Things to do in Denver When You're Dead Broke

World Spay/Neuter Day Feb. 25 -- FREE Pet Neuter/Spay Available

2014-02-13T11:32:00.001-07:00

In honor of World Spay Day on Feb. 25, Animal Clinics are offering FREE spay/neuter services across Denver and Colorado. Denver Dumb Friends, Downtown Animal Care Foundation, Planned Pethood, Foothills Animal Shelter, Spay Today and many others are participating. Check World Spay Day website to learn who is doing what and dates, which vary by agency. Some are cats only, some include other types of pets.

Tax Day Freebies Galore!

2013-04-11T12:05:00.002-06:00

Don't forget to file your taxes by Monday April 15 2013 and don't forget to get your Tax Day freebies. According to to the The website Dealnews.com there are a ton of freebies to take the sting out of paying Uncle Sam. Here are some of the deals they list:

Arby’s is giving away value-sized curly fries or a small order of potato cakes with a printable coupon.
Cinnabon is offering two free Cinnabon Bites.
Schlotzsky’s is giving away the original small sandwich with the purchase of a 32-ounce drink and chips.
7-Eleven is providing a medium Slurpee for free when you text “Slurp7″ to “711711″ (ends April 30).
The Melting Pot is giving away a second portion of cheese fondue when you buy one portion.
Subway’s deal: Buy one 6-inch sandwich before 9 a.m., get a second one for free (ends April 30).
Chili’s is giving you a free appetizer or dessert when you “like” its Facebook page.
AMC Theaters is giving away popcorn from Friday, April 12, through Monday, April 15.
Great American Cookies is offering a free birthday cake cookie.
Pinkberry is giving away Pinkberrygreek yogurt from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday until April 24.
Panda Express is giving away a free Samurai surf & turf entree on April 17, the Wednesday after tax day,with this coupon.

Other stores, like Office Depot, are also offering deals: Free document shredding up to five pounds until May 1.

Denver's Biggest Garage Sale March 22-23 2013

2013-03-13T13:30:00.001-06:00

Denver's biggest and baddest garage sales takes place Friday, March 22, 2013 7AM-4PM and Saturday March 23, 2013 from 8AM- 4PM at the Jeffco Action Center's annual Beautiful Junk Sale. With most items priced at under $10, you will be dazzled by 10,500 square feet of jewelry, collectibles, vintage odds and ends, a vast array of household items, holiday decor, kitchen gadgets and much, much more.

General admission is $3 for everyone 16 and older. Bring two or more canned goods (food donations) and receive $1 off of admission!

For those of you who just can’t wait and would like to be the first in the door, enjoy the special Early Bird Shopping event that takes place between 7:00 am and 8:30 am on Friday; the cost for Early Bird admission is $20. Bargain shoppers can pay for their purchases with cash, check or credit card ($20 minimum.)

The sale is at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 15200 Sixth Ave., Golden. 100% of the proceeds go toward food, shelter and vital services to those in need.

No Cost Colonoscopy Screenings in Colorado

2013-03-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

Hey Colorado. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death affecting both men and women and March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. What does that mean to you? It means it's time to get that puppy checked out, especially if you are over the age of 50 or have a personal or family histsory of colorectal cancer or polyps.

The Colorado Colorectal Screening Program is a statewide program that partners with health care providers to provide FREE colorectal screening for broke folk. The program, coordinated through the University of Colorado Cancer Center, has partnership with more than 65 community health clinics across Colorado. .

To locate clinics participating in the program in your area, please the Colorado Colorectal Screening line is 1-866-227-7914. Check out the website link for more info. Not sure if you qualify? Call them and they will help you figure it out.

Program Eligibility:
-Age 50 or older (at average risk) or under 50 at increased risk for colorectal cancer (those having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps)
-Uninsured, or have insurance that does not cover ANY cost for endoscopic colorectal screening
-Household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level
-Lawfully present in Colorado
-Patient in a partnering clinic
-Eligible for a colorectal screening according to American Cancer Society clinical guidelines (see "Screening Guidelines")

Einstein Bagels Afternoon Deal

2013-03-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

From 3-PM Einstein Bros. Bagels offers 25 percent off all bagels (including bagels and a schmear!). The offer doesn't include bulk, bucket, catering or pre-orders of any kind. For locations, click here. In the DU neighborhood, the nearest Einsteins is at Downing and Evans.

