Free Slurpees and doughnuts, global markets, Buffalo Bill and more cheap and free things to do in Denver

7-Eleven Slurpee Day

7-Eleven is going big for its 95th birthday. For the first time, the convenience store is celebrating Slurpee Day across all 7-Eleven and Speedway locations, giving Slurpee fans 11 days to sip on free icy slushy goodness. On July 1, a coupon for a free small Slurpee will be added to 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards loyalty members’ accounts, which can be redeemed July 1-11. You can join anytime during the promo period and receive the digital coupon. Plus, from July 1 to 11, enjoy $1 deals in-store on all grill items, including Big Bite hot dogs and taquitos, as well as fan-favorite snacks such as 10 mini tacos, pizza slices, and limited-time birthday cake muffins. To top it off, buy a small Slurpee for just $1, all summer long. 7-eleven.com

Krispy Kreme Free Doughnuts

Celebrate America’s holiday by enjoying one of America’s favorite treats: doughnuts. This Independence Day, Krispy Kreme is sharing an all-new “I Heart America” doughnut collection and two sweet deals. Through July 4, customers wearing red, white and blue can enjoy a free doughnut of their choice in-shop. Plus, through July 4, sweeten any holiday gathering with a BOGO special — buy any dozen doughnuts (or 16-count Minis) and get an Original Glazed dozen at no cost. The offer is also available online using promo code BOGOFREE at checkout. There are three participating shops in Colorado: Lone Tree, Thornton and Colorado Springs. krispykreme.com/promos/july4

Applebee’s Kids Eat Free on July 4th

Families can ignite big savings by dining at Applebee’s on Independence Day. Every parent knows that dining out with the entire family can get expensive, so kids-eat-free deals are worth celebrating. On July 4, kids 12 and younger eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée – up to two kids’ meals off the Kids Menu with each adult entrée. The offer is only available for dine-in at participating locations. You must mention the family-friendly offer to your server when ordering. Most locations are open until 8 p.m. on July 4. applebees.com

Emily’s Massage Clinic

A good massage is an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate, but can be expensive. As a result, it’s not a luxury many can enjoy on a regular basis. However, Emily’s Massage Clinic at Emily Griffith Technical College (1860 Lincoln St.) in Denver offers an affordable option. Services include the following: chair massage (15 minutes) for $5; prenatal or therapeutic massage (60 minutes) for $30; cupping massage (60/90 minutes) for $40/$55; and therapeutic massage (90 minutes) for $45. The clinic is open on Wednesdays with appointments available from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (The clinic will be closed July 27-Aug. 24 for summer break.) To schedule an appointment, call 720-423-4816 or e-mail [email protected]. All services are performed by massage therapy students under the supervision of licensed Emily Griffith instructors. emilygriffith.edu/emilys-massage-clinic

Assistance League Denver Thrift Shop

Are you already excited for Christmas? The Assistance League of Denver Thrift Shop (6265 E. Evans Ave.) holds its “Christmas in July” Sale from July 11 to 16. Not only will the store have loads of Christmas items for sale (including greenery handcrafted by the shop’s elves), but also clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, sporting goods, home decor and furniture. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you’re doing a little summer cleaning, the shop also accepts donations at the door in the back of the building – just  ring the bell for assistance. Donations are accepted daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. assistanceleague.org/denver/thrift-mart

Target Deal Days

Target hits the bull’s-eye for many bargain-savvy shoppers. And the deals are heating up at the popular big-box retailer in July for three days – in direct competition to Amazon’s popular Prime Days. The store’s Target Deal Days event features savings exclusively on Target.com and the Target app, July 11-13. There will be discounts on thousands of items in every category, including food and beverage, electronics, beauty, home, apparel and toys, as well as discounted Target GiftCards. However, customers don’t need to wait to start saving. Target’s Deal of the Day is available online and through the app. target.com/c/deal-days/-/N-xgolj

Larimer Square’s A Taste of France

Bonjour! Larimer Square is “très excite” to be hosting A Taste of France from July 14 to 17. The four-day fête celebrates all things French and Denver’s official sister city of Brest, France. The “foreign affair” is a mix of free and ticketed events. Highlights include art installations, including one by local artist Adam Vicarel, a chalk art piece by Steve DeOrio, and an Eiffel Tower replica. Attendees can enjoy live music, including a set by legendary Five Points jazz artist Purnell Steen and a DJ set with Grammy award-winning French artist Cedric Gervais. Learn “the language of love” with two free French classes in Larimer Social taught by Alliance Française of Denver and French American School of Denver. See the complete schedule at larimersquare.com/events/tasteoffrance.

