WEEKLY EVENTS: August 9 – August 15, 2013

There are many event listings in Denver. And while it is impossible to present EVERYTHING that is going on in this fine city, my goal is to turn you onto maybe one thing that wasn’t already on your radar (or remind you of something that may have fallen off).  This week, watch some international animation, eat x-treme pancakes (and burritos), celebrate community with a free block party, dance it the funk out, participate in a Carrotmob, enjoy the waning days of summer with some patio wine, and so many more other fun summer stuffs.

Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11, 2013: Close Encounters Of The Animated Kind

Continuing from Thursday, August 8, Close Encounters of the Animated Kind is the Denver Film Society’s newest four-day festival celebrating contemporary animated film from across the globe. New work from eight different countries feature a diverse range of cinematic styles and themes, from stop-motion to anime, live-action-animation-hybrids and packages of Oscar-winning shorts.  Pick and choose your films online.

Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11, 2013: Denver County Fair

The Denver County Fair honors the fine traditions and values of America’s county fairs, which have been enjoyed by millions of people for over 100 years.  Adult-sized Big Wheel rides!  Human Foosball!  Canine Couture Fashion Show!  Zombie Beauty Pageant!  The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile!  Unicorn Rides!  X-treme Pancakes!  Pig Tricks!  Speed Texting Competitions!  SpongeBob SquarePants!  The Denver County Fair Microbrew Fest!  Pie on a stick!  For realsies!  All tickets serve as weekend passes, so you and your family can come back again and again!  Adults: $10. Kids/Seniors/Military: $5. Family 4-pack $25.  Buy tickets online and avoid the ticket window! 

Friday, August 9, 2013 @ 7 – 10pm: Por Fin Es Friday at Hooked on Colfax

Do you speak Spanish or kind of speak Spanish?  Have you been looking for an opportunity to practice?  Then dust off those tildas and head on over to Hooked on Colfax this Friday night to have some summer-inspired drinks, roll your Rs and make some new amigos.  (Plus, meet my boyfriend’s parents who are visiting from Chile!)

Saturday, August 10, 2013 @ 11am – 4pm: Uptown Block Party at the corner of Marion St & Park Ave

The Uptown Block Party is a neighborhood event that brings residents, businesses, and community leaders together to enjoy music, entertainment, and food.  Free!

Saturday, August 10, 2013 @ 1pm & 3pm:  Duck Duck Dupe at Buntport Theater

On the second Saturday of each month, Buntport presents you with three stories related to a theme. This month’s theme is: Spaceships, Robots, & Lasers, Oh My!  Two of these tales are true, but one of them is nothing but a fib.  Can you figure out which one is baloney?  Fun for all ages (seriously grown-ups, this is an event that both you and your kids will enjoy), cute contests and prizes to boot.  Tickets are $6 – $8 with $1 off if you dress as a duck or something pretending to be a duck.  (So in other words, whatever you were planning to wear that day anyway.)

Saturday, August 10, 2013 @ 4 – 7pm: Share Denver Grand Opening Party at 2829 Fairfax Street

Share Denver is a community craft/event space, providing the opportunity for folks to teach what they know (and get paid) and have the opportunity to learn from others.  Come visit their new Park Hill location for a grand opening event, and come away with cupcakes and a make-and-take craft.

Saturday, August 10, 2013 @ 9pm: Backwoods at the Forest Room 5

Have you ever wanted to have a dance party WHILE you were camping?  Well, now is your chance.  Come check out this colorful night of music, dance, friendly faces, and visuals in the woodsy setting of the Forest Room 5.  Featuring Keystone XL, Pendulum 81, and special guest, DJ Matthew Brown.  $5 cover.

Sunday, August 11, 2013 @ 10am – 3pm: Viva Streets at Tennyson St & W 46th Ave

LiveWell Colorado is creating a car-free parkway (or “ciclovia”) for all Denverites to enjoy in the Berkeley Regis neighborhood on Tennyson St. and W. 46th Ave.  Viva Streets has been a tremendous success for the past two years in the Park Hill area of Denver, bringing together more than 10,000 people to celebrate the city’s potential to get people moving and to strengthen Colorado’s healthy, active culture.  This event is FREE and open to the public.

Sunday, August 11, 2013 @ 11am – 2pm: Carrotmob at Beet Box Bakery

What is a Carrotmob? Carrotmobs are a special way for a community to:
– demonstrate their buying power as consumers
– support vegan-friendly business,
– encourage awesome local businesses to keep up the good work.

Beet Box has agreed to do a special deal for Carrotmobbers.  Just mention that you’re with the mob and they’ll give you a free donut if you order a sandwich. Woohoo!  Everyone is welcome.

Sunday, August 11, 2013 @ 7pm: Breaking Bad Premiere at the Sidewinder Tavern

Join the friendly folks at the Sidewinder Tavern to watch the season premiere of Breaking Bad on the big screen.  There will be cocktail and food specials. This will be a weekly event; no cover.  (And read this week’s Local List, by the Sidewinder’s very own, Sufi Magpie Stevens.)

Tuesday, August 13, 2013 @ 7pm: Live Film Score at Praxis Creative Space

This event will feature live bands performing music to films right before your eyes (and ears?)  Featuring live music from Cairo, Scarewolves (featuring Macon Terry from Paper Bird), and Calliope of the Future.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 @ 6 – 8pm: Makers & Doers at The Bannock Street Garage

Each month, over 100 creative individuals come together to mix and mingle. Representing small businesses, creative industries and startups, this group is sure to introduce you to the people, resources and exposure that your small business needs to grow.  The best part is…the food is free and there’s no fee to get involved!  For August, Makers & Doers is doing a dive bar edition at The Bannock Street Garage. All bottled beer will be $2.25!  

Thursday, August 15, 2013, doors at 5pm, music at sunset: Summer Supper + Song at the Infinite Monkey Theorem

Celebrate summer the right way with Summer Supper + Song on the industrially hip patio of the Infinite Monkey Theorem.  Grab a glass of red, white, rose or cider, and some yummy Mexican grub from the Comida food truck and just kick it like only you know how.  Prism Waves will be providing the soundtrack to your evening.

Thursday August 15, 2013, doors at 6pm, music at 7pm: Raise the Roof at SIE FilmCenter

Combining music, comedy, beer, food, increased altitude and sweet ass views, the Denver Film Society’s Raise the Roof parties are a summertime must.  There is no cover and attendees will be given a buy–one-get-one free movie ticket, that they can use upon a return visit to the film center.  Held on top of the film center parking garage, this week’s entertainment includes music by Ark Life and Shady Elders, along with comedian Jordan Doll.  Can you say, “TGIAF”?