WEEKLY EVENTS: September 12, 2014 – September 18, 2014

Denver.  I am currently in the muggy suburbs of Philadelphia, helping my mother hold a 2-day garage sale.  If anyone is looking for a bag of Spanish moss or deleted scenes from the Real World on VHS, feel free to swing on by.  I’ll be the one wearing the fanny pack with a distant look in her eye…

One of the biggest events happening this week is Denver Startup Week starting Monday, September 15, 2014.  This event packs in tons of cool panels, parties, and networking events including a FREE late night lounge held nightly at the Forest Room 5, complete with FREE drinks, food, film, and music. You should probably check it out.

(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, September 12, 2014 @ 6 – 9pm: Goldrush Music Festival Kick-Off at the Dikeou Pop-Up: Colfax

The Dikeou Collection will host the Goldrush Music Festival kick-off show featuring Chicago’s Laughing Eye Weeping Eye, Denver’s Of Earth and Sun, and Hot Congress DJ Justin Couch.  The show starts at 6pm, with the bands beginning at 7:30pm.  This event is FREE and light refreshments will be served.

Friday, September 12, 2014, doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm: Off-Center Season Release Party at Off-Center @ The Jones

Come see what season 4 at Off-Center @ The Jones has in store.  Learn who they will be collaborating with and what they’ve been doing all summer.  FREE to get in, FREE beer all night.  Woot!

Friday, September 12, 2014 @ 7 – 10pm: Year of the Horse at crema coffeehouse

Join the folks of crema, the coffee darling of RiNo, for their annual group show based on the Chinese calendar.  The horse is part of a 12-year-cycle of animals that make-up the Chinese zodiac  The horse is symbolic of energetic and financial volatility and impulsiveness, including taking on various new projects with variable success, and borrowing and spending money.  The year of the horse is said to be the year for divorce and/or marriage.  Fun!  FREE.

Friday, September 12, 2014 @ 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, “I like big butts and I cannot lie”?  FREE.

Friday, September 12, 2014 @ 9:30pm: Films on Tap: The Expendables at the SIE FilmCenter

You’ve played drinking games at home, now play them with the Denver Film Society!  They will give you the rules and thanks to Breckenridge Brewery, the first 50 guests get their first drink on the house!  Drink specials run all night long, with a bar in the theater so you won’t miss a second of the movie (thank god).  Tickets run $7 – $10.  Please drink and watch responsibly; only guests 21 and over will be allowed to attend Films on Tap screenings.

Friday, September 12, 2014 @ 10pm: All This Mayhem at the Alamo Drafthouse

All This Mayhem is a searing account of what happens when raw talent and extreme personalities collide.  In this unflinching, never-before-seen account of drugs and the dark side of professional skateboarding, brothers Tas and Ben Pappas’ intense bond and charisma take them from the pinnacle of their sport into a spiraling world of self-destruction.  Stick around after the film for an intimate Q&A with one of the film’s subjects, Tas Pappas, via Skype.  Tickets are $10.75.

Friday, September 12, 2014 @ 10pm: Doc of the Dead at the SIE FilmCenter

If you missed Doc of the Dead at the Stanley Film Festival, you fortunately have another chance to catch it on the big screen at the SIE FilmCenter!  This definitive guide to ‘all things undead’ delves deep into the evolution of the zombie genre, in both film and literature, with its impact and influence on pop culture.  The result: a comprehensive, fast-paced, and highly entertaining look at a contemporary social pandemic of global proportions.  Filmmakers will be present afterwards for a Q&A.  Tickets run $10 – $12.

Saturday, September 13, 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, September 13, 2014, doors at 10:30am, festivities at 11am: Snowboard on the Block Festival at 35th Street and Walnut Street

Snowboard events take place all over the world, but there is only one that combines the mastery of the year’s top snowboarding films, the relentless energy of a music festival, with the nail-biting action of a rail jam in the streets, equipped with over 25 tons of real snow.  Musical acts include Mobb Deep, The Misfits, Speedwolf, Lola Black, and more.  Giveaways, vendors, skate ramp, massive gear sale, food trucks, and adult beverages round out the event.  Tickets run $15 – $45 and the event goes until 9pm.

Saturday, September 13, 2014 @ 11am – dusk: TheBigWonderful at Sustainability Park

This Saturday, find the time to come celebrate the TheBigWonderful, Denver’s newest pop-up food festival/farmers market/craft beer tasting/urban farm.  This weekly community festival is focused on local tastes, local beers/booze (check-out this cool pop-up bar!), and local music.  Admission is FREE and it’s the perfect place to try new flavors with family and friends.  Plus!  This week enjoy live performances by The Kinky Fingers, Josh Moorhead & The Guestlist, and Evan Holm.  Music starts at 3pm; your first beer is FREE if you RSVP.

Saturday, September 13, 2014 @ 12pm: No No: A Dockumentary at the SIE FilmCenter

An inspiring look at the man behind the legendary titular no-hitter thrown under the influence of LSD, Dock Ellis – a charismatic but troubled addict who was also a leader on baseball’s first all-minority starting lineup in an era of palpable racial tensions.  Tickets run $10 – $12.

Saturday, September 13, 2014 @ 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: Pirates!  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, September 13, 2014 @ 2 – 6pm: Inaugural Harvest Party at Denver Beer Co. Canworks

This party marks the official grand opening of DBC’s new Canworks production facility.  They will be offering brewery tours, a new HEY! PUMPKIN can release, live bluegrass music, food trucks, a pig roast, and harvest games such as dunk the brewer and a pumpkin slingshot launch.  Tickets cost $30 and include all-you-can drink beer and some food.  Anyone who wants to bike should meet at the DBC Platte Street location at 1:45pm to roll up bike gang-style.

