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December 2013 Calendar of Free Events

November 27, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

City & County Building

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/30 – 12/21  11am – 2pm  St Nick on the Bricks

PRESENTED BY Downtown Boulder, Inc. , Pearl  Street Mall,  Boulder 80302

Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories. 

11/30 – 1/1  Olde Golden Christmas 

PRESENTED BY Golden Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center

Arapahoe Street between 12th and 13th Streets

Experience small town, authentic holiday charm at Olde Golden Christmas in festive downtown Golden. A month long magical celebration featuring Victorian carolers, live reindeer, free horse drawn carriage rides, a dazzling lights display, barbershop quartets, free Newfoundland dog-pulled cart rides and plenty of free family fun. Don’t miss Golden’s awe-inspiring Candlelight Walk on December 6th and lively Olde Golden Christmas parades on Saturdays from November 30 – December 21. Where else can you find Santa driving a motorcycle, the Grinch in a corvette and real cowboys astride their horses.

 

12/1  Boulder History Museum

1206 Euclid Avenue Boulder   80302

http://boulderhistory.org/

 

12/1  4:30-6pm  Farolito Lighting & Pinecone Ceremony

The Tesoro Cultural Center will kick off the holiday season with live musical entertainment, seasonal carols and the lighting of the farolitos.  Each year this even honors an individual who has enlightened the minds and souls of our community.

 

12/3  4 – 8pm  Children’s Museum of Denver  

2121 Children’s Museum Drive Denver, CO 80211

 

12/4  5:30 – 7:30pm  Colorado Hebrew Chorale – Festival of Lights

McNichols Building, 144 West Colfax Avenue

Join the Colorado Hebrew Chorale and our guests

The Rocky Mountain Ringers for an exciting holiday program of music, food and fun!

Be sure to BYOM (Bring Your Own Menorah)  and participate in our communal candle lighting for the EIGHTH night of Chanukah!

http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=adece83b9f7f9c6712f6f5b52&id=0841e34610

 

12/6  5 – 9 pm  Museo de las Americas

861 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204

 

12/6  5pm  22nd Annual Downtown Evergreen Holiday Walk

Tree Lighting at the Lake House

Join Santa and & Ms. Claus as they walk to Downtown Evergreen for fun and live entertainment.

5:30 p.m. Road closed from the light at Hwy 73 and Hwy 74 through downtown to Meadow Drive. Shuttles will be running from Church of the Hills, Lake House, Christ the King Catholic Church, Hiwan Homestead, Mountain Home and Church of the Transfiguration.

 

12/6  5 – 8pm  First Friday Art Walk

Explore Denver’s creative neighborhoods on First Friday and find local art for as low as $52.80 at many participating galleries! Plus, there are more workshops, lectures and happenings scheduled during the week. Museums and galleries opening receptions from 5 to 8 p.m. with a free Museum District First Friday circulating trolley from Towne Place Suites by Marriott. Colorado Plein Air 2013 exhibit on the Denver Public Library, 7th floor gallery, November 13 through December 31, 2013.

www.gtmd.org

Art District on Santa Fe – Explore artistic expression in all forms, from photography, ceramics, music and dance, to gallery exhibits and live performances all week long starting with First Friday. Don’t miss the Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Museo de las Americas or the food trucks on 7th and 9th avenues!

Belmar Block 7 Art District – Explore artist-owned working studios, galleries and a photographic school during the First Friday Art Walk in Block 7, located in the Belmar City Center in Lakewood.

Golden Triangle Museum District – Visit the museums and galleries opening receptions from 5-8 p.m. with a free Museum District First Friday circulating trolley from Towne Place Suites by Marriott.

Navajo Street Art District – Stroll the district tucked away in the Lower Highlands area of Denver, home to amazing galleries, Day of the Dead exhibitions, great performance art and ample parking. It’s truly one of the best little neighborhoods in town to experience art!

Old South Gaylord & South Pearl – Take time to visit these two neighborhoods south of downtown Denver; both are home to many artists’ studios and galleries, along with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.

RiNo (River North Art District) – Explore more than 30 locations, including several galleries and studio spaces. See “Where art is made!” in Denver. Hop on the RiNo Safari Tour Bus for a VIP Art Safari Tour of 10 creative spaces, complete with receptions and a tour guide. Make reservations: $52.80 for two ($26.40 for one).

Tennyson Street Cultural District – 5280 Art Collectors’ Sale. Start your holiday shopping early and expand your art collection. Many galleries have art for sale starting at $52.80.

 

12/6  8pm,  12/7  6pm   Denver Parade of Lights

Begin your holiday season at the spectacular 39th Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. The two-mile parade route in Downtown Denver is the stage for Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition. The FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever !!!

 http://www.downtowndenver.com/downtown-news/parade-of-lights/#sthash.WXTLIoWc.dpuf

 

12/7  Pearl Harbor Day

 

12/7 – 12/15  Wassail Days

Experience Frisco, Colorado’s distinctive mountain charm this holiday season.  Stroll among holiday decorations and Frisco’s one-of-a-kind shops offering unique Colorado gifts while sipping a steaming cup of warm Wassail (Old English apple cider) on Frisco’s charming Main Street and Summit Blvd.  As you walk around town you will hear the sounds of carolers singing and holiday cheer.

 

Participating merchants will compete for the Frisco Wassail Day Cup based on your vote!  Secret ingredients from red chili powder to nutmeg have been known to be added to some recipes!  Who will be challenging the reigning 2012 Frisco Wassail champion Lost Cajun this year?  Who will win the top honor of 2013 Frisco Wassail Champion?  You’ll have to be here to vote for your favorite this December. Wassail Days is filled with family photo opportunities around each corner, from the Holiday lighting display at the Triangle Park to the Russian Horse drawn sleigh at the gazebo. 

