WEEKLY EVENTS: August 15, 2014 – August 21, 2014

Hi Denver.

What can I tell you?  Last night we rode our bikes down to Cart-Driver in the Ballpark hood and got some wacky fast pizza and a stein of beer, which we enjoyed on the tiny patio of a shipping container that made you feel like you were not in Denver.  This AM we rode down to Rosenberg’s Bagels and Delicatessen, where we were immediately transported to a shiny deli on the East Coast that was full of energy, morning chit chat, coffee orders, and chewy, delicious bagels.

This week, Denverites have their pick of coffee shop launch parties (whiskey included), rooftop art parties, nostalgic roller skating jams, family-friendly farmers markets, a 24-HOUR TWIN PEAKS MARATHON, a soul music patio blowout, outdoor movies, a vegan pop-up shop, free comedy shows, an urban beach party, a burrito-eating contest, international tech talks, and so much more.  Party party party.

(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, August 15, 2014 @ 6 – 9pm: Black Black Coffee Launch Party at TAXI

Black Black Coffee is opening in the Drive Cafe of TAXI.  Come celebrate this launch with good whiskey, wine, hors d’oeuvres, and great music!  FREE.

Friday, August 15, 2014 @ 6 – 9pm: Battle of the DJs at Museo de las Americas

Museo de las Americas hosts its first ever, Battle of the DJs.  Two of Denver’s best known DJs will go head-to-head for the chance to win a title, bragging rights, and a cash prize.  The eclectic styles will be complimented by the Museo’s current exhibit, Outside In 303.  $5 entry.

Friday, August 15, 2014 @ 7 – 9pm: Museum Quality Drinking at the MCA Denver

Tonight’s museum rooftop party includes live music from Cole Rudy and some of the sweetest views in town.  If you haven’t been to this rooftop yet, you seriously need to change that – NOW!  It’s a summertime must.  $5 admission.

Friday, August 15, 2014 @ 9pm – 2am: Roll: Animal House at the Exdo Event Center

Roll is a monthly-themed roller skating party in the EXDO Event Center, complete with skate rental, mind-blowing audio and visuals, and of course, sippy cup drinks for one helluva party!  Tonight’s theme is based on the iconic Animal House…a night filled with shenanigans, debauchery, roller skating, drinking, dancing, karaoke, and now…ping-pong!  Bust out your college sweaters, your nerd outfits, lace up them skates, and get ready to roll!  FREE admission between 9 – 10pm and $5 afterwards. This event is 21+.

Saturday, August 16, 2014 @ 9am – 1pm: Highland Farmers Market on Boulder Street, between 15th and 16th Streets

Looking for an open-hearted, neighborly farmer’s market with a friendly atmosphere and a variety of vendors and activities?  Look no further than the Highland Farmer’s Market!  Marking its sixth year, this market offers local, fresh farm produce, preserved and ready-made foods, baked goods, cheeses, gourmet oils and magnificent, garden-fresh cut flowers.  Not to mention, a mimosa garden and an exceptional mix of merchants lining the street!   The ideal place to grab a bite, or get encouraged to whip up a new recipe, listen to live music, participate in children’s activities, and unite with the community.  Bring your own bag(s) if possible!  FREE.

Saturday, August 16, 2014 @ 9:30am – 1:30pm: Le Jardin Secret at Bistro Vendome

Le Jardin Secret is not your average summer market.  At this French-inspired chefs’ market, foodies can shop for dairy, meat, bread, produce and other goods – all with a mimosa in hand.  Think perfect tomatoes, French cheeses, grassfed tenderloins, and artisanal bread.  Free parking is available on the top levels of the Larimer Square Garage (14th and Market Streets) during market hours to the first 40 Le Jardin Secret customers.  Customers must ask for a validation pass from the Mile High Business Alliance representative at the Le Jardin Secret welcome booth.  FREE.

Saturday, August 16, 2014 @ 11am – 9pm: TheBigWonderful plus Denver Psych Fest at Sustainability Park

This Saturday, TheBigWonderful will serve as a participating venue for Denver Psych Fest!  Enjoy a true music festival experience as 5 bands + 2 DJs take the stage within the setting of Denver’s newest pop-up food festival/farmers market/craft beer tasting/urban farm.  Enjoy an afternoon of local tastes, local beers/booze (check-out this cool pop-up bar!), and local music.  Admission is FREE and the music starts at 2pm.

Saturday, August 16, 2014 @ 11am – 4pm: Air Dubai + Denver at Buffalo Exchange

Live screen-printing by So Gnar (free with purchase for the first 50 peeps).  Meet & greet with Air Dubai.  Sweet sweet tunes from DJ babyshoe.  Catering provided by Wahoo’s Fish Tacos.  FREE.

