gold” art installation.
September 4th-6th
Control Group Productions - THE TRUTH ABOUT 250-150
🕒 9AM–4PM
Experience a free, immersive mobile gallery exploring Colorado’s untold history through Native-led art, storytelling, interactive installations, youth artwork, audio, and video.
Monday, September 7th
Hudson Gardens – Self-Guided Field Trips
🕒 9AM–3PM
Explore the gardens at your own pace with a free self-guided experience perfect for families, homeschool groups, and nature lovers.
Tuesday, September 8th
Carson Nature Center & South Platte Park
🕒 12PM–4:30PM
Visit live animals, interactive exhibits, fishing lakes, and trails at the Carson Nature Center in Littleton.
Wednesday, September 9th
Marjorie Park SCFD Free Day
🕒 10AM–4PM
Spend the day exploring sculptures, art, and outdoor spaces at Marjorie Park in Greenwood Village.
Saturday, September 12th
First Act At The Arts Complex
🕒 9:30AM–11:30AM
Kick off Denver’s performing arts season with a free morning of ballet, symphony, jazz, theatre, and opera. Explore the Arts Complex, meet local artists, enjoy family-friendly activities, and stay for a community dance class inspired by The Outsiders.
Denver Art Museum – Free Day
🕒 10AM–5PM
Enjoy free general admission to one of Denver’s most iconic museums. Explore the Hamilton and Martin Buildings, The Kirkland, and rotating exhibitions throughout the campus. Note that special ticketed exhibits may require an additional ticket.
City of Brighton Arts and Culture - Art in the Park
🕒 10AM–4PM
Enjoy free general admission to one of Denver’s most iconic museums. Explore the Hamilton and Martin Buildings, The Kirkland, and rotating exhibitions throughout the campus. Note that special ticketed exhibits may require an additional ticket.
Sunday, September 13th
Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre - Family Film Series: COCO
🕒 1PM–3PM
Enjoy a free family-friendly screening of Ghostbusters at the historic Elitch Theatre. Come early for the costume contest and pre-show activities before the movie begins at 7PM.
Motus Playback Theater Presents: Erie Stories of Good Neighbors
🕒 2PM–4PM
Celebrate Erie’s neighborly spirit through an interactive theater experience where audience members share stories of generosity, belonging, and unexpected connection.
Tuesday, September 15th
Control Group Productions - THE TRUTH ABOUT 250-150
🕒 9AM–4PM
Experience a free, immersive mobile gallery exploring Colorado’s untold history through Native-led art, storytelling, interactive installations, youth artwork, audio, and video.
Clyfford Still Museum - 15th Anniversary Community Celebration
🕒 10AM–5PM
Explore Clyfford Still’s galleries for as little as a penny, with free mini-tours at 11AM and 2PM. Walk-ins are welcome.
Thursday, September 17th
16 LIVE - Spikes & Sparkles: Punk meets Pink Pony Club
🕒 5PM–9PM
Bring your dancing shoes to Glenarm Plaza for 16 LIVE, a free downtown series featuring Colorado DJs, dance battles, community dance instruction, silent disco showdowns, and themed competitions beneath the “Quaking Gold” art installation.
Friday, September 18th
Free Family Fun Nights
🕒 5:30PM–7:30PM
Enjoy a free family night with a collaborative public art mural, hands-on Creativity Lab activities, and plenty of fun for all ages.
Saturday, September 19th
Lighthouse Writers Workshop - Moving Stories: Workshop for families with children aged 3-6
🕒 10AM–11:30AM
Enjoy a playful storytelling workshop designed for families with children ages 3–6. Explore creativity, stories, and writing together in a fun, welcoming setting.
YOR Fest
🕒 1PM–6PM
Enjoy a free, all-ages youth music festival featuring live performances, food trucks, community vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Sunday, September 20th
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum - Free Day
🕒 12PM–5PM
Explore historic aircraft, space exhibits, and aviation history with free admission for the day.
Tuesday, September 22nd
SCFD Access Shows & Performances
🕒 12AM–12PM
Enjoy live theatre for less with SCFD Access, offering discounted tickets to select Denver Center performances thanks to community support from SCFD.
Thursday, September 24th
Control Group Productions - NEVERHOME: GEOLOCATED SOUND WALK
🕒All Day
Take a 3-mile soundwalk along the Lakewood Gulch Trail, using GPS-guided audio to explore stories of home, migration, and displacement.
Friday, September 25th
Four Mile Historic Park - SCFD Free Day
🕒10AM-4PM
Spend the day exploring Denver history through interactive exhibits and historic buildings.
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus - Joy Park Free Night
🕒4:30PM-8PM
Enjoy 60,000 square feet of outdoor fun for free, with climbing, digging, zip-lining, splashing, and exploring at Joy Park and Adventure Forest.
Saturday, September 26th
Carson Nature Center & South Platte Park
🕒9:30AM-4:30PM
Spend the day exploring trails, wildlife exhibits, and fishing lakes at this free outdoor destination in Littleton.
Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association - Oktoberfest Celebration
🕒1PM-9PM
Celebrate fall with Bavarian music, German food, dachshund races, folk dancing, and stein-hoisting competitions.
Sunday, September 27th
Dinosaur Ridge - SCFD Free Day
🕒9AM-3PM
Explore dinosaur tracks, fossils, and Colorado’s prehistoric history with free admission to the Exhibit Hall and Deep Time Detour. Guided bus tours are also $5 off.
Paleo ArtFest - SCFD Free Day
🕒9AM-3PM
Celebrate Colorado’s 150th anniversary with free admission to Dinosaur Ridge’s exhibits, including the new Deep Time Detour. Guided bus tours are $5 off.
Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre - Concert in the Carousel: Tina Phillips Jazz
🕒6M-7:30PM
Enjoy a free evening of live jazz featuring Denver artist Tina Phillips, with lawn seating and refreshments available for purchase.
Wednesday, September 30th
Marjorie Park SCFD Free Day
🕒10AM-4PM
Spend the day exploring sculptures, art, and outdoor spaces at Marjorie Park in Greenwood Village.
Explore Denver This September
Whether you’re visiting a museum, discovering a new neighborhood, or planning an affordable weekend outing, September’s free days make it easy to experience Denver’s culture, history, art, and outdoor spaces without breaking the bank.
Looking for more ways to explore Denver neighborhoods, events, and local favorites? The Denver Group is here to help you discover everything the Mile High City has to offer.
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