Great Denver Dates That Won’t Empty Your Wallet
People think that dating has to be so expensive. They see $35 steaks at fancy restaurants, $12 cocktails at Denver’s hottest clubs, and the iconic adult store billboard—“Secrets, it’s cheaper than dating!”—and think that staying single is their key to saving dough. But you should never let an empty wallet hold you back from pursuing love, or that you need to pick up a second job to take your partner on great dates. Denver has enough free and cheap sites and events to date for $30 a week until you buy an engagement ring.
First, the summer in Denver has free concerts abound. Think twice before sinking $150 on two tickets to Red Rocks; there are free, outdoor concerts by popular local artists every day of the week. Bring your picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs to the Crescent Amphitheatre every Tuesday at 7:00pm, to the Littleton History Museum every Wednesday at 7:00pm, and to the CityCenter Englewood Amphitheatre every Thursday at 6:30pm. And don’t miss the free concerts every Friday at 6:00pm at Southlands Mall, where pets and dance moves are also invited!
If you like music but you’re looking for a different feel from a concert—or for an opportunity to perform—Denver also has free open mics every night of the week. Most of these offer a great mix of music, singing, poetry, comedy, talent, and eccentricity. Check out Ziggies, Denver’s premier blues club, for an open mic and drink deals every Monday at 8:00pm; for a more intimate occasion, head to the Toad Tavern on Tuesdays at 7:00pm or the Meadowlark Bar on Tuesdays at 9:00pm; for a lively atmosphere with great food, head to Lincoln’s Road House on Wednesdays at 6:60pm; and don’t miss the Celtic Tavern on Friday nights at 8:00pm.
For an even more unique musical experience, check out the Mercury Café. This affordable food and drink bar hosts many events, talks, concerts, and classes, everything from belly dancing and tango classes to tarot readings and magic shows.
If you’ve got a brainy date, try out one of Denver’s numerous pub quizzes, where you can get deals on drinks and match up against Colorado’s finest intoxicated intellects. As for daytime dates, Denver has a lot to offer. Bring your date to one of our fun and affordable sites, like the Botanical Gardens, the Denver Zoo, the Butterfly Pavilion, the 16th Street Mall, Elitch Gardens Theme Park, or Water World. There are also frequent festivals and outdoor events around the Denver area, such as the Santa Fe Art District Art Walk on the first Friday of Every month: a free shuttle picks you up at the 10th and Osage Lite Rail station at 5:30pm and brings you to Denver’s best galleries. These galleries also host free events throughout the year. Check out the farmer’s market outside the Cherry Creek Mall every Saturday morning. And keep an eye out for festivals, like the upcoming Greek Festival, Sand Sculpture Competition and party, or the Highlands Street Fair. And don’t forget where we live: Colorado has enough hiking, biking, and boating to last a lifetime. All these dates are a lot more original than a fancy meal or a noisy club, and they will let you bond with your partner without counting numbers in your head.
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We here at Sloane’s always want you to get the most for your money. We hope you look good and save big on these dates, and that if they start a lifelong commitment, that you stop into Sloane’s for discount rugs and carpet specials for your first home together.
Please share any other affordable dates or any stories from the ones we suggested!