1. Free Day at the National Western Stock Show | Jan. 19

Why: Whether you pull on boots or lace up Chuck Taylors, make sure to stomp around Denver’s 110th (yup, you read that correctly) stock show.

2. Colorado State Capitol Tour | Your Choice

Why: The General Assembly convenes on January 13, meaning that a tour of Colorado’s Statehouse can include watching your political system in process (and is probably more interesting than what you remember from your high school civics class).

3. Tattered Cover Book Store Presents Juan Thompson Reading from “Stories I Tell Myself: Growing Up with Hunter S. Thompson” | Jan. 8

Why: Admit it, you’re curious to hear what having Hunter S. Thompson for a father would have been like.

4. Denver Zoo Free Days | Jan. 8, 9, 21 & 31

Why: Now that the ice has (almost) melted from December’s storms, we can consider venturing outside again. First stop: Check in on the polar bears at the Zoo.

5. Hammond’s Candies Factory Tour | Your Choice

Why: If you are like us, you developed a major sweet-tooth addiction during the holiday season. This tour can help quell your sugar cravings without abandoning your New Year resolutions (if you can avoid picking up something sweet at the store).

6. Explore Washington Park | Your Choice

Why: Between skiing and snowshoeing on the weekends, January is a surprisingly fit month for Coloradans. Keep up your activity level during the week on a quick trek around Wash Park.

7. Contemplative Trail Loop

Why: If you want to avoid I-70’s traffic and still get in a workout, try this 3-mile (roundtrip) trek near Colorado Springs for a change of scenery.

8. Martin Luther King Marade | Jan. 18

Why: Thirty years ago, the first national observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day occurred. Celebrate that anniversary in Denver’s annual event.

9. Denver REI’s Avalanche Awareness Class | Jan. 19

Why: All that beautiful powder in the mountains can be dangerous; learn the warning signs—and what to do.

10. Get a Library Card | Your Choice

Why: Since you can put holds on Denver Public Library books (start with these) that are delivered to your local branch (oh-so convenient), and can be renewed online (yeah, fewer fines!), there are plenty of reasons why you should become a card-carrying member (finally) this month.

Looking for more things to do in Denver? Check out our events calendar.

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Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner
Natasha Gardner is a Denver-based writer and the former Articles Editor for 5280.