 

12/7  10am  Englewood Chamber’s Holiday Parade

 Englewood Parkway from South Acoma to the Civic Center

 

12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28  Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) 

1750 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302 

http://www.bmoca.org/

 

12/7  Denver Art Museum 

 

12/2 7 – 9pm  Boulder International Fringe Festival – community performance

Previews of upcoming Performing Arts events!

Your chance to get a glimpse of what’s going on in our bustling little town.

BIG TIME! “Wild-Card” performances!

Available to local performers on a first come, first serve basis on the night of the event.  Come at 6:30 to sign up!  Musical stylings by the BIG TIME! House Band!

http://www.boulderfringe.com/big-time/

 

12/7 4 – 6pm  Firefighters Museum 

1326 Tremont Place, Denver, Colorado 80204 (map)

We will have some small art projects for you and the family to work on while you enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Firefighter Santa! Our Friends at Sabs Sourire Images LLC will be here to professionally capture the moment your kiddos meet Santa.

We just ask that you bring a new gift for a needy child at our drop-off station for Toys for Tots. Please call the Museum for more information. (303)892-1436

http://www.denverfirefightersmuseum.org/

 

12/7&8  &  12/14&15  10am – 6pm  Georgetown Christmas Market

Historic Georgetown, 6th Street, Georgetown  80444

PRESENTED BY Historic Georgetown, Inc. 

Each December the town of Georgetown transforms for two weekends into a bustling Christmas scene reminiscent of Christmas of long ago. Thousands come to this tiny mountain town to experience a traditional holiday where Christmas hasn’t changed in 100 years: roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Georgetown, and wonderful sights and smells. Visitors enjoy appearances by St. Nicholas in his traditional dress and the daily procession of the Santa Lucia, as well as carolers in Victorian costume, dancers, and other family entertainment. Adorned with lights and Christmas greenery and blanketed with snow, the quaint, historic town of Georgetown, Colorado has been a Christmas tradition for generations of Colorado families. The 53rd Georgetown Christmas Market will be held the first and second weekends of December and admission is free.

 

12/7  Englewood Parade

Englewood Parkway from South Acoma to the Civic  Center

The Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce will help the community celebrate the season with a Holiday Parade down Englewood Parkway.

www.myenglewoodchamber.com

 

12/7 & 12/24  12 – 4pm  Holiday Carolers

12/12 & 12/18  5 – 7pm

Larimer Square 1430 Larimer Square, #200  Denver, CO 80202

PRESENTED BY Larimer Square

Come down to Larimer Square this December for good holiday cheer with the Dickens Carolers. The singing group will be filling the historic block of Larimer Square with warming holiday harmonies! Enjoy this free entertainment to put yourself in the holiday spirit.

 

12/8  3 – 7pm Holiday Celebration

7085 West 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Wheat Ridge 5-8 School Green and Main Parking Lot

Tree lighting, Santa, storefront decorating and holiday festivities

 

12/7-8  11am – 5pm  Denver Holly Days

McNichols Civic Center Building, Colfax and Bannock, Denver   80205

PRESENTED BY Colorado Events

A shopping event featuring one of-a-kind seasonal items, handcrafted goods, and holiday gift ideas. There is also a live concert by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, the Colorado Gingerbread House Competition, Free Hot Chocolate, Free Admission, and a whole lot of family fun. Come down before the 9News Parade of Lights. This is the beginning of a 3 day Holiday Spectacular. 12/6 on the 16th St Mall and 12/7, 12/8 in the McNicols Building

 

12/9 Denver Museum of Nature and Science

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12/10  Colorado Gives Day 2013

designed to increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving, will take place on  Tuesday, December 10, 2013. Learn more.  Colorado Gives Day 2012 was an astounding success! More than $15.4 million was raised and, including the FirstBank Incentive Fund and other prizes, a total of $15.7 distributed to Colorado nonprofits.

 

12/11, 12/14, 12/26, 12/28  9a – 5pm  MOA – Museum of Outdoor Arts

1000 Englewood Parkway Suite 2-230 Englewood  80110 

MOA offers indoor galleries, studios and special events and programs.  http://www.moaonline.org/HOME/tabid/36/Default.aspx

 

12/14 – 12/20  10am – 2pm  Holiday Tours at the Governor’s Residence

Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion 400 E. 8th Ave., Denver 80202

PRESENTED BY Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund

Free Holiday Tours of the Governor’s residence at the Boettcher Mansion. ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) has been invited by the Governor’s office and the Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund to provide the holiday decorations for Colorado’s home.

 

12/21  First Day of Winter

 

12/21  11:00-11:45 am Nature Adventures: an Interactive Experience

 Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada  80004

Celebrate the wonders of nature with you child through short hikes, hands-on activities, crafts and books.  Dress for the weather as we may spend some time outside.  Third Saturday of the month, different topics each month.  Ages 4-6 and parents.  Must pre-register 720-898-7405

 

12/22 1 – 2pm  TubaChristmas Concert

Skyline Park 1600 Arapahoe St Denver

Presented by Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc.

Tap your toes to your favorite holiday tunes at the TubaChristmas Concert at Skyline Park. Featuring 300 tuba players from all over the region. Produced by the University of Colorado at Denver’s College of Arts & Media, the TubaChristmas Concert is one of the most celebrated and longest-running holiday festivities in Colorado! Skyline Park from the 16th Street Mall to 15th Street will be decorated in its finest holiday décor and is a perfect setting for this traditional event.

