WEEKLY EVENTS: December 6 – December 12, 2013

Dear Denver, the holidays are upon us!  I can feel them starting to bear down on me, like Santa’s fat sack (of presents), slowly but surely squashing all positive feelings related to the holidays, leaving me with nothing but a couple of maxed-out credit cards and a personalized pen from my property management company…’Tis the season, y’all!

It’s easy to start feeling stressed out about the holidays – having to buy presents, trying to decide how much to spend, having to attend obligatory events, receiving Christmas cards and feeling guilty that you did not send any, trying to split your time amongst family members, catching a cold, eating like a pig, self-medicating with too much egg nog…#ugh

This holiday season, try and let go of all expectations.  Spend a lot of time with the people you love; spend some time with the people who love you; enjoy the Christmas lights; smile empathetically at the underpaid store clerks; savor those hot toddies; listen to the quiet of a snow; Google photos of cats wearing sweaters; really lay one on somebody under the mistletoe; watch this; Facebook message a friend you haven’t seen in a while; make homemade soup; eat something green at least once a day; wash your hands; treat yourself to a new scarf, and authentically express your love and appreciation for the folks who have been putting up with you this past year.

And here’s some other stuff to do, cha cha cha.

(And as always, check-out Westword’s 10 things to do for $10 in Denver blog for free/low-cost events this weekend.)

Friday, December 6 & Saturday, December 7, 2013: WinterFest at Old South Pearl Street

Has the holiday season snuck up on you faster than you could get into the holiday spirit?  Perhaps you need some good old-fashioned festivities to get started?  The 1400 & 1500 blocks of South Pearl Street will be full of holiday cheer with an open air market, Box Elder horse & wagon rides, live seasonal music, hot drinks, and seasonal brews.  Friday’s activities run 5 – 9pm and Saturday’s from 11am to 5pm.  There is no admission fee!

Friday, December 6 & Saturday, December 7, 2013: Santa Paws Festival at the Cat Care Society

Spend your weekend hanging with the cute felines of the Cat Care Society at the organization’s annual holiday bash. You can do some holiday shopping, check-out the bake sale, meow mart and bazaar, pet some kitties, consider adopting a cat of your own — and chow down on free popcorn.  Friday’s activities run 12 – 5pm and Saturday’s Family Day goes from 9am to 4:30pm.  There is no admission fee!

Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 4 – 10pm: ManCraft at VFW Post 2461

This third annual showcase of all things man-made (literally) is sure to appeal to shoppers of both sexes.  Boyfriends/husbands: Grab a beer and chat up the dude behind Bussard Design‘s one-of-a-kind wood-and-wire necklaces. Ladies: Grab a beer and let the boys at Boulder’s Nineteen Forty help you choose a custom bow tie for your dude or dudette.  ManCraft is pretty much the love child of Martha Stewart and Chuck Norris. With the added bonus of cheap drinks.  Tip: Be one of the first 50 people in the door to receive a “man sack” with goodies such as free drink tickets and koozies.

Friday, December 6, 2013, doors at 7pm, show starts at 8pm: First Friday Live at Denver Open Media (DOM)

YOUR community access television station is turning 7!  Come join them for an intimate, live studio performance by Varlet and Jonny 5 of the Flobots!  And for a suggested donation of a mere $7, you can enjoy great food sponsored by Illegal Pete’s and Jason’s Deli, as well as a cocktail from Breckenridge Distillery, a glass of wine from Wines Off Wynkoop, or a pint of beer from Wynkoop Brewing Company!  Additionally, get your next facebook profile pic taken in the Dazzling Photo Booth throughout the night.  And  if you are not yet convinced, you will also have the opportunity to participate in DOM’s legendary silent auction, where you can score a plethora of holiday steals for you and yours.  This is a good group of hard-working folks; go show them your support.  And to learn more, read today’s article about DOM in the Westword.

Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 9 – 10:30pm: Standup for the Silent Holiday Bazaar at the Infinite Monkey Theorem

Stand for the Silent is an anti-bullying charity organization dedicated to protecting children so victimized by bullying that they turn to drastic measures to escape their lives.  While programming an evening of standup comedy (a medium notorious for its boundless mockery) for an anti-bullying benefit event might seem counterintuitive, Standup for the Silent has booked a roster of pros capable of delivering the healing, inclusive kind of laughter, rather than the crying in a locker-room variety.  Hosted by Heather Snow, the showcase features Chris Charpentier, Kristin Rand, and Adam Cayton-Holland.  It’s free to attend, though donations are appreciated.

Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 9 – 11pm: Extreme Turbo Smash and Dudebabes at Illegal Pete’s South Broadway

You’re not hallucinating; this band, Extreme Turbo Smash, comprised of furry bunnies and pandas and St. Bernards playing hardcore, does indeed exist and is playing a FREE show at Illegal Pete’s So Bro on Friday.  How could anyone miss this?

Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 10pm: Guilty Pleasures at the Lost Lake Lounge

You’ve already hit up a handful of First Friday events and are just buzzed up enough to start dancing…now what?   Cue Guilty Pleasures – a party dedicated to cheesy awesome dance jams.  When in doubt, grind it out.  Annnnnnnnnd…according to their FB page, this may be the last one at the Lake, so let’s burn this mother down.  $5 (strongly) suggested donation.

Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ 10am – 4pm: Horseshoe Holiday Market at the Denver Pavilions

The Horseshoe Holiday Market will bring over 70 amazing local artists, crafters and vintage collectors together for a holiday shopping extravaganza.  It’s a rare and wonderful shopping destination where customers can engage with and buy directly from local makers, creators and collectors. You’re sure to stumble upon some pretty awesome, lucky finds!  Additionally there will be festive food and drink, a visit from Santa’s sleigh, and a DIY crafting booth sponsored by Whole Foods.  Free admission, y’all.  And be sure to check-out their market-going tips here.

Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ 11am – 5pm: Holiday in Highlands Square

Join your Highland neighbors (or non-neighbors) for this annual family event!  Local shopping, holiday music, festive hot drinks, horse-drawn carriage rides, and photos with Santa will all be available for your pleasure. The Highlands Merchant Association is also partnering with Amelia’s Mammas to offer Sip & Shop Afternoon Child Care from 12pm – 5pm, for only $5 an hour.  Click here for more information.

Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ 6 – 10pm: Swanky Seasonal Party at Diebolt Brewing Company

Holiday brewery party!  The long-awaited winter saison “C’est la Saison” will be tapped, Ckrepes and Ckatering will be on-site creating some festive eats, and live music will be furnished by Minor Note Orchestra, starting at 7:30pm.  Dress-up in your fanciest seasonal duds and you’ll receive $1 off pints all night.  Fun!

Saturday, December 7, 2013 @ 7pm: One Year Anniversary Party at Our Mutual Friend

Another sweet ass brewery party!  To celebrate their one year anniversary, the 7 employees/owners of OMF each chose a style to brew  for a “Staff Tap Takeover” starting at 7pm.  The list includes a Black IPA, All Galaxy Red ale, Blood Orange Wheat ale, Dubbel, Hoppy Saison, Cream Ale, and a NY Maple Syrup Porter.  Tasters and full pours will be available.  Musical guests and Denver locals the Parlor Pickers, Two Tone Wolf Pack, and Josh Dillard will perform in the brewhouse.  Baba’s Falafel food truck will provide the nosh out front.  Lively hipster merriment!  No cover!

Sunday, December 8, 2013 @ 10am – 4pm: Share Denver Holiday Market at Share Denver 

Join Share Denver at their first annual holiday market!  Featuring: local artisans and crafters, handmade gifts, clothing and jewelry, baked goods, home décor, and more.  Free admission.

Sunday, December 8, 2013 @ 1 – 3pm: Bingo Brunch at the Squeaky Bean

Come nosh on some tasty eats at the Squeaky Bean, and try your luck at the ‘go.  Each week features a different comic, with this week’s host being the very funny Bobby Crane!  Make your reservation today.

Sunday, December 8 & Monday, December 9, 2013 @ 5 – 9pm: Holiday Pop-Up Market at The Populist

Come on down to The Populist this Sunday and Monday, which will be chock full of beautiful gift-friendly goodies for you.  Plus patrons can enjoy fancy cocktails from the Populist bar and Tifamade sandwiches.  Come peruse The Real Dill pickles, Beet & Yarrow floral design, Primary ties, Huckleberry Roasters coffee, Adriana Neves jewelry, Ollie’s Vintage, RedCamper cards and preserves, Matthew Jorgensen pottery, RL Linden & Co beauty, Ritual Chocolate and Mountain versus Plains artwork (one of my personal faves).  Fun!

