Last updated September 5, 2026
No-cost outings
Free things to do west of Denver
A free event in this part of Colorado usually means a farmers market on a downtown main street, a community festival on a civic plaza, or a library program for kids. The listings on this page are all verified as free admission against their official source — no invented offers, and every one traces to a link. It's worth double-checking the source before you go, because not everything free needs a ticket but some events still ask you to register.
Live, no cover
Free outdoor concerts & live music
- Sep 11Art Night Out· Festival Plaza · Lafayette
- Oct 3Romanian Festival 2026· Belmar Plaza · Lakewood
Festivals
Free festivals & community celebrations
- Sep 5Arvada Pow Wow· Arvada
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
- Oct 3Romanian Festival 2026· Lakewood
With the kids
Free family events
- Sep 19BARKtember Fest· Lakewood
- Oct 24BOOMar – Halloween at Belmar· Lakewood
Markets
Farmers markets with free admission
Every market we list is free to enter — pay only for what you buy. See your town's market on the farmers markets page for the full schedule, or jump straight to what's coming up below.
- Sep 6Arvada Farmers Market· Arvada
Soonest first
Next free events coming up
- Sep 5Arvada Pow Wow· Arvada
- Sep 6Arvada Farmers Market· Arvada
- Sep 11Art Night Out· Lafayette
- Sep 12Coffee with the Mayor· Wheat Ridge
- Sep 12Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends· Golden
By town
Free events by town
Boulder, Louisville, Morrison, Superior have no verified free event listed this week — city calendars are checked regularly, and listings appear as they're confirmed against an official source.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Are all the events on this page really free?
Yes — a listing only appears here when its price is verified as free against the official source. That usually means free admission; some events still ask you to register or reserve in advance, which the source link will tell you.
Where do free concerts happen west of Denver?
Free live music shows up at Lafayette's Festival Plaza (Art Night Out), at several farmers markets that pair shopping with bands, and inside taprooms on our breweries page — many brewery gigs are free. Festivals like Belmar's Romanian Festival add live music and dance to a free day out.
Are farmers markets free?
Yes — every market on the farmers markets page lists free admission. You only pay for what you buy.
How do I know a free event is still happening?
Every listing links to its official source, and the schedule is refreshed weekly. Always confirm on the linked source before you go, as dates and times can shift.
Related guides
Free events west of Denver
19 events
Week of Monday, August 31, 2026
- Sat5SepArvadaFestival
Arvada Pow Wow
Sep 5, 202610:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Arvada Center Sculpture Field, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd
A celebration of Native American culture with dance, drum and craft vendors. Gourd Dance at 10 AM; Grand Entry at 1 PM.
Free
Source: Arvada Center - Sun6SepArvadaFarmers Market
Arvada Farmers Market
Sep 6, 20269:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Olde Town Square, 5702 Olde Wadsworth Blvd
Weekly Arvada Farmers Market with local produce, food vendors and live music in Olde Town Square.
Every Sunday, 9 AM – 1 PMFree
Source: Arvada Farmers Market
Week of Monday, September 7, 2026
- Fri11SepLafayetteArts & Culture
Art Night Out
Sep 11, 20265:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Festival Plaza, 311 S. Public Rd
Lafayette's free monthly art walk: artists, musicians and hands-on art activities at Festival Plaza and throughout Old Town.
Second Fridays — July 10, Aug 14, Sept 11Free
Source: City of Lafayette calendar - Sat12SepWheat RidgeCommunity
Coffee with the Mayor
Sep 12, 20269:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Mountain Milk Coffee, 7190 W 38th Ave
Drop in for coffee and conversation with Wheat Ridge's mayor, hosted by Mountain Milk Coffee — a casual chance to share questions and ideas with city leadership.
Free
Source: City of Wheat Ridge calendar - Sat12SepGoldenFestival
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends
Sep 12, 20268:30 AM
Colorado Railroad Museum
*RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure.All Aboard for a Rockin Good Time! Day Out With Thomas:Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country! Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun thatll have the whole family dancing! Climb aboard for a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Day Out With Thomas: Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is heading to Golden, Colorado with loads of music-inspired games and activities! Families can join the outdoor fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Goldens beautiful Clear Creek Valley. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family. Day Out With Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Free
Source: Ticketmaster - Sat12SepGoldenFestival
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends
Sep 12, 20269:15 AM
Colorado Railroad Museum
*RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure.All Aboard for a Rockin Good Time! Day Out With Thomas:Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country! Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun thatll have the whole family dancing! Climb aboard for a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Day Out With Thomas: Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is heading to Golden, Colorado with loads of music-inspired games and activities! Families can join the outdoor fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Goldens beautiful Clear Creek Valley. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family. Day Out With Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Free
Source: Ticketmaster - Sat12SepGoldenFestival
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends
Sep 12, 202610:00 AM
Colorado Railroad Museum
*RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure.All Aboard for a Rockin Good Time! Day Out With Thomas:Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country! Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun thatll have the whole family dancing! Climb aboard for a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Day Out With Thomas: Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is heading to Golden, Colorado with loads of music-inspired games and activities! Families can join the outdoor fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Goldens beautiful Clear Creek Valley. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family. Day Out With Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Free
Source: Ticketmaster - Sat12SepGoldenFestival
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends
Sep 12, 202610:45 AM
Colorado Railroad Museum
*RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure.All Aboard for a Rockin Good Time! Day Out With Thomas:Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country! Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun thatll have the whole family dancing! Climb aboard for a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Day Out With Thomas: Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is heading to Golden, Colorado with loads of music-inspired games and activities! Families can join the outdoor fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Goldens beautiful Clear Creek Valley. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family. Day Out With Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Free
