Affordable Fun Events Around Denver Sept. 7-9 2012

Although we usually stick to plugging free and affordable Denver events, we can’t help but note that some of our neighboring communities are having some great autumn-ish (and affordable) attractions during the next few weeks.

First off, don't miss Old Town Arvada's 87th annual Harvest Festival and parade, which runs Sept. 7-9. This delightful old time fair features carnival rides, live music, a beer/margarita garden, and a kickoff concert in McIlvoy Park on Sept. 7. Saturday, September 8 starts with a 9/11 Remembrance Run, then the parade, a food fair and garden harvest contest, Kid Zone in McIlvoy Park with hands-on craft projects from Home Depot, a tour of the old Flour Mill, petting zoo, pony rides, a kids parade and a FREE family movie in the park. More info, including directions, parade route, event schedules HERE. Parade is a national band qualifier and is expected to feature some 20 bands.

Pirates Cove Goes to the Dogs!

Englewood's Festival of the Bastardino at Belleview Park's Pirate Cove on Saturday, Sept. 8th raises money for Freedom Service Dogs, a local group that saves shelter dogs, trains them as service dogs and adopts them out to the disabled and military veterans. Admission to the festival is FREE, and there will be food, retailers and plenty of doggie activities, including dog contests, pet adoptions and dog demonstrations. To have your pooch partake in the Doggie Plunge (which you won’t want to miss), register your dog(s) here. $15 per dog.

Lakewood’s 9th annual Festival Italiano at Belmar is a FREE two-day event celebrating Italian culture, food, wine and artisans on Sept 8-9, 2012 ! You can expect to eat delectable homemade Italian specialties while you stroll an artisan marketplace, hear live music and partake in grape stomping and a competitive bocce tournament. Don't miss the: flag throwers flown in from Italy to perform throughout both days.A portion of event proceeds benefit Project Angel Heart. More info and directions HERE.

Lakewood’s Heritage Center is extra charming in autumn, so don't miss the 37th Annual Cider Days Harvest Festival from 10AM-5PM on Oct. 6-7.  Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children (3-12)  Suck up delicious, locally-made fresh apple cider, or purchase a couple gallons to take home.  If you are partial to a particular kind of apple, bring it to the festival and  use their presses to make fresh apple cider to take home. Food, craft and commercial vendors are planned as well. Details and directions HERE. Proceeds from the event support educational programs at Lakewood's Heritage Center.

June 20 Hazel Miller Concert $5 in Lakewood

We love Lakewood’s Sounds Exciting! muy affordable summer concert series, which runs every Wednesday night weekly through August 1 at the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Amphitheater. Tickets are a modest $5 in advance or $6 the day of the show,  kids get in for $3.Doors open at 6

Don't  miss Hazel Miller on Weds. June 20, followed by Angie Stevens on June 27, Harpeth rising on July 11, Kid Charlemagne on July 18, Southern Exposure on July 25 and The Indulgers on Aug. 1.

Gates open at 6:15PM with an opening act comprised of young local musicians, followed by headliners at 7:15 p.m. Gates open at 6PM Feel free to bring your own chair or blanket. You may bring your own picnic or buy concessions on site. No pets, glass containers or bicycles allowed in the gated area. 

Buy in advance at the Lakewood Cultural Center Box Office (470 S. Allison Pkwy at Wadsworth & Alameda) or at the Lakewood Heritage Center in Belmar Park, 801 S. Yarrow St. (Wadsworth & Ohio), Lakewood.

Clean Out the Freezer -- It's Chile Harvest Time

Fall is almost here and if you close your eyes, you can almost smell the heavenly odor of roasting chiles at Farmers Markets and at the family chile stands along Federal Boulevard. To kick off the chile season grab the gang and head for the  Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 South Yarrow Street (Wadsworth and Ohio) to celebrate traditional and contemporary Southwestern art, music and food at the Chile Harvest Festival on Sat., Aug. 29, 10:00AM-5:00PM and Sun., Aug. 30, 10:00AM-5:00PM.

Presented by the City of Lakewood and the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council, the festival features work by Chicano artists Daniel Luna, Stevon Lucero and retablo carver Carlos Santistevan. Performers include classical guitarists James Garcia and Craig Meadows, the Rick Garcia Band and Chimaltonalli Aztec Dance and Danza Guadalupana. Demonstrators will also teach attendees how to string pepper ristras, and local restaurants Jack-n-Grill and Taza de Cafe will serve traditional Mexican and New Mexican foods featuring...what else?... chiles.

Admission is a reasonable $6 for adults and $3 for children ages three to twelve (All children’s activities are free with paid admission.). Parking is available at Lakewood's Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow Street (West of Wadsworth at Ohio). For more information, call 303-987-7859 or check HERE.

And, if you are looking for some great recipes for those chiles, check out the website Denver Green Chile.