 

12/24  Christmas Eve

 

12/24  Track Santa Claus

http://www.noradsanta.org/

 

12/24  4-5:30pm  Las Posadas

Celebrated in Mexico and throughout the United States from December 16 to 24, the Las Posadas celebration commemorates May and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter on the night of baby Jesus’ birth.  Tesoro partners with the Christian Life Movement to present this traditional event.

 

12/25 Christmas Day

 

12/30 9am – 5pm   Kids  

Dinosaur Resource Center, 120 s. Fairview St. Woodland Park 80863

This annual event presents an opportunity to bring the whole family out for a day of education and entertainment with Marc Straub of “Cool Science”. He will do 2 shows at 12:00pm and 2:00pm and will be here from 11am-4pm with hands on activities in-between shows.   Two kids age 12 and under will be admitted.

 

12/31  9pm and Midnight  – New Years Ever Fireworks on the 16th Street Mall

Prepare to be dazzled, the New Year’s Eve Firework show is set to be over the top this year! Two spectacular fireworks shows will occur simultaneously, once at 9 pm and once at Midnight, from two undisclosed sites along the 16th Street Mall.  Pick a spot along the 16th Street Mall to get the perfect view and get ready to ring in the New Year. DJs will be spinning music all night long on the 16th Street Mall.

Fireworks will be visible from anywhere along the 16th Street Mall. http://www.downtowndenver.com/uncategorized/new-years-eve-fireworks-downtown/#sthash.NG1wI0gm.dpuf

 

Filed Under: Featured, The Free Events Calendar · Tagged:

10 Tips to Ace Obamacare Enrollment

October 31, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

10 Tips to Ace Obamacare Enrollment

By Colette Snyder of FUEL Financial, Inc. in Lakewood Colorado

If you’re shopping for health insurance through the state, you may have some concerns about the process.  There’s definitely a lot to learn but there is also good news!  Two major changes have come about since the Affordable Care Act that could make shopping for health insurance less painful.  First, starting next year, health insurance applications will no longer ask you questions about your health.  You can no longer be denied or be forced to pay more for premiums because of your current health situation. Second, depending on your income, and what state you live in, you may be eligible for some premium assistance. So take heart! But be aware, big changes mean learning curves and confusion. So here are 10 tips to help you enroll.

  1. 1.       Buy health insurance. One of the functions of the Affordable Care Act, is to impose a tax penalty on individuals who do not purchase health insurance.  In most states, that penalty is based on a percentage of your income.  But the penalty shouldn’t scare you as much as living day-to-day without health insurance.  You’ve probably heard about the close correlation between bankruptcy and medical bills, but did you know that not having health insurance can actually kill you?  Most hospitals are not required to treat you if your situation does not appear to be life threatening, and you don’t have health insurance. So buy it, even if all you can afford is the catastrophic plan.  That insurance card may just save your life.

 

  1. 2.       Don’t wait too long.  The federal and state exchange sites still have some kinks to work out.  Trying to purchase a plan in early November could be frustrating, so I would suggest waiting until late November or early December to purchase your plan.  However, be sure to get your shopping done before the 15th of the month PRIOR to the month you need coverage to start. So for many of us, that’s December 15th.  Many carriers are forcing their enrollees to pick a new Obamacare-compliant plan to start January 1st of 2014.

 

  1. 3.       Get the right plan first. It is my understanding, that you will have limited opportunities to shop for insurance in the future.  In the past, you could apply for a plan and go through underwriting at any time, if you were healthy.  Starting next year, you will need complete your shopping during open enrollment (this year is Oct 1st through March 31st, every year after will be October 15th through December 7th), or during your own personal qualifying event. These events include divorce, marriage, coming off of COBRA, change in employment, birth of a child, and more. If you want to purchase a plan or need to make a change, and you’re not within this time frame, you will need to wait.  That could mean waiting up to ten months.  So do your research, and get a plan that suits your long term needs.

 

  1. 4.       Don’t be subsidy greedy. In Colorado, if your income falls between 133% and 400% of the federal poverty level, you might be eligible to receive money in the form of a premium subsidy that will decrease the cost of your health insurance. Subsidy thresholds vary state-to-state. Though it may be tempting to take every dollar the government offers you in premium subsidies, you may regret it.  If your income increases during the year, the state expects you to report that change, and adjust your subsidy down (this is confirmed for Colorado, but I’m not sure about all states).  If you don’t, you will be expected to pay the overdue subsidy amount BACK when you reconcile your taxes that year.  You have the option to adjust your subsidy amount if you expect changes in the coming year, so be sure to plan ahead!

 

  1. 5.       Know your exposure.  In order to control costs, companies are getting creative with plan designs. Some of them have relatively low deductibles, but have higher out of pocket costs.  Get a plan that you know will fit your current medical expenses; and it’s also important to understand what your worst case out-of-pocket costs are. That number is what you will owe if something serious happens to your health. Be sure you are comfortable in your ability to cover that worst case out-of-pocket amount, not just the deductible.

 

  1. 6.       Consider using non-taxable funds first to increase subsidy amount.  If you’re near retirement, you may have some assets or potential income streams that you can access tax free.  If you’re close to the subsidy eligibility range, or looking to get a higher subsidy, take income from these kinds of accounts first.  They don’t count toward you MAGI (modified adjusted growth income) which determines your subsidy amount.  Examples include: Roth IRA’s, money from the sale of a house, personal savings, and cash value life insurance.

