The return of the Rockies Taco Bell special, a kite festival and more free and cheap things to do in April

Russell Square Park reopening

After four years of planning, design and construction, the renovation of Russell Square Park (3600 Vine St.) in Denver’s Cole Neighborhood is done. Improvements include an expanded nature-based playground, a small water feature, picnic area updates, an outdoor classroom amphitheater and a multi-use court.

Dairy Queen Blizzard special

DQ fans, get ready for a blizzard of new treats and savings. The ice cream shop just introduced five new flavors for its 2023 Summer Blizzard Treat menu. Available now, fans can dig a spoon into the following limited-time Blizzard flavors: Peanut Butter Puppy Chow (made with cereal!), Oreo Brookie, S’mores, Cotton Candy and Choco-Dipped Strawberry. Even sweeter, DQ is offering a special for Blizzard fans. In honor of the Blizzard being first swirled in 1985, customers can enjoy one small Blizzard for just 85 cents from April 10 to 23. The offer is only available via the DQ app. dairyqueen.com

Toy & Doll Supershow

Fans of vintage and collectible toys can toy around at the 31st annual Toy & Doll Supershow. The “play date” is on April 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Delta by Marriott Hotel (10 E. 120th Ave.) in Northglenn. With more than 200 tables of toys, dolls and more, there will be lots for every collector and enthusiast in attendance to explore or add to their collection. For 2023, the show’s special guest is Muriel Juneberry Fahrion, the creator of Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears. Concessions will also be available from noon to 3 p.m. Admission is $8. Children under 12 are admitted free. Those who want first crack at the show floor can get in early at 10 a.m. for $12. Tickets are sold at the door only. Cash and credit cards accepted. tdsupershow.com

Taco Bell/Rockies special

Taco Bell is stepping up to the plate for the 2023 baseball season with its popular Colorado Rockies special. The day following a game in which the Rockies score seven or more runs (win or lose), fans score four regular crunchy tacos for $2 from 4 to 6 p.m. During the regular season, the offer is valid at participating locations in the Denver metro area – in-restaurant, including the drive-through. The deal coincides with Taco Bell’s daily happy hour special from 2 to 5 p.m. From 4 to 5 p.m., customers can also get a regular Freeze or medium drink for just $1. tacobell.com

Colorado State Button Society’s Annual Button Show

Zip over to a weekend full of all things button. The Colorado State Button Society has a ballroom filled with them during its annual Button Show at Embassy Suites by Hilton (4444 Havana St.) in Denver on April 15 and 16. Both crafters and collectors can explore thousands of vintage, antique and contemporary buttons displayed by dealers from across the United States. There are also educational displays and programs, as well as crafts. The buttoned-up affair runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. coloradobuttons.com/events

Arvada Kite Festival

The Arvada Kite Festival is set to again fill the skies on April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stenger Soccer Complex (11200 W. 58th Ave.) The high-flying event will thrill all ages with the artistry of kite flying and friendly competition. Bring your own kite or buy one on-site. The event includes musical entertainment, 70+ local vendors, kids’ activities, kite demos, food trucks and more. Gates open at 9:45 a.m. No animals or barbecue grills allowed. Admission is free and parking is first-come, first-served. (This may be the only time Front Range residents want the wind to blow.) arvadafestivals.com/arvada-kite-festival

Record Store Day

Record Store Day is April 22 with local record stores offering discounts, free gifts, giveaways and entertainment by local bands or DJs. However, the day is really all about introducing hundreds of new releases on vinyl by big-name stars, as well as new artists — all supporting the resurgence of vinyl and the real brick-and-mortar record store. One of the more highly anticipated releases is from Taylor Swift with the vinyl release of “Taylor Swift’s Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions,” a double grey vinyl release that is exclusive to record stores. Some shops offer free gifts or giveaways. Because they’re independent stores, each store sets its own celebratory hours, events and/or giveaways. In the Denver metro area, participating stores include Angelo’s CDs & Records, Black & Red, Chain Reaction Records, Twist & Shout and Wax Trax Records. However, there are more locations throughout Colorado. Check store websites for hours and more information. recordstoreday.com/stores

Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival

No need to go to Holland to see tulips in a rainbow of colors. Just head to Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, where more than 15,000 tulips will be blooming in time for the annual Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival on April 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. The free family-friendly event features the lovely Tulip Fairy fluttering, among all of the little ones dressed as fairies and elves prancing around. Activities include face painting, aerial performances, arts and crafts projects, entertainment, foam sword dueling and more. Plus, don’t miss the photo-worthy Parades with the Tulip Fairy, leaving from the performance stage at 1:45, 2:45 and 3:45 p.m. Parking is free on Sundays at all Boulder municipal garages and street meters. If the weather turns out to not be so spring-like, the rain date is April 30. boulderdowntown.com/events/tulip-festival

Venardos Circus Discount

Venardos Circus returns to the Mile High City with an all-new “Let’s Build a Dream” tour from April 27 to May 7 at Aspen Grove (7301 S. Santa Fe Drive) in Littleton. There will be 15 shows in its new, expanded red-and-white striped Canobbio tent — featuring a new central stage. Performances feature no animals, only talents of the human kind, including acrobats, contortionists and more. Showtimes vary by date, with additional performances on the weekends. Compared to similar touring shows, ticket prices are budget-friendly – starting at just $16.95. However, families can save 10 percent on general admission tickets online with promo code MHCHEAP. Parking is free. Plus, don’t miss the festive preshow entertainment that begins one hour prior to showtime. liveyourcircusdream.com

Denver Art Museum Day of the Child

The Denver Art Museum marks the 21st anniversary of its annual Dia del Niño (Day of the Child) celebration on April 30, with free general admission for all. The day includes bilingual activities, hands-on artmaking, musical entertainment, artistic performances and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission includes full access to all activities, exhibitions, performances and spaces within the museum. The Denver Preschool Program will bring in celebrity guest readers to read “How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?” by Jane Yolen to children in both English and Spanish. A free book will be given to each child who attends the story time, while supplies last. denverartmuseum.org/en/calendar/dia-del-nino-2023

very month, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez at MileHighOnTheCheap.com compile the “Cheap Checklist” to help smart shoppers find freebies, discounts and deals. Send tips to [email protected] 14 to 21 days in advance. More freebies, discounts and deals at MileHighOnTheCheap.com.

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