Yellow duckies, trains, festivals and an inspired week of art -- there's a whole lot of gratis going on in Denver. Here are our favorite free events happening in the next week.
Urban Market Opens: Held the fourth Thursday of each month, this week marks opening day of the season for Denver's Urban Market held at Skyline Park. You'll find local arts and crafts, fresh food, antiques, services and more at this outdoor shopping extravaganza. Live flamenco music begins at 5pm.Thu., May 26, 11am - 7pm; free entryArapahoe St. between 15th St. & 18th St.
Downtown Denver Arts Festival: Envelop yourself in the arts at this open-air event at Denver Pavilions. Nearly 130 Colorado artists will be featured -- with many present -- showcasing their fine arts and crafts. More than 50 of the artists will be new to the festival this year.May 27 - 30, times vary daily; free16th St. & Glenarm
The Platte Valley & Western Model Railroad Club Open House: Chug into the basement of Union Station on Friday night for an open house, where you can see trains representative of the 1950s operating on a layout. Note: Only the main doors facing 17th are open after 6pm.Fri., May 27, 7pm - 9pm; free (donations welcome)Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop; 303-325-5143
Denver Day of Rock: You'll find live music at five different stages set up between Welton and Skyline Park on 16th Street Mall Saturday. Country, ska, alt-rock... Pick your genre. Presented by Concerts for Kids, Day of Rock comes to us with a purpose: supporting more than 40 local child-focused charities. Sat., May 28, 2:30pm - 9:30pm; free16th St. between Welton & Lawrence
Boulder Creek Festival and the Great Rubber Duck Race: Boulder's "unofficial kick-off to summer" brings more than 500 vendors together, including food, health and crafts, live musical performances, "green" zones and carnival rides. Special events include a fishing derby, vintage bicycle swap, cook-off and, of course, The Great Rubber Duck Race. Watch the throngs of ducks float by Monday afternoon at 4pm from Boulder Creek shore; join the race with your own rubber ducky by purchasing one from the "duck booths" set up around the festival.May 28 - 30, times vary; free entry9th St. to 14th St. between Canyon Blvd. & Arapahoe Ave.
INSPIRE Arts Week: Tuesday kicks off Lakewood's INSPIRE Arts Week at the Lakewood Cultural Center Plaza. Join all the groups participating throughout the week for an evening of music, art and family-friendly activities.Tue., May 31, 4pm - 7pm; free470 S. Allison Pkwy.; 303-987-7845