Sunday, December 8, 2013 @ 7pm: Jews Do Dylan at L2 Arts & Culture Center

Poet, prophet, troubadour, showman — Bob Dylan remains one of the most influential American artists of the past half-century. From his folk anthems that spurred a generation to social action, to his forays into rock, country, gospel, and just about everything else, Dylan’s songs have incorporated an amazing array of political, philosophical, Biblical, and literary influences. Come on out for an evening of Dylan songs interpreted by a diverse lineup of Jewish musicians, many of whom worked together on last January’s sold-out “Jews Do Cohen” concert at Swallow Hill Music.  Tickets run $16 – $18.

Monday, December 9, 2013 @ 6:30pm: New Era’s Holiday Bash at Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery

Join Denver’s nonprofit darling New Era Colorado Foundation as they celebrate the holiday happy times.  Annnnnd take the opp(ortunity) to check-out one of Denver’s newest brewery’s Jagged Mountain!  Plus – it’s free.  Boom.  Dot com.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013 @ 5pm – 12am: Colorado Gives Day at Illegal Pete’s South Broadway

Colorado Gives Day, Youth On Record and Illegal Pete’s are teaming up to bring you burritos, beer, musicians, and that warm fuzzy feeling you get when give back to your community!  Join them as they “Eat & Greet” with local musicians and celebrate your generosity and the continued success and growth of Youth on Record’s programs.  $10 suggested donation; all proceeds go directly to the youth programs.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013 @ 5:30 – 7:30pm: Colfax on The Hill’s Annual Holiday Party at Charlie’s

Come one, come all to join the celebration of Denver’s most beloved (or something) main street, Colfax Avenue.  Charlie’s is hosting another complimentary (aka FREE) festive evening this year with a delicious buffet, holiday libations, and the ever-flowing martini bar.  Haaaaaaay…

Thursday, December 12, 2013 @ 5 – 9pm: Gifted Holiday Handmade Market at the McNichols Civic Center Building

This is a unique holiday experience, combining both local market and discussion on the topic of ‘true cost’ and ‘true benefit’ of an item.  Hosted by Warm Cookies of the Revolution, they’ll explore the complex issues that surround both buying local and handmade, as well as from global corporations.  You know, “This scarf is beautiful and homemade, but it costs a lot of money and I can get something kind of similar from Target but it might be made from slave labor…what to do?”  The market will feature a curated collection of locally handmade goods that showcase Denver’s best local talent!  The hour-long discussion will take place @ 6:30pm.   There will be raffle prizes, interactive booths, cold cheeks, hot cocoa, and of course….warm cookies from WaterCourse Bakery and Santa Fe Cookie Company.

Thursday, December 12, 2013 @ 6 – 8pm: Opening Reception: Margaret Lee & Chad Dawkins at the Dikeou Collection

The Dikeou Collection is pleased to announce the installation of new works by artist Margaret Lee.  An opening reception will take place at the Dikeou Collection on Thursday, December 12 from 6 – 8pm to honor the occasion. Additionally, artist Chad Dawkins’ twenty drawings on canvas, which were on view at the Pop-Up Space, have been re-installed in the main Dikeou Collection galleries in the Colorado Building.  Local musician Justin Couch will be the DJ for the evening, playing his selections from our vinyl record archive.  FREE.

Thursday, December 12, 2013 @ 6 – 9pm: Sounds on 29th Live Gong Show at 3 King’s Tavern

Do you have a unique talent that you’ve been wanting to unleash upon the world?  Well Sounds on 29th want to make your dreams come true – they are now accepting applications for their live Gong Show!  Your host with the most, Sid Pink, will be your guide through an evening of oddities and amazements! This event will festure comedic rock stars: Christie Buchele, Jordan Doll, Bradley Galli, Timmi Lasley, Nathan Lund, Kristin Rand, Heather Snow, Sam Tallent, Mara Wiles, Elliot Woolsey, Aaron Urist, and many more!  Plus the musical stylings of Rubedo!  If you are interested, message them via Facebook to get on the list!  And only $7 to attend the show!