Saturday, September 13, 2014 @ 3 – 6pm: Cornhole Tournament at The Dive Inn

While Labor Day traditionally denotes the end of summer and the lawn game season, the Young Professional Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado (YPAAC) invites you to prolong your summertime revelry during its first inaugural cornhole tournament – and possibly win some kickass prizes.  Teams can register online ahead of time for $10 per person or $20 per team.  Registration will be available day-of at a cost of $12.50 per person or $25 per team.  Teams will be competing for a two-night stay at Vail Cascade Resort while also supporting a worthy cause.  There will also be random prize drawings and cornholers can enjoy drink specials with a portion of proceeds benefiting YPAAC.

Saturday, September 13, 2014 @ 5 – 8pm: Second Saturday at Studio Colfax

Clear some space in your wardrobe for some one of a kind pieces!  Studio Colfax is pleased to present two local designers, Red Bench Jewelry and Minus the Dart, into their space to showcase their fall lines.  Join them in welcoming these two talented ladies for an evening of refreshments, clothing, and jewelry.  FREE.

Saturday, September 13, 2014 @ 9pm: Adam Cayton-Holland and The Fine Gentleman’s Club at Syntax Physic Opera

It’s safe to say this will be guaranteed fun. $5

Sunday, September 14, 2014 @ 10am – 3pm: Raw Vegan Brunch at Nectar House

Too hot to eat?  Well the Nectar House is pulling out all the stops this Sunday at their raw vegan brunch.  Come check-out this unique full-service cafe and elixir bar, specializing in day to night nourishment and vitality, located in Kindness Yoga on South Broadway.  Their patio will be open too!  Reservations are recommended but not necessary.

Monday, September 15, 2014 @ 6 – 7pm: Tennis at Twist & Shout

Join Tennis for an in-store performance + meet and greet in support of their new album, Ritual In Repeat.  All fans that purchase the album at Twist & Shout will receive first entry into the performance and a guaranteed spot in the autograph line.

Monday, September 15, 2014 @ 7pm: The Graduate at the Alamo Drafthouse

There are some movies that say so much by saying so little.  The Graduate is one of those films.  One could say that it’s about a boy who falls in love with a woman and then her daughter, but that seems like such a shallow interpretation of a movie that epitomizes everything that was going on with 1960s America.  Come see this American classic, restored for today’s big screen.  Tickets are $10.75.

Monday, September 15, 2014 @ 9pm: Manic Monday Mary-oke at Hamburger Mary’s

Is your Monday night your weekend?  Well then come check-out Manic Mondays Mary-oke with Meowllison!  The fun starts with happy hour pricing all day long – $3 wells and $4 calls.  Also, all of their martinis, margaritas, and Moscow Mules are only $5.  Plus there is a $5 burger & fries deal starting at 8pm.  Drink, eat, sing, and be Mary (aka call out of work on Tuesday!)

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 @ 5 – 8:30pm: Uptown Sampler in Uptown

Experience samples of Denver’s most mouthwatering menus from popular neighborhood cafes to gourmet fine dining.  For the 27th Annual Uptown Sampler there are 27 participating restaurants and retail shops that will showcase their unique tastes and talents.  Tickets are $20 ahead of time or $25 day of.  Peep the map here.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014 @ 6 – 8pm: MHYP Marijuana Industry Panel at the Exdo Event Center

In 2012, Colorado voters embraced recreational marijuana legalization with the passage of Amendment 64 to the Colorado constitution.  Since then, there have been constant and fierce debates over the change, how to regulate the market in an adequate and fair way, and a general buzz of either excitement or anxiety (depending on who you talk to) about the impending experiment.  From potency levels to taxes to concern over black market activity and how to keep the drug away from underage users, the Colorado marijuana scene is alive and thriving, for better or for worse.  You are invited to join Mile High Young Professionals for an evening with Colorado’s foremost experts and activists to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly about marijuana legalization.  Tickets are FREE for MHYP members and $10 – $15 for non-members.  Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event!

Tuesday, September 16, 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, September 17, 2014 @ 6 – 8pm: The Obstacle Course: Redesign Denver at the McNichols Civic Center Building

What does the design of a city say about what is valued as a community?  Who makes the decisions about how a city is planned?  Cities are alive with people and change and innovation and hardship and the process of figuring out who gets what, when, and how is a great privilege and responsibility for all citizens.  At this event, participants will take part in the “Obstacle Course” as individuals or in a team, geaining a hands-on look at what goes into the design and execution of a city plan.  FREE.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014 @ 8pm: The Narrators at Buntport Theater

If you haven’t been to The Narrators before, it is pure gold.  It is essentially like This American Life unfolding right in front of your beautiful smiling face.  One of the best things to do in Denver, hands down.  This month’s theme is (appropriately enough) “Schooled”.  Admission is FREE, plus there is cheap can beer to sip on while you listen, haaaaaaaaaaay.

Thursday, September 18, 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, September 18, 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, September 18, 2014, doors at 6pm, presentations at 7pm: PechaKucha Denver Vol. 25 at City Hall

If you’ve never heard of PechaKucha, it is an event where presenters get 20 slides, any content, and 20 seconds to explain each slide – so 6 minutes and 40 seconds in total.  This special edition, held in conjunction with Denver Startup Week, will help celebrate all things entrepreneurial here in Denver.  This event is FREE, but reservations are requested.

Thursday, September 18, 2014 @ dusk: Bike-In Movies: Office Space at Civic Center Park

“I told those fudge-packers I liked Michael Bolton’s music.”  Movie attendees are encouraged to bring picnics or purchase food from on-site gourmet food trucks, starting at 7pm.  Arriving by bicycle is highly encouraged!

Thursday, September 18, 2014 @ 10pm: Karaoke with DJ Rockstar Aaron at Barricuda’s

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