WEEKLY EVENTS: January 24, 2014 – January 30, 2014

Dear Denver, hope everyone is doing great.  This week the Art of Winter is blowing into town, bring with it a flurry of free events.  Come celebrate wintertime culture in Colorado during this event that runs January 24 – February 8th.

And if winter sports aren’t necessarily your bag, check-out the slew of free/low-cost comedy, film, music, and food events below, xoxo.

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

Friday, January 24, 2014 @ 6 – 8pm: Art of Winter 2014 Opening Party at Tryst Lounge

Kick off Denver’s 4th annual Art of Winter festival with a FREE Svedka cocktail happy hour hosted by the new Tryst Lounge.  Jennifer Mosquera, curator of Larimer Square‘s Upcycled Ski & Snowboard Outdoor Gallery, will also provide a short walking tour featuring themed art from 16 local artists presented on re-purposed skis and snowboards.  And if you can’t make it, or want to check out the exhibit more than once, you can stop by Tryst every day between January 24th and February 8th to receive a FREE wintertime cocktail when you check-in at Tryst and hashtag #AOW2014.  This party is FREE.

Friday, January 24, 2014 @ 6 – 8pm: Food for Starving Artists at Converge Denver

Every fourth Friday of the month, the Denver Collaborative hosts a FREE community dinner, to support Denver’s local artists and creators.  This month they will be serving up a Southern-style meal with plenty of fried chicken, gluten-free, and vegetarian options as well (peep the FB page to see the menu).  There will be beer and wine too!  Feel free to bring your latest work, idea, dream, epic fail, inspiration, or just yourself.  That said, they’re also fine if you want to bring a favorite Southern dish, dress in Gone With the Wind attire, or speak in a Southern accent the entire evening.

Friday, January 24, 2014 @ 7:30pm: Mile High Sci Fi: Road House at the Alamo Drafthouse

Come on out to the Alamo Drafthouse to watch/listen to Mile High Sci Fi take on the American classic, Road House!  What?  You’ve never heard of Mile High Sci Fi?  Essentially it is a couple of local comedians, making fun of a movie, a la Mystery Science Theater 3000.  Clever and inappropriate, with some of the best audio gags [insert boner noise here] you’ve ever heard…Plus the option to order food and booze right from your seat!  Nathan Lund and Kevin O’Brien will be bringing the funny tonight.  Tickets cost $12.50.

Friday, January 24, 2014 @ 7:30 – 10pm: Park House Stand-Up Comedy Showcase at the Park House

Come check-out four top-notch comics at the Park House Stand-Up Comedy Showcase.  Comics include headliner Adam Cayton-Holland, Chuck Roy, Hippie Man, Bobby Crane, and your host, Brent Gill.  Dinner specials available before the show, with live music from Daniella Katzir and friends afterwards.  Tickets are $12 at the door.

Friday, January 24, 2014 @ 9pm – 2am: Reeewind & Roll: Big Trouble in Little Chinatown at the Exdo Event Center

Do you prefer dancing with skates on your feet?  Well bust out your best Chinese New Year-themed attire (?) and hit-up the roller skating rink.  Come work it out to some of the best old-school jams, while sipping your cocktails from a sippy cup (for realz).  18 years old to enter; 21 to drink.  Free admission between 9 – 10pm; $5 pre-sale and $10 after; or pick up comp tickets from one of these locations.  Admission includes access to roller-skating and a hip-hop dance party at Tracks.  Get it.

Saturday, January 25, 2014 @ 10:30am: Cartoon Cereal Party: Super Edition at the Alamo Drafthouse

Look up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s the Cartoon Cereal Party: Super Edition!  Don your most comfy super-powered PJs and plan for a sugar high as the Alamo Drafthouse presents two hours of heroic Saturday morning animation.  The incredible power of all-you-can-eat sugary cereal will give you super strength and inspire you to reach unimaginable new plateaus of fun!  Tickets are just $10, and include all-you-can-eat cereal!

Saturday, January 25, 2014 @ 7pm: Sleeper at Cafe Max

If you have yet to visit the European-inspired Cafe Max on Colfax Avenue, here is another good reason to.  Come enjoy sweet and savory treats, grilled cheese, salads, paninis, coffee, tea, beer, sake, and/or wine amongst the high-design and refined hospitality while watching Woody Allen’s Sleeper.  FREE.

Saturday, January 25, 2014 @ 7 – 9pm: Cocktails with a Twist at CapRock Farm Bar

This Saturday evening, come on out to CapRock Farm Bar for an evening of fun and fundraising for children’s cancer.  Tumaini La Maisha Tanzania is the first and only nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children with cancer in Tanzania.  Founded in 2011 by committed parents and supporters, Tumaini La Maisha has a range of activities to directly support children with cancer and their families, as well as creating awareness of children’s cancer across Tanzania.  This event is hosted by CapRock Farm Bar, Love Hope Strength, and Tanzania on Tour.  There is no cover charge, but come ready to participate in the silent auction.

