WEEKLY EVENTS: December 13 – December 19, 2013

Dear Denver, well it’s another week of some pretty kick-ass events and another week where my bony little fingers can only capture a smattering of them.  Question: Which events do you like hearing about the most?  Film events?  Beer-centric events?  Free events?  Family-friendly events?  Cultural events?  Comedic events?  Crafting events?  Food-related events?  Let me know in the comments section, so I can make sure I am giving you what you want (I mean, who else is going to ask you that???)

This weekend of course marks the second annual Denver (Only) Beer Festivus, which also happens to be one of my newest most favoritest events in Denver (last year a full-on sweaty dance party broke out at 5pm, wha?)  With 24 Denver-based breweries representing, music, postcards, photobooths, and an on-site food court, it sounds like this year will be even more festive than last.  Tickets have been sold-out for awhile now, however you may have some luck on Craig’s List.  Annnnnnd whether you are going or not, follow my live (drunk) tweeting of the event @dear_denver.

Also to consider this week: Starting on Saturday, December 14, 2013 come take a peak inside Denver’s quintessential mansion during the Governor’s Residence Holiday Tours.  Come peep the architecture and the twinkling lights while you imagine the epic parties you would throw here, if you only had the chance.  Tours run daily through Friday, December 20th at 10am and 2pm.  FREE.

(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 13 & Saturday, December 14, 2013: Candy Cane Festival at the Hammond’s Candy Cane Factory

Hammond’s Candy Cane Factory will open its doors for a holiday bash complete with mini tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting, games, carolers, and more. See Santa, decorate cookies, jump on the bounce castle…and do some (more) holiday shopping.  Friday’s activities run 10am – 4pm and Saturday’s from 9am – 4pm.  FREE!

Friday, December 13, 2013 @ 2 – 9pm: Return of the Ugly Sweater at the Wit’s End Brewing Company

It’s the return of the Ugly Sweater (beer)!  Wit’s End will be tapping their beloved winter ale once again this Friday, starting at 2pm.  Come help them celebrate by rocking your ugly sweater in the taproom.  They will be raffling off door prizes for those wearing an ugly knitted top, and there will be a special prize for the best (or worst?) ugly sweater to be chosen at 7pm.  Pride of Philly will be serving up the steaks and taproom hours will be extended slightly from 2 – 9pm-ish.  Also, Friday will be the only day they will sell Ugly Sweater to go—and only in 40s (haaaaaaaaay).  So bring your 40 in for a refill or grab a new one to go.

Friday, December 13, 2013, street art demonstration begins at 6:15pm, movie begins at 7pm: Screening of Jamel Shabazz Street Photographer at the SIE FilmCenter

The Denver Film Society is proud to present the documentary Jamel Shabazz Street Photographer, along with a live street art demonstration by Denver street artist Leah Crise for one night only!  In the infancy of hip-hop, Brooklyn-born photographer Jamel Shabazz documented the pioneers of music and style who would launch an enduring worldwide phenomenon.  Charlie Ahearn, the director of the seminal grafitti movie Wild Style, pays tribute to both Shabazz and those who defined hip-hop before it had definition.  Tickets run $7 – $10.

Friday, December 13, 2013 @ 7 – 9pm: Black Sheep Fridays at the MCA Denver

Mixing hip with the weird, Black Sheep Fridays runs weekly October 11–December 20, 2013, from 7 – 9pm in the MCA Café.  Visitors can stop by anytime during the evening to experience the fun.  This week’s theme is What Would Jason Do?  Come celebrate Friday the 13th, Pub Quiz Style.  With Host Marc Hughes.  Free for members, $5 for regular people.

Friday, December 13, 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 drinks, roll your Rs, and make some new amigos.  Como se dice, “All I want for Christmas is you”?  FREE!

