Things to do in Denver When You're Dead Broke

February FREE Days Around Denver February 2012

2012-01-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

February FREE Days at Denver museums and attractions are as follows:

Chatfield Botanic Gardens will offer FREE admission on February 3
Denver Art Museum FREE on Feb. 4
Visit the Denver Zoo for FREE on February 5, February 6, February 16.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science will offer FREE admission on Feb. 27.
Denver Botanic Gardens Feb. 20
The Mizel Museum on Feb. 29.

Tuesday Lunch for $3 at Sunflower Market

2012-01-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Looking for an inexpensive lunch in South Denver? On Tuesday Jan. 31 it is Grilled Cheese Tuesday at Sunflower Market, 2880 S. Colorado Blvd, which translates into a grilled cheese and a cup of soup for $3. That's a pretty good deal in my book. It always pays to check Sunflower's event listings, because their classes and deals are second to none.

Check here for a Sunflower Market near you, monthly event calendar and sales flyers.

FREE Day Denver Museum Nature and Science Jan. 30

2012-01-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 30 is a FREE day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Don't forget to bring your Colorado ID for FREE admission. 2001 Colorado Blvd. Denver.

Penny Chenery, Secretariat's Owner, Celebrates 90th Birthday in Denver

2012-01-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

Penny Chenery, the first lady of thoroughbred horse racing and the owner of the great champion horses Secretariat and Riva Ridge, celebrated her 90th birthday Jan. 27 in Denver. What a celebration!

Mrs. Chenery in 2010

In addition to being the star of a 2010 Disney film Secretariat, or Big Red as his fans like to call him, won the coveted Triple Crown with a 31-length victory in the Belmont Stakes in 1973. Watch his amazing victory, and see Mrs. Chenery's gleeful reaction to the race's finish here. The mighty-strided Secretariat set U.S. racing records that remain today, and although he died in 1989 he continues to be an equine icon to horse lovers around the world.

Mrs. Chenery was one of the first women to hold a high profile in the tough sport of horse racing, a legend in her own right. She was portrayed by actress Diane Lane in the Disney family film, "Secretariat."

Mrs. Chenery lives in Boulder. Her family has longtime ties to Denver and she even rode to hounds with our own Arapahoe Hunt, back in the day.


Mrs. Chenery, trainer Lucien Laurin and Big Red

Here's another Colorado connection for Secretariat fans: Mrs. Chenery's other Kentucky Derby winner (1972) and Hall of Fame champion, the imposing stallion Riva Ridge, shares his name with a ski run in Vail.

The horse was named by Chenery's brother-in-law, John Tweedy, a soldier in the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, who fought in 1945 at the fierce battle at Riva Ridge in the North Apennine mountains of Italy. Another soldier in the 10th Mountain Division, Pete Seibert, founded Vail resort in 1962 and promptly named one of the resort's more notorious ski runs Riva Ridge.

Riva Ridge

And just so you know, it wasn't Secretariat that saved Chenery's stable, a bit of fiction perpetuated by the Disney movie "Secretariat." It was, indeed, the great Riva Ridge who saved the Chenery farm by winning the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, and setting numerous U.S. track records. "I have the greatest admiration for Secretariat, but I love Riva Ridge,” Mrs. Chenery has admitted. In private, her nickname for him was Golden Boy. A book about Riva's career currently is in the works.

Happy Birthday Mrs. Chenery! If you would like to send her a birthday greeting, go here. More on her birthday celebration, Secretariat and Riva Ridge, here.

FREE Chinese New Year Celebration Sunday Jan. 29

2012-01-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

There are many Chinese New Year celebrations around Denver, but we consider the best to be the FREE lion dances performed by the Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association at the Far East Center, at Federal and Alameda. Show is Sunday Jan. 29, noon. More info here. These are LOUD shows with plenty of firecrackers and great gymnastics.

Our tips? Wear red, the color of the New Year. Make sure you get there early (333 S. Federal) but don't even try to park in the Far East Center lot. You will have to find neighborhood street parking, and it is crowded, so be prepared to hoof it. Also you want plenty of time to peruse the fun Far East Center shops and pick up your basic Feng Shui accessories, dragon figurines or delicious teas. There are plenty of restaurants, but if you're low on funds be sure to hit the affordable and amazingly delish Celestial Bakery. (Cash only for anything below $5 but they take credit cards for anything above that amount. bakery.) Try the Cha Siu Bao (barbecue pork buns) or their highly addictive sesame balls stuffed with red bean paste.

