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Free and cheap things to do in metro Denver in September

Micheladas, fall festivals and free coffee are all on the list

A dog goes down the slide ...
Michael Ciaglo, Getty Images
A dog goes down the slide at the Wally World pool during the Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day at Water World on Sept. 7, 2019 in Federal Heights.
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Free coffee drinks for teachers

Ziggi’s Coffee is brewing up a big thank you for teachers. On Sept. 6, all educators and school district employees can take a break to enjoy a free 16-ounce drink of their choice at the local coffee shop. The offer includes teachers, principals, bus drivers, custodians and anyone else who has a valid school/faculty ID or other proof of school district employment. The offer is only available in-café. ziggiscoffee.com

Water World’s Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day

Water World is offering an opportunity for furry kids to have big fun with its annual Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day on Sept. 9. Pups of all sizes are invited to the pool party. However, pooches must be at least one year old, leashed during park arrival/exit, and accompanied by a responsible owner 18 or older. Proof of current rabies vaccination and waivers must be signed prior to entry. Admission is only $9.99 per dog. (Pet parents get in at no cost.) Each timed entry session at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon lasts one hour and 45 minutes. Tickets are only available online. Attractions are closed and owners are not permitted to swim. Bring lots of towels for the wet car ride home. waterworldcolorado.com

Electronics recycling

Got old electronics cluttering your garage or basement? If it can be plugged in or runs on batteries, there’s an easy option to recycle it on the cheap. Denver 7 and Techno Rescue are hosting an Electronics Recycling Event on Sept. 9 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (6000 Victory Way) in Commerce City. The drive-thru event in Parking Lot H runs from 7 a.m. to noon. Cost is $5 per car, with no limit to the number of drop-off items. Techno Rescue has reduced its prices for the event, making it one of the least expensive ways to properly recycle electronics. All things electronic (including small appliances) are welcome. However, there is an extra fee for select items, including TV or CRT monitors. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. thedenverchannel.com

Elitch Garden’s 2024 season pass sale

The Mind Eraser clocks speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Garrett W. Ellwood, provided by Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
The Mind Eraser clocks speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Garrett W. Ellwood, provided by Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park

Now’s the best time to secure your 2024 Elitch Gardens Season Pass at a bargain price. (Families might consider shopping early for holiday gifts.) Through Sept. 10, the amusement park is holding its biggest sale of the year on 2024 season passes, for just $59.99. The pass regularly sells for $149.99, so it’s a savings of 60 percent. (If you’re on tight budget, pay only $5 per month with the park’s monthly payment plan.) The discounted pass easily pays for itself in just one visit. Among many money-saving benefits, the deal includes access to the park for the remainder of the 2023 season, including Fright Fest and Luminova Holidays. The discount is only available online. elitchgardens.com

Dairy Queen Blizzard special

DQ just introduced its 2023 Fall Blizzard Treat menu. For a limited time, fans can dig a spoon into many returning fall favorites, as well as the new Royal Reese’s Fluffernutter Blizzard. The new treat is made with Reese’s candies and peanut butter swirled with vanilla soft serve, including a marshmallow center. DQ is offering a special for Blizzard fans. Get a small Blizzard for just 85 cents from Sept. 11 to 24. The offer is only available via the DQ app. A small Blizzard is typically around $4, so the savings are definitely sweet. dairyqueen.com

Fritzler Farm Park flash sale

There’s nothing corny about saving money on fall fun. From Sept. 12 to 15, Fritzler Farm Park (20861 CR 33) in LaSalle holds its annual Fall Flash Sale. This attraction offers more than 20 activities, including a 15-acre corn maze, jumping pillow, slide mountain, barrel coaster, pumpkin patch, corn box, pedal go-karts, arcade and pumpkin cannon. Since 2000, the Fritzler family has created a new corn maze design each year, from a salute to frontline heroes to Broncos fever. (No word yet on what’s planned for 2023.) Individual Fun Passes are $26.95 at the gate. However, save more than 40% and get one for just $14.95 during the online sale. (An Unlimited Fun Pass is $42.95 at the gate and $26.95 during the sale.) There’s no limit on number of discounted tickets you can buy. Even better, they can be used whenever you want during the 2023 season. The attraction is open select days from Sept. 17 to Oct. 29. fritzlerfarmpark.com

