WEEKLY EVENTS: May 23, 2014 – MAY 29, 2014

Woot!  MDW!  It’s the unofficial start of summer!  Cue the patio beers, ice-cream strolls, park picnics, street festivals, pop-up markets, pasty white legs, and awkward sunburns!  Denver, this weekend you can certainly get your summer fun on through a slew of FREE outdoor music and local artisan activities.  Let’s all hope that the rain holds, so we can ride our bikes a million miles, stay out too late, eat outdoors, purchase those handmade coasters that we have been incessantly thinking about ALL WINTER LONG, and try that new warm-weather brew that’s just been tapped.  Game on.

(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, May 23 & Saturday, May 24, 2014: Denver Day of Rock on the 16th Street Mall

The 2014 Denver Day of Rock will welcome more vendors, interactive booths, and food trucks than ever before!  On Friday, May 23, the event will kick-off with an inaugural evening concert on the Skyline Park stage.  The Denver Day of Rock will launch into its full, five-stage lineup on Saturday, May 24.  Presented by Concerts for Kids, a nonprofit that uses live music to support more than 50 child-focused health and education organizations, this annual festival includes headliners such as Plain White T’s, the Hold Steady, and the Kin.  FREE.

Friday, May 23, 2014 @ 6 – 6:30pm: Esme Patterson at Twist & Shout

This is a FREE all-ages show to celebrate Esme’s new album release, Woman to Woman, available now.  All fans that purchase Woman to Woman at Twist & Shout will receive first entry into the performance and a guaranteed spot in the autograph line.  PLUS Great Divide Brewing Co. and New Belgium Brewing will be donating some free brews #score

Friday, May 23, 2014 @ 6 – 8pm: Food for Starving Artists at Converge Denver

Every fourth Friday of the month, the Denver Collaborative hosts a FREE community dinner supporting Denver’s local artists and creators.  This month’s dinner will be a patio BBQ.  They will supply the main dishes (both meat and veggie) and guests are encouraged to bring a side.  Take advantage of this FREE event to meet your fellow creators/collaborators, and share what you are up to these days.

Friday, May 23, 2014 @ 6 – 10pm: Vespaperativo at Cluster Studios

Your ticket includes top selection of red and white wines + Prosecco, tequila drinks, Italian happy hour food, a runway show at 6:45pm, a Vespa collectible showcase, a new car showcase, and live music.  And, if you are an F1 fan, the Ferrari test pilot Fabrizio Actis will be there to answer all of your questions.  Tickets run $15 – $25.

Friday, May 23, 2014 @ 7pm: Hanna Ranch at SIE FilmCenter

Come on out for the  hometown opening of Hanna Ranch!  Hanna Ranch tells the true story of a man who encapsulated the dramatic balance of life in the American West.  The epic tensions between family, urban growth and ranching come alive in this documentary set on the family’s vast, fourth-generation cattle ranch.  The film examines the tragic collision of the once wild West with today’s urban sprawl, in the shadow of a family quarrel that threatens the very existence of this special place.  The film marked its premiere at the 36th Starz Denver Film Festival in November 2013 and is directed by award-winning producer and director Mitch Dickman of Listen Productions.  Mitch will be in attendance for a Q&A session following the Friday, Monday, and Wednesday shows at 7pm.  Tickets run $7 – $10.

Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25, 2014: ArtStir Denver between 15th and 16th on Glenarm Place

ArtStir Denver will exclusively showcase local and regional artists, with a lively blend of art and style that is sure to “stir up” the artist in all of us.  Featured works will include paintings, sculpture, photography, illustration, textiles, furnishings, mixed media, and locally designed goods.  Part of the event proceeds will benefit the Colorado chapter of AIGA, and a portion of booth sale revenues will go to community partners.  ArtStir is happening from 11am – 8pm on Saturday, and from 11am – 6pm on Sunday.

Saturday, May 24, 2014 @ 2 – 8pm: Denver Flea at City Park

A celebration of the finest Colorado-made goods, beer, food and more from our favorite local craftsmen and craftswomen!  On May 24th, the cool kids at Imbibe will welcome thousands to City Park to experience a hand-picked selection of local artisans, designers, and makers, along with vendors of vintage items, repurposed furniture and other curiosities.  There will be food trucks, 60 vendors, craft beer tents, and hopefully a whole lot of sunshine!  RSVP in advance for a free craft beer or locally roasted coffee.

Saturday, May 24, 2014 @ 6pm: Bottlerocket at Boxcar Coffee Roasters

You’re invited to help Boxcar Coffee Roasters celebrate the launch of their new cold brew, Bottlerocket, and the official grand opening of their new roastery at The Source! Please join them on Saturday, May 24th for snacks, drinks, coffee, music, a latte art competition, and late night dance party from 6pm until late. There will be door prizes, raffle giveaways, and amazing prize packs for the winners of the latte art competition.  FREE.