Friday, December 13, 2013 @ 8pm: Matter’s 14th Annual Holiday Party and Print Sale at Matter Studio

FREE and open to friends, family, and Denver’s type-loving public, this party promises live letterpress demos, intoxicating music, and even more intoxicating libations: Great Divide beer, a few home brews, and a ten-gallon fish tank of mojitos.  This is a work holiday gathering you do not want to miss!

Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15, 2013 @ 1 – 7pm: Denver Handmade Homemade Market at the Denver Art Society

On December 14th & 15th, the Denver Handmade Homemade (HAHO) Market will host its annual two-day Holiday Market in the Arts District on Santa Fe at the Denver Art Society.  This upcoming HAHO Market features over 60 local businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs vending a variety of products from holiday goods, ceramics, prepared dinner foods, produce and baked goods, to handmade jewelry and accessories and various arts and crafts!  On the 14th, Lake Mary and Derek Luttrell will be playing some classy folk music, and on the 15th there will be celtic music from Skean Dubh and a returning bluegrass favorite, The Hooks and the Hollows.  As per any great HAHO Market, a full vegan food buffet from Pony Treats.   The members of the Denver Art Society will also be showcasing their art…and all for FREE!

Saturday, December 14, 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: Animal Heroes!  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 just $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, December 14, 2013 @ 2pm: The Polar Express at the SIE FilmCenter

Come join the Denver Film Society for some holiday cheer as they present a FREE screening of the seminal holiday classic, The Polar Express.  The film will also be preceded by a special reading of A Snow Day for Hannah by local author Linda Petrie Bunch, with an in-person (or in-dog?) appearance by Hannah the Mountain Dog!  Following the screening there will be a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and some holiday treats!  A wonderful (and free) way to spend the afternoon!

Saturday, December 14, 2013 @ 7:30pm: The Stone Roses: Made of Stone at the SIE FilmCenter

In 2012, a resurrection no one thought possible took place when legendary band, The Stone Roses reformed after 16 years.  With unprecedented access to previously unseen archive footage, Made of Stone is a revealing journey through the life of one of the most revered and influential bands in British music history.  Annnnnnnd after the film, join all of your new friends in the theater bar for a brit pop dance party!  Tickets run $7 – $10.

Saturday, December 14, 2013 @ 8 – 10pm: Dragging Out the Old Cheer at the Deer Pile 

Dragging Out the Old Cheer, Robert Rutherford’s first book of poetry, will be released into the wild on December 14th.  To celebrate, please join him and his homies at The Deer Pile for a reading and music by Denver’s Somerset Catalog.  He may very well be the nicest person you’ll ever meet in your entire life.  FREE!

Saturday, December 14, 2013 @ 10 – 11:30pm: Rory Scoval & Adam Cayton-Holland at the Voodoo Comedy Playhouse

From his numerous breakout appearances on Conan, to recently recording a live comedy album at Jack White’s Third Man Records, to starring on TBS’ new comedy “Ground Floor,” Rory Scovel is blowing up. Unpredictable and with a surrealist flare for the absurd, Rory has fast become one of the most sought-after comedians performing today, and he’s in Denver for one night only!  Joining him is Adam Cayton-Holland (Conan, Happy Endings, Grawlix), Jordan Doll (Winner of 2013 Comedy Works New Talent Contest) and Kristin Rand (Moxie, Delusions of Randeur).  Tickets are just 12 bucks, yo.

Sunday, December 15, 2013 @ 10am – 6pm: Fashion Denver’s Holiday Fashion Market at the Grant-Humphreys Mansion

On Sunday, December 15th, Fashion Denver will host its 9th year of the holiday fashion market.  Over 30 local designers will take over the historical Grant-Humphreys mansion, located at 770 Pennsylvania Street, for a day of holiday celebration and shopping.  The first 40 shoppers will get an official Fashion Denver shopping bag, a partnership with Indy Ink who will be doing live screen printing.  Throughout the course of the day there will be three fashion shows (noon, 3pm, & 5pm) featuring the designers at the event.  Plus there will be historical reenactments, live music, tarot card readings, and food!  From top to bottom, this beautiful mansion will be full of fun!  Plus, it’s FREE!

