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

Denver!  My fantasy football team made it into the playoffs, so everyone can just relax now.

This week you should take advantage of some cool movie events (including The Graduate on the big screen and The Big Lebowski in a brewery), a Spanish-language meet-up, more local holiday markets, comedy, karaoke, a beer & cookie pairing, live storytelling, cartoons, cereal, and LOLing.

(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 Candy Cane Festival at Hammond’s Candies and Kick the Keg Comedy at Voodoo Comedy Playhouse.)

Friday, December 12, 2014 @ 11am – 9pm: Denver Christkindl Market at Skyline Park

European quaintness in the heart of BroDo?  Yes, it’s true.  Skyline Park has once again been transformed into a traditional German Christmas Market.  German music, big beers, a heated beer tent, Gluhwein, soft pretzels, European desserts, Christmas knickknacks, and twinkling lights will round out this festive experience.  Peep their website for additional hours and entertainment schedule.

Friday, December 12, 2014 @ 2 – 11:45pm: Two-Year Anniversary Party at Our Mutual Friend

They’ll be lots-o-beers to choose from at OMF’s two-year anniversary jammy jam.  Food provided by Texorado BBQ; lively merriment provided by you.  No cover!

Friday, December 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, “The freaks come out at night”?  FREE.

Friday, December 12, 2014 @ 9pm – 2am: Lipgloss at the Beauty Bar

Beautiful babies of Denver, come dance it out at one of Denver’s favorite indie rock dance nights.  This Friday, dance-floor destroying DJ duo Mike Disco & Electric Cameltoe join Lipgloss founder Hollow to make sure you get your dancing quota filled.  To sweeten your evening, there will be $1 PBRs and $3 wells from 10 – 11pm.  Otherwise, it’s only $5 for a whole lotta magic.  Life is short; go to Lipgloss.

Friday, December 12, 2014 @ 9:30pm: Films on Tap: Die Hard at the SIE FilmCenter

You’ve played drinking games at home, now play them with the Denver Film Society!  They’ll give you the rules and thanks to Breckinridge 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.

Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14, 2014 @ 10am – 5pm: Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market at 4345 West 46th Avenue

The Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market is a seasonal market where emerging, undiscovered, and experienced artists, crafters, and antique/vintage collectors in Denver can set-up their own shop and meet their customers.  It’s a rare and wonderful shopping destination where customers can engage with and buy directly from local makers, creators, and collectors.  You’re sure to stumble upon some pretty awesome finds!  Market runs 10am – 5pm both days.  FREE admission.

Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14, 2014 @ 1 – 7pm: Denver Handmade Homemade Market at the Denver Art Society

Plan on attending the holiday installment of the Denver Handmade Homemade Market (HAHO) this weekend in the Santa Fe Arts District.  The HAHO is a place where you can find local, high-quality arts, crafts, food, and one-of-a-kind products made by your neighbors and friends here in Denver.  The event also includes live music and homemade food.  Additionally, there will be a clothing swap happening, so bring your gently used clothes while you’re at it.  Market runs 1 – 7pm each day.  FREE.

Saturday, December 13, 2014 @ 9am – 4pm: Holiday Bazaar at the Denver Cat Company

Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue is organizing a holiday bazaar on Saturday the 13th, to be held at the Denver Cat Company.  Plan on swinging by to say hello to the cats and to make a dent in your holiday shopping while helping the shelter!  MEOW!

Saturday, December 13, 2014 @ 9am – 4pm: St. Lucia Traditional Scandinavian Buffet at Charcoal Restaurant

Charcoal Restaurant hosts the Scandinavian holiday, St. Lucia, every year by offering a traditional holiday julbord buffet.  The buffet includes a lot of really delicious Scandinavian dishes, a well as glogg, which is spiced mulled wine.  The restaurant will also be decked out in holiday decorations, making it even more festive.  Cost of the buffet is $35/person, 1/2 price for kids 12 and under.  This price excludes drinks, tax, and tip.

