☀️Good morning, Bucket Listers!
Good Morning, Bucket Listers! Summer is in full swing and Denver is alive with culture, creativity, and community connection. Whether you’re looking to dance under the stars, picnic with local musicians, or explore the city through food and art, this week’s roundup has something for everyone. Here’s what’s going on July 8-15:
🌎 Cultural Festivals
Bastille Day: A French Fest
📍 Cherry Creek North | Friday, July 11 4p.m.-Sunday, July 13 7p.m.
Experience a taste of France right in Denver! Hosted by the French American Chamber of Commerce Rocky Mountain, Bastille Day is a three-day cultural celebration at Fillmore Plaza. Enjoy French cuisine, wine, art, and shopping from both local and French artisans.
Colorado Black Arts Festival
📍 City Park West | Friday, July 11 12p.m.-Sunday, July 13 7p.m.
Come to this three-day festival in City Park West for a celebration of Black art, culture, and community. From Friday through Sunday, explore live music, dance, art installations, food vendors, and more. The Colorado Black Arts Festival is free and open to all, offering a joyful space for cultural expression and connection in one of Denver’s most beloved parks.
🏛️ Free Museum Days
Free Day at Denver Art Museum
📍 Golden Triangle | Tuesday, July 8 10a.m.-8p.m.
Explore the Denver Art Museum at no cost! Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle Creative District, the museum offers a full day of inspiration for all ages. Come and explore beautiful galleries and get creatively recharged.
Museum of Outdoor Arts Free Day
📍 Greenwood Village | Wednesday, July 9 10a.m.-5p.m.
Explore Marjorie Park in Greenwood Village for a free day of outdoor art and natural beauty. Nearly 50 artworks are scattered throughout this scenic urban park, offering a free self-guided tour through sculpture, nature, and creativity. While admission is free, be sure to register online in advance to save your spot.
Plains Conservation Center SCFD Free Day
📍 Aurora | Saturday, July 12 9a.m.-2p.m.
Travel back to the 1880s and explore Colorado’s prairie life at this SCFD Free Day! Visitors to the Plains Conservation Center can enjoy wagon rides, tour historic homesteads, and experience a special HawkQuest presentation with live birds of prey. It’s an immersive, family-friendly way to learn about local ecology and history.
Insectival at Butterfly Pavilion – Bug Bonanza
📍Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster | Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Crawl, flutter, and fly your way to the Butterfly Pavilion for Insectival, a full-day celebration of all things buggy and fascinating. This hands-on festival includes live bug encounters, roach races, pollinator parades, and family-friendly science fun that’s perfect for curious kids and nature lovers alike. It’s a one-of-a-kind summer adventure in Colorado’s most iconic invertebrate haven.
🎸 Live Music & Concerts
Cherry Creek North Summer Concert Series – July Concert
📍 Cherry Creek North | Thursday, July 10 4-9p.m.
Head to Fillmore Plaza for an evening of music, community, and sunshine at the July installment of the Cherry Creek North Summer Concert Series. This month features Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon, a celebrated John Denver cover band. It’s the perfect free summer night out in one of Denver’s most vibrant districts.
Summer Music Picnic Series: Mckey and brookLYNN
📍 Golden Triangle | Friday, July 11 4-6p.m.
Pack a picnic and unwind on the outdoor forecourt of the Clyfford Still Museum for the second show of the Summer Music Picnic Series. This free, family-friendly event features a 45-minute set by Mckey followed by another by brookLYNN, presented in partnership with Youth on Record. Bring your snacks, drinks, and dancing feet for a casual evening of local music and community connection in the heart of the Golden Triangle.
Concerts on the Green in Central Park
📍 Central Park | Saturday, July 12 6-8p.m.
Spend your Saturday evening dancing under the sky at South Green in Central Park. This free concert features Wash Park Band, a local favorite known for their high-energy pop and funk covers. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole crew for one of the summer’s most fun and family-friendly outings.
Swallow Hill Summer Concert: Rolling Harvest: A Tribute to Bob Dylan & Neil Young
📍 Virginia Vale | Wednesday, July 9 6:30p.m.
Settle in for an evening of iconic Americana at Four Mile Historic Park with Rolling Harvest, a tribute to Bob Dylan and Neil Young. Presented by Swallow Hill Music, this low-cost outdoor concert blends heartfelt lyrics, nostalgic melodies, and relaxed summer vibes under the trees.
Crosscurrents Music Festival
📍 LoDo | Saturday, July 12 2-10p.m.
Hosted by The Greenway Foundation, this free festival fundraiser features live performances, food vendors, and community engagement along the South Platte River. Since 1974, the foundation has worked to protect and revitalize Denver’s waterways. Come celebrate their mission while soaking up riverfront views and good vibes!
🥕Farmers Markets
City Park Farmers Market
📍 City Park | Saturday, July 12 8a.m.-1p.m.
Shop local produce, pastries, flowers, and crafts at the City Park Farmers Market, one of Denver’s most popular weekend markets. Located just off the park’s walking trails, it’s the perfect Saturday morning plan for families, foodies, and anyone looking to support small local vendors.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
📍 Cherry Creek | Saturday, July 12 9a.m.-2p.m.
This open-air market in the heart of Cherry Creek features farm-fresh produce, baked goods, artisan foods, and local vendors. It’s a bustling Saturday morning spot perfect for picking up Colorado-grown goods while enjoying a lively, upscale neighborhood atmosphere.
South Pearl Street Farmers Market
📍 Platt Park | Sunday, July 13 9a.m.-1p.m.
Managed by Jarman and Co Events, this beloved neighborhood market offers a wide variety of fresh, wholesome products, all grown, raised, or produced locally in Colorado or nearby counties. With a mission to support local agriculture and community connection, it’s a Sunday tradition that brings farm-to-table values straight to the heart of Platt Park.
Don’t forget to check out our full calendar for even more free and low-cost events across the Denver metro area. And if you know of a community gathering, concert, or neighborhood gem we missed, we want to hear from you! Email your tips to vicky@teletrendstv.com. Until next time, enjoy the sunshine, support local, and keep exploring.
📸 Tag Us IRL
Out at an event we featured? Snap a pic and tag @bucketlistcommunitycafe on Instagram—we might feature your photo in our newsletter next week!
Want us to feature your event?
Sponsor an upcoming newsletter! Get in touch with Allie Blum at allieblumwrites@gmail.com for more information.
Enjoying this newsletter?
Forward it to a friend so you’re not the only one who knows what’s going on. All our newsletters are free!
Natalie Montoya
Engagement Intern/ Bucket List Community News
Follow our daily news feeds on Facebook and Instagram
Contact us with your story ideas.
Listen to our Podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
