Things to do in Denver this weekend, Nov. 12 to 15
Dinosaur Ridge goes free for Colorado's sesquicentennial
By Lou P. and the Denver Loop editors. Thursday, November 12, 2026
Dinosaur Ridge marks Colorado's sesquicentennial with a free day on Sunday, and Saturday is a free day at the Denver Zoo. Central Library has a three-day used book sale, and Fortune Feimster tapes a live special at the Paramount. Westminster also opens a new park.
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING
SCFD Free Day: Commemorate Colorado's Sesquicentennial Dino Ridge Style!
Dinosaur Ridge is holding an SCFD free day on Sunday to mark Colorado's sesquicentennial.
Free entry to the Exhibit Hall and the Deep Time Detour Exhibition, plus $5 off guided bus tours, as Dinosaur Ridge marks Colorado's 150th year. It's where the state fossil, the Stegosaurus, was uncovered, and it suits all ages.
Sunday at 9 am · Dinosaur Ridge Main Visitor Center, 16831 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO, 80465
FREE THIS WEEKENDcosts nothing
Denver Zoo Free Days
Saturday
Denver Zoo's free day lets you wander the grounds without buying a ticket.
WITH KIDSbring them
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
Saturday at 1:30 pm; also 3:30 pm, Sun 1:30 pm, Sun 3:30 pm
Denver Center, Randy Weeks Conservatory Theatre, 1101 13th St., Denver, CO, 80204
Mo Willems' mischievous Pigeon sets out to drive a city bus in this interactive musical with songs, puppets and plenty of shouting along. Kids and grown-ups are both invited to join in.
2nd Saturday at CSU Spur (The Science of Art)
Saturday at 10 am
CSU Spur, 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO, 80216
CSU Spur opens its doors for free, family-friendly fun every second Saturday, presented by Canvas Credit Union. This month's theme is the science of art.
THE WEIRD ONE with Lou P.
Breakfast Fly-In: Food Drive
A breakfast fly-in at Centennial Airport is also a food drive.
Saturday at 9:30 am · Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)
OUTSIDEfresh air
Sheridan Green Park Grand Opening
Friday at 3 pm
10951 Harlan St Westminster CO 80020
Westminster celebrates its newly renovated park with free gumbo and beignets while supplies last. You can also be among the first to explore the new swamp-themed features.
DATE NIGHTfor two
Sophie Lowenstein Presents: Birth music
Thursday at 7 pm; also Fri 7 pm, Sat 7 pm
Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan Street, Denver, CO, 80204
A solo show written and performed by sketch writer and midwife Sophie Lowenstein. It follows one midwife through a wild call shift, mixing surreal, dark humor with the history of American birthwork. Free.
Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin
Thursday at 7:30 pm; also Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 7:30 pm
MSU Denver Studio Theatre, 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO, 80204
Steve Martin's absurdist comedy imagines Picasso and Einstein meeting in a Paris café, with art and science trading barbs. MSU Denver's production runs through November 22.
BRING A TOTEmarkets and sales
The Red Chair Bookshop 3-Day Used Book Sale
Friday at 10 am
Central Library, 10 W 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO, 80204
Thousands of used books, CDs and DVDs fill Park View at the Central Library over three days. Sunday is a $15 bag sale, so bring a tote. Proceeds support the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation.
Winter Artist Market
Friday
Center for Visual Art (CVA)
Holiday shopping with handmade goods from more than 40 local artists, including jewelry, ceramics, small sculptures, prints, cards, books and textiles. It's a good place to find an affordable, one-of-a-kind gift.
BIG SHOWSyou've heard of these
- SAT 6 PM; ALSO 8:30 PMFortune Feimster: Takin' Care of Biscuits Live Special Taping, Paramount Theatre
- FRI 7:30 PM; ALSO SAT 7:30 PMAndrew McMahon w/ Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Boettcher Hall
- SAT 7 PMKurt Vile & the Violators, Summit Music Hall
PLAN AHEAD
WHAT DID WE MISS?
We do our best to read every calendar in Denver, and we still miss good stuff. The church supper, the band at the corner bar, the block party your neighbor is throwing. If you know about something, tell us. Just write hello@loopcities.com. We read every note.
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