 

  1. 7.       Check your doctor.  Once again, companies are attempting to control costs, and one way to achieve this is by limiting the size of their networks.  You may have had a large network with your carrier in the past, but don’t assume that you doctor or preferred hospital are still going to be available under a plan through the exchange. If your doctor is not in the network of the plan you are considering, and you don’t want to change doctors, you should look for another plan.  

 

  1. 8.       Check your drugs.  The same goes for drugs.  Don’t assume your drug is covered by a company that previously covered it.  It might only be covered as a generic now, or will be covered at a different rate. Some companies are scaling back on expensive drug coverage, or forcing enrollees to try generic versions of drugs before covering brand name versions.  Ask your broker to check all of your drugs and dosages before you sign up.

 

  1. 9.       Know all of your options.  If you make more than 400% of poverty level (which is about 40% of the population) then you probably won’t be eligible for a subsidy.  You still have the option to shop on the exchange, but you don’t have to.  There are more companies and more plans available in the private market that you can shop as well.  Both on and off exchange plans will be available to you with no medical questions during the open enrollment period.

 

  1. 10.   Talk to a broker.  In Colorado, individuals working for the state exchange can help consumers navigate the website, and can answer many common questions.  They cannot, however, recommend a specific plan or company.  That’s where independent brokers take over.  Brokers can help you with all of the above obstacles, and help you find the plan that’s right for you.  There’s no extra charge to work with a broker, so you might as well get some extra help.

 

Colette Snyder is a licensed health and life insurance agent certified to sell state exchange health insurance plans in Colorado.  Colette and her mother, Jo-Ann Holst, are the owners of FUEL Financial, Inc. (Finances Understood, Empowerment Launched), an insurance and financial services company based in Lakewood Colorado.  Both Colette and Jo-Ann give public seminars on a wide range of financial topics including: Healthcare Reform, Social Security, Medicare and Planning for Retirement.

 

For help with health insurance enrollment in Colorado on or off the state exchange, or to view an upcoming classes by FUEL Financial, visit www.fuelfinancial.com, or call 720-287-5880.

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, Money Tips ·

November 2013 Calendar of Free Events

October 31, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

Art week

 

 

 

11/1  9am – 4pm  Scandinavian Christmas Fair

Sons of Norway Trollheim Lodge, 6610 West 14th Ave. Lakewood 80214

Scandinavian holiday fair with Scandinavian imports, butikken, food, craft vendors, rosemaling. Lunch served from 11:30-1:30

 

11/1  5 – 8pm  First Friday

Explore Denver’s creative neighborhoods on First Friday and find local art for as low as $52.80 at many participating galleries! Plus, there are more workshops, lectures and happenings scheduled during the week. Museums and galleries opening receptions from 5 to 8 p.m. with a free Museum District First Friday circulating trolley from Towne Place Suites by Marriott. Colorado Plein Air 2013 exhibit on the Denver Public Library, 7th floor gallery, November 13 through December 31, 2013.

www.gtmd.org

Art District on Santa Fe – Explore artistic expression in all forms, from photography, ceramics, music and dance, to gallery exhibits and live performances all week long starting with First Friday. Don’t miss the Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Museo de las Americas or the food trucks on 7th and 9th avenues!

Belmar Block 7 Art District – Explore artist-owned working studios, galleries and a photographic school during the First Friday Art Walk in Block 7, located in the Belmar City Center in Lakewood.

Golden Triangle Museum District – Visit the museums and galleries opening receptions from 5-8 p.m. with a free Museum District First Friday circulating trolley from TownePlace Suites by Marriott.

Navajo Street Art District – Stroll the district tucked away in the Lower Highlands area of Denver, home to amazing galleries, Day of the Dead exhibitions, great performance art and ample parking. It’s truly one of the best little neighborhoods in town to experience art!

Old South Gaylord & South Pearl – Take time to visit these two neighborhoods south of downtown Denver; both are home to many artists studios and galleries, along with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.

RiNo (River North Art District) – Explore more than 30 locations, including several galleries and studio spaces. See “Where art is made!” in Denver. Hop on the RiNo Safari Tour Bus for a VIP Art Safari Tour of 10 creative spaces, complete with receptions and a tour guide. Make reservations: $52.80 for two ($26.40 for one).

Tennyson Street Cultural District – 5280 Art Collectors’ Sale. Start your holiday shopping early and expand your art collection. Many galleries have art for sale starting at $52.80.

 

Denver Arts Week

11/1 – 9  With more than 100 events at dozens of museums, galleries and arts districts all over the Mile High City, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of Denver Arts Week.

http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/museum-art/arts-week-how-to

 

11/1  6-9 pm  Arts Street

1079 Osage St., Denver  80204 

Every first Friday of the month, Arts Street starts popping the kernels, chills the soda-pop, and picks a movie to be shown on our big screen projector for all members of the community to see.

http://arts-street.org/

 

11/1  9am  Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield 

8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton 80128

 

11/2   Night at the Museums

Denver’s best museums are open late and admission is FREE between 5 and 10 p.m. FREE shuttles make it easy to explore all evening!*

Shuttle buses will stop at or near museums listed below, beginning at 5 p.m. from the Denver Art Museum (parking available in the Cultural Complex Garage) and also from shuttle stop between the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Denver Zoo.

 

11/2  Black American West Museum

Experience history through re-enactors and video presentations.

 

11/2  Byers-Evans House Museum

1310 Bannock Street, Denver 80204

Explore one of the city’s most historic landmarks with free tours by expert guides sharing stories of life in the early 1900s.  Enjoy free first-floor tours of the Byers-Evans House Museum led by expertly trained guides.