Woody Guthrie Celebrated at FREE Jan. 28 Concert

2012-01-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

It has been 100 years since Woody Guthrie was born, and to mark the date author and singer, Daniel Blegen will perform some of Woody's greatest hits in in Hard Travelin'--An Afternoon with Woody Guthrie. The performance is sheduled for Littleton's Bemis Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 2-3PM. Catch more than a dozen of Woody's songs, including Hard Travelin', Roll on Columbia, Union Maid, and This Land is Your Land. Blegen will also talk about the life of Woody Guthrie, who roamed the country in the 1930's, connecting with America and its working people.

FREE African American Spiritual Concert Jan. 28

2012-01-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Jan. 28 catch the power and passion of African American spirituals with the Spirituals Project Choir, a 70-voice multiethnic, multi-generational choir presenting dynamic choral arrangements of African-American spirituals.This performance, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, and Carry Us Home, is FREE and open to the public as a part of the St. James Presbyterian concert series. Concert begins at 7PM, at Saint James Presbyterian Church,3601 W. Belleview Ave. Littleton

Organ Concert at St. John's Cathedral Jan. 27

2012-01-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

St. John's Cathedral will offer a organ concert by organist Lyn Loewi, starting at 7:30PM on Friday Jan. 27. No admission price per se, but the cathedral is asking for freewill offerings, so pay what you can. 1350 Washington St., Denver.

Postage Hikes in Effect

2012-01-24T09:35:00.002-07:00

Don't forget the cost of a first-class stamp has now increased by one penny to 45 cents, and the cost of mailing a postcard will increase to 32 cents, a 3-cent increase. Go HERE to read more about the postal service increases.

FREE Jazz at the Mercury Cafe

2012-01-24T09:00:00.001-07:00

We met a bunch of friends at the Mercury Cafe the other night and had a blast. Don't forget that this classic Denver joint sometimes offers FREE jazz on Tuesday nights, including tonight. Shows start at 9:30PM and tonight, Jan. 24, you can catch the hot sounds of Danette Hollowell and Old Soulz. Other dates:
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. Trust Jazz;
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 9:30 p.m. Danette Hallowell & Old Soulz.
Food and drink can be purchased. 2199 California Street. Denver

Scan the Skies at Chamberlin Observatory

2012-01-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the middle of a massive solar storm, so what better time to check out DU's Historic Chamberlin Observatory? Watch a multi-media astronomy presentation and enjoy telescopic views (weather permitting) of the moon, stars, planets and galaxies. Just about every Tuesday and Thursday nights. Reservations recommended. Adults $3 and kids $2.

FREE Concert at DU Wed. Jan. 25

2012-01-24T08:46:00.002-07:00

Head over to DU's Gates Concert Hall for a FREE Lamont School of Music Concert on Weds. Jan. 25. Dr. Joseph Martin, conductor. Featuring guest artist Vincent Di Martino on trumpet. FREE admission. No tickets necessary. FREE parking. Newman Center for the Performing Arts,2344 E. Iliff Ave.

FREE Day at Molly Brown Museum Jan. 25

2012-01-24T08:41:00.005-07:00

Wednesday Jan. 25 is a FREE day at the Molly Brown House Museum. This is a great opportunity to visit the opulent (and haunted) home, built in 1889. Even better, the museum has a special exhibit marking the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, and home girl Molly's role in the tragedy. 1340 Pennsylvania St. Denver.

$1.50 Taco Tuesday at Cafe Rio

2012-01-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Tuesday is Taco Tuesday at the Cafe Rio Mexican Grill. Get your choice of pork, chicken or beef tacos for a mere $1.50 each (reg $5.25 each -- must be some taco!). Deal runs from 3-9PM. 610 S. Colorado Blvd., Glendale, 720-389-3400

Organ Concert at St. John's Episcopal in Denver

2012-01-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

There will be an organ concert at St. John's Episcopal Cathedral in Denver, at 7:30PM on Friday Jan. 20. More info here. Cost of admission: Freewill offering.

Denver's Sante Fe Art District Thirday Friday Jan. 20

2012-01-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

If you've been to one of the First Friday art district nights, you know how they can be great fun, great people watching but oh-too-crowded. We have a solution: Check out Third Friday on Friday, Jan. 20 at the Art District on Santa Fe, FREE! Between Alameda Ave. to 12th Ave. on Santa Fe Drive there will be some 20 galleries open for perusal. And because the event is more laid back than First Friday, you have a better chance to enjoy the art, plus food, wine and music. Even parking will be better. We promise. Enjoy!

FREE Chamber Music Concert Jan. 21

2012-01-17T14:30:00.002-07:00

In a chamber music frame of mind? Keep in mind that adult amateur musicians are invited to perform at informal Colorado Chamber Music Society FREE concerts, held the third Saturday of the month (that will be Jan. 21 at 2PM. No formal audition necessary. The Decker Branch Library, 1501 S. Logan St.. Call Grant Garlinghouse, 303-972-1170, to register if you are a musician.