Senior Discount Day at Walgreens March 6

2013-03-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Today Walgreens is offering customers over the age of 55 a discount on most in-store purchases. Bring a photo ID to prove your age. may be required, so bring a photo ID. Also bring your Walgreen's Balance Rewards card, or sign up for one at the store. The card is free. On Walgreen's Senior Savings Day, you can save 20% on all Walgreens, W Brand and Nice! products, plus, get 15% off everything else, including sale items. There are restrictions, including prescriptions, magazines, stamps, gift cards, etc. Check the above link for more info.

Don't forget that AARP has partnered with Walgreens to give its members $5 back. When you spend a minimum of $25 in a single transaction (after all other discounts, including coupons) at the drugstore chain, you’ll earn 5,000 points (worth $5) on your Balance Rewards card. You need to show your AARP membership card to get the deal, and the deal is limited to one per AARP membership per Balance Rewards account, through March 31.

Here in the DU neighborhood, Walgreens is located at Evans and Marion.

Denver's Annual Prom Dress Exchange March 16

2013-03-06T07:18:00.001-07:00

The annual Prom Dress Exchange at Dick's Sporting Goods will offer more than 2,000 gently-used dresses for $10 a pop on Saturday, March 16. Students will find a range of formals from minis to ball gowns, shoes, hair accessories, jewelry, and bags for girls. Guys can choose from suits, jackets, pants, shirts, belts, ties, and shoes. If you don't have $10 you can bring an outfit to exchange, or just show up because NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY. Just remember to bring your student ID to get in the door.The Prom Dress Exhcange runs from 10AM to 4PM at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, at 6000 Victory Way in Commerce City just north of I-70.

DU Pioneers BBall Tix $5

2013-03-06T07:13:00.003-07:00

DU's Pioneers basketball team plays Texas Arlington at 7PM on Thursday March 7 at 7PM and they play Louisiana Tech at 5PM on Saturday March 9. Tickets are $5 online for either game, using the promo code MADNESS. Or you can call the box office at 303-871-2336. (Note: all tickets are subject to applicable fees). If you prefer to buy tickets in person trot over to 2240 Buchtel Blvd., Denver.

$10 Spay/Neuter Clinic Denver-Lakewood

2013-02-07T12:32:00.004-07:00

You heard right! $10 for cat spay or neuter and age appropriate vaccines (rabies and distemper vaccines). People with limited or fixed incomes who cannot afford to take their pets to a veterinarian qualify for this donor-subsidized service, offered by the Dumb Friends League Meow Mobile.

The mobile clinic will be located at Walgreens,10140 W. Colfax Ave.Lakewood, CO 80215 (Colfax/Kipling)

Friday 8th
Saturday 9th
Monday 11th
Thursday 14th
Saturday 16th
Monday 18th
Tuesday 19th
Thursday 21st
Friday 22nd
Saturday 23rd
Sunday 24th
Thursday 28th

No appointment is necessary - first come, first serve. Do not feed your animal after midnight the evening before surgery. Water is OK. Arrive with your cat(s) by 7:30AM and please keep your cat in the car to stay warm!!! Cat must be in carriers and come in separate carrier if multiples (unless young kittens). The Dumb Friends League appreciates the support of more than 150 local businesses that act as host sites for its mobile spay/neuter clinics. These businesses are truly friends of their communities by helping bring together the services we provide and the pet owners who need them.

The Meow Mobile provides donor-subsidized spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations to cats that belong to people in underserved areas of metro Denver. The Meow Mobile is a partnership between the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society and the Dumb Friends League. Veterinarians volunteer their time, working alongside a League certified veterinary technician and assistant. During its first five years of service, the Meow Mobile teams sterilized more than 14,000 cats.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much does the spay/neuter surgery cost?
Cat spay/neuter surgeries are $10. Age-appropriate vaccines are included in these prices. These fees are highly subsidized by generous donors to the Dumb Friends League and by many veterinarians who volunteer their services. They accept cash, check or charge for payment. Donations greatly appreciated.

Who qualifies?
People with limited or fixed incomes who cannot afford to take their pets to a veterinarian qualify for these donor-subsidized services.

Who performs the surgeries?
Veterinarians who are licensed in the state of Colorado perform the surgeries. Some are in private practice and volunteer through the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society. Others are on the staff of the Dumb Friends League. They have experience spaying and neutering dogs and cats in high-volume settings. They are assisted by a certified veterinary technician.