 

11/2  The Cell

See this interactive museum that is dedicated to preventing terrorism through education, empowerment and engagement.

 

11/2  Children’s Museum of Denver

2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver

Explore the museum dedicated to helping children learn through play! (Adults must be accompanied by children at all Children’s Museum events.)

 

11/2  Clyfford Still Museum

1250 Bannock St., Denver

Clyfford Still Museum – View the special exhibition, Drawing/Painting/ Process, that delves into the relationship between Still’s works on paper and his paintings.

 

11/2  Denver Art Museum

100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver

Iconic artist Toulouse-Lautrec and a few of his friends elaborately dressed as Marie Antoinette will stop by the museum to mix and mingle from 5 to 9 p.m. The Bistro Bus and the Crepe Cart food trucks will also be on the plaza. Free general admission. A $3 discount off full price adult tickets to Passport to Paris when you enter the code DAW.

 

11/2  Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Extended hours and discounted admission to MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition. (Advance tickets required.) Free access to the permanent galleries including Expedition Health, Space Odyssey, Prehistoric Journey and Egyptian Mummies!

 

11/2  9am Denver Botanic Gardens

1007 York Street, Denver  80206

Special tours of Catalyst: Colorado Sculpture and special programming to highlight Mexican culture, including a performance by Danza Guadalupana.

 

11/2  Dinosaur Ridge

16831 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison 80465

Explore the Age of Dinosaurs with free hands-on activities, and, weather permitting, flashlight tours of the famous tracksite for $3 per person.

 

11/2    Night at the Four Mile House Museum

715 S. Forest Street, Denver 80246

Indulge in an evening at the Four Mile House Museum, along with special activities, as part of a city wide celebration of the arts, Denver Arts Week. 

 

11/2  Forney Museum of Transportation

4303 Brighton Blvd., Denver

Explore the museum specializing in antique cars, locomotives, buggies, bicycles, motorcycles and more. Featured exhibition: Vintage Ford F Series Pickups. Museum of Contemporary Art Denver –

Exhibition Celebration! See the newest exhibition, Pattern: Follow the Rules, and play in the Bubble Garden.

 

11/2  Four Mile Historic Park

Special activities for a fun evening at Four Mile Historic Park.

 

11/2  History Colorado Center

Spend your Night at the Museum at the History Colorado Center, where you can experience all of our unique exhibits after hours, and catch a special sneak-peak of our coming exhibition, Living West.

 

11/2  Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

1311 Pearl, Denver

Explore this treasure chest filled with 4,000 fine and decorative art objects. Take the 10th Anniversary challenge and win prizes. (Children under 13 years of age not admitted.)

 

11/2  Littleton Museum

Experience this Living History Farm of the 1860s costumed historical interpreters.

 

11/2  10am – 4pm  Longmont Museum – Day of the Dead Family Celebration

Longmont Museum and Cultural Center, 400 Quail Road, Longmont 80501

Colorado’s largest Day of the Dead celebration features live entertainment, sugar skull decorating, traditional food, community altars, new exhibit displays, paper flower making, Día de los Muertos face painting, and Lady Catrina

 

11/2  Chance To Dance at the McNichols Building

Before Night at the Museums, Denver Arts & Venues celebrates dance in all its forms on Nov. 2, 11 a.m.-6p.m. at the McNichols Building. Enjoy performances by some of Denver’s premier dance organizations, dance lessons, children’s activities and get your very own chance to dance.

 

11/2  Mizel Museum

400 S. Kearney Street, Denver 80224

View 4,000 Year Road Trip: Gathering Sparks, a dynamic exhibit that illuminates, narrates and celebrates Jewish history and culture.   

 

11/2  Molly Brown House Museum

1340 Pennsylvania, Denver

Commemorate the faithfully departed, Irish-style, with an All Souls Day Victorian Wake.

 www.mollybrown.org

 

11/2  Museo de las Americas 

861 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204

 

11/2  Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

1485 Delganey, Denver

Exhibition Celebration! See the newest exhibition, Pattern: Follow the Rules, and play in the Bubble Garden.

 

11/2  Museum of Outdoor Arts

Urban Abstract Sneak Peek, unique exhibition of encaustic and ceramic works at the Museum of Outdoor Art. (Opening reception, Nov. 9)

 

11/2  Night at the Museums in Golden

Astor House: Costumed guides will give tours and test your wits with Victorian parlor games

Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum: Due to the recent floods, the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum will not be able to participate in Night at the Museums. Learn more about this great attraction.

Golden History Center: Special hands-on tour through the new exhibit, Made in Golden.

Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum: Enjoy the creativity of Color Journey, a sightlines exhibit. 1213 Washington, Golden

 

11/2-9 11am & 2pm  Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities – Free Docent Tours

6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada   80003

Free Docent Tours in the three Galleries featuring our fall exhibitions: Earth Moves: Shifts in Ceramic Art & Design in the Main Gallery; Continuing Legacies: Evolving Ceramic Traditions in the Upper Gallery and Nuestra Cultura: Our People, Our Heritage in the Theater Gallery.  

 

11/3  Daylight Savings Ends – set your clocks back 1 hour

 

11/3  Boulder History Museum

1206 Euclid Avenue Boulder  80302

http://boulderhistory.org/

 

11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30  Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) 

1750 13th Street, Boulder  80302

http://www.bmoca.org/

 

11/4  9am – 5pm  MOA offers indoor galleries, studios and special events and programs. 

http://www.moaonline.org/HOME/tabid/36/Default.aspx

 

11/4, 11/15, 11/21  10am   Denver Zoo  

Denver Zoo 2300 Steele Street, Denver 80205

 

11/5 Election Day

 

11/6  7:30 pm  Lamont Concert – Lamont Wind Ensemble

Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver 80208

“Strike up the band.” The Lamont Wind Ensemble performs a varied concert of works by 20th and 21st Century composers.