Havana Street Global Market

Aurora is well-known for its cultural diversity. Experience foods, arts and crafts from around the world at the Havana Street Global Market. Admission is free. The community event will be held twice monthly on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Havana Exchange Shopping Center parking lot (2802 S. Havana St.) in Aurora, outside of the recently closed Bicycle Village store. Market dates are July 16 and 30; Aug. 13 and 27; and Sept. 10 and 24. bonfireeventco.com/market/havana-street-global-market

5 Senses Holistic Health Festival

In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, Servicios De La Raza is hosting a 5 Senses Holistic Health Festival on July 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at La Raza Park (1500 W. 38th Ave.) in Denver. Admission is free. The immersive experience will provide healers to guide community members through exercises to connect mind and body through sound, sight, smell, taste and touch. There will be yoga in the park, Zumba lessons, aromatherapy, massage therapy, Reiki and sound healing practices, as well as other holistic methods to support good health and wellness. In addition, health screenings will be available on-site. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. serviciosdelaraza.org

Boulder’s Summer Sidewalk Sale

Summer is the perfect time for bargain hunting outdoors. Boulder’s annual Summer Sidewalk Sale, July 22-24, is a great way to score great deals from merchants on the Pearl Street Mall, on East and West Pearl and on nearby cross-streets. Expect to see savings of up to 75%. Downtown Boulder is known for scores of independent retailers and restaurants, making every purchase that much more impactful. Even better, parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays in the five downtown municipal garages (11th & Walnut/Randolph Center, 11th & Spruce, 15th & Pearl, 10th & Walnut/St. Julien Hotel and 14th & Walnut/RTD Bus Station) and one surface parking lot (11th & Spruce). And metered parking is free on Sundays. boulderdowntown.com/do/summer-sidewalk-sale

Cheesman Park Art Fest

Get artsy this summer! Cheesman Park plays host to its annual outdoor arts festival on July 23 and 24. Admission is free. More than 140 artists from across the country have been invited to showcase their work at the Cheesman Park Art Fest. Patrons can browse top-quality works from potters, painters, jewelers, sculptors, glass artists and more. This colorful event will also feature live music, food trucks, creative demos and activities for kids. Entry is free. The best part is that you can take a break from the sun beneath the century-old trees in the popular park. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The show is on the southwest side of the park near 8th Avenue and North Williams Street. dashevents.com/productions/cheesman

Boulder Opera’s Opera in the Park

Make it a night of opera under the stars when the Boulder Opera presents its always popular Opera in the Park on July 29 and 30. Music will fill the air at 7 p.m. at the Boulder Bandshell (1212 Canyon Blvd.). The performances span “Eras of Opera” and trace opera from the 16th century to the contemporary era. The family-friendly concert features some of Boulder’s most talented rising artists, performing classic arias and scenes from Handel, Mozart, Bellini, Verdi, Floyd, Heggie and more. There will be a fenced beer garden and food trucks. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m. Available online, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youths (17 and younger). boulderoperacompany.com/opera-in-the-park-2022

Buffalo Bill Days

Yeehaw! The annual Buffalo Bill Days festival brings rootin’ tootin’ Wild West fun to Golden, July 29-31. The weekend includes western-style entertainment, the Best of the West Parade, mutton bustin’ competitions, a car show, an arts and crafts festival and live music filling Golden’s downtown streets. Admission is free. The festival kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with Dance X on stage at 5 p.m. in Parfet Park (710 10th St.), followed by Chris Daniels at 7 p.m. This year’s Best of the West Parade steps off Saturday at 10 a.m., boasting more than 70 horses, collectible cars, creative floats, local performing groups and more. Arrive early for the best viewing. Weekend hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. goldenbuffalobilldays.com

16th Street Fair

Enjoy a leisurely weekend shopping downtown. The 16th Street Fair is an annual celebration of fine art, handcrafted goods and the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. Take a stroll along the mall to enjoy the summer sunshine and a showcase of emerging artists and designers. Admission is free. The family-friendly fair takes place twice this season from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 30 and 31. If you’re too busy to attend, catch the event Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30. coloradoevents.org/16thstreetfair

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