Saturday, August 16, 2014 @ 12pm: 24+ Hour Twin Peaks Marathon at the Alamo Drafthouse

“Harry, I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  Every day, once a day, give yourself a present.  Don’t plan it.  Don’t wait for it.  Just let it happen.  It could be a new shirt at the men’s store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot black coffee.”  The Twin Peaks marathon will begin at noon and attendees will re-enter society at approximately 1pm the next day (possibly with more questions than answers, and a horribly broken heart).  Fun!  Pay $30 and get that much to spend on food and beverage.

Saturday, August 16, 2014 @ 2 – 10pm: Red Evelyn Release Party at Black Shirt Brewing Co.

This Saturday, come partake in the annual release of “Red Evelyn”, an imperial red rye IPA.  This beer is brewed once a year to celebrate and honor the life of BSB’s grandma, Evelyn Ann Miller.  The party is from 2 – 10pm with live music, good food, and, of course, one of the best red ales that comes out of this brewery.  FREE.

Saturday, August 16, 2014 @ 5 – 8pm: Taste of Highlands at Highlands Square

Taste of Highlands will feature premium, diverse cuisine from local restaurants, live music, and a beer garden sponsored by New Belgium Brewing Company.  Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.  This is the second year for this new Highlands Square event, following a sold-out event in 2013.   This event is brought to you by the Highland Merchants Association and benefits Brown International School, Edison Elementary School, and Skinner Middle School in our Northwest Denver community.  Tickets run $30 – $50 and cover premium food samples and non-alcoholic beverages (beer and wine sold separately).

Saturday, August 16, 2014 @ 8pm: Instajam Photo Party at the Beauty Bar

It’s time to make you look good!  The So What! DJs will be spinning picture perfect jams by all of the biggest stars of soul, jazzy hip hop, future beats, house, and other grooves to inspire you to strike your best pose!  Take your own photos and see them instantly on the big screen at the Beauty Bar.  Best amateur photo shot at the party wins a $100 bar tab!  Doors open at 8pm, no cover before 10pm ($5 after).

Saturday, August 16, 2014 @ dusk: Monsters University at Skyline Park

Rescheduled from a rain-out earlier this summer: Family-friendly screening of Monsters University in the downtown Skyline Park.  Bring your own blankets, picnics, and drinks.  FREE.

Saturday, August 16, 2014 @ 9pm:  Mile High Soul Club Patio Party at the Meadowlark

There is only one way to say it: the Mile High Soul Club is F-U-N.  Yet there is only one patio party a year, so don’t miss  out!  Come shake your sweet thang to the sounds of 60s & 70s soul, funk, and sweet ass R&B.  Ya feel me?  Free before 10pm; $3 after – 21+

Sunday, August 17, 2014 @ 11am – 3pm: Neat Market Vegan Shop-Up at the Posner Center for International Development

Have you not been to this pop-up market yet?  Are you scared because everything is vegan and you think it will be intimidating/weird/pretentious?  Well check all of that at the door because you is missing out.  This pop-up market is the coolest, even if you aren’t permanently riding the vegan train.  Swing on by to pick-up some fresh pasta, chocolate, ice-cream, jerky, confectionaries, seasoned seitan, tamales, and tons of baked goods.  Plus, they even serve brunch!  Nothing not vegan, son.

Sunday, August 17, 2014 @ 1 – 7pm: RiNo Beach Club at the Exdo Event Center

Urban beach party featuring two DJs, 10,000 square feet of sand, a giant swimming pool, drink specials, and awesome schwag.  Plus!  This week, come party with the members of the Denver Cutthroats hockey team and enjoy $5 Denver Cutthroat-tinis all day long!  $5 cover; $9 bottomless mimosas from 1 – 4pm.  Get your vitamin C on, son!

Sunday, August 17, 2014, doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm: Sexpot Comedy Presents: Comics Against Civility Finals at the Armoury

Listen up!  If you are a fan of Cards Against Humanity, then this is a show for you.  In this week’s special edition, the race to be crowned Denver’s Least Civil Comedian comes to a shocking conclusion!  Jay Gillespie, Aaron Urist, Kristara Riles, and Chris Charpentier compete in the finals of the second round.  Audience members win prizes by submitting questions that the contestants will answer during the show.  Prizes include free Sexy Pizza gift cards, 420 prizes (with a 21+ ID), free drinks, awful literature, and more!  Doors open at 7:30pm – you must arrive early to win prizes!  FREE.

Sunday, August 17, 2014 @ 10:30pm: Arguments & Grievances at Vine Street Pub

Give the middle finger to Monday and come out for some quality laughs and some quality brews.  Debates this month include Prescription Drugs vs. Illegal Drugs, Columbo vs. Columbus, Radio vs. Podcasts, Sink vs. Swim, and headlining debate, Improv vs. Stand Up.  FREE.

