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Top Free Labor Day Events In Denver

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For many, Labor Day weekend signifies the end of summer. Leaves are starting to change color, kids are back in school, and that crisp fall air we all love begins to set in. This is also one of the last weekends to get out and do something together as a family before we're blanketed with snow. Here are five free activities you and your family can do together to stay busy this Labor Day weekend.
Taste Of Colorado
Civic Center Park
101 W. 14th Ave
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 295-6330
www.atasteofcolorado.com

Date: Friday Sept. 4 from 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday Sept. 5 & 6 from 10:30 a.m.- 10 p.m., Monday Sept. 7 from 10:30 am- 8 p.m.

Since 1983, some of Denver's best restaurants have gathered in Civic Center Park each labor day weekend to show off whatever new culinary confections they've created as well as sell some of their most popular dishes. Along with the plethora of food available, they have six entertainment stages featuring some well-known artists. This year, Kansas opens up the festival on Friday night, while artists like Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers and Mary Lambert keep the party going throughout the long weekend. Admission is free but you need tickets for food and drinks. Bring the whole family and enjoy some great live music and delicious food from some of Denver's best restaurants.

Denver Art Museum (Free Saturday)
Denver Art Museum
100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 865-5000
www.denverartmuseum.org

Date: Saturday September 5 from 10a.m. - 5p.m.

The first Saturday of every month is free day for all patrons at the Denver Art Museum. If you're looking for a way to escape the heat and spend the day checking out some awesome works of art, then this is the place for you. With 22 exhibits on display throughout the museum ranging from flower impressionists to American Indian art, there's something for everyone to enjoy. For a list of the current exhibitions, click here

Denver Art Walk
Art District on Sante Fe
828 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO
(303) 534-9740
www.denver.org/denver-art-districts

Date: Friday September 4 from 5:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

The first Friday of every month is art night in two different Denver art districts. First on  Santa Fe, more than 100 galleries and shops put on an art walk for art lovers of all kinds to enjoy. Food and drinks are available, as well as a shuttle that will ferry you around the district from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Another area that puts on a similar walk every first Friday is the Golden Triangle Museum District (213 W. 13th Ave.). Eight of Denver's most popular museums, like the Molly Brown House Museum, are found here along with another 50 galleries and shops. Just like the other art walk, there are food and drinks available, as well as a shuttle to show you the ropes.

Related: Top Fall Festivals In Denver

Colorado State Capitol Tour
Colorado Capitol Building
200 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-2604
www.colorado.gov/tours

Date: Friday September 4 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Ever been curious about your state's heritage? How about their legislative proceedings? The State Capitol building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tours commencing every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour lasts roughly 30-45 minutes and covers everything from seeing the extremely rare Colorado Rose Onyx found only in our capitol building to being able to sit in and observe a lawmakers at work when the House and Senate are in session in the winter and spring. Tours are free and provide an interesting and educational outing the entire family can enjoy.

Day Trip To Garden Of The Gods
Garden Of The Gods
1805 N. 30th St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
(719) 634-6666
www.gardenofgods.com

Date: Every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Garden of the Gods is one of the most beautiful natural landmarks found in our country. About an hour south of Denver in Colorado Springs, a collection of massive sandstone rock formations (some reaching 300 feet or higher) are nestled near the base of Pikes Peak, providing extravagant views and breathtaking scenery. Whether you decide to take a tour through the park in a jeep, on a segway, or on horseback, a good time will be had by all. Be sure to stop by the visitors center for more information about the park, including their new Geo-Trekker movie experience explaining just how these rock formations got to where they are today.

If giant rock formations are not your thing, there are a multitude of mountain drives that provide the perfect day trip for any family. Roads such as Independence Pass and the Mount Evans Scenic Byway provide astounding views once you reach the summit, while just about any other drive will give you a healthy dose of color-changing foliage and vistas fit for a postcard. For an extensive list of scenic drives and destinations, click here, and as always, enjoy a safe, fun-filled Labor Day weekend.

Related: Top Public Art In Denver

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