Southwest Denver Artist Open Studios

The Southwest Denver Artist Open Studios is set for May 3 from noon to 5 p.m. The free event allows visitors to explore artist studios and community venues across southwest Denver and Englewood. Some 29 artists are presenting their work in a variety of media from paintings to sculptures and mixed media. Enjoy live demonstrations and hands-on activities suitable for all ages. The easiest way to get started on a colorful journey is to check out the interactive map online. Or you can visit Bear Valley Library, Hadley Library or EASEL in Englewood for a printed map. pikeviewarts.org/event/2025-southwest-denver-artist-open-studios

Free Comic Book Day

Pow! Zap! Free! Comic book fans can swoop into local comic book shops around Denver for super fun on Free Comic Book Day on May 3. For more than 20 years, the action-packed day is the biggest event in the comic book industry — a single day when stores around the world give away comic books for free to all. It is an opportunity for newbies to ignite a new hobby or true fans to add to their growing collection. Activities and giveaways vary by shop. Many local stores are participating, including Collectibles Marketplace, Hall of Justice Comics & Collectibles, Mile High Comics, Monkey Paw Toys and more. freecomicbookday.com

Denver Botanic Gardens Plant Sale

Grab your garden gloves and dig in to the highly anticipated annual spring plant sale at the Denver Botanic Gardens (1007 York St.) on May 9 and 10, with tens of thousands of plants available. In addition to 15 plant divisions (herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets, seeds, container gardens, water-smart plants, etc.), the sale includes gardening supplies and gifts. Plus, the Gardens’ horticulturists will be on hand to answer questions. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own wagons and carts or even recycled boxes to transport plants. The sale runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Arrive early for the best selection. Admission to the sale and gardens is free, but reservations are required. Credit/debit cards and checks are the only forms of payment accepted. botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/spring-plant-sale

Raising Cane’s Mother’s Day BOGO

Raising Cane’s is offering a rare deal to celebrate Mother’s Day. On May 11 and 12, Raising Cane’s is offering a buy-one-get-one free Box Comb exclusively for members of the chain’s loyalty club. New Caniac Club members must sign up and register by May 10 in order to receive the Mother’s Day BOGO offer. To join, you must first physically pick up a Caniac Club Card in-restaurant and then register it online. Also, insiders tell us Raising Cane’s may offer the same deal for Father’s Day. raisingcanes.com

Moms & Mimosas

Take the family on a Mother’s Day shopping spree. Head to the Outlets at Castle Rock for Moms & Mimosas on May 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ticketed event includes two free mimosas, brunch treats, access to a VIP suite, a $10 Outlets gift card, exclusive shopping coupons for top-name brand stores and more. Get all of this for $15 (of which $10 goes to The Help and Hope Center of Castle Rock). A kids’ ticket costs $5 and includes a juice box and sweet treat. Children 5 and under get in for free. outletsatcastlerock.com/event/19408-moms-and-mimosas

Firefly Handmade Spring Markets

If you’re a connoisseur of unique handmade items, make one of the two Firefly Handmade Spring Markets this May part of your weekend plans. The market opens shop in Denver on May 3 and 4 on Old South Gaylord Street. In Boulder, the market is on May 17 and 18 on the Pearl Street Mall. Shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The market is curated to feature more than 80 returning and emerging artisans with home goods and décor; jewelry and accessories; adult and children’s fashion; skin care; ceramics; art; artisanal food; paper goods and more. Also, enjoy live music as you peruse the goods. Admission is free. fireflyhandmade.com

Children’s Museum, Joy Park Free Fridays

Explore 60,000 square feet of outdoor adventure space for free at Children’s Museum’s Joy Park and Adventure Forest at its Denver Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. Thanks to a collaboration with Denver Parks & Recreation, the family-friendly attraction is keeping the exhibit open after hours from 4:30 to 8 p.m. (or sunset) on select Fridays starting May 16. Kids can rope swing over obstacles, conquer glass and log bridges, shoot down a 70-foot-long slide and discover panoramic views of Denver 90 feet in the air. Climbers must be 5 years old or 44 inches tall and be able to climb independently. The Joy Park water features will also be turned on for even more adventurous fun. Mark your calendar for the remaining free after-hours dates — June 20, July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19. mychildsmuseum.org/exhibits/adventure-forest-in-joy-park

DICK’S Grand Opening Celebration

DICK’s Sporting Goods Store is ready to play ball at its new location in Glendale, next to the Super Target at 370 S. Colorado Blvd. The grand opening celebration brings giveaways, a special appearance and more for a fun-filled weekend May 16-18. The first 100 adults in line each day score a Mystery Gift Card worth $10, $20 or $500. Not to be left out, the first 100 kids in line each day get a free DSG soccer ball. Doors open at 9 a.m. each day. On May 17, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix makes a special in-store appearance from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Get your required wristband starting at 9 a.m. Plus, shoppers enjoy $10 off a purchase of $50 or more all weekend with a digital coupon. milehighonthecheap.com/dicks-grand-opening-event-giveaway-cherry-creek-denver

Denver City Park Day

The annual Denver City Park Day is back with a theme that takes the event all the way back to its first days, with a free Victorian-themed Ice Cream Social on May 30. From 5 to 8 p.m., stop by the City Park Pavilion (1700 York St.) for free ice cream, live music, face painting and more. Feel free to dress in your finest Victorian-era attire or just come as you are. The ice cream is from Sweet Cooie’s and live music is by the Denver Municipal Band. victoriansocietyofcolorado.org

Jeffco Library Book Sale

It’s an ocean of deals at the Spring Whale of a Used Book Sale, sponsored by Friends of the Jefferson County Public Library. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 30 and 31, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 1. Held in the massive exhibit hall of the Jefferson County Fairgrounds (15200 W. 6th Ave.) in Golden, the sale boasts more than 90,000 books, CDs, DVDs, audio books, games and more. Prices range from 50 cents to $3 on most items. Admission is $5 for adults. SNAP recipients and attendees 18 and younger get in for free. On Saturday, Friends of JCPL members and Jeffco teachers and employees save 50% on purchases (except for collectibles). For bargain bibliophiles, Sunday is “Bag Day”: Fit as many items as you can fit into a grocery-size bag for $10. Those who want to cherry-pick the deals before the crowds can enter early at 8 a.m. on Friday for $10. jeffclf.org/2025-spring-whale-of-a-used-book-sale-2

Capital One Café Freebie

A Capital One Café is a community space, with a full barista service Verve Coffee bar inside, where customers can relax and recharge. There are two in Colorado — in Denver (1550 Wewatta St.) and Boulder (1247 Pearl St.). Whether you bank with Capital One or not, everyone is welcome to take a seat. However, if you are a Capital One cardholder, get 50% off handcrafted beverages when you pay with your debit or credit card. Even better, as an official partner of Major League Baseball, the café is offering a free beverage to all customers every Monday through Sept. 22. The giveaway requires a digital coupon, which you can use all season long. capitalone.com/local/events/mlb-mondays-2025

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