Saturday, May 24, 2014 @ 9pm: Casual. at the Meadowlark

It’s happening.  Denver’s night of Brit-pop, Baggy, New Wave, Psych, Invasion, and anything else these dudes care to throw in the mix.  Ample room to dance like no one’s watching, plenty of sitting room to watch people dancing. HAVE IT! 21+ – $3 cover after 10pm.

Sunday, May 25, 2014 @ 11am – 2pm: Grand Re-Opening at Nooch | Vegan Market

Come down and celebrate Nooch’s grand re-opening with music, samples, sales, and some great people!  Also, have the chance to meet cookbook author, Alan Roettinger, while enjoying some tunes from DJ Brian Polk!  Sample some samples from the following vendors: Bytmee Cold Brews, Vibrant Veggies, Boulder Vegans, The Real Dill, BLovely Vegan Baked Goods, LLC, Teakoe & Company & more!  Don’t fear the vegans!

Sunday, May 25, 2014 @ 8pm: A. Tom Collins, Snake Rattle Rattle Snake, and Jermaine Smith and the Sex Party at the Bluebird Theater

Come get weird this holiday weekend.  Tickets run $10 – $12.

Monday, May 26, 2014 @ 7pm: Spanish Movie Night at Hooked on Colfax

From the creators of Por Fin Es Friday comes a new opportunity to practice your Spanish and share your love for Latino culture.  This week they’ll be screening the movie Amores Perros, a film that pretty much blew my fucking mind when I saw it in the theatre.  A horrific car accident connects three stories, each involving characters dealing with loss, regret, and life’s harsh realities, all in the name of love.  Everyone is welcome, even if you don’t speak the Spanish.  FREE.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 7pm: The Rugby Player at SIE FilmCenter

One night only!  Winner of multiple festival awards, The Rugby Player is an uplifting and stereotype-shattering documentary that tells the story of a mother, a son, and what it takes to be a hero.  The film explores the lives of Mark Bingham, one of the passengers on United Flight 93 on 9/11, and his mother, Alice Hoagland, a former United Airlines flight attendant.  The Rugby Player is a touching, funny, and stirring portrait of how a son’s heroism can inspire a nation, and how a mother’s love can turn unfathomable loss into unshakable resolve.  Tickets run $12 – $15.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014 @ 9pm: Mark Star Karaoke at the Beauty Bar

Mark Star Karaoke may just be the funnest karaoke in town.  Plus with $2 Olympia beer, $2 tequila, and free tacos from Mezcal starting at 10pm, how could you say no?  No cover; happens every Tuesday.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014 @ 6pm: Evening Yoga at Denver Botanic Gardens

Looking for a new environment to practice your yoga skills this spring?  Well how about amongst the natural setting of the Denver Botanic Gardens?  The Denver Botanic Gardens is now hosting a weekly Vinyasa yoga class, taught by Blake Burger.  Vinyasa yoga weaves beautiful movement with challenging postures, and cultivates a sense of peace and calm by the end of each yoga class.  All levels are welcome; please bring a mat, a towel and water.  $10 members, $12 non-members.  Please bring cash if possible but credit cards are also accepted.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014 @ 7pm: Half the Road:The Passion, Pitfalls & Power of Women’s Professional Cycling at SIE FilmCenter

One night only!  Directed by pro cyclist Kathryn Bertine, Half the Road explores the world of women’s professional cycling, focusing on both the love of sport and the pressing issues of inequality that modern-day female athletes face in male-dominated sports.  Director Kathryn Bertine in-person!  Reception to follow the film.  Tickets run $12 – $15.

Thursday, May 29, 2014 @ 3 – 7pm: Carrotmob at Nectar House

What is a Carrotmob?  Carrotmobs are a special way for a community to demonstrate their buying power as consumers, support vegan-friendly business, and encourage awesome local businesses to keep up the good work.  Come on out to Nectar House for a FREE buttercup (your choice of almond joy or pecan caramel) with the purchase of any meal!  Invite your friends, vegans and non-vegans alike.  This event is about sharing good food, company, and supporting local business!

Thursday, May 29, 2014 @ 6pm: Cross-Cultured Launch Party at DADA Art Bar

Welcome to Cross-Cultured, connecting you to the best of Denver’s cultural community.  Invite your friends and join them at their FREE launch party, sponsored by the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) and hosted by the new DADA Art Bar.  FREE-style.

Thursday, May 29, 2014 @ 9pm: Making A Scene in the basement of the Thin Man

Brainchild of Andrew Orvedahl of The Grawlix, Making A Scene is a quirky night filled with local actors, comedians, and other entertaining folk acting out scenes from their favorite films.  This month’s edition will be hosted by Mara Wiles.  FREE.