Plastic bag changes
Get ready for more plastic bag changes in the new year. Starting Jan. 1, House Bill 21-1162 goes into effect in Colorado. The act prohibits stores and restaurants from providing single-use plastic carryout bags. That means that no plastic bags will be available at all, even for purchase at 10 cents. A store may only furnish a recycled paper bag for 10 cents, but aren’t required to do so. Many are opting not to provide plastic or paper bags at all. If you forget your reusable bags in 2024, there will be three options: Buy a recycled paper bag at 10 cents (if available); purchase a reusable bag at checkout; or carry your purchases by hand. More information about the changes and tips on remembering your bags are at milehighonthecheap.com.
$1 Mystery Movie Monday
Enjoy a major plot twist even before the movie starts at Regal Cinemas’ Mystery Movie Mondays. You can be the first to experience a new release before it opens to the public, usually at a discounted price. But Regal can’t tell the audience what film will be showing, so you take your chances. During Mystery Movie Mondays, Regal Crown Club members enjoy a small popcorn and soft drink combo for $9. The next “secret” screening at Regal is on Jan. 8, when tickets are $5. Screenings take place at select locations. For more secret screenings, go to regmovies.com/static/en/us/promotions throughout the year.
Del Taco’s 60th anniversary special
Del Taco is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a frugal fiesta for all taco lovers. To mark the milestone, the fast-food Mexican restaurant is making its popular Snack Tacos even more budget-friendly. From Jan. 4 to March 6, Del Taco is offering Snack Tacos for just 60 cents (regularly 99 cents). The discounted tacos are only available via the Del Yeah! Rewards app, and there is no limit. Expect more anniversary deals to come in 2024. deltaco.com
Denver Zoo free days
Monkey around with the family at the Denver Zoo at no cost in 2024. The zoo is giving back to the community with free admission on Jan. 5, Jan. 21, Feb. 11, April 7, Nov. 1, Nov. 9 and Nov. 17. Tickets are not available at the gate, but online only, and are first-come, first-served. Tickets are up for grabs 11 days prior to each free day, and you can get up to five tickets per person. They are valid only for the specific day and entry time reserved. The next lottery opens on Jan. 10 for the Sunday, Jan. 21, free day. denverzoo.org/free-days.
MLK free concert
The Colorado Symphony honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual tribute concert on Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Boettcher Concert Hall (1000 14th St.) in Denver. Admission is free. The evening will feature special guest performances and honor recipients of the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award. The performance promises to hit the right notes with a moving, celebratory program highlighting works by various composers. Tickets are required for admission, which are now available online. Limit 10 tickets per household. All seating is general admission. However, a ticket does not guarantee a seat, so arrive early. tickets.coloradosymphony.org/6749/6750
NWSS free admission
Since 1906, the National Western Stock Show has been attracting thousands to Denver every January. Thanks to Arrow Electronics, cowboys and cowgirls of all ages can saddle up for Free Grounds Admission Day on Jan. 9 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Note that general admission does not include ticketed events.) The regular price on Tuesdays is $17 for adults and $4 for children, so a family of four will save $42. Stock Show parking is free, but space is limited. Consider parking at Coors Field, where lots open at 8 a.m. daily and free shuttles take attendees to the National Western complex. nationalwestern.com
Jewels for Hope
Jewels for Hope collects pre-owned fine jewelry and holds sales throughout the year with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Find plenty of bling at its first sale of the year on Jan. 12 and 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at Jewel for Hope’s shop at 3500 S. Corona St. in Englewood. Snag three pairs of earrings for $10, buy-one-get-one-free necklaces and pins, low-priced watches and more. childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/jewels-for-hope
Lafayette Oatmeal Festival
The 27th annual Lafayette Oatmeal Festival on Jan. 13 features a huge oatmeal breakfast with nearly 100 toppings to customize your bowl. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Pioneer Elementary School (101 E. Baseline Road). Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for kids 3 to 12 and seniors (60+). Children 2 and under eat free. Plus, free face painting will be available starting at 8 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to use the free shuttle from Flatirons Community Church, carpool or use public transportation. Purchase tickets at the event, in advance at the Lafayette Chamber or online. lafayettecolorado.com
National Park Service free days
Outdoor enthusiasts can take in the natural beauty of our state for free in 2024. Kicking it off, in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr., the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees to all of its parks, monuments and other sites on Jan. 15. The free day does not include amenity or user fees for activities such as camping. It is an opportunity to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or just enjoy the frosty landscape of nearby Rocky Mountain National Park on a budget. There are five more free days in 2024: April 20, June 19, Aug. 4, Sept. 28 and Nov. 11. nps.gov
Denver Preschool Showcase
The annual Denver Preschool Showcase on Jan. 20 is an opportunity for parents to find and compare quality preschool options, learn about financial aid and interact with preschool resources in the Denver area. There will be free food, family-friendly entertainment and kids’ activities, including photo ops with Daniel Tiger, on-site. The showcase, hosted by the Denver Preschool Program, runs from 9 a.m. to noon at the Denver Zoo’s Gates Hall; everyone who attends also gets free admission to the zoo (just tell them at the entrance that you are there for the showcase). The event is for all Denver families with current or future preschoolers. dpp.org/showcase or 303-595-4377
USPS forever stamp increase
The U.S. Postal Service is increasing the rate on a first-class postage stamp, better known as a forever stamp, from 66 to 68 cents on Jan. 21. That means a book of 20 stamps will cost $13.20 – an increase of 40 cents. In addition, a postcard stamp will increase from 51 to 53 cents. Now’s the time to stock up on forever stamps for the new year before the price jump. Buy now, save later. usps.com
Civic Center Stargaze
Embark on a free celestial journey to the moon and stars right in the heart of Denver during Civic Center Stargaze. The Civic Center Conservancy and AstroTours are partnering on the event to be held at the main promenade of Civic Center park on Jan. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participants can learn from trained astronomers about the wonders of the cosmos through high-powered telescopes accessible to all ages. Local food trucks will be on hand if you need a hot beverage. The event is free, but space is limited. Secure your spot by Jan. 21. More stargazing is set for Feb. 21, March 20 and April 24. civiccenterpark.org/event/civic-center-stargaze/
Lakewood Arts Gallery sale
The Lakewood Arts Gallery (6501 W. Colfax Ave.) holds its New and Gently Used Art Supplies Sale from Jan. 27 to Feb. 23. Find painting supplies, kids’ crafts, art books, and fabric and jewelry-making supplies. For a minimal donation, pick up new and/or used art and craft supplies. The gallery, operated by the Lakewood Arts Council, is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and until 9 p.m. on Friday. lakewoodarts.org or 303-980-0625
More freebies, discounts and deals at MileHighOnTheCheap.com. Send tips to [email protected] 14 to 21 days in advance.