Saturday, January 25, 2014 @ 10pm: Epilogue Comedy at the Mutiny Information Cafe

Take a break from smashing PBRs with the bros and pop into Mutiny Information Cafe this Saturday night to grab a latte, hear some jokes, and peruse some vinyl.  This month’s comics include: Matt Monroe, Christie Buchele, Jim Hickox, and Kevin O’Brien.  FREE!

Sunday, January 26, 2014, doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm: Lucha Libre & Laughs at the Oriental Theater

Luche Libre! Comedy! Music!  Wresting trivia!  18+ event; tickets are just $10.

Sunday, January 26, 2014, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm: Propaganda at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret

FREE comedy show on the last Sunday of every month, featuring local and national talent in the coolest comedy club setting you’ve probably ever been to.  Pick-up a FREE Sexy Pizza slice card on your way out and end your night with some of the most delicious East Coast-style pizza in Denver.  This month’s comics to include: Adam Cayton- Holland, Hippie Man, Derrick Rush, Roger Norquist, and Forrest Shaw.  And enjoy FREE street parking on Sundays, yo!

Monday, January 27, 2014 @ 7:30pm: The Last Unicorn at the Alamo Drafthouse

Enjoy the classic animated film The Last Unicorn on the big screen with author and screenwriter Peter S. Beagle live in-person!  This amazing fantasy film — designed and animated by the same Japanese artists who became the core of Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli — is deeply loved by millions around the world, and the Alamo Drafthouse is showing a gorgeous remastered digital print made especially for this nationwide tour.  Peter S. Beagle will be in attendance to answer questions, meet fans, signs books, and generally make it a party. There will also be lots of cool merchandise for sale.  Do come on out for this magical event, and do plan to wear a costume, as the great ones will be rewarded.  Tickets are just $12.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 @ 5:30 – 7:30pm: Colorado’s Women of Winter: A Panel Conversation at the University of Colorado Denver, Terrace Room at Lawrence Street Center

An up-close conversation with inspiring women adventurers, athletes and entrepreneurs, including Crested Butte’s Wendy Fisher, free skier and former US Olympian; Kim Walker, Outdoor Industry Association board member and co-founder of Outdoor Divas; and Michelle Roark of Denver, US Freestyle Ski Olympian, chemical engineer, and entrepreneur.  This event is FREE.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 @ 7:30pm: Looking for Mr. Miyagi at the Alamo Drafthouse

One day we wake-up and we realize that we are middle-aged.  People deal with that in lots of different ways, some better than others.  Looking for Mr. Miyagi is the story of a common man, who found himself in this very common scenario.  His second child was born, work pressures were mounting, and his health was in decline.  He had to do something.  So he set a goal for himself to try to earn his black belt in karate before he turned 50.  This is the the story of his journey as he juggles family, work, and aging.  Tickets are just $7.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014, doors at 9pm, show at 9:30pm: On The Cover # 6: Elvis Costello performed by Quantum Creep at the Hi-Dive

On The Cover is a monthly live series in which bands perform their version of an influential album from start-to-finish.  This month’s band is Quantum Creep, covering the first two albums from Elvis Costello.  With special guest, Joshua Novak.  $7 to get in.

Thursday, January 30, 2014 @ 5 – 8pm: Mural Party at the Outpost

Come on out for drinks, snacks, high fives, and a surprise musical guest as Winter Session unveils their new mural by Mountain versus Plains.  Music starts at 7pm.  FREE.

Thursday, January 30, 2014 @ 6 – 9pm: New Belgium Snapshot Party + SIA After Party at Illegal Pete’s LoDo

Remember picture day at school?  You dressed in your favorite fancy outfit and made sure your hair looked just right?  In partnership with New Belgium Brewing and their new beer, Snapshot, you’ll have another opportunity to get your class photo taken.  Right.  This event will also serve as the SnowSports Industries America after-party.  FREE.

Thursday, January 30, 2014 @ 7pm: Drop In: Bloody Couloir at the Oriental Theater

What exactly is Drop In?  Drop In is a powerful film series designed to inspire you to let go of everything holding you back.  Follow paraplegic athlete, Jeremy P. McGhee, around the globe on dangerous and exciting adventures where he must travel inward and search the limits of his own resolve.  This project was born out of Jeremy’s passion to enjoy life and his resolve to share it with the masses in hopes of stirring others to do the same.  Come be a part of this inspirational event, which includes a live appearance from the film’s inspirational subject Jeremy P. McGhee!  $10 suggested donation, but no one turned away.

Thursday, January 30, 2014 @ 7 – 9pm: DEEP: The Story of Skiing and the Future of Snow at Battery 621

Art of Winter and Battery 621 present DEEP – The Story of Skiing and the Future of Snow author and Powder Magazine editor Porter Fox for an important discussion on climate change and disappearing snow.  In partnership with Protect Our Winters (POW) and Powder magazine, the DEEP Tour will stop in 25 cities and resorts on the East and West coasts this winter.  This Denver stop will include keynotes from Conrad Anker, acclaimed rock climber, mountaineer and author; a short, multi-media presentation; and book signings from Porter Fox.  This event is FREE and open to the public, however donations to Protect Our Winters (POW) are encouraged.   This event also includes free beverages, Big Country Bar B Que, the Summer Snow Shave Ice, and bluegrass jams from Hilltop Harvest.