Weekender

Sweet, glorious three day weekend - how happy I am to see you! (Ok, the coming close of Summer signaled by Labor Day is a bit bittersweet - but I find myself ready for the cozy clothes, hot toddies, and comfort food that comes with Fall, so bring it on...)
A three day weekend is like a tiny vacation, a beautiful break - and a perfect excuse to get out and about and explore your own back yard.  So what's fun and frugal this weekend in the Mile High City?
9/3- It's First Friday in Denver's Art Districts, and what a beautiful evening it is going to be for it!
This article is From Denver Arts Week, but it lists the different districts that host First Friday events, so pick a new area to explore and head out this evening for art and enjoyment.
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9/3 - The Fancy Tiger hosts a Denver Made show on Friday evening, this time featuring Becky's Buttons and Things, from 7pm-10pm.  The free event gives local designers a chance to show off their creations while patrons enjoy free locally provided libations and music.  For more info about the designer or the show, check here.
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9/3- 9/6 -  The big bookend festival marking the close of the summer season, A Taste of Colorado takes over Civic Center Park and the surrounding area for the entire 3 day weekend.  Though the food prices may seem a bit high (you buy tickets and use those at the booths to purchase your tastes,) the amount of free entertainment to be had is staggering!  Free music (including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Four Tops, and even Bret Michaels, among others,) a kids entertainment stage, free craft projects for the kiddos, an area to pan for gold and dig for fossils, and even a tent where you can check the scores of whatever game you aren't watching while you are having fun in the sun!  There are also discounted ride wristbands available from 10:30am-3:00 pm (good until 5pm) for those who like to keep their TOC fun in the daylight hours. Get all the info you need here.  *Note, if you aren't heading for the TOC, avoiding this area and the street closures that go with it - and Sports Authority's Sniagrab sale in that area for that matter, is a very good idea!)
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9/4 - Home Depot has a Kids Workshop this Saturday, and this time around the kiddos can make a Football display (as in, a holder for a special football. Training camp autographs, anyone?) Go here for more info and to find a location near you.  Walk in workshops start at 9am and run through noon at Home Depot locations.
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9/4 - If it's the first Saturday of the month, it is a free day at the Denver Art Museum!!  All of the NON-TICKETED exhibits are free all day, with admission tickets available begining at the Museum begining at 10am!  Check out the DAM website for all the details.
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9/4 - Working With Artists presents another in its free series of "Talks on Photography" this Saturday from 1pm-4pm at the Red Line Gallery (2350 Arapahoe, Denver.) The topic this time around will be Beauty and Art: Its Impact on the Mind.  Go to their website for more info, or RSVP by calling 303-837-1341.
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9/5 - Sunday Belmar hosts "The Market at Belmar" - an outdoor market featuring Colorado Vendors, Chef Demonstrations, and this week, an Apple Pie contest! (How American can ya get?) The Market runs from 10am-2pm. Go here for info and directions.
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Every Weekend:

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 - 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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Saturdays- Amendment XXI in LoHi does free wine tastings every Saturday from 3pm-7pm. You can go here to get directions and subscribe to their mailing list so you can get info on upcoming tasting selections.
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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.

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Farmer's Markets:
Denver Urban Homesteading's Market -Saturdays 9am-2pm. (The DUH farmer's market is 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