WEEKLY EVENTS: August 22, 2014 – August 28, 2014

Denver!  This weekend I am going to be knee deep in the High Plains Comedy Festival, and if you are in need of a good laugh, I would suggest you do the same.  Hipster comedy at its best, with an additional party/good-time vibe.  Weekend passes are still on-sale or pick and choose your poison with individual tickets #highplains

In addition to that magic, Denverites can choose to partake in a modern furniture extravaganza, a rooftop summer soiree, farmer’s markets galore, cartoons & all-you-can-eat cereal, urban garden DJ sets, a rock & roll block party, bike art, a charitable beer festival, variety shows, a public art bridge bash, outdoor movies, and one of THE BEST summertime events EVER, which is Summer Scream at Lakeside Amusement Park.  Boom.

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

Friday, August 22 & Saturday, August 23, 2014: High Plains Comedy Festival

Do you like to LOL?  I SAAAAAID, DO YOU LIKE TO L-O-L?!?  Well if so, come check-out the 2nd annual High Plains Comedy Festival, which brings together a smattering of local and national acts for a comedic orgy, which takes place in a handful of South Broadway venues, as well as the historic McNichols Civic Center Building.  Peep the schedule and learn more about ticket options here.

Friday, August 22 – Sunday, August 24, 2014: Denver Modernism Show at the National Western Complex

Held annually the last weekend in August, the Denver Modernism Show features over 120 booths of vintage and contemporary modern design, furniture, home accessories, art, and fashion.  Exhibitors come from across the country to participate in one of the nation’s largest – and most fun – mid-century gatherings.  The show also features a popular Tiki Lounge all 3 days, and a mid-century car show on Sunday.  Watch this preview video to get a taste of this year’s event.  This event is happening Friday 6 – 10pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 4pm.  Kids under 12 are free; general admission is $8, with VIP options too.

Friday, August 22, 2014 @ 7 – 9pm: Museum Quality Drinking at the MCA Denver

Tonight’s museum rooftop party includes live music from Somerset Catalog and Bluebook, along with 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; rain or shine.

Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24, 2014: Second Annual Polish Food Festival at Saint Joseph’s Polish Church

You say pierogi and I say pass the mothering effing applesauce and sour cream.  Come on out to the historic Globeville neighborhood to partake in the Second Annual Polish Food Festival.  (There is not even an Facebook event for this jammy jam, so you know it’s legit.)  Homemade pierogis, gołąbki, potato pancakes, grilled kielbasa, Polish beer, ice-cream, and more.  Live music and dancing to boot.  FREE admission.  Saturday: 12 – 9pm; Sunday: 12 – 7pm.

Saturday, August 23, 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 23, 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 23, 2014 @ 10:30am: Cartoon Cereal Party: Assemble the Team at the Alamo Drafthouse

Cereal eaters – assemble!  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, August 23, 2014 @ 11am – dusk: TheBigWonderful presents Day of DJs at Sustainability Park

This Saturday, TheBigWonderful will be teaming up with Cold Crush to present Day of DJs.  Throughout the day, Cold Cush’s hottest DJs will 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 entertainment.  Admission is FREE – drop beats, not food.

Saturday, August 23, 2014 @ 2 – 6pm: Fight Fire with Beer Festival at the Sculpture Park

In 2014, Firefighter Appreciation Week will be observed in Colorado from August 17th – 23rd.  Coloradans from across the state will celebrate firefighters and their families during this week-long tribute.  The week culminates with thousands of residents participating in the 3rd annual, family-friendly, Fight Fire With Beer Festival.  Come show your support for firefighters, while tasting over 20 local brews.  $5 for a single pour; $35 for unlimited tastings.

Saturday, August 23, 2014 @ 2 – 7pm: Ark Life Summer Bash at the Park House

Come celebrate the release of Ark Life‘s latest album, The Dream of You & Me, and enjoy an afternoon filled with beer, comedy, food, friends, and sunshine (sunshine not guaranteed, but highly probable).  The Quiet Life (based out of Portland) and Mike Marchant will also be performing/partying.  Tickets run $10 – $30.

Saturday, August 23, 2014 @ 4 – 10pm: ARTCRANK Denver at the Ink Lounge

Spruce up that fixie!  ARTCRANK is coming to Denver for a creative celebration of bicycles and the people who ride them.  This show will feature affordable, bike-inspired posters created by local artists, as well as a selection of craft beer, sales of which will benefit CAN’d Aid Foundation.  And the good folks at Shinola, Timbuk2, Neenah Paper and Clif Bar will also be pitching in to deliver an evening of biketastic good times you won’t soon forget.  Admission is FREE.

Saturday, August 23, 2014 @ 6pm: Doctor Who Series 8 Premiere at SIE FilmCenter

Dress up in costume, brush up on your trivia, and watch Peter Capaldi as the twelfth Doctor, ready to save the universe from all manner of threats from across space and time.  This screening is FREE but seating is limited.  Please arrive early to ensure a booty bucket.

