Free and discounted things to do in Denver this month

RTD fares free in July and August

All aboard! RTD is making July and August “fare for all,” whether you’re a regular passenger or occasional rider on public transit. During those su mmer months, RTD is offering free fares across its entire system for all passengers, as part of the Zero Fare of Better Air initiative to help reduce ozone levels. The freebie is the perfect opportunity to hop on a bus or light rail and explore the city this summer without worrying about gas or parking. rtd-denver.com/zerofare

Colorado Lottery concert ticket

Just like love, getting a discounted concert ticket can be a battlefield. However, the Colorado Lottery is offering the ultimate deal for music fans: a free concert ticket. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are playing the Colorado State Fair on Sept. 3 and fans can rock out with the legendary duo for free. Through Sept. 3, purchase a qualifying Colorado Lottery ticket valued at $30 or more and receive a voucher good for one free ticket to the show, as well as fair gate admission, an $85 total value. The voucher will print at the retail store when the eligible ticket is purchased. Then, visit coloradostatefair.com and enter the code on the voucher. The free ticket will be sent digitally. Learn more about which tickets qualify for the offer at coloradolottery.com/en/news/pat-benatar-neil-giraldo.

Shake Shack BOGO special

Shake it up this summer! Enjoy a hot summer afternoon with a cool treat at a bargain price. Through July 31, Shake Shack is offering a buy-one-get-one free shake every afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m. The offer is only available via Shake Shack’s site or app by using promo code SHAKEITUP. The offer applies to any size or flavor shake. Limit one use per order, with a maximum savings of $6.59. There are nine locations in Colorado: Boulder, Castle Rock, Denver, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree. shakeshack.com

Krispy Kreme Free Doughnuts

Celebrate America’s holiday by enjoying one of America’s favorite treats at no cost. Through Independence Day, Krispy Kreme is honoring the summertime holiday with a special “Stars & Stripes” doughnut collection. And, on July 4, customers wearing red, white and blue get a free Original Glazed doughnut in-shop. There are three participating shops in Colorado: Lone Tree, Thornton and Colorado Springs. krispykreme.com/promos/july4th

Free movie ticket at Applebee’s

Movie lovers looking for a big summer adventure on a budget will enjoy this free ticket offer. Now through July 19, spend $35 or more in a single transaction at Applebee’s and get a Fandango promo code (up to $15) to see “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” If you spend $70 or more, get two promo codes. Be sure to keep your itemized receipt for redemption by July 24. Once your submission has been validated, you’ll receive an e-mail with a Fandango promo code. Limit two tickets per transaction and four tickets per person. applebees.com

Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale

The annual Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale offers deals and savings at some of Denver’s most interesting and prestigious shops. From July 14 to 16, the sale enables shoppers to snag once-a-year deals from dozens of participating shops, restaurants, fitness studios, art galleries, salons, spas and more. Sidewalks will be lined with clothing, jewelry, art, accessories, home furnishings, sporting goods, gifts and more at discounted prices up to 80 percent. In addition, many of the shopping district’s popular restaurants will offer specials on food and drink. cherrycreeknorth.com/sidewalksale

Larimer Square Taste of Mexico

Olé! Larimer Square hosts Taste of Mexico from July 20 to 23 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Denver Sister City relationship with Cuernavaca, Mexico. Attendees can enjoy various events featuring Mexican and American talent and an extensive schedule of cultural activities, including language classes, live music, Sotol and Mezcal tastings, Lucha Libre, family-friendly crafts, celebrity chef dinners and a pop-up art gallery. There will be a mix of free and ticketed events. Highlights include the Taste of Mexico Music Festival on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. Enjoy live music by local Hispanic artists on the Larimer Square Pergola Stage. Then, on Sunday, shop the El Mercado from noon to 4 p.m. Both events are free. Find the full event schedule at larimersquare.com/events/tasteofmexico.

Tennyson Street Fair

The first-ever Tennyson Street Fair is set for July 22 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The new neighborhood summer block party extends multiple blocks on Tennyson from West 41st Avenue to West 43rd Avenue. Enjoy shopping from more than 100 local makers at the farmers market-style experience, with fine art and hand-made jewelry, candles and Turkish towels and more. Plus, enjoy delicious eats and Tennyson-brewed craft beers and libations, while listening to live music and more. tennysonstreetfair.com

Dress for Success Pop-Up Shop

Dress for Success Denver hosts its next Pop-Up Shop Sale on July 28 and 29. Donated items from local retailers are discounted up to 75% off. ranging in price from $2 to $50. Find boutique-quality clothing, shoes, boots, handbags and accessories from many designer brands, including Armani, Coach, Escada, Tory Birch, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, St. John and more. Admission is free. Hours are Friday from 5  to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale takes place at The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace (2501 Dallas St.) in Aurora. denver.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/events/summer-pop-up-shop-2/

Boulder Opera’s Opera in the Park

Make it a night of opera under the stars when Boulder Opera presents its always popular Opera in the Park on July 29. The show plays at the Boulder Bandshell (1212 Canyon Blvd.) at 7 p.m. This year’s performance theme is “Scenes from Der Ring” and explores scenes and arias from Der Ring des Nibelungen by Wagner. Doors open at 6 and the show starts at 7 p.m. There will be a beer garden and food trucks on site. Available online, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth age 17 and younger. boulderoperacompany.com/opera-in-the-park-der-ring

Every month, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez at MileHighOnTheCheap.com compile
“Cheap Checklist” to help smart shoppers find freebies, discounts and deals. Send tips to
info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance.

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