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City Cast Denver

Yesterday’s cooler weather was a good reminder that colder temps are well on the way. Local meteorologists predict 

 will arrive before the month is over, which makes now the ideal time to start getting your yard ready to ride out winter. Try these tips:

Leaving water in your sprinkler system over winter runs the risk of freezing and bursting pipes. You’ll want to shut off your watering system for the season and blow out the pipes (something you can do through a professional or 

 will help your grass stay strong through the cold months. You can also consider aerating before the first snow fall to support drainage and airflow throughout winter.

 Your lawn still gets thirsty in the winter. Consider watering it with a hose on days over 40 degrees (do NOT turn on your sprinkler system). Winter watering also helps avoid mites!

Though some experts believe a layer of dead leaves can help protect and insulate your lawn from the cold, too thick of a layer can actually smother it. Additionally, while piles of dead leaves can help shelter insects and other small critters, they can also foster a breeding ground for lawn-damaging pests and diseases. So 

! Residents can drop off dead leaves, pumpkins, and other approved lawn debris for free composting.

Lay down burlap or a generous layer of mulch on flower beds and around the base of trees and other plants to help keep their roots from freezing. If you have a south- or west-facing tree, it could be at risk for sunscald — that’s when the sun thaws the trunk during the day, but then nighttime temps freeze it again, causing cracks and other serious damage. 

Leaving your grass too long over the winter can also cause damage. Experts recommend mowing your lawn at regular mowing levels until the grass goes dormant (or stops growing) for the season, usually in late November.

Walking too frequently on dormant grass can cause damage that will prevent those trodden areas from greening up in the spring and could promote snow mold. Also be extremely careful to avoid getting melting salts and other snow-melting agents on your lawn — they can cause serious damage.

Winter lawn care

Share your own tips! 📧

Help your yard stay happy and healthy ‘til next spring. 

Tips to Prepare Your Yard for a Denver Winter 

Tips to Prepare Your Yard for Winter 

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks for living your best Denver life, by locals, for locals.

Denver Life Hacks

 it’s spring cleaning season! To help you out, we put together this handy guide on how to recycle anything and everything that might be taking up space in your basement, garage, or storage unit 📦

🏠 Schedule pickups for old household appliances

Old appliances can also contain hazardous materials, so be sure to schedule a pick-up with the 

 for washers, dryers, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers and more. Xcel Energy customers can get a $50 rebate for 

🛋️ Your worn out couch could have a second life!

 will pick up your old sectional or loveseat, clean and refurbish it with a five-step restoration process, then place it in their showroom with other upcycled living room sets at an affordable price. The company not only reduces furniture waste, it also donates a portion of proceeds to Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

☣️ Take extra care with hazardous materials

Hazardous materials — things like paint, bleach, pesticides, automotive fluids, and gasoline — need special attention. You can 

 with the city if you have more than three kinds of hazardous materials or more than 25 pounds of one material.

, like disassembled cribs, strollers, car seats, and pack ‘n plays, to rehome it for families in need. The organization also takes donations of unopened diapers, wipes, and formula.

🛏️ Donate that old mattress and box spring for a good cause

 is a mattress recycling nonprofit that does two great things: by recycling your old bed, the company keeps beds and box springs out of the landfill, while also employing folks in the community who face employment barriers like past incarceration and substance misuse disorders.

📺 Broken and outdated electronics can – and should – be recycled

That old flatscreen TV in your basement can contain harmful materials, so proper recycling is crucial. Places like 

 can recycle electronics safely, while also promising data protection for sensitive information that might be living on an old computer or phone.

🪑 When in doubt, check out Denver’s large item pick up schedule

As part of regular trash service, each neighborhood has 

every few weeks if you need to off-load larger household items that don’t fit in the trash or recycle bin. Be sure to 

check the city’s website for a complete list of accepted items

Be aware that some recycling programs charge small fees to take your donations. Fees cover costs like labor and proper recycling.

Donation non-profits like Goodwill and the ARC have lists of items they 

take. Check specific locations before you drop off — some donated items aren’t re-sellable or re-usable and end up 

Looking for a one-stop option to unload your extra stuff? Check out the 

 at the Shops at Northfield, which will offer paper shredding and will be collecting paint, electronics, and baby gear for recycling or re-use 📃🔌🍼

A handy guide on how to recycle anything and everything that might be taking up space in your basement, garage, or storage unit.

