Free events and festivals are some of my favorite things about summer…but did you know there are already plenty of free events and festivals going on in the Denver area in early April? Here are some that I found intriguing. You can find more – and search for different types of events occurring throughout the year – at Visit Denver’s website or at the Colorado Come to Life website.

“Remember Me” at the Colorado Photographic Arts Center (now through April 15) — a fascinating exploration of the elusiveness of memory by two artists that use photography in unexpected, innovative ways. Bree Lamb’s massive, pastel prints draw in viewers, only to repel them with visually disorienting patterns – a technique Lamb uses “to communicate the inherent disconnect between experience, representation, and memory.” Anne Leighton Massoni juxtaposes found photographs and her own images to visualize a place she describes as “between truth and fiction” in her series Holding. Each diptych shows an image she created of an empty place next to a found photograph of a time that no longer exists. She then paints a thin line to connect them. “The line, like a strand of DNA, ties the images, separated by generations, to one another.”

Spinster Sisters Natural Skin Care 5^th Birthday Celebration at all its three Denver-area locations in Cherry Creek North, Golden, and RiNo (April 1) – These handcrafted face and skin care products are natural, fair trade, sustainable, and recyclable. The company is celebrating its 5^th birthday with shenanigans including drinks, good eats, a fun photo wall where you can take your photo as a Spinster Sister, a special sale, raffle and more.

Denver Art Museum Free Day (April 1) – Explore fun things for families (including bilingual programs in Spanish), and visit exhibitions throughout this world-class museum. Note that a separate ticket is required for the special exhibit “Star Wars and the Power of Costume,” which runs through April 9. And did you know? General admission is free EVERY DAY for kids 18 and under!

Macaroni Kid Summer Camp & Activities Fair (April 2) — Looking for fun camps and activities for your kids this summer? You won’t want to miss this! The event is FREE and open to the public but pre-registration is encouraged. This is a one-stop “shop” event designed to give families the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the best camps, summer activities, and more in and around Douglas County. 40+ summer camps from the Douglas County area with representatives in attendance will provide camp details plus special offers, door prizes, and giveaways. Registered attendees will be entered to win a $200 gift certificate for the participating camp/activity of their choice. Complimentary admission to CU South Denver’s museum exhibits and galleries is included for all attendees. The first 200 families to attend the event will receive an event bag with goodies!

Arvada Kite Festival (April 2) — Soaring kites! Colorful kites! Majestic kites! Whether you’re flying or watching kites, get outside with your family at this free event and enjoy all the exciting outdoor activities the festival has to offer.

Target Tuesday Night at the Children’s Museum Denver Marsico Campus (April 4) —  Families can play for free from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. the first Tuesday night of each month, thanks to support from Target. There’s plenty to keep kids of all kinds busy and engaged, from a 3-story climbing structure and building your own fort, to running the cash register with real locally-grown produce at My Market, to exploring a giant physics playground, and more.

First Friday Chocolate Tasting at the Chocolate Crisis Center (April 7) — What’s better than baseball on a beautiful spring opening day? A free chocolate tasting after an exciting Colorado Rockies home opener against the Dodgers! After the action at Coors Field, stop by the Chocolate Crisis Center and sample some of your favorite chocolates. It’s just down the street, and their choc-docs will be on duty to make sure you get just what you need!

Low Sensory Morning at History Colorado Center (April 8) — The History Colorado Center opens its doors exclusively for families that prefer a lower sensory environment. The museum will be closed to the general public, attendance limited, and the sound in exhibits turned down. Come and enjoy! Admission is free and space limited. RSVP required.

If you go to any of these events, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share photos and reviews by commenting on this blog post or by posting to my Facebook page. And let me know about great free events you’ve found that others might enjoy so I can share those as well.

As always, we appreciate your trust and your referrals. Reach out any time to jensellsco@comcast.net or 303-204-6494.