Saturday, December 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: The Gross Out Show!  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, December 13, 2014 @ 2pm: The Polar Express at the SIE FilmCenter

Come join the Denver Film Society for some holiday cheer as they present a FREE screening of the seminal holiday classic, The Polar Express.  Following the screening there will be a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and some holiday treats!  A wonderful (and free) way to spend the afternoon!

Saturday, December 13, 2014 @ 3pm: Shakey Graves at Illegal Pete’s South Broadway

Shakey Graves sold-out all three of his Bluebird shows months in advance.  But you can see him play a brief set for FREE at 3pm at Illegal Pete’s!  Attendees are encouraged to get there early as possible to secure a spot.  Proceeds from the food/bar go to Youth on Record.

Saturday, December 13, 2014, comedy at 7pm, karaoke at 9pm: Saturday Evening Live w/ Elliot Woolsey at El Charrito 

Dinner, drinks, comedy, and karaoke = best date ever.  Come check-out this new(ish) monthly showcase at the only 5-star dive-bar in Denver.  This month’s show includes funny people Robert Abbott, Mara Wiles, and headliner, Elliot Woolsey.  Plus, a surprise special guest!  Hosted by Timmi Lasley.  $5 suggested donation with dinner specials to make it extra nice.  Stick around afterward for some karaoke, starting at 9pm.

Saturday, December 13, 2014 @ 7 – 10pm: Happy Holiday Dress Party at Happy Leaf Kombucha

Studio Colfax is hosting a Happy Holiday Dress Party at the Happy Leaf Kombucha taproom!  The party will showcase handmade dresses, aprons, scarves, and skirts by 50 Dresses by Tess Vigil, scarves and capes by Minus the Dart, jewelry by Native Clutter, and bags by JMFT Industries.  FREE.

Saturday, December 13, 2014 @ 10pm: SNAP! 90s Dance Party at the Beauty Bar

The vision behind the party is to offer a slice of nostalgia that will bring booty-shaking, head-nodding, and memories…of all those awesome middle school dances.  SNAP! is proud to have hosted some of the most talented DJs/Producers touring the world currently.  This month’s DJ line-up includes Garthy Garth, DJ Love, Gary Givant, and DJ A-L.  5 dolla covah.

Sunday, December 14, 2014 @ 1 – 3pm: Bingo Brunch at the Squeaky Bean

Forget about that embarrassing thing you did this weekend, by eating well and winning big at bingo!  Hosted by comedian Nathan Lund, you will be shame-free for at least 30+ minutes.

Sunday, December 14, 2014 @ 5pm: Screening: The Big Lebowski at Black Shirt Brewing Co.

What could be better than spending Sunday evenings this winter cozying up to watch a classic movie with a red ale in hand?  This week’s film is The Big Lebowski.  There will be a special Kahlua Porter on tap and everyone who dresses up will get $1 off their beers all night!  Be sure to come early to secure a spot.  FREE.

Monday, December 15, 2014 @ 6 – 7pm: Civic Center Moves at the McNichols Civic Center Building

Move, sweat, and loosen up to an all-levels vinyasa yoga class that is sequenced to open your bold heart, unlock your emotional hips, and get your blood moving through every fiber of your body.  At the end of class, wind down and relax with soothing stretches and a moment of quiet reflection.  Please bring your own yoga mat.  FREE.

Monday, December 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, December 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, December 17 & Thursday, December 18, 2014, doors at 8pm, show at 8:30pm: Winter at Wonderbound Studio

Join Wonderbound for a whole new kind of wintry experience that promises to tantalize all five senses.  Hear new music by Jesse Manley and his band; see projections by Kristopher Collins; taste creations by a whole slew of renowned local chefs; touch and experience Garrett Ammon’s choreography in a whole new way; and smell scents by Michelle Roark of Phia Lab.  Tickets are $60 and are going fast, so don’t delay!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 @ 4 – 7pm: Beer & Cookie Pairing at the Former Future Brewing Company