 

11/7  7pm  One World Singers Community Open Sing

St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2201 Dexter St., Denver  80207

The OWS Community Open Sing welcomes all singers in reading through Glenn McClure’s Caribbean Christmas Mass. Choral score and warm ups provided. Reception following.  All welcomed to join in this evening of music making, even first-timers!

 

11/10  2pm  A Musical Salute: A Concert in Honor of Veteran’s Day

Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway, Denver   80202

Trinity United Methodist Church’s Chancel Chamber Choir, Flute Choir and Brass Ensemble present “A Musical Salute,” a concert in honor of Veteran’s Day featuring traditional and contemporary favorites from different points in America’s wartime history, such as the “P.O.W. Hymn,” “Salute to the Armed Forces,” and Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America.” Admission is free; a free-will offering will be taken to support Trinity’s Military Ministry.

 

11/11 Veteran’s Day/Remembrance Day

 

11/13, 11/15, 11/28, 11/30  Museum of Outdoor Arts

1000 Englewood Parkway Suite 2-230 Englewood  80110

 

11/9  7pm  Essential Music of the Holocaust: History and Hope 

Congreagation Bonai Shalom, 1527 Cherryvale Rd., Boulder 80303

Colorado Hebrew Chorale presents a free program in Boulder on the 75th anniversary of Krystallnacht.

 

 

 

11/15-17  Conscious Christmas Festival 2013

Friday 1pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am

BMSE

Denver Merchandise Mart, 451 e. 58th Ave., Ste. 4270, Denver 80216

Celebrate the season at a festival that gives back to the community! Find unique locally-sourced gifts. Marvel at the Christmas Tree Charity Forest where your donation to the charity represented doubles as a vote for best tree. Children create their own gifts in the Art Activities Area. Bring a toy to donate for free admission. Enjoy entertainment all weekend long!

 

11/16  11:00-11:45am Nature Adventures: an Interactive Experience

Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada  80004

Celebrate the wonders of nature with you child through short hikes, hands-on activities, crafts and books.  Dress for the weather as we may spend some time outside.  Third Saturday of the month, different topics each month.  Ages 4-6 and parents.  Must pre-register 720-898-7405

11/28  Thanksgiving

 

11/30  11am – 2pm  St. Nick on the Bricks

Pearl Street Mall, 1420 Pearl Street, Boulder 803000222

Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center. Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories.  

 

11/30  Olde Golden Christmas

Golden Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Arapahoe Street, between 12th and 13th Streets, Golden 80401

Experience small town, authentic holiday charm at Olde Golden Christmas in festive downtown Golden. A month long magical celebration featuring Victorian carolers, live reindeer, free horse drawn carriage rides, a dazzling lights display, barbershop quartets, free Newfoundland dog-pulled cart rides and plenty of free family fun.  You find Santa driving a motorcycle, the Grinch in a corvette and real cowboys astride their horses.

 

Thursdays  8am  Guided Hikes in Red Rock Canyon

Ridge Road and West High Street Colorado Springs 80904

Hike Red Rock Canyon the Pikes Peak region’s newest open space area. Red Rock Canyon marks the transition from plains to mountains with 300 million years of geologic history and vegetation and wildlife from several life zones. Hike grassy meadows and mountain shrub lands, pass through historic red rock quarries and along sandstone rock formations. Trails are mostly easy to moderate. Route, distance and time vary as new trails are opened. For the first few weeks allow 1 ½ hours. Tours begin from Red Rock Canyon parking lot on Ridge Road/High Street off of Highway 24. Guided hike length and start times will change later in the summer. For Reservations and directions call The Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

 

Monday – Friday  8:30am – 4:30pm  Money Museum

Federal Reserve Bank of KC – Denver Branch, 1020 16th Street, Denver 80202

The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City – Denver Branch offers a unique and up-close look at the nation’s financial system in action. Visitors can learn more about the Fed through our educational panels, view historical currency – including a real $100,000 dollar note! Guests can see what $30,000,000 dollars looks like, watch a movie and leave with a bag of free shredded currency!

Filed Under: Featured, The Free Events Calendar ·

October 2013 Calendar of Free Events

October 1, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

October 2013

10/1 4-8pm  Children’s Museum of Denver  

 2121 Children’s Museum Drive Denver, CO 80211

 

10/2 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26  Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art  

1750 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302  

http://www.bmoc​a.org/visit/

 

10/4  Four Mile Historic Park  

715 S. Forest Street, Denver 80246  

Travel back to 1859…for free! Enjoy a tour of the Four Mile House Museum – a Denver Landmark, panning for gold, and meeting our many farm-animals! On the first Friday of each month, Four Mile Historic Park is offering free general admission.

info@fourmilepa​rk.org

 

10/4  6-9 pm  Arts Street  

1079 Osage St., Denver, CO 80204  

Every first Friday of the month, Arts Street starts popping the kernels, chills the soda-pop, and picks a movie to be shown on our big screen projector for all members of the community to see.