What do I need to know before I bring my pet for surgery?
- Do not feed your animal after midnight the evening before surgery. Water is OK.
- We operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do NOT offer appointments.
- The number of females and males we can take in varies at each clinic. Please note that this may mean that a person's pet in line behind you could receive surgery even if yours does not because we have reached our daily limit of females or males. In this case, you will receive a rain check.
- Bring your pet(s) by 7:30AM. the day of the clinic. Wait time and check-in time can be anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour, so please allow for that in your schedule. You will be given an estimated pick-up time for later that same day when you drop off your pet.
- Cats must be in carriers or other secure containers; we prefer cats to be in separate carriers. You can bring up to four cats per household. Separate carriers for each cat are preferable and should include a familiar towel or blanket.
- Most days we are able to help multiple animals from the same household. However, on busier days, you may be asked to return another time to have your additional pets' surgeries performed. We try to accommodate as many patrons as we can.
- Although it is not required, you are urged to have your pets seen by a veterinarian in advance of the clinic to rule out any health problems that would make surgery unadvisable. We do not perform extensive pre-surgical examinations or blood analysis. If your pet has any medical issues (such as kidney, liver or heart problems) or is older than 7 years, there are increased risks associated with any operation. Please note that if for any reason we determine that spay/neuter surgery at our clinic would not be appropriate, we will not accept your pet for the procedure. You will be urged to see your own veterinarian.
- Generally speaking, post-surgery veterinary care is not necessary. However, if a problem occurs that requires medical attention, you will be given emergency phone numbers to call. Post-surgery home-care instructions include the appropriate telephone numbers.
- We accept cash, check or charge for payment. Donations greatly appreciated.
- Please make sure someone will be at home with your pet for the rest of the day following surgery.
- Pick up time can vary from morning to late afternoon, please do not schedule appointments on the day you plan on attending.
- You will receive home-care instructions when you drop off your pet.

Georgia O'Keeffe Comes to Denver Feb. 10

2013-02-04T12:01:00.001-07:00

Georgia O’Keeffe, Ram's Head, Blue Morning Glory, 1938.
© Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Lucky lucky Denver. On Feb. 10 the Denver Art Museum will host a travelling exhibit - "Georgia O'Keeffe in New Mexico: Architecture, Katsinam and the Land."

I've got my fingers crossed for this show to be boffo. Organized by curators at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, N.M., the exhibit addresses how O'Keefe's unique work was inspired by the vast beauty of the American Southwest, and by the Native American arts and culture of the region. Here's a comprehensive story about the exhibit published by the New York Times. when the exhibit rolled into the Big Apple last year.

The price of the DAM exhibit is included in general admission, making this exhibit fairly affordable. Also keep in mind that museum admission is FREE on the first Saturday of every month, which would be March 2 and April 6. The O'Keefe show runs through April 28.

Also, FREE guided tours of the exhibit are available daily at 1PM (meet at the first level elevator lobby of the Hamilton Building.).

Denver Art Museum is at 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver

Denver Celebrates Chinese New Year 2013 - Year of the Snake

2013-02-01T11:30:00.001-07:00

While there are many Chinese New Year celebrations around Denver in 2013, we consider the best to be the FREE LION dances at the Far East Center. This year's show is Sunday, Feb. 10 at noon.

Boulder's Sholin Hung Mei Kung Fu Assoc. always breathes humor, cunning and charm into the mythological Lion beasts. Be on the lookout for Dancing Lions as they visit Far East Center's shops and restaurants for Bai Nian - an impromptu series of performances meant to welcome in the New Year with good luck and fortune.

Can't make the Far East Center show on Feb. 10? No worries. Catch one of the Association's Lion Dances held at various restaurants and Chinese New Year events around Denver. Check out their schedule here.

Be advised that the celebrations are firecracker fueled, and it is pretty crowded event. For some of us, that's part of the charm. For others, it is the ninth ring of Hell. Most older kids love explosives and they'll love this event. Consider using earplugs for sensitive ears.

Other 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. Don't even think about it, really. (You can thank us later for that tip.) You will have to find neighborhood street parking, and those spots fill up quickly, so be prepared to hoof it.

Leave time to peruse the fun Far East Center shops and acquire some basic Feng Shui accessories, dragon and snake figurines or delicious teas.

There are plenty of good restaurants at Far East Center, but don't miss the affordable and amazingly delish Celestial Bakery. (Cash only). Try the BBQ pork buns, addictive sesame balls stuffed with red bean paste, or custard tarts and cookies. The Far East Center, 333 S. Federal, near Alameda and Federal, Denver. More event info here.