LA SALLE, CO- OCTOBER 9: Kaylee Hess, 6, sides down on a piece of carpet from the top of a hill at Fritzler Farm Park in La Salle, Colorado on October 9, 2021. (Photo by Rebecca Slezak/The Denver Post)
Kaylee Hess, 6, sides down on a piece of carpet from the top of a hill at Fritzler Farm Park in La Salle, Colorado on October 9, 2021. (Photo by Rebecca Slezak/The Denver Post)

Free coffee Mondays at Dunkin’

Extra cream and savings, please. Dunkin’ is making Mondays less mundane for coffee lovers in September. Customers can start their week with a big cup of savings at the doughnut shop. Every Monday in September, Dunkin’ Rewards members receive a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase. The regular price for a medium coffee is around $3.50, so it’s definitely a hot deal. Set reminders on your smartphone for Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25. dunkindonuts.com

Colfax Chicken Fest

Don’t be a chicken! Get ready for a wacky, one-of-a-kind experience at the Colfax Chicken Fest on Sept. 16 in the 40 West Arts District. Admission is free. The district-wide event lets you groove to live music, participate in chicken-inspired contests and art activities, enjoy a Drumstick 40 West Gallery exhibition, indulge in treats from food trucks and much more. There will also be a drumstick exhibit, chicken crafts, chicken sculpture contest and kids coloring activities. The festival runs from noon to 4 p.m. 40westarts.org/colfax-chicken-fest

Michelada Festival at Mile High Flea Market

DACONO, CO - AUGUST 10: A Michelada beer, which is a traditional Mexican drink, at Casa Cortes on August 10, 2022 in Dacono, Colorado. Casa Cortes is a new family style Mexican restaurant in Dacono that offers traditional Mexican cuisine. A crowd pleaser are the restaurant's Birria tacos. The Michelada beer, one of the most popular drinks in Mexico, is a beer-based cocktail made with lime, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and often tomato (or Clamato) juice, all served over ice in a glass with a salted rim. At Casa Cortes it is served with their special house mix instead of Clamato and served in a large ceramic mug. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
DACONO, CO – AUGUST 10: A Michelada beer, which is a traditional Mexican drink, at Casa Cortes on August 10, 2022 in Dacono. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

A michelada is a Mexican drink made with beer, lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, tomato juice and chile peppers, served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass. Leave it to the ginormous Mile High Flea Market (7007 East 88th Ave.) in Henderson to host an event celebrating the drink. Taste for yourself at the Michelada Festival on Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also also enjoy Rocky Mountain Pro Wrestling, live music, lots of food, rides, a farmers market and tons of shopping. With the purchase of a Michelada at L-Street, El Toro or Cactus Cantina, visitors will receive a free swag bag filled with a glass stein, coaster, koozie and other items, while supplies last. The event is free with your $3 admission into the Mile High Flea Market. milehighfleamarket.com

Aurora Mini-Con

Comics, cosplay and all things pop culture converge at the Aurora Mini-Con on Sept. 23, returning for the first time since 2019. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Aurora Central Library (14949 E. Alameda Parkway) turns into a playground for pop culture fans. Admission is free. The family-friendly event includes superheroes, comic-themed crafts, panel discussions, exhibits and a cosplay costume contest. There will be more than 50 vendors, food trucks, special guests and more. auroragov.org

Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the largest and most important festivals in Asia. It is a celebration of the harvest moon and a time to connect with family. The Far East Center (333 S. Federal Blvd.) in Denver transforms into a vibrant celebration of many cultures during the Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept. 30. Admission is free. From 2 to 10 p.m., attendees can enjoy a taste of an Asian-inspired night market and street food from all over the world. The family-friendly event includes eating contests, dance and drum performances, a kids fashion show, homemade lantern contest, music, giveaways and more. littlesaigondenver.com

Every month, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez at MileHighOnTheCheap.com compile
“Cheap Checklist” to help smart shoppers find freebies, discounts and deals. Send tips to
info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance.

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