Denver Celebrates Chinese New Year 2012

2012-01-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Monday Jan. 23 is the first day of the Chinese New Year, the year of the Dragon, in the year 4710. There are many Chinese New Year celebrations around Denver, but we consider the best to be the FREE lion dances performed by the Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association at the Far East Center, at Federal and Alameda. Shows are Saturday Jan. 28 noon, 2:30PM and 3PM and Sunday Jan. 29, noon. More info here. These are LOUD shows with plenty of firecrackers and great gymnastics. Check here for other Shaolin Hung Mei holiday peformances around town.

Our tips? Wear red, the color of the New Year. Make sure you get there early (333 S. Federal) but don't even try to park in the Far East Center lot. You will have to find neighborhood street parking, and it is crowded, so be prepared to hoof it. Also you need plenty of time to peruse the fun Far East Center shops and pick up your basic Feng Shui accessories, dragon figurines or delicious teas. There are plenty of restaurants, but if you're low on funds be sure to hit the affordable and amazingly delish Celestial Bakery. (Cash only for anything below $5 but they take credit cards for anything above that amount. bakery.) Try the Cha Siu Bao (barbecue pork buns) or their highly addictive sesame balls stuffed with red bean paste.

There are a lot of family-centric Chinese New Year's celebrations around town, and here are the Denver Post's listings. And here is a website detailing more about the holiday and its traditions.

Another affordable way to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Denver? The second day of the Chinese New Year is considered the birthday of all dogs, so I see it as a great excuse to throw your pooch a party. Perhaps an extra visit to Wash Park or a few extra belly rubs for the dog, along with a bottle of wine. Well, I guess you'll have to drink the wine. See? It all works out. Happy New Year!

Remember, the year of the Dragon should be a year for great deeds, innovative ideas and big projects. The dragon is believed to suppress the wrong doers of society, thereby bringing peace and prosperity to the community. It is considered an advantageous time to begin new business and social projects.

People born in the year of the dragon are vibrant and enthusiastic. They are generous and have many friends. The dragon is a symbol of strength and energy. It is not a domestic animal and cannot be tamed easily, so peeps born in the dragon year will love outdoor activities and are good risk takers. They are not good at taking orders and can be stubborn.

Hypnotize Your Date at Denver Comedy Works Jan. 18-22

2012-01-17T13:14:00.002-07:00

Denver 2-for-1 Tix is offering affordable tickets to comedian/hypnotist Flip Orley's shows that run at the Comedy Works (Denver Tech Center) between Weds. Jan. 18 and Sunday Jan. 22. That's between $15-$23 dollars for two people, depending on the show. There are more than one show per day, so check out the schedule.

Weds. Jan 18 FREE Day Denver Zoo

2012-01-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

Denver Zoo is offering a FREE on Weds. Jan. 18 from 10AM-4PM. 23rd & Steele north of City Park.

Curious Theatre-DPL Give Voice to Iraq Veterans Jan. 31

2012-01-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 6PM check out "Voices From the Front Lines" at the Denver Public Library. Curious Theatre Company partners with Stories on Stage and Lighthouse Writers Workshop to present stories written by Iraq veterans. Selections from Stories on Stage's Veteran Affairs will be performed by Timothy McCracken and Curious Theatre Company member Mare Trevathan; followed by readings from Lighthouse Writers Workshop, performed by Curious Theatre Company actors. FREE but you need to register here. Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center.

Jan. 16 FREE Day at Denver Botanic Gardens

2012-01-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

Monday, Jan. 16 is a FREE Day at Denver Botanic Gardens, 10AM-5PM. 1007 York.

Clean Underwear for All if Denver Goes to Super Bowl!

2012-01-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

If the Donkeys make it all the way to the Super Bowl, underwear manufacturer Jockey International will give away $1 Million dollars worth of underwear to fans, with one winner to taking home $15,000 in cash. Another 40,000 entrants will each receive a $25 Jockey gift card. Bronco QB Tim Tebow has an endorsement deal with Jockey (as well as Nike and EA Sports). See the above link for details of the contest.

Martin Luther KingJr. Day Festivities Jan. 16

2012-01-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

King giving a lecture on March 26, 1964

On Monday, Jan. 16 there will be commemorative ceremonies at City Park at 10Am, and a walk to Civic Center Park starting after the ceremonies, at 10:45AM.

Remember, post office public schools, & most city, state & federal offices closed.

Denver Firefighters Museum FREE Jan. 14

2012-01-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

The Denver Firefighter's Museum is offering FREE admission on Saturday Jan. 14. 10AM-4PM. 1326 Tremont Place, Denver.