Keep the Good Times Rolling

Riding bikes is a way of life in Denver, so it pays to keep your machine in good condition.

Sunday, July 19, 1:30-3:30, BikeDenver is hosting the "Nuts and Bolts of Bike Maintenance" on the west side of the Denver Public Library.

After your tune-up, you can ride on down to City Park for another in the series of City Park Jazz. Up this week: The Wendy Fopeano Group. Glinka, Dvorak & Tchaikovasky, good times.

If Classical is more your style, the Colorado Symphany Orchestra is playing Thursday, July 23 in Cheesman Park.

National Parks Fee-Free Weekend

The good people running our national gov'ment have decided we all need a break and are offering

Fee Free Weekends.

This weekend, July 18 & 19, more than 100 national parks will waive the entrance fee. Colorado Parks include Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado National Monument, Dinosaur National Monument, Florissant Fossil Beds, Great Sand Dunes, Hovenweep, Mesa Verde and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Admittedly, none of these are actually in Denver, but it's good to hit the road once in a while. Next Fee Free Weekend is August 15 & 16, so be spontaneous and hit the road, or plan ahead for next time. Either way, you'll get your money's worth. Thanks to loyal reader "Chase" for the tip.

I'm off to the Evergreen SummerFest Arts Festival with gal-pal "Linda" because I just can't get enough outdoor art shows. The difference between me and all those other fine artists is that I look at the work and nod my head thinking "I could do that"; but they do, and I don't. Hmmm. The show is Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm at Buchanan Park. It's NOT Free; you've been warned. Admission is $2. Give up a latte and get some real culture, already.

And Monday, July 20 is a free day at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Coming soon: First weekend in August, more free stuff than you can imagine!

Nothing says FUN like Family Reunion!

Yes, FunFans, it's summertime. Time for friends and relatives to come knocking at your door, looking for a cool mountain breeze. And who can blame them? It's beautiful this time of year in Colorado. I'm very excited about a visit from Uncle Bud and Aunt Diane. Diane is in the white hat, Uncle Bud is peeking out behind cousin Jessie on the far right. Hey, there's dad and mom on the left, me, Bubba Sam, sister-like Karen and girly Christina round the table. Anyhow, I'm going to spend my weekend spit shining the place in anticipation. Sounds boring, but I actually like cleaning my house, and it's FREE.

For the rest of y'all there's a little more social fun on the horizon.

Tattered Cover Film Series is showing The Theif of Bagdad at 7pm on Saturday at the Starz Film Center. (Free, but limited tickets).

City Park Jazz offers Purnell Steel and the Jazz Machine on Sunday, 6pm.

Are we having Fun yet?

Summer is officially on. Hope it's not too late to give you the scoop on fun free stuff coming up this weekend.

Friday, July 10, the Colorado Honor Band plays Skyline park at 1:15, just in time to swing the lunch crowd.

If you're still downtown and want more music, Rock Bottom Brewery is hosting The Rowdy ShadeHouse Funk Band at 5pm and Chris Daniels and the Kings at 7pm.

Saturday, July 11, our fabulous city offers another free movie in the park. This time at dusk, also at Skyline, 16th and Arapahoe downtown: Spiderman. Guaranteed to be a swinging good time.

And Monday, July 13 is a free day at the Denver Museum of Science and Nature.

Declare a "Family Personal Day", get the kids out of school and go have some fun.

On a personal note, some FREE things in Denver aren't so fun.

"Hey, who gave me this headcold?"

Cherry Creek Arts Fest ...

Free Fun on the Fourth of July

More Fun on the Fourth

More fun, free stuff to do this weekend!

Although a picnic isn't technically free, it can be darn cheap if you share with family and friends. Getting outdoors and enjoying nature is free and it's priceless (remember, winter is only 6 short months away). Here's a list of city parks to explore. I promise there's one near you. Toss down and blanket and soak up some sun.

I'd be remiss if I didn't note that the Colorado Symphony Orchestra is also playing Red Rocks for free on July 5th. Parking costs $10 per car, so everybody pile in the family wagon.

Or, if you want to stay closer to town, check out the City Park Jazz series. Sunday, July 5th, Purnell Steen and Le Jazz Machine will be making smooth sounds for free. 6-8pm rain or shine.

Denver Santa Fe Arts District has first Friday Art Walk. There's a free bus to help you cover the scene. Denver Museum of Minitures, Dolls & Toys is free the first Sunday of the month (July 5th). Denver Ashram offers free yoga and mediation on Sundays to help you chill out after your rocking weekend.

Heads up: usually the Denver Art Museum is free for Colorado residents the first Saturday of every month, but the good folks there are taking a little R&R for themselves (they deserve it) so the DAM is closed July 4th. Likewise, next free day at Denver Botanic Gardens isn't until July 20 (no worries, I'll remind you), so hang out in Cheesman Park instead. Kids parade at 10am on the 4th.

It's the Fourth of July - America's Holiday

July 4th might be my favorite American holiday. It's summer and the living is easy. You don't have to drive to grandma's unless you want to, and there's no shopping pressure. BBQ, beer and fireworks. My kind of party. A LOTS for free fun.

First up: Fireworks

Thursday and Friday, July 3 and July 4, after the Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field. Tickets to the game cost money, but you can usually get a good look and plenty of noise from the ground (and bars) around the field.

Friday, July 4 following Outlaws Lacrosse game at Invesco Field at Mile High. Again, the Lacrosse costs a few bucks, but the fireworks can be seen all around the stadium.

Here's a complete list of fireworks in Colorado from our friends at Channel 7.

Also this weekend:

18th Annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival. The CCAF is one of the best art shows on calendar. Always hot and sometimes rains, but I wouldn't miss it. Located in the Cherry Creek North Business District, July 3rd, 4th and 5th. For a complete list of artists and events, check out CherryArts.org.

Friday, July 3, at 7 p.m. in City Park, the Colorado Symphany Orchestra is playing all your American favorites for free.

See you under the stars!