 

10/5-6  10am-5pm  Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Historic Park

715 S. Forest Street, Denver 80246  

 There will be a very exciting county fair area where you can rummage through our costume bank and take an ‘old-timey’ photo in front of the Four Mile House, enter a pie eating contest or win something yummy in an old-fashioned cake walk. Of course, all the favorites are back too! Find the perfect pumpkin in the patch, create your very own scarecrow, listen and dance to old time music, play historic games or make a historic craft. There will be plenty of food available including homemade caramel apples and other goodies. Be sure to visit the mountain men and Native American encampment, take a horse-drawn ride and tour Four Mile House, Denver’s oldest standing structure, as the Booth family prepares for the harvest.

info@fourmilepa​rk.org, www.FourMileHis​toricPark.org

 

10/5 1:30-2:30pm  Wild, Weird and Wacky

Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison Street, Arvada

The world is filled with strange and wonderful creatures! Come learn about a few of the weirder members of the animal kingdom, and more importantly, how being unique can be a great thing! Led by Charlotte Sandkuhler, Environmental Educator. Ages 4-10.  Pre-register.

 

10/5  Denver Art Museum  

Denver Art Museum

 

10/6  Boulder History Museum  

1206 Euclid Avenue Boulder 80302  

http://boulderh​istory.org/

 

10/6 10am-4pm  Schweiger Ranch Fall Festival

Schweiger Ranch, 10822 S. Valley Hwy., Lone Tree 80124

Come and join us for Lone Tree’s annual Schweiger Ranch Fall Festival. Pick out your favorite pumpkin in our pumpkin patch or take a hay wagon ride provided by Colorado Carriage Company. The Paul Glover Trio will be providing entertainment throughout the day, so be sure to stop by and listen! Event is free and open to the public, all are Welcome!

 

10/6  Denver Museum of Nature and Science   

 

10/7  Denver Botanic Gardens

 

10/7  7-9pm  Boulder International Fringe Festival – community performance

Previews of upcoming Performing Arts events! Your chance to get a glimpse of what’s going on in our bustling little town. • BIG TIME! “Wild-Card” performances! Available to local performers on a first come, first serve basis on the night of the event. Come at 6:30 to sign up! • Musical stylings by the BIG TIME! House Band! http://www.boul​derfringe.com/b​ig-time/

 

10/9  10/11  10/15  10/28  Hudson Gardens   

6115 south Santa Fe Drive, Littleton 80120

The Hudson Gardens & Event Center is open from 9 to 5 daily, year-round. Our Gift shop is open from 10 AM to 3 PM daily, Monday through Saturday from November through April. (The Gift Shop is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day). Admission to The Gardens is FREE http://www.huds​ongardens.org/c​ontent/hoursand​prices.php

 

 

10/9  10/12  10/18  10/24  10/26  MOA – Museum of Outdoor Arts

Indoor Gallery Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-5 Fri 9-4 Sat 11-4

1000 Englewood Parkway Suite 2-230 Englewood  80110

MOA offers indoor galleries, studios and special events and programs.

http://www.moao​nline.org/HOME/​tabid/36/Defaul​t.aspx

 

10/10  10/16  9am-4pm  Aurora History Museum  

15051 E. Alameda Parkway Aurora  80012

The only public, FREE museum in Aurora, Colorado, the Aurora History Museum is a community-based cultural center featuring changing history, natural history, culture, fine and decorative arts exhibits and programs.  

https://www.aur​oragov.org/Thin​gsToDo/ArtsandC​ulture/Museum/i​ndex.htm

 

10/12  Denver Firefighters Museum  

1326 Tremont Place, Denver  80204

Free day with kids educational activities for Fire Safety Week.

http://www.denv​erfirefightersm​useum.org/

 

10/12 8am-12pm   Annual Shred-a-thon

Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada

The Arvada Police Department invites residents to protect their identity and personal information by taking part in the annual Shred-A-Thon.

Arvada Police partners with Shred-it to safely destroy documents containing personal information. Resident and businesses can bring up to three boxes or three bags of documents. Items recommended for shredding are:

-          Credit Card Statements

-          Bank Statements

-          Tax Forms

-          Medical Statements

-          Other items containing personal information

The event is free, but donations are welcomed. Proceeds from the Shred-A-Thon will benefit the W. Michael Northey Foundation, which provides scholarships to local high school students who want to pursue a higher education degree. 

 

10/12 9am  Fall Arvada Hike Adventure with Councilmember Mark McGoff

Join Councilmember Mark McGoff for this very scenic hike right here in Arvada. Share conversation, enjoy the outdoors, and deepen your appreciation for Arvada’s natural treasures! Please bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and wear hiking footwear; each hike is several miles long.

Meet at Westwoods Park, west side of 70th and Quaker. The hike will be west on Ralston Creek Trail, south under 64th Avenue on Blunn Trail to Van Bibber Trail.

 

10/12 10am-2pm  Fall Fun at the Festival of Scarecrows!

Olde Town Arvada

 The traditional Scarecrow Contest – Scarecrows of all shapes, sizes and costumes will be scattered all over Olde Town. Everyone can vote on their favorites with prizes given to the best in several categories. Businesses, community organizations and individuals can enter their creations by calling HOTA at 303-420-6100 or visiting www.historicarvada.org.

Four new activities this year:

  • Pumpkin seed spitting into a bucket with three age categories and prizes
  • Pumpkin pie eating with three categories and prizes
  • Potato sack and 3-legged races with three age categories
  • Pumpkin dish cooking contest. Enter your favorite pumpkin dish (no pumpkin pies, please) and win a prize. Dish will be judged on by taste and originality. Bring dish in a disposable container or if in a container you want back it must be picked up by 2pm. Limit 3 entries per person. You do not need to pre-register.

Decorated Pumpkin Contest – Decorate a pumpkin. Prizes will be given in several categories. Download your entry form under related links.    