How to Recycle Anything in Denver

Last month, city officials warned residents of a 

 making the rounds that appeared to be from the city regarding an unpaid parking invoice — it featured the city’s official logo and a link to a webpage nearly identical to the city’s real site.

In December, scammers were contacting owners of lost pets 

pretending to be the Denver Animal Shelter

. And last fall, dozens of Denverites reported 

concerning phone calls purportedly from the Sheriff’s Department

 in which the caller — complete with an official sounding badge number — demanded payments over alleged warrants.

With today’s technology, it’s starting to feel near impossible to know who or what you can trust. So we’ve rounded up some tips and tricks from local officials and experts on 

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation offers a list of 

 to be aware of — and how to spot them — including masking their phone numbers, creating convincing websites and email addresses, and playing on your emotions.

Communication from the city of Denver will always come from 

If you’re unsure about the authenticity of an email or text message claiming to be from the city, 

The Denver District Attorney’s Office issues local scam alerts and periodic resource reminders to residents via email. You can 

, like online shopping scams, romance scams, and impersonations of government officials.

 is another local resource that can help you stay up to date on the latest scams and fraud schemes making the rounds.

Report it to the Colorado Attorney General online here

. You can also report fraud attempts to the 

Double check all email addresses, phone numbers, and web URLs for red flags — like 

poor grammar, incorrect spelling, or misused punctuation

links or attachments from a sender you don’t know.

requests for money or personal information

If a caller is claiming to be someone official — from the city, your utility provider, etc. — don’t be afraid to 

 using the company’s official phone number.

. Scammers will try to invoke panic to make you act quickly without thinking.

, such as gift cards or digital currency. (Credit cards are typically the safest form of remote payment because fraudulent transactions can be disputed.)

Never, ever share personal or financial information

 unless you’re 100% confident about the person or entity you’re communicating with.

City officials warn of convincing scams making the rounds

Local Denver Scams and How to Spot Them

How to Spot a Scam

Every year the State Treasurer's Office puts on a public awareness campaign reminding residents about the 

 program, an effort to reunite people with “unclaimed property” they might not know about — from bits of gold or bars of silver to collectible baseball cards and cold hard cash. Currently in 2025, the state has a list of 7.5 million people with lost or forgotten goods waiting to be collected and 

. Here’s what you need to know 👇 Good luck!

Long-lost or forgotten assets — think money or items you might not have collected from a business or government office. It can be from old bank accounts, utility refunds, uncashed checks, forgotten safe deposit boxes, unclaimed dividends, etc.

It’s easy to check if you have any unclaimed properties waiting for you through 

. All you have to do is enter your name and zip code and the website will spit out a list of potential matches. Then, select the properties that belong to you and submit the required identification documents to claim them.

New properties are added all the time, so check back regularly.

Try different name spellings, previous names, and old zip codes for more results.

Also check to see if you have unclaimed properties 

🤑 Get your free money! 

The Great Colorado Payback program is an effort to reunite people with “unclaimed property” they might not know about.

How to Get Your 'Unclaimed Property' in Colorado

Are You Missing Free Money? 

Make Denver better, one neighbor at a time. Find volunteering opportunities, ways to get involved and give back, and more.

Help Your Denver Neighbors

Help Your Neighbors

If you consume eggs and live in Colorado, maybe you’re wondering the same thing we are: Where have all the eggs gone?? Local grocery store shelves have been noticeably barren. And when you 

 able to finally get your hands on some — why the heck are they so expensive?? We did some digging. Here’s what we found 🕵️ 🥚

 Because of Colorado’s New Cage-Free Egg Law

If you thought the egg shortage and price increase might

 prohibiting the sale of eggs that don’t meet “cage-free” standards, you weren’t alone. But alas, the timing 

. The Colorado Egg Producers organization says farmers have been preparing for the legislative change since the law was initially passed in 2020 — so don’t @ them for the state’s current egg predicament.

