Petals, plants, and pixels, oh my! York Street gardens has it all. 

The Denver Botanic Gardens is a 24-acre plant paradise that is home to more than 10,000 species of vegetation in 45 themed gardens, featuring flora from all corners of the world. And, you can see it all for free on Wednesday, Aug. 29, as part of the attraction’s Free Day event offerings.

Free Days are made possible by funding through the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). They are offered on different days through the year at the York Street gardens, as well as the Chatfield Farms location and the Plains Conservation Center. Please note that Free Day dates differ between the three locations.

There is much to see at the York Street location, so make sure you pack your camera, water, sunscreen, and sense of adventure! You can check out the arid gardens, which showcase plants that thrive in Colorado’s climate, find a moment of zen at the Monet Pool, and catch some shade and relaxation in the Oak Grove.  

In addition, the gardens has a treat for you that explores the relationships between the natural world and the artificial world of digital media. Pixelated: Sculpture by Mike Whiting is an exhibit of sculptures created within the pixelated aesthetic of vintage video games that are featured throughout the gardens’ natural landscapes.

Pixelated exhibit

Cactus, a Pixelated exhibit sculpture at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens. 

Things to Know:

  • No tickets are needed for Free Days. 

  • Free Days are for regular gardens hours only.

  • Free Days do not include ticketed events.

The gardens will close out the Free Day events this year on Nov. 3 at the York Street location, Nov. 6 at the Chatfield Farms location and Nov. 8 and Dec. 14 at the Plains Conservation Center.

Looking for other free events in the area? We’ve got you covered with a list of the free admission days for 2018.

Becky Talley
A Colorado native, Becky’s a confirmed word nerd who loves to write about and photograph this great state! Give a wave and say "Hi" if you see her hiking out and about on the trails or geeking out over historical tours of colorful Colorado, preferably, of the haunted variety. She's always happy to learn about the new, cool, creepy and bizarre, so feel free to share story ideas with her on Twitter!
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