Monday, August 18, 2014 @ 7pm: Illegal Pete’s 2nd Annual Riot Fest Burrito Eating Competition at Illegal Pete’s South Broadway

It’s that time of year again!  Sign-up now to enter the 2nd Annual Illegal Pete’s Riot Fest burrito eating competition.  Of the people that sign-up, they’ll accept the first 25 people who show-up on Monday at 7pm to compete.  The competitions will start at 7:30pm and will involve 5 heats of 5 people.  The winners of each of those heats will compete in the finals.  The heats will involve eating a Big Potato Burrito (no substitutions).  The winner of the finals will receive 2 VIP weekend passes to Riot Fest and 2 spots on the Riot Fest shuttle bus (and 30 undisturbed minutes in the restroom.  Just kidding, unfortunately).  Happy eating!

Monday, August 18, 2014 @ 8pm: Classic Game Shows at Interstate Kitchen & Bar

Every Monday, the Interstate will try their take on classic game shows.  Come down and play for a chance to win drinks, food, prizes, and fame!  This week features the game, Password!  FREE.

Tuesday, August 19, 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?  FREE; happens every Tuesday.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 @ 12 – 1pm: Technology Adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa and Beyond at the Posner Center for International Development

In recent years, international development organizations have been increasingly relying on technology to support their programs as a cost effective means of monitoring, evaluation, and communication with stakeholders.  The range of technology solutions varies widely, but has often involved the use of mobile communication technology and web-based tools.  Join access.mobile for an interactive session to discuss challenges, lessons learned, and emerging best practices for technology adoption in SSA and other parts of the world.  This event is FREE and open to the public.  (Lunch is provided with a $5 suggested donation.)  RSVP here.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 @ 5pm – 9pm: Broadway Farmers Market at South Broadway Christian Church

This hipster-flavored market features organic produce, flowers, local wares, live music, and food trucks.  Come celebrate their second year, which features even MORE vendors than last.  Held on the lawn of the South Broadway Christian Church at 23 Lincoln Street.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 @ 6 – 8pm: Bring Your Government at the McNichols Civic Center Building

Bring Your Government presenters have 15 minutes or less to convince the audience that their ideal form of government rules, providing at least 3-4 practical ways to get from where we are now, to where they want us to be.  Listen to their pitches, ask questions, provide your own vision during the lightning round, or just hang out and build a LEGO city.  Presenters include: City Councilman Paul D. López, Stephen Malloy Brackett from the Flobots, and Joe Sammen from the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved.  PLUS, enjoy the comedic stylings of Sam Tallent and Mara Wiles while you snack on warm cookies and milk!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 @ 7pm: Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me at the Alamo Drafthouse

In this compelling film prequel to the phenomenal TV series, director David Lynch takes us back to the town of damn fine coffee and cherry pie.  With the mainstream success of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks it would have seemed that a feature-length film based on the TV series should have been a slam-dunk success.  Instead, Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me was despised when it came out, met with boos at its Cannes premiere, and a commercial flop at the box office.  But now, two decades later, it stands out as one of Lynch’s very best films.  Tickets are $10.75.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 @ 7:30pm: 3 Course Comedy: Soft Foods at the Deer Pile

3 Course Comedy is a monthly food-based comedy showcase hosted by Adrian P. Mesa and Eric Henderson.  Each month three comics bring food (appetizer, main course, dessert – all vegetarian) and food-based material.  Each show is recorded and released as a podcast available on iTunes and at 3coursecomedy.com.  This month’s comedians include Jim Hickox, Ben Kronberg, and Stephen Agyei.  FREE food.  FREE show.  Cheap beer.  Live podcast.

Thursday, August 21, 2014 @ 11am – 2pm: Public Coffee Dialogues at the Posner Center for International Development

Public Coffee, a mobile coffee organization that looks to use coffee to facilitate meaningful conversation, will be at the Posner Center for International Development every Thursday throughout the summer.  They use a pay-what-you-can and pay-it-forward system, so perhaps you could even pay for a new friend to have a cup with you and start some great conversation!

Thursday, August 21, 2014 @ 6:30pm: Yoga by the Barrels at the Infinite Monkey Theorem

Balance on your mat, then get tipsy at the bar.  Every first and third Thursday of each month, The Yoga Mat will be hosting an hour-long yoga class surrounded by wine barrels and vino at the Infinite Monkey Theorem urban winery.  Following the class, they’ll move the party into the Wine Lab for a glass of wine (included in the ticket price).  Tickets are $20 if purchased online, or $25 cash at the door.  Please bring your own yoga mat.

Thursday, August 21, 2014 @ 7:30 – 10:30pm: Cycle-In Cinema On Platte at REI

New Belgium Brewing Company is teaming up with REI to put on a series of three bike-in movies this summer at the REI parking lot.  This week’s screening is The Goonies.  Canned beer and grub from food trucks will be available for purchase.  Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.  All proceeds will benefit BikeDenver, supporting the goal of making Denver a better place to ride your bike!  Bring a low back chair or a blanket to sit on.

Thursday, August 21, 2014 @ 10pm: Karaoke with DJ Rockstar Aaron at Barricuda’s

Karaoke madness featuring all of your favorite hits from the 80s and 90s.  FREE.