Saturday, August 23, 2014 @ 6:30pm – 3am: Summer Multimedia Social at The Lot at RiNo

The Lot at RiNo has recently undergone a five-month long renovation, which has resulted in great new production spaces and amenities.  Please join the great companies down on the Lot for what they are dubbing their grand reopening, as well as the best summer party of the year.  FREE adult refreshments, amazing music, and general nighttime party hijynx.  FREE to get in too.

Sunday, August 24, 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.  $5 cover; $9 bottomless mimosas from 1 – 4pm.  Get your vitamin C on, son!

Sunday, August 24, 2014, brunch at 2pm, show starts at 4:30pm: Sexpot Comedy Presents: Comics Against Civility High Plains Afterparty at the Armoury

Wind down after the High Plains weekend with food, drinks, and people saying terrible things.  1.  Get super drunk on Saturday 2.  Sleep in  3.  Grab a bite at the breakfast burrito bar and/or get a bloody at the biz-ar starting at 2pm.  4.  Stick around for a super secret special edition of Comics Against Civility starting at 4:30pm.  FREE.

Sunday, August 24, 2014 @ 8 – 10pm: Cult Comedy: High Plains Edition at TRVE Brewing Company

When’s the last time you went to a FREE comedy show at a heavy metal brewery?  Well, enjoy this cherry of a comedy showcase, atop of your High Plains Comedy Festival lactose-tolerant sundae weekend, that is double-scooped with super secret guests (wha?)

Monday, August 25, 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, Jeopardy!  FREE.

Monday, August 25, 2014 @ 9pm: Damn you and your dirty pink mouth!!! at the Deer Pile

Monday, boooooooo.  Creative events, yaaaaaaay!  Poetry by Jeanann Verlee and Ian Khadan, comedy by Carey Denise, a special performance by Andrew Novick, and hosting services by Ken Arkind.  Plus!  Even more entertainment from 30secondssexsessions!  $5 suggested donation; cheap beer!

Tuesday, August 26, 2014, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm: August Open Screen Night at the Oriental Theater

Think of Open Screen Night as a monthly open mic night for short form video.  Guest judges this month include Jon Eks and Sean Williams.  Plus!  New this month is The Mystery Box!  What is it?  Well it’s a mystery; you’ll have to show up to find out!  Submit your work for a chance to win awesome prizes!  Doors at 7pm; $5 admission.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 @ 7pm: Food Paradise Viewing Party at Illegal Pete’s South Broadway

Come on down and watch a new episode of Food Paradise, which features Colorado’s own Illegal Pete’s!

Tuesday, August 26, 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 27, 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.

Thursday, August 28, 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 28, 2014 @ 3 – 6pm: Horse Barn Farmers Market at the Posner Center for International Development

Join Denver Urban Gardens for their Horse Barn Farmers Market!  Featuring produce sourced from local farms such as DeLaney Community Farm and The Growhaus, they are excited to offer a selection of fresh, local produce.   The market is able to accept credit cards, cash, and SNAP benefits, as well as offer double value SNAP benefits, where $1 of SNAP equals $2 of vegetables and fruits.

Thursday, August 28, 2014 @ 6 – 8pm: Big Red Street Fair at the Highland Pedestrian Bridge

Join Denver Public Art for The Big Red Street Fair, a celebration of John McEnroe’s iconic piece, “National Velvet”.  Situated at the Highland Pedestrian Bridge, thousands pass this piece of public art every day.  Stop by to sample Red Bull’s “Red Edition” cranberry drink, red beer, red cupcakes from Happy Cakes, and other goodies from local vendors.  Listen to haiku inspired by “National Velvet”, written by Denver residents and learn about Denver’s award-winning public art sprinkled throughout the city.  FREE to attend.

Thursday, August 28, 2014 @ 6 – 11pm: Summer Scream at Lakeside Amusement Park

If you’ve been before, you’ll already have your tickets for this event.  If you haven’t, click on this link and get your tickets now.  Seriously.  With unlimited rides, an open bar, DJs, and hot people, this very well will be THE best party of the summer.  Feelin’ baller?  Check-out the VIP option, and enjoy a pre-party with free food and drink, rides to and from the event, as well as access to the VIP lounge during the event.  (And you may as well take Friday off now.)

Thursday, August 28, 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 Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.  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 28, 2014 @ 10pm: Karaoke with DJ Rockstar Aaron at Barricuda’s

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

Thursday, August 28, 2014 @ 10:30pm: The Doom Room at the Voodoo Comedy Playhouse

The Doom Room kicks off their first Denver show with a (comedy gang) bang.  Comedians are put on the spot to do a set of improvised comedy.  Watch your local favorites soar and/or crash and burn.  Always a good time, always a party.  Curated/hosted/created by Zach Reinert and Ian Douglas Terry.  Tonight’s show features Adam Cayton-Holland, Chris Charpentier, Andy Juett, Christie Buchele, Matty Ryan, Aaron Urist, Haley Driscoll, and more!  FREE.