Financial Assistance With Veterinarian Bills

2013-01-03T11:03:00.001-07:00

Denver Goodwill Stores Sale Jan. 5

2013-01-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

Goodwill stores around Denver are having a HUGE sale for Saturday Jan. 5. This deal is good at every store, including Deja Blue in Cherry Creek, and the store located on Broadway and Archer. Happy Shopping!

Denver Art Museum FREE Day Saturday Jan. 5

2013-01-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Jan. 5 2013 is a FREE day at the Denver Art Museum. Bring your Colorado ID to qualify. Also, through Sunday Jan. 6, kids age 18 and younger receive FREE general admission to the Denver Art Museum. More info here.

Kitty Adoptions $10 @Denver Dumb Friends

2013-01-03T10:20:00.001-07:00

Through Jan. 31, 2013 Denver Dumb Friends League is adopting cats one year or older for only $10, a big break from the typical price of $75. We are a big fan of adopting older kitties, who are past the climbing the drapes stage. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations and microchip ID implant, as well as two weeks of veterinary care at the shelter and a FREE visit with a participating vet in your neighborhood. Find your “purr-fect” friend at either of Dumb Friend's shelters - 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver or 4556 Castleton Ct., Castle Rock OR the adoption center at the shops at Northfield Stapleton, the Pet Care-avan mobile adoption unit and at select Petco locations. For more information call 303-751-5772.

Denver Art District's FREE Art Walks Friday Jan. 4, 2013

2013-01-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

Friday Jan. 4, 2013 is First Friday in Denver, and you know what that means. Art districts across the city will rock late into the evening, with galleries, artists receptions, studios and cultural attractions open late for a mind-expanding night of art, food, drink and fun. The best art, and people watching in Denver, and best of all, it is FREE! Even better, This month the traditional “First Friday” arts walks in six Denver neighborhoods plan to kick it up a notch due to Denver Arts Week.

NAVAJO STREET ART DISTRICT
Small district in Denver's lower Highlands neighborhood, but don't overlook it. Pirate: Contemporary Art, has been a fixture on Denver’s art scene for more than three decades and it anchors the district, which runs between 35th and 37th streets. Check out Patsy's Inn for its vintage North Denver Italian vibe and delish pizza.

ART DISTRICT ON SANTA FE
Our personal favorite. More than 60 participating galleries, artist studios and restaurants on the First Friday Art Walk, 6-9PM every first Friday of the month. Parking is terrible, but there is a great FREE shuttle coach that will pick you up at the light rail station at 10th Avenue and Osage Street and ferry you around the Art District between 5:30-9:30PM. Grab some great Mexican food at El Taco de Mexico (don't miss those smothered chicken burritos) or a quick cocktail at El Noa Noa and off you go. Look here for info on FREE shuttle from the train station at 10th and Osage.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE MUSEUM DISTRICT

First Friday Art Tours take place in the Golden Triangle from 5-9PM every month, with as many as 50 galleries, artist's studios, specialty stores and museums or cultural centers participating. The free Art Bus shuttles participants around the neighborhood to all of the openings. Home to the Denver Art Museum, the Molly Brown House Museum and the Kirkland Museum. The free GTMD Art Bus shuttles participants around the neighborhood to all of the openings. Free maps are available at all participating galleries, or may be printed from their website, www.gtmd.org.

RIVER NORTH ART DISTRICT (RiNo)
Located just north of downtown, RiNo is the city's most diversely creative art district. Architects, art galleries, designers, furniture makers, illustrators, painters, media artists, photographers and sculptors are set up in an array of unique studio spaces. Explore this innovative scene on the first Friday of every month between 5:30-9:30PM.

TENNYSON STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT
Such a funky, fun area. The First Friday evening of each month, the merchants along North Denver’s Tennyson Street invite you to stroll, shop, and gallery hop from 6-10PM. Stretches between 38th and 44th avenues it features plenty of restaurants, coffee houses, indie book stores and galleries galore.

Jan. 4 FREE Day at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield

2013-01-03T10:11:00.003-07:00

Welcome 2013! Friday Jan. 4 is the first FREE day for Colorado residents at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. Open 9-5. 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton, 303-973-3705.

Denver Thrift Store Sales Dec. 22

2012-12-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Shopping on a budget? Check out the sales this weekend at Denver-area thrift stores.

Saturday Dec. 22 take 50 percent off most merchandise at Arc Thrift Stores. Everything is half off, except for green tags and the current color.

Goodwill is offering 50 percent off most items on Saturday Dec. 22. This is always a great event with great bargains to be found.

Bud's Warehouse always has deals on home stuff like cabinet doors, latex paint, etc. Watch their Facebook page for deals.