Sunday, December 15, 2013 @ 11am – 3pm: Holiday Neat Market Vegan Shop-Up (and clothing swap) at the Horse Barn

This pop-up market is the coolest, even if you aren’t permanently riding the vegan train.  Bring yo cash and pick-up some fresh pasta, vegan wine, ice-cream, jerky, confectionaries, seasoned seitan, tamales, and tons of baked goods.  Nothing not vegan, son.  Also this month, Plants & Animals will be continuing their community clothing swap – refresh your wardrobe by trading in those garments you are ready to part with.  To participate, just bring your stuff to the Plants & Animals table, then pick out whatever you like from the racks!  Loads of vendors for you to check-out, including The Special, a new all-vegan food truck!  FREE!

Sunday, December 15, 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 Brent Gill!  Make your reservation today.

Sunday, December 15, 2013 @ 10pm: Arguments & Grievances at the Vine Street Pub

Comedians debating what doesn’t really matter, in a way that really matters.  Give the middle finger to Monday, as you LOL the night away.  Debates this month include: Giants vs. Midgets, Ken Burns vs. Mr. Burns, Chicks vs. Dicks, Instagram vs. Telegram, and Toys vs. Coal.  Plus this ish is FREE!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013 @ 7:30pm: God Loves Uganda at the SIE FilmCenter

Shortlisted by the Academy as one of the best 15 docs of the year, God Loves Uganda explores the role of the American evangelical movement in Uganda, where American missionaries have been credited with both creating schools and hospitals and promoting dangerous religious bigotry.  The film follows evangelical leaders in America and Uganda along with politicians and missionaries as they attempt the task of eliminating “sexual sin” and converting Ugandans to fundamentalist Christianity.  One night only!  Tickets run $7 – $10.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 @ 7pm: Choreography & Cocktails at the Source

Ever want to watch something really cool, while sipping a hand-crafted cocktail?  Well, this Wednesday you’ll have the opportunity to get just that.  Choreography and Cocktails, a casual collaboration between the dancing team of internationally known Boulder-based choreographer Robert Sher-Machherndl and dancer Sandrine Cassini, brings their skills to the Source (aka RiNo hipster palace).   The show begins at 7 pm and tickets are $18 for standing general admission (which includes one cocktail) or $75 for VIP seating (with cocktail and a charcuterie platter).  Visit lemonspongecake.org/thesource.html for more details and to make your reservations in advance.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 @ 8pm: Delusions of Randeur at the Beauty Bar

Denver comedy fans!  Especially those on a budget!  When’s the last time you decided to go cray cray and go out on a Wednesday night to drink a fancy martini within the pink-glittered walls of Beauty Bar?  When’s the last time you were a part of a massive prize giveaway, a la Oprah’s Favorite Things???  If the answer is never, then change that this Wednesday at Delusions of Randeur!  This month’s lineup includes: Nate Balding, Andrew Orvedahl and Adrian P. Mesa.  And as always Randy M. Washington will be joining Kristin Rand onstage for THE hottest comedy chemistry since Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black III!  FREE!

Thursday, December 19, 2013, doors @ 7:30pm, show @ 8pm: Emerging Filmmakers Project at the Bug Theatre

The Emerging Filmmakers Project (EFP) has been showcasing the best of Denver’s indie film scene since 2002. Held the third Thursday of every month and hosted by local filmmaker Patrick Sheridan, the EFP is a great place to screen your work, network with other creatives in town, and to support your fellow indie filmmakers.  A spirited talkback with each filmmaker follows their movie where you, the audience, gets to tell the filmmaker exactly what you think of their work!  Peep the Facebook events page to view the line-up.  $5 admission includes free keg beer.