Weekender

8/13 - Sounds of the Southlands kicks off the weekend at 6p.m. Friday with a concert by Soul School, who play a wide variety of music that the whole family will enjoy - so grab your blanket and head on over to Southlands. Directions and information here.
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8/13 - Ice Cube Gallery on Walnut has two new solo shows opening: Light Works by Sophia Dixon Dillo, and Summer Light – New Works of Paper from 2010 by Ray Tomasso. A reception is being given in honor of the artists Friday evening from 5-9p.m. See the gallery website for more information about the works and the reception.
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8/13 - Now every time I go to Highlands Ranch, I get stuck for at least 45 minutes trying to find my way out. I believe that the town actually conspires to trap city-dwellers until they get exhausted and just decide to buy a house and stay there. (But that is just a theory.) HOWEVER, for a chance to watch Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs on a big screen under the suburban stars, I might just try my luck again. The movie is being shown at Civic Green Park and starts at dusk (they say around 8:15.) Get directions and info here.
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8/13-8/15-It's a free admission weekend at all National Parks all across America! So pick your park, pack up the fam, and head out to enjoy some nature and history. Go here for more details and a list of parks.
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8/14- Lowes is having a Build and Grow Clinic on Saturday, and this time around the little ones can build a free bug box for observing all the creepy crawlies they find on their late summer adventures. Go here for locations and more information.
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8/14 - This week's Blockbuster Movie in The Park is Hook, and once again the fun is at Skyline Park downtown. So load everyone into the car, pack up the blankies and beverages, and head for the city for Free snacks galore and a great family movie outing! Get the lowdown here.
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Fairs This weekend:

Jefferson County - Info here

Delta County - call (970) 872-2161

Lincoln County - Info here

Arkansas Valley - Info here

LaPlata County - Info here

Routt County - Info here

County Fairs aren't usually free, but they are still an inexpensive way to entertain the family (and my favorite thing about summer when I was "Little Keri")
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Every Weekend:
Fridays - Downtown and itching to get out for a little sneak peak of the weekend and soak up some sun? Head for Skyline Park for their concert series each Friday from noon - 1:15. Check out the line-up here.
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Fridays - Same old Friday night Happy Hour got ya down? Looking for a healthy way to unwind and get your weekend started? YOU GOT IT! Thanks to Luluemon stores (like our location in Cherry Creek) who offer free Friday evening yoga events each week! Here is the info for this week's class. (oh look, there IS wine and chat afterwards. In yoga AND in life, balance is important.) There are locations in Boulder and Lone Tree as well, see the website for details.
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Fridays -Friday Night Live at Tony's Market Bistro is a fabulous way to enjoy some VERY reasonably priced drinks along with live music from 6p.m.-9p.m. Friday evening, and their rotating list of happy hour bites is always a step above your normal bar nosh! See here for current info.
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Fridays - If you are in Boulder and itching to kick off your weekend a little early, grab your lunch and head for the 1300 block of the Pearl St Mall to catch some free music in the sun. Bands start at Noon each Friday. Find out who is performing and get more info here.
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Fridays - In Boulder, but chained to that desk until quittin' time? Well get the weekend going with F.A.C. at the Millennium Harvest House this afternoon! Live music starts at 5:30 and the atmosphere is 100% family friendly (even your well behaved pooch can join in the fun!). Get all the info here, and get ready to soak up some sun and enjoy some music in Harvest House's gardens this summer!
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Fridays - Louisville hosts its Downtown Street Faire (that is how THEY spell it) each Friday evening from 5p.m. - 9p.m. with live music and family activities (food and drink available at a cost, so maybe pack a basket?) See the website for all the details.
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Sundays- The Denver Cruisers have expanded their schedule of bike rides this summer to include not only their themed Wednesday rides, but also Sunday Funday Rides. These are not themed, just a chance for a relaxing bike ride with other folks who love bikes on Sunday afternoons. The rides start at 2pm at the Great Divide Tap Room (22 and Arapahoe) - find more info here.

Farmer's Markets:
Denver Urban Homesteading's Market -Saturdays 9am-2pm. (The DUH farmer's market is now also open Wed, Thur, Fri 1-6, too!)
Cherry Creek Farmers' Market - Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Wednesdays 9a.m.-1p.m.)
Boulder County Farmers' Market - Saturdays 8a.m.-2p.m.
Southwest Plaza - Saturdays 8a.m.-2p.m.
Southlands - Saturdays 8a.m. - 1p.m.
Old South Pearl - Sundays from 9a.m.-1p.m
Highlands Ranch - Sundays 10a.m.-2p.m.
City Park Esplanade Farmers' Market - Sundays 8:30a.m.-12:30p.m.
Stapleton Farmers' Market - Sundays 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Orchard Town Center (Broomfield) Market - Sundays 10a.m.-3p.m.

Still searching for the perfect fun and frugal weekend activities?
Try these sites:
Denver365 Free Events page
Tattered Cover Bookstore Events
Denver Public Library Events

Be sure to leave any Hot Tips that you have for activities this weekend in the comments section, and as always, if you have an upcoming event you would like listed in The Weekender (or any other tips for DiD,) email the details to :Keri@ItsTheAltitudeDenver.com