Here’s what you need to know about the new cage-free egg law, and several other 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu. Last year, Colorado led the nation in a devastating outbreak of bird flu that infected nearly 

, wiping out much of the state’s egg-laying hen population — ergo the shortage; ergo the steeper costs to transport eggs from other states. In fact, experts 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s daily price report for Jan. 13, the 

price of a dozen large white eggs for the region including Colorado 

 — which lines up with the $7-plus pricetags I’m seeing at my local stores. (Count your blessings, the price in Meeker was 

Both finance and agriculture experts say 

 until poultry farmers can recover their flocks — but with new cases of bird flu continuing to roll in, it’s hard to say when that will be. My advice? Buckle up for a long ride and find a friend who owns chickens.

Spoiler: It's not the state's new egg law.

Why You Can't Find Affordable Eggs in Colorado Right Now

Where Are All the Eggs? And Why Are They So Expensive?

What Denverites have been wondering. We break down why things in Denver are the way they are and how they work.

Denver, Explained

Here in the Mile High, the holidays don’t officially end until the Stock Show does. Whether it’s your first visit or your 80th, Denver’s annual 

deal 🐄 Known locally as “the best 16 days in January,” this year’s event runs January 11-26. Here’s everything you need to know before you go:

Due to construction, Stock Show staff recommend visitors 

. It’s free, there’s a shuttle running to the expo grounds every 20 minutes, and the lot is open from 8 a.m. until an hour after the last rodeo ends. There 

 at the Coliseum, but you'll need to get there early to nab it. Going the public transit route? You’ll want to take 

Grounds admission varies by day of the week, but ranges from $24-37 for adults (12+) and $7-9 for kids 3-11. With 

 you can peruse vendors, food stalls, and the Western Art Gallery, plus catch 

. Ticketed events, which include things like rodeo shows and bull riding, range in price from $32-$119. FREE Grounds Admissions Day is January 14.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed. (But trust us, there’s 

 there!) Bags and backpacks get the greenlight, but are subject to search. No animals except service animals are permitted. The space is accessible for strollers and wagons, but keep in mind that the place gets 

Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are a must, since much of the grounds are cold, drafty, and dirt- or straw-covered. 

 — cowboys boots, hats, ponchos, and fringe — is definitely encouraged.

Yeehaw! It's Stock Show time! Here's what you need to know before you go.

Denver Stock Show 2025 FAQs

A Know-Before-You-Go Guide to the 2025 Stock Show

Now that all the holiday excitement is turning into “new year, new me” energy, an important question remains: What should you do with all that torn-up wrapping paper? And what about the Christmas tree that’s been dropping pine needles all over your rug? Here are some tips for responsibly disposing of holiday waste.

 Unfortunately, most of the gift wrapping paper on the market is non-recyclable. Putting it in the recycling bin can contaminate the rest of the load, meaning that all the contents will go to the landfill. The same goes for items like ribbons, holiday cards, and 

 touts tree drop-off locations across the city and then 

turns your old tree into mulch and compost

 that is distributed to residents in the spring. It runs now through Jan. 30. Be sure to remove any decor, lights, and nonorganic items from the tree.The city will also collect trees left out on your

. (These trees will not be turned into mulch.)

 Most cities and counties offer something similar, so check the official channels wherever you live.

If the tree is in decent condition, and you’re just ready for a new one, consider donating it — check with local organizations or charities, like 

 also accepts tree and decoration donations to distribute to families in need around the world.

If you have unusable holiday lights, you can recycle them at one of 

 locations also accept faulty holiday lights for recycling.

how to reduce your holiday waste next year

How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Denver

How to Responsibly Recycle Your Christmas Tree (and Other Holiday Decor)

Cool autumn temperatures might have you itching for the roaring heat of a crackling fire, but city officials would like to remind residents that open wood burning — in fire pits, barrels, or chimineas — 

The risk of house fires is certainly one reason the city exercises caution around open burning, but the main concern? 

. Violations can result in a hefty fine up to $999.

The open burning of wood in any capacity is prohibited in Denver without a proper permit (say, for a special event). The burning of propane, natural gas, and charcoal briquettes is OK.

Charcoal grills are strictly prohibited on Denver balconies. Barbecue grills that use small amounts of controllable fuel are OK on balconies.