Just in time for the holiday season, Former Future is doing a beer & cookie pairing for your pleasure.  For $12, you’ll get four 4oz tasters + cookies and for $20 you’ll get four short pours + cookies.  YUM!  There will also be an ugly sweater contest happening from 6 – 9pm.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 @ 5 – 9pm: Gifted Holiday Handmade Market at the McNichols Civic Center Building

This is a unique holiday experience, combining both a local market and a discussion about ‘true cost’ and ‘true benefit’ of an item.  Hosted by Warm Cookies of the Revolution, attendees will explore the complex issues that surround both buying local and handmade, as well as from global corporations.  Come do all your holiday gift shopping with some of the best local artists, businesses, and craftspeople in your community.  Plus, there will be music from NO-FVCE, hot cocoa, gift wrapping, incredible raffle prizes, and of course, delicious warm cookies.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 @ 5:30 – 8pm: Show Me YOUR Denver Gift Exchange at Colorado State University

What’s a better way to celebrate the holidays than a Denver-inspired gift exchange?  During this unique happy hour, attendees will enjoy snacks and libations while they meet fellow city builders and exchange Denver-inspired gifts.  Attendees will tell stories about why these gifts remind them of Denver, make them feel at home in Denver, and/or represent the future of Denver.  Then, they’ll hand those gifts over to a complete stranger (or new friend).  Event takes place at Colorado State University, Suite 450, 2nd Floor Meeting Space.  FREE.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 @ 7:10pm: Roger & Me at SIE FilmCenter

For one night only, it’s the 25th anniversary screening of Roger & Me!  Plus!  Stick around for the post-screening Skype with Michael Moore!   Tickets run $7 – $10.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 @ 7:30pm: New Wave the World Over Film Series at Cafe Max

FREE weekly film series, which explores the New Wave movement.  In the late 50s, a radical move towards progressive, subversive, deconstructionist, and fiercely political cinema began.  Filmmakers in countries all over the world were trying to make sense of their post-war societies, widespread apathy, oppressive communist, socialist, and capitalist regimes and an overwhelming sense of melancholy.  Birthed from this perfect storm of pain and confusion was a new kind of cinema yet unknown to the world.  Come watch some lesser-seen films from this movement, while enjoying food and drink specials.  This week’s film is Japanese Summer: Double Suicide.

Wednesday, December 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 “No Returns″.  Admission is FREE, plus there is cheap can beer to sip on while you listen, haaaaaaaaaaay.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014 @ 9pm: Teez Me Pleaze Me at the Beauty Bar

Come check out the Beauty Bar’s new weekly, Teez Me Pleaze Me.  All the hits from the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and today!  From Prince to Little Dragon, from Madonna to Rhianna, from Cindy Lauper to Miley Cyrus  – all your guilty pleasures.  Baby it’s cold outside, so come get warm on the dance floor!  $15 martini/manicure all night long, $3 well drinks for ladies, plus buy any shot and get a free PBR!  No cover.

Thursday, December 18, 2014 @ 7pm: The Graduate at SIE FilmCenter

[Cue the Simon & Garfunkel]  For one night only, enjoy a screening of The Graduate on the big screen!  Tickets run $7 – $10.

Thursday, December 18, 2014 @ 7:30pm: Gremlins at the Alamo Drafthouse

Joe Dante’s hilariously funny, wickedly scary film is about a lovable, furry little Christmas gift that multiplies into many little Christmas gifts, with savage consequences.  One of the most loved and original holiday movies, Gremlins is a cinematic Christmas present for all movie lovers.  Tickets are $10.75

 Thursday, December 18, 2014 @ 10pm: SexPot Comedy Presents: Cartoons & Comedy at the Deer Pile

Cartoons & Comedy is a nostalgic comedy show, created by Christopher Baker, that features comedians riffing on your favorite cartoons and commercials from the 80s and 90s.  This particular show will be stocked with talent: Karl Hess, Ben Kronberg, Anthony Crawford, and Jake Becker.  YES!  The show is FREE.  There will be cereal and beer available by donation #diabetes