Source: Ticketmaster - Sat12SepGoldenFestival
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends
Sep 12, 202611:30 AM
Colorado Railroad Museum
*RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure.All Aboard for a Rockin Good Time! Day Out With Thomas:Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country! Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun thatll have the whole family dancing! Climb aboard for a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Day Out With Thomas: Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is heading to Golden, Colorado with loads of music-inspired games and activities! Families can join the outdoor fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Goldens beautiful Clear Creek Valley. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family. Day Out With Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Free
Source: Ticketmaster - Sat12SepGoldenFestival
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends
Sep 12, 202612:15 PM
Colorado Railroad Museum
*RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure.All Aboard for a Rockin Good Time! Day Out With Thomas:Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country! Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun thatll have the whole family dancing! Climb aboard for a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Day Out With Thomas: Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is heading to Golden, Colorado with loads of music-inspired games and activities! Families can join the outdoor fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Goldens beautiful Clear Creek Valley. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family. Day Out With Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Free
Source: Ticketmaster - Sat12SepGoldenFestival
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends
Sep 12, 20261:00 PM
Colorado Railroad Museum
*RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure.All Aboard for a Rockin Good Time! Day Out With Thomas:Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country! Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun thatll have the whole family dancing! Climb aboard for a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Day Out With Thomas: Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is heading to Golden, Colorado with loads of music-inspired games and activities! Families can join the outdoor fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Goldens beautiful Clear Creek Valley. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family. Day Out With Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Free
Source: Ticketmaster - Sat12SepGoldenFestival
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends
Sep 12, 20261:45 PM
Colorado Railroad Museum
*RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure.All Aboard for a Rockin Good Time! Day Out With Thomas:Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country! Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun thatll have the whole family dancing! Climb aboard for a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Day Out With Thomas: Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is heading to Golden, Colorado with loads of music-inspired games and activities! Families can join the outdoor fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Goldens beautiful Clear Creek Valley. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family. Day Out With Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Free
Source: Ticketmaster - Sat12SepGoldenFestival
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends
Sep 12, 20262:30 PM
Colorado Railroad Museum
*RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure.All Aboard for a Rockin Good Time! Day Out With Thomas:Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country! Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun thatll have the whole family dancing! Climb aboard for a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Day Out With Thomas: Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is heading to Golden, Colorado with loads of music-inspired games and activities! Families can join the outdoor fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Goldens beautiful Clear Creek Valley. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family. Day Out With Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Free
Source: Ticketmaster - Sat12SepGoldenFestival
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends
Sep 12, 20263:15 PM
Colorado Railroad Museum
*RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 1 hour prior to departure.All Aboard for a Rockin Good Time! Day Out With Thomas:Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is hitting the tracks and bringing the beat to heritage railways across the country! Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun thatll have the whole family dancing! Climb aboard for a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Colorado Railroad Museum! Day Out With Thomas: Lets Rock, Lets Roll Tour is heading to Golden, Colorado with loads of music-inspired games and activities! Families can join the outdoor fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Goldens beautiful Clear Creek Valley. Take a real train ride with Thomas and spend the day creating memories for the whole family. Day Out With Thomas is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Free
Source: Ticketmaster
Week of Monday, September 14, 2026
- Sat19SepLakewoodFamily
BARKtember Fest
Sep 19, 202612:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Plaza at Belmar, 439 S. Upham St
Belmar's dog-friendly celebration: a curated dog market, wiener dog races, games and crafts for pups, plus food and drink specials from participating restaurants.
Free
Source: Belmar events
Week of Monday, September 21, 2026
- Wed23SepLafayetteExhibit
Día de los Muertos: Arcos y Portales Exhibit
Sep 23 – Nov 8, 202610:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Collective Community Arts Center, 201 N. Public Rd
The Collective's Día de los Muertos exhibition 'Arcos y Portales' opens September 23 and runs through November 8.
Free
Source: City of Lafayette calendar - Sun27SepWheat RidgeCommunity
Wheat Ridge's Longer Table
Sep 27, 202612:00 PM – 2:00 PM
The Green at 38th, 7101 W 38th Ave
A free community meal where strangers become neighbors: residents gather at one long table to meet someone new and strengthen community ties. A partnership of the City of Wheat Ridge, local businesses and community groups.
Free
Source: City of Wheat Ridge calendar
Week of Monday, September 28, 2026
- Sat3OctLakewoodFestival
Romanian Festival 2026
Oct 3, 202611:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Belmar Plaza, 439 S. Teller St
Celebrate Romanian culture, traditions and community at Belmar with live music and dance, cultural exhibits, artisan vendors and family-friendly activities. Free admission.
Free
Source: Belmar events
Week of Monday, October 19, 2026
- Sat24OctLakewoodFamily
BOOMar – Halloween at Belmar
Oct 24, 202612:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Plaza at Belmar, 439 S. Upham St
Belmar's family-friendly Halloween celebration: face painting, balloon twisting, crafts and live entertainment, trick-or-treating along the BOO trail and a costume parade.
Free
Source: Belmar events