Free and cheap things to do in January: Denver Zoo to the Stock Show

Big Lots closing

Big Lots is making a big move with the closing of four Colorado locations. Going-out-of-business sales are good news for bargain hunters because of the deep discounts to be found on the shelves and racks. The popular discount retailer sells everything from furniture and clothing to toys and groceries. The locations closing are in Arvada (8125 Sheridan Blvd.), Denver (7475 E. Iliff Ave.), Englewood (139 W. Hampden Ave.) and Fort Collins (126 W. Troutman Parkway). All are expected to shut down for good in January. As bargain hunters know, the discount will increase periodically as the final day of business approaches. The longer you wait, the better the discount. However, the selection may be extremely limited. Furniture and fixtures are also available for sale. biglots.com

Denver Zoo free days

Monkey around with the family at the Denver Zoo at no cost on select days in 2023. The zoo is giving back to the community with free admission on Jan. 7, Jan. 22, Feb. 5, April 9, Oct. 7, Nov. 7 and Nov. 12. Tickets are not available at the gate, but through an online lottery. A seven-day entry period is held about two weeks prior to each free day. You can enter for up to five tickets. At the end of the lottery period, winners are randomly selected and notified via e-mail. If you’re one of the “lucky llamas,” use your vouchers to reserve timed tickets online for the respective day. All visitors must have a timed ticket for entry, including children two and under. The next lottery opens on Jan. 8 for the Sunday, Jan. 22, free day. To review all of the details, including when each lottery window opens, visit denverzoo.org/free-days.

MLK free concert

The Colorado Symphony honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual tribute concert on Jan 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Boettcher Concert Hall (1000 14th St.) in Denver. Admission is free. The evening will feature special guest performances and honor recipients of the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award. The performance promises to hit the right notes with a moving, celebratory program highlighting works by various composers. Tickets are required for admission, which are now available online. Limit 10 tickets per household. All seating is general admission. However, a ticket does not guarantee a seat, so arrive early. tickets.coloradosymphony.org/6337/6338

Stock Show free admission

Since 1906, the National Western Stock Show has been attracting thousands to Denver every January. Thanks to Arrow Electronics, cowboys and cowgirls of all ages can saddle up for Free Grounds Admission Day on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Note: General admission does not include ticketed events, such as the rodeo.) Families will benefit greatly, as the regular price for Tuesdays is $4 for children and $17 for adults. A family of four will save about $42. Stock Show parking is free, but space is limited. Consider parking at Coors Field in paved, well-lit lots dedicated to Stock Show attendees. The lots open at 8 a.m. daily with free shuttles taking attendees the 10-minute trip to the National Western complex. nationalwestern.com

Lafayette Oatmeal Festival

Celebrate the popular dish at the 26th annual Lafayette Oatmeal Festival on Jan. 14, featuring a huge oatmeal breakfast with nearly 100 toppings from which to choose. (Unfortunately, this year’s 5K walk/race has been canceled.) Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Pioneer Elementary School (101 E. Baseline Road). Tickets are $9/adult, $7/youth (3 to 12) and $7/seniors (60+). The first 100 attendees get a free breakfast. Attendees are encouraged to use the free shuttle from Flatirons Community Church, carpool or use public transportation. You can purchase tickets at the event, in advance at the Lafayette Chamber, or online. lafayettecolorado.com/special-events

Natural Grocers grand opening

Naturally, Natural Grocers is expanding again. The local grocery chain is opening its 44th Colorado location at 3165 N. Central Park Blvd. in Denver. A grand opening celebration is on Jan. 7 with giveaways, in-store specials, sweepstakes and more. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. The first 150 customers (18 or older) in line will get a Natural Grocers Mystery Gift Card worth $5 to $500. In addition, the first 500 customers will receive a free Natural Grocers handcrafted Ecuadorian hat. There will also be a prize wheel with a chance to win NG-branded swag, gift cards and other treats. Best of all, throughout the month, bargain hunters will find discounts of up to 50% off on many popular products. naturalgrocers.com

National Park Service free days

Outdoor enthusiasts can take in the natural beauty of our state for free to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On Jan. 16, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees to all of its parks, monuments and other sites. The free day does not include amenities or user fees for activities, such as camping. It’s an opportunity to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just enjoy the frosty landscape of nearby Rocky Mountain National Park at little cost. In addition, there are four more free days in 2023: April 22, Aug. 4, Sept. 23 and Nov. 11. nps.gov

All Seasons sale

Save big at All Seasons Rent All’s semi-annual sale of used table linens. It’s a great opportunity to prepare for Easter, graduation or other spring gatherings on a budget. The sale runs from Jan. 16 to 31 and includes large rounds, banquet cloths and tablecloths in numerous sizes and colors. Pricing ranges from $7 to $20 each for 60 inch x 60 inch, 60 inch x 120 inch, 90 inch round, 90 inch x 132 inch, 118 inch round, 130 inch round, 90 inch x 156 inch, floor-length and more. Buy 10 or more and get an extra 20% off your purchase. The store will also have an assortment of tools (sanders, saws, etc.) and yard and garden equipment for sale at deeply discounted prices. The rental shop (6550 S. Yosemite St.) in Greenwood Village is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. asrentall.com

Plains Conservation Center free days

If the weather is fair, consider a visit to the Plains Conservation Center (21901 E. Hampden Ave.) in Aurora. Managed by Denver Botanic Gardens, the center is all about the prairie ecosystem and Colorado’s cultural history. Visitors can explore 6 miles of hiking trails and observe diverse wildlife including raptors, pronghorn antelope, insects, snakes and prairie dogs. A lucky few may catch a glimpse of bald eagles. Plus, check out the nature center, authentic tipis, sod houses, blacksmith shop and one-room school house. Families can embark on a budget-friendly day adventure during the center’s 2023 free days on Jan. 19, Feb. 23, March 11, June 15, July 15, Aug. 17, Nov. 18 and Dec. 7. botanicgardens.org/other-locations/plains-conservation-center

Buntport Theater name-your-price

Curtain call, theater lovers on a budget. Buntport Theater (717 Lipan St.) in Denver is staging “The Death of Napoleon: A Play in Less Than Three Acts.” Loosely based on history, the new comedy imagines some of Napoleon’s last days. Exiled to a remote land, the former emperor spends his days arguing with insects and 12-year-old girls, making unreasonable demands of his personal chef and refusing to put his teeter-totter to good use. While inspired by a famous historical figure, the play examines the fragility of men losing power. The show runs Jan. 27 to Feb. 18. Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m., with one Monday performance on Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is name-your-price (including $0) to ensure everyone can enjoy the show. The theater is small, so seating is limited. Early reservations are recommended. buntport.com

Every month, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez at MileHighOnTheCheap.com compile the “Cheap Checklist” to help smart shoppers find freebies, discounts and deals. Send tips to [email protected] 14 to 21 days in advance. More freebies, discounts and deals at MileHighOnTheCheap.com.

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