Teacher drinks & grand opening
Ziggi’s Coffee is brewing up two big giveaways in September. On Sept. 7, all educators and school district employees — teachers, principals, bus drivers, custodians and anyone else who has a valid school/faculty ID or other proof of school district employment — can enjoy a free 16-ounce drink of their choice. The offer is available at all locations. Next up, Ziggi’s celebrates the opening of its newest Colorado location in West Arvada at 18168 W. 92nd Lane by offering a free 16-ounce drink from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 17. ziggiscoffee.com
Water World’s Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day
Water World is offering a rare opportunity for furry kids to have big fun with its annual Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day on Sept. 10. Pooches must be at least one year old, leashed during park arrival and exit, and be accompanied by a responsible owner 18 or older. Proof of current rabies vaccination and waivers must be signed prior to entry. Pet parents will also be wagging their tails because admission is only $9.99 per dog. (Pet parents get in for free.) 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. Remember to bring lots of towels and doggie treats for the wet car ride home. waterworldcolorado.com
Seltzerland
By popular demand, the hard seltzer-fest Seltzerland returns to Denver this fall for more fizzy fun at Overland Park Golf Course (1801 S. Huron St.) on Sept. 10. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees will enjoy an afternoon of tasting more than 100 unique hard seltzers. While sipping on the bubbly, there will be tons of entertainment. Play seltzer pong, lemonade ladder golf and cornhole with your crew, with a DJ providing a live soundtrack in the background. Plus, take fun pics inside the inflatable bubble booth and go home with lots of seltzer swag. General admission and VIP tickets are available starting at $35. Save 20% on tickets with promo code MILEHIGH. seltzerland.com
Electronics recycling event
Got old electronics cluttering your house? If it can be plugged in or runs on batteries, there’s on easy option to recycle it on the cheap. Denver 7 and AAA are hosting an Electronics Recycling Event on Sept. 10 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. 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
The Urban Farm Fest 2022
The Urban Farm (10200 Smith Road) in Denver opens its gates to all for free for Farm Fest 2022 on Sept. 10. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the farm will be open to the public for self-guided tours. Walk the grounds and explore the chicken coop, goat and sheep pen and rabbit hutch with farm educators. Learn about the farm’s animals and have a chance to get up close and personal with many furry and feathered friends. In addition, there will be kids crafts and games, face painting, storybook time, food trucks and live music. A waiver must be completed before you visit, which can be completed online to save time. theurbanfarm.org
Denver Oktoberfest
The annual Denver Oktoberfest is so large it spans two weekends. This salute to Bavarian heritage features authentic German beer and fare, crafts, music, dance, oom-pah-pah entertainment and more. It runs in the Ballpark Neighborhood from Sept. 16 to 18 and again from Sept. 23 to 25. Raise your glass because there’s big news for 2022: Admission is free with no ticket required. Among the event’s highlights are the stein hoisting challenges, keg bowling and the always-popular Long Dog Derby, where wiener dogs show off their racing skills. Plus, along with the beer, enjoy bratwurst, turkey legs, sausage, sauerkraut, potato salad, warm pretzels and more. Festival hours are 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. thedenveroktoberfest.com
RELATED: Oktoberfest season is back. Here’s your guide to Colorado’s beer-and-bratwurst-drenched events.
Dunkin’s $3 pumpkin drink special
For many restaurants, autumn is the time to “spice up” their menus with seasonal treats and beverages. At Dunkin’, customers can enjoy the warmth of the season with many returning favorites, as well as two new seasonal beverages: the Blood Orange Dunkin’ Refresher and Nutty Pumpkin Coffee. For pumpkin spice fans on a budget, the doughnut shop is serving a medium Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew or Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte for just $3. The bargain beverages are available through Sept. 13. dunkindonuts.com
Superior Chili & Beer Fest
Here’s an event that’s sure to be hot, hot, hot! The Superior Chili & Beer Fest features two live bands, a super-sized kids zone and, of course, lots of chili. The fest is on Sept. 17 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Superior Community Park (1350 Coalton Road). Free chili samples are generously provided by the cooks (including restaurant pros and amateur chefs) and are distributed on a first come-first served basis. Get there early, since samples go fast. For a nominal fee, buy a reusable chili tasting mug with an attached spoon; eat all the chili you want and take home the commemorative cup. Food trucks will be on-site for less spicy (as well as kid-friendly) dining options. superiorcolorado.gov
Smithsonian Museum Day
On Sept. 17, Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day offers free access to hundreds of museums across the country, including 13 in Colorado. Each pass is valid for complimentary general admission for two. (The pass does not include special exhibits, IMAX film screening, parking or other select events.) Among the participating museums in the metro area are American Mountaineering Museum (Golden), Center for Colorado Women’s History (Denver), History Colorado Center (Denver) and Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art (Denver.) Museum hours vary, so plan accordingly. There’s a limit of one admit-two pass per e-mail address. smithsonianmag.com
Meow Wolf’s one-year anniversary
Convergence Station, Meow Wolf’s immersive-art installation, is celebrating one year since opening its doors in Denver on Sept. 17, 2021. To celebrate the milestone, the otherworldly exhibition is hosting Convergiversary Party on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., an all-ages celebration featuring discounted tickets to Convergence Station, access to an artist village and spectacular surprises spilling out into the parking lot. Tickets are just $15, nearly 60% off the regular admission for Colorado residents. meowwolf.com
Smashburger’s $5 chicken sandwich special
Smashburger may be known for its juicy burgers, crispy fries and cool shakes, but it also serves tasty chicken sandwiches. Through Sept. 30, the restaurant is bringing back its Scorchin’ Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich for a limited time and at a discounted price of $5 (regularly $8). The offer is available in-restaurant and online via the chain’s site or app. No promo code or coupon necessary. Limit four discounted sandwiches per transaction. smashburger.com
Denver Film membership
Calling all cinephiles, film aficionados and movie lovers. As the only nonprofit theater in Colorado, Denver Film is dedicated to engaging both its members and the general public in a lifelong relationship with film. There’s no better way to support an important local arts organization than by becoming a member. However, paying the annual membership fee upfront can be prohibitive for many movie lovers. Thankfully, Denver Film is now making it “less dramatic” on the budget by offering monthly payments starting as low as $5.50. Members get treated like a star, getting discounted tickets and all-day happy hour at the Sie FilmCenter, as well as early reservations and admittance to the Denver Film Festival. denverfilm.org
