The weather might be cold, but there are hot times ahead...and you won't have to spend a dime to enjoy many of them. Here are five events over the next few days that are absolutely free (and guaranteed fun):

Water Tower Mystery Series

Starting Thursday, February 20

Olde Town Arvada

Explore Olde Town Arvada with the first episode of the Water Tower Mystery Series. Now through May 14, you can download a free PDF at oldetownarvada.org, then play the game and solve the final puzzle for prizes at businesses across Arvada. “As an artist, my goal is to introduce a unique element of fun and connection into a space,” says Lisa Levad, creator and owner of Event Quest LLC. “I'm excited to bring my passion to my home town.” The artist collaborated with the Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District to create the free, twelve-week-long event. Find out more here.

Unseen Festival Dress Rehearsal

Friday, February 21, 7:30 p.m.

Counterpath, 7934 East 14th Avenue

The Unseen Festival is going to Michigan for the Ann Arbor Film Festival in March, and you can catch the whole show at a free dress rehearsal of the films curated by Jacob Barreras, along with writing, dance and other performances. Find out more here.

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Adam Cayton-Holland Performs His Signature Bits

Friday, February 21, 8 p.m.

Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer Street

Hometown hero Adam Cayton-Holland, comedian and former Westword writer ("What's So Funny?"), returns to Ratio Beerworks to celebrate the release of Adam Cayton-Holland Performs His Signature Bits on Saddle Creek Records. Copies of the vinyl will be available; anyone who buys a copy will receive a complimentary beer from Ratio and be entered to win a Saddle Creek prize package. And everyone in the room will benefit from Cayton-Holland's winning wit. Admission is free; find out more here.

Detour

Exonerated Central Park 5

Saturday, February 22, 3 p.m.

Mile High Ballroom, Colorado Convention Center

Three members of the Central Park Five, a group of teenagers wrongfully convicted of murdering a jogger in New York City in 1989, will speak with Mayor Michael Hancock about their case and systemic injustice at "Exonerated Central Park Five." At the free event, part of the New Thinkers series, the mayor will talk with Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam and Raymond Santana about how their case relates to contemporary social-justice issues here in Denver. For more information, go to keosmarketing.com/newthinkers, and to RSVP (tickets are going fast), go to eventbrite.com.

Downtown Open Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding Competition

Saturday, February 22, 5 to 10 p.m.

Civic Center Park

The Civic Center Conservancy is teaming up with Pacifico Beer and other partners on the Downtown Open, complete with a ninety-foot snow slope structure, live music and a beer garden in the park. The rail jam-style competition will highlight the world's top skiing and snowboarding athletes; two winners (one snowboarder and one skier) will receive an all-inclusive trip to the Summer X Games 2020 in Minneapolis. But spectators are winners, too, since the evening includes a free concert with headliner DJ SoDown, along with house-music warrior Option4. Find out more here.



We'll be updating this list; if you know of a great free event, email information to editorial@westword.com.