Mile High Thrift - 50 percent off sale on most items Sat. Dec. 22. Bring your patience and cash, because they don't take checks or credit cards. This can be a difficult store to shop because it is crowded, no dressing rooms, no returns and clothing is separated by color, not size. But it has amazing deals. 2085 S. Sheridan, Denver.

St. Vincent de Paul - They don't really have a website, but prices are always good at this thrift store. 6260 E. Colfax, Denver.

Get a Book for Food Donation at Denver Bookshop

2012-12-19T14:01:00.001-07:00

Need a new read? Through Jan. 31 bring a non-perishable food item to Denver's Printed Page Bookshop and get a book for FREE! Printed Page’s 15 booksellers have donated hundreds of books for the food drive, which goes to East Denver FISH, a Washington Park area emergency food bank delivering groceries to nearly 3,000 home bound people annually. The Painted Page is at 1416 S. Broadway, Denver.

FREE Denver Holiday Cab Rides -- Thanks Michael Sawaya!

2012-12-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Denver attorney Michael G. Sawaya and the Sawaya Law Firm offers FREE cab rides for Denverites who have had a bit too much holiday cheer for safe driving. Here's how it works: Between Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 - Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 you simply call a cab, get a ride from one location to your home, pay the cab driver and send the bill to The Sawaya Law Firm for reimbursement. You have to be over 21 and there is a $35 limit. Follow the Free Holiday Cab Ride Program link for more info.

Kudos To Sawaya, who has been offering the cab ride program on major holidays for several years now.

FREE Denver Dental Care -- Comfort Dental Dec. 24

2012-12-19T13:42:00.001-07:00

Comfort Dental is offering its annual FREE dental care from 7:30AM--11:30AM on Christmas Eve. A variety of services are offered, from basic dental care from cleanings to extractions. Services are free to anyone. Patients are helped on a first-come, first-served basis and the lines start prettty early in the morning. Check the above link for locations and more info.

Denver's Annual Tuba Christmas Concert Dec. 23

2012-12-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Dec. 23 from 1-2PM head to Skyline Park for the 37th Annual TubaChristmas Concert. Some 300 tuba players from all over the region will jam holiday tunes and make spirits bright. The best part? It is FREE!. Skyline Park from the 16th Street Mall to 15th Street will be decorated in its finest holiday décor. Not to be missed. Concert is produced by the University of Colorado at Denver’s College of Arts & Media.1825 Arapahoe St. Denver.

Tuesday Night Date Night at Belmar, Dec. 12

2012-12-12T10:07:00.001-07:00

Belmar in Lakewood's 2-for-1 Tuesday Date Night runs through Dec. 18 2012. From 5-9PM on Tuesdays you can enjoy 2-for-1 ice skating at their fabulous rink, plus 2-for-1 dining at nearly a dozen participating Belmar Restaurants: The Press Coffee Company, Zinga! Frozen Yogurt, Baker Street Pub, Wystone's World Teas, Champa Street Burger Works, Wasabi Sushi Bar, Little India, The Oven Pizza e Vino, Paciugo Gelato and Caffe, and Lucky Strike Lanes. Some restrictions apply. Pick up your voucher at the Belmar Information Center, 408 S. Teller Street. More info here.

2012-12-12T10:03:00.002-07:00

Feel like belting out a holiday tune or two? Then head over to Augustana Lutheran Church on Sunday Dec. 16 at 7:30PM to celebrate the Christmas season with Augustana's Chancel Choir, AVE, and Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra, in Augustana's Sanctuary. Augustana's festival Christmas concert for the congregation and community features Antonio Vivaldi's celebrated Gloria. FREE! Other music includes Ralph Vaughan Williams's Fantasia on Christmas Carols and other holiday gems. Everyone will enjoy singing familiar Christmas carols with organ and orchestra. We suggest you get there early to get a good seat! 5000 East Alameda Ave., Denver.

Holiday Toy Drive at Ziggy's Bar in Denver

2012-12-12T09:59:00.002-07:00

For the cost of $2 and a new child's toy enjoy the Night of 1000 Stars at Ziggys on Dec. 15, from 9-11PM. No toy? Then pony up the $5 admission. Holiday Toy Drive Show featuring performances by Erik Boa, Greg Tittle, Tony Luke, Brad Stivers, Randall Dubis, Jack Hadley, Jodie Woodward, Bill Shannon, Joseph Pacheco, Jack Erwin, The Cedar Avenue Blues Band and more! 4923 W. 38th Ave. Denver.