Kiddie Costume Parade – Led by Brewster, the Giant Green Dinosaur provided by Coors Credit Union.

Kiddie Cone Maze – Bring a canned food item to donate to the Arvada Community Food Bank.

Pumpkin Patch – Pumpkins for sale with cash proceeds benefiting the Arvada Community Food Bank.

Giant Pumpkin Contest – The Arvada Gardeners feature this annual contest of mighty pumpkins grown by adults and kids with prizes in several categories.     

Other Festival favorites include hayrides, alpacas; face painters; adult and kid’s games.

Community vendors including food trucks and food vendors, lively DJ music.

Recycle and compostable tents available.

Ride your bike and lock it up in a secure bike corral.

 

10/12  Longmont Museum  

400 Quail Road Longmont, CO 80501  

http://www.ci.l​ongmont.co.us/m​useum

 

10/4  5pm  Museo de las Americas

861 Santa Fe Drive, Denver 80204

Joining the many diverse art galleries and museums that make up the Santa Fe Arts District, Museo de las Americas opens its doors to visitors on the first Friday of each month free of charge. Art-walkers along Santa Fe  

 

10/5 10am  Columbus Day Parade

http://www.columbusdayparade.org/index.php/parade-route

 

 

10/12  11am – 4pm  Denver Pagan Pride Day

Civic Center Park  Broadway and Colfax, Denver 80203

Come out and have a blast at Denver Pagan Pride Day! Free and open to the public, this event includes music, food, unique arts and crafts vendors, psychics, dancers, activities for the kids, Pagan-themed workshops, rituals, and more. Come join us for a fun time in the park! Everyone is welcome!

 

10/12  10am – 5pm  Burros – Pioneers of Colorado

12th Avenue and Broadway, Denver 80203

Ever wonder what a burro feels like? Radar (Colorado Bureau of Land Management’s mascot) and “Jenny Doe” will help you learn about burros and explore their contribution to Colorado history. Come and find out how you can help and adopt a piece of history. Free event. Activities for all ages.

 

10/14  Columbus Day

 

10/19  11:00-11:45 am Nature Adventures: an Interactive Experience

 Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada  80004

Celebrate the wonders of nature with you child through short hikes, hands-on activities, crafts and books.  Dress for the weather as we may spend some time outside.  Third Saturday of the month, different topics each month.  Ages 4-6 and parents.  Must pre-register 720-898-7405

 

10/19  1-4pm  The Meadows PumpkinFest

The Grange, 3692 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 80109

The Meadows PumpkinFest is held in the field behind The Grange on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. This fun, free, fall event includes horse-drawn carriage rides, live music from the Wild Blue Country Airforce Band, opportunity to make-a-scarecrow, photo opportunities with real live bulls, petting zoo, a costume parade for kids and dogs, crafts, kiddie trains, concessions for purchase and of course, pumpkins! Kids and dogs, be sure to come wearing a costume for the parade starting at 1:15 p.m. and trick-or-treating! All Meadows Residents will receive a free pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, one per household, while supplies last. Non-Residents can purchase pumpkins for $3 each if desired.

 

10/26  5:00-8:30 pm  Annual Recreation Center Halloween Carnival

Englewood Recreation Center, 1155 W. Oxford Ave., Englewood

Grab your costume and head to the Englewood Recreation Center’s Annual Halloween Carnival! The carnival will feature games, inflatables, concessions, and more. Admission to the carnival is free. Game tickets will be sold for 25¢ each.

 

10/26  4-6 pm  Trunk or Treat

Wheat Ridge School Parking Lot, 7085 W. 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge 80033

Trick or treating in safe area for kids with participation from firefighters and police officers. Cars and trucks decorated with candy being distributed to the kids.

 

 

10/31 Halloween

 

10/31  4:30pm  Halloween Walk

Bring your costumed goblins Downtown Evergreen for safe and fun trick or treating. Visit the businesses on Main Street in Downtown Evergreen from 4:30pm-6:30pm for a spooky good time.

 

10/31 2-5pm   Trick or Treat Street

Festival Park, Castle Rock This annual event is hosted in partnership between the Town and the Downtown Alliance and is fun for the whole family.  It will feature a costume contest, pumpkins, activities and trick-or-treating at Downtown businesses.

Filed Under: The Free Events Calendar · Tagged:

Free Financial Seminars

September 3, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

9/11  6-7:30pm Wednesday  Social Security Untangled

1st Bank Building of Belmar, 550 S. Wadsworth, Lakewood 80226

do you have some questions about Social Security? Such as:  When should I start taking my benefit?  How do I maximize my benefit?  Am I eligible for a benefit from a former spouse?  What is the “file and suspend” strategy?  How do I fill the income gaps?  Come get your questions answered.  You can sleep well at night knowing you are getting all the money you earned!

9/16 6-7:15pm Monday  Retirement 101

Columbine Library, 7706 W. Bowels Ave., Littleton 80123

Are you wondering “Where do I even be3gin to plan for the financial future?”  You are not alone!  In this class, we start with building a budget (get your own free My Budget Spreadsheet), setting attainable goals, cutting back on spending, and learning about the ins and outs of saving strategies available today.  We will cover the basics of retirement planning and today’s options.

9/17 6-7:15pm Tuesday Retirement for 50 Plus

Columbine Library, 7706 W. Bowels Ave., Littleton 80123

This class is for individuals getting closer to retirement, considering income streams and long-term care coverage.  We will cover 401k rollovers, Roth vs. traditional IRAs, managed accounts and much more.  Find out how to safeguard your retirement savings and have guaranteed income for the rest of your life.

Filed Under: Featured ·
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