This time of year brings large gatherings, holiday cooking, combustible decorations, and the increased use of heating appliances. City officials offer these 

Pay attention to your stovetop — unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S.

Thoroughly clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney before lighting it up for the season.

Check and replace your furnace filter before turning on the heater for the season.

Use portable space heaters with caution and proper supervision.

Regularly clean and maintain wood fire stoves.

Brush up on your family’s fire escape plan to make sure everyone knows the protocol.

Regularly test your home’s smoke detectors.

For more information about Denver’s fire codes, contact the Fire Prevention Division at 720-913-3474 or 

Cool autumn temperatures might have you itching for the roaring heat of a crackling fire, but city officials say not so fast... 

What You Need to Know About Denver's Open Burn Ban

By the end of this month, you’ll be able to 

 that will be mailed to your home via the U.S. Postal Service. Though an official date hasn’t been set yet, check 

 to see when the federal program reopens. Each household can get four nasal swab rapid tests to detect the current virus strains, while supplies last.

COVID-19 tests have a shelf-life for when they can best detect the virus, but some expiration dates on diagnostic tests have actually been extended. 

 to search your test by manufacturer or name to see if it’s still a viable option.

 was approved by U.S. regulators last month to target the most recent virus strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

 for ages 6 months and older — and especially for people who have underlying health conditions, are over 65, or are pregnant. Previous vaccines no longer cover the current strain, and if you’ve been previously infected, your immunity wanes overtime.

If you want to get a vaccine somewhere other than your primary care office, the Denver Department of Public Health recommends using 

 to schedule an appointment at a pharmacy near you. You can also check with your local Walgreens, CVS, Safeway, and King Soopers.

Denver Health’s School-based Health Centers

 to help you find a vaccine site. Prefer assistance over the phone? Call the CDC’s vaccine hotline at 1-800-232-0233.

How To Get Free COVID-19 Tests

First dates can be tricky. Ideally, there’s some ambiance but not so much that you can’t hear each other — after all, this is an opportunity to get to know someone new. Luckily, Denver is full of great places for a first date. We already have a lot of 

 you can browse for dinner spots, but here’s where to find some first date fun!

The Art District on Santa Fe is a free, easy option for a date — tons of galleries to wander into, food trucks and local restaurants to try, and of course, lots of quality people-watching so you’ll have plenty to talk about! And if the date doesn’t go well, at least you’ll come home with a new piece of art.

If your ideal date involves maximum leisure vibes that invite conversation, this vinyl records-only listening lounge should be on your list. They also have an exceptional selection of minimum intervention wines to sip on while you get to know your new friend.

Taking a date on a walk is nice, and a stroll through fields of flowers, art, and bonsai trees takes it to the next level. Plus, there’s a special 

 through Cheesman Park that’s sure to get you some “cool” date points.

Maybe you’re looking for an outdoorsy option but want more 

than a normal hike. Why not take in the mountain views on a zipline! It’s only 30 minutes southwest of Denver and they have professionals on staff to guide you through the high-flying experience.

An excellent year-round date night option, this indoor mini golf club engages all the senses with a themed course and an emphasis on friendly competition. They also have a full bar and pizza and snacks to share, so no pressure for a fancy sit-down dinner, just fun.

Picking a venue for a first date can be tricky, so we picked the best spots in Denver to get to know your new friend.

local life hacks

Tips to Prepare Your Yard for Winter

How to Recycle Anything in Denver

How to Spot a Scam

Latest articles

Tips to Prepare Your Yard for Winter

How to Recycle Anything in Denver

How to Spot a Scam

Are You Missing Free Money?

Where Are All the Eggs? And Why Are They So Expensive?

A Know-Before-You-Go Guide to the 2025 Stock Show

How to Responsibly Recycle Your Christmas Tree (and Other Holiday Decor)

Latest articles

Are You Missing Free Money?

Where Are All the Eggs? And Why Are They So Expensive?

A Know-Before-You-Go Guide to the 2025 Stock Show

How to Responsibly Recycle Your Christmas Tree (and Other Holiday Decor)

What You Need to Know About Denver's Open Burn Ban

How To Get Free COVID-19 Tests

The Best Denver Spots for a First Date