WEEKLY EVENTS: May 8, 2015 – May 14, 2015

This weekend is Mother’s Day – bless their hearts.  Seriously, I am surprised that my mother still even talks to me.  What a little bitch I was growing up.  And now I see my friends becoming new moms and the figurative weight that they carry around on a daily basis is pretty tremendous.

So here’s a shout-out to all of the moms – YOU ARE AWESOME.  And probably under-appreciated and over-worked.  You are mentally and emotionally stronger than anyone, really.  Even Mr. T knows it.  I hope you get to enjoy your weekend a bit – even (or especially) if that looks like locking yourself in the bathroom with a half-bottle of wine and your Kindle for 45 minutes.  Or if you get the luxury of Mother’s Day brunch, check-out these suggestions from Denver Eater.

(And as per youzh, check-out Westword’s 10 things to do for $10 in Denver blog for free/low-cost events this weekend, including the Colorado Chocolate Festival at The Denver Merchandise Mart, RiNo Art Safari in the River North Art District, and Circus Emporium Freakeasy at 3 Kings Tavern.)

Friday, May 8 & Saturday, May 9, 2015 @ 8am – 5pm: Spring Plant Sale at Denver Botanic Gardens

Add some color to your home the easy way with the Denver Botanic Gardens’ annual plant sale.  With more than 10 different plant divisions (veggies, annuals, perennials, etc.) offering quality flora and expert advice, this sale is the best way to start your spring gardening season.  FREE.

Friday, May 8, 2015 @ 5 – 7pm: Opening Happy Hour at Galvanize

Join Galvanize as they celebrate the opening of their second Denver campus!  There will be drinks, snacks, amazing views, and amazing company.  FREE.

Friday, May 8, 2015 @ 6pm – 12am: Friday Night Bazaar at 3530 Brighton Boulevard

From the folks that brought you TheBigWonderful comes the Friday Night Bazaar.  If you haven’t been, you are seriously missing out.  Imagine a festive farmhouse (at least that’s how it feels to me), filled with twinkling lights, delicious homemade food, craft beer and cocktails, artisan vendors, soulful music, swing dancing, and a food truck garden.  Come shop, sip, and eat.  No cover and a great way to start your weekend!  Plus, the opportunity to buy something for mom!

Friday, May 8, 2015 @ 7pm – 11pm: Blondes, Brunettes and Bubbly at Artwork Network

Start your weekend by looking good and feeling good.  This is an excuse to bust out your fancy dress clothes and support a great cause – the Young Professionals Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado (YPAAC).  They’ll have a DJ, photographers, silent auction, food trucks, and lots and lots of bubbly (plus a full bar!)  Tickets are $30 and proceeds support the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado.

Friday, May 8, 2015 @ 9pm – 2am: Lipgloss at Syntax Physic Opera

Beautiful babies of Denver!  Come dance it out at Denver’s favorite indie rock dance night (at their new location), featuring Hollow, DJ Tower, and DJ Rescue (Zia from The Dandy Warhols)!  This is the only event where you can lose it to Neil Diamond, Bloc Party, Queen, The Supremes, Iggy Pop, and LCD Soundsystem all in one night.  Pre-sale is only $8 and is available with absolutely no surcharge.  Life is short; go to Lipgloss.

Saturday, May 9, 2015 @ 9am – 4pm: Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market at 4345 West 46th Avenue

The Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market is a seasonal, open-air market where emerging and experienced artists, crafters, and antique/vintage collectors can sell their wares and meet their customers.  You’re sure to stumble upon some pretty awesome finds and this market keeps growing!  Come for the kitty cat creamer, stay for the food trucks and the treats.  FREE admission.

Saturday, May 9, 2015 @ 11am – 3pm: Mother’s Day Craft Brunch at Share Denver

Daughters bring your moms; moms bring your daughters and join Share Denver to craft the perfect Mother’s Day experience!  With numerous stations filled to the brim with DIY projects perfect for gifting (or keeping), each participant will leave with at least six handmade items!  Additionally, they’ll be brunch, coffee, and mimosas to fuel the crafting and tote bags to carry all of your items home!  Reserve your spot online – $60 for a single spot; $100 for mother/daughter special

Saturday, May 9, 2015 @ 12 – 7:30pm: TheBigWonderful at Sustainability Park

It’s back!  TheBigWonderful returns to bring you another season of live music, local food, craft beer + cocktails, beach volleyball, yard games, and even a play areas for the kiddos.  And this year, it is bigger and better!  Admission is FREE and it’s the perfect place to meet-up with friends/family for a casually fun Saturday.

Saturday, May 9, 2015, cocktails at 6pm, show at 7:30pm: 21st Anniversary at the Bug Theatre

For 21 years The Bug Theatre has established itself as the premier venue in Denver to experience live comedy, local film, and lots of great theatre.  Come help them celebrate the big 2-1 with a night of comedy, music, theatre, magic, burlesque, and more!  Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

Saturday, May 9, 2015 @ 6 – 9pm: SVPER MOM Trunk Show at SVPER Ordinary

In case you are looking for an excuse to visit the Source, please join SVPER Ordinary this Saturday, May 9th from 6 – 9pm where they will be showcasing three Colorado brands for a one-night-only Mother’s Day Trunk Show.  Find the perfect gift for mom by shopping amazing non-toxic beauty products from R.L Linden & Co, beautifully handmade jewelry from Union Metal Studios, and a beautiful array of flowers from the neighboring Beet & Yarrow.  This event is open to the public with complimentary wine & treats.

Saturday, May 9, 2015, happy hour at 6:30pm, performance at 7:30pm: Final Remix of the Season at Boettcher Concert Hall

Victor Wooten’s Concerto for Electric Bass will be joined by the Wonderbound dance company for the final Remix event of the 2014/2015 season.  Pre-concert happy hour at Epernay Lounge at 6:30pm; performance at Boettcher Concert Hall starts at 7:30pm.  First-timers get $10 tickets!

Saturday, May 9, 2015 @ 7 – 11pm: Opening Reception for CAMP, new paintings by Rene Farkass at Leon

Join Leon for the opening reception and exhibition of CAMP, an exhibition of new paintings by ReneFarkass.  With a distinctive style that sets him apart in both tone and personality, Rene Farkass has been a recognized artist in the alternative Denver art scene for over 15 years.  FREE.

Saturday, May 9, 2015 @ 12am: Midnights at the 3 King’s Tavern

Ever wake-up from a monster nap on a Saturday night and think, oh great now what?  This FREE comedy showcase takes place every Saturday at midnight in the basement of 3 King’s Tavern and delivers some of the best local talent that Denver has to offer.  Hosted by Eric Henderson and Cory Helie.  FREE.

Sunday, May 10, 2015, brunch at 12:30pm, film at 2:30pm: Steel Magnolias Brunch at the SIE FilmCenter

Take your mom to the movies AND a fabulous brunch.  The VIP option starts at 12:30pm and includes bottomless mimosas, plated brunch, and VIP seating.  Regular tickets (without brunch) include 1 complimentary mimosa and the screening at 2:30pm.  For full menu, information, and to purchase your tickets, click here.

 

Sunday, May 10, 2015 @ 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, May 10, 2015 @ 7:30pm: Amuse Booze Volume 2 at The Savoy at Curtis Park

Amuse Booze is a new monthly comedy showcase that brings the two best scenes in Denver together for a night of laughs and hand-crafted cocktails.  Three local bartenders will compete to make their own variations of three comics favorite cocktails.  One bartender will be named victorious and move forward in the competition whilst the audience enjoys tasting and laughing at the results.  Tonight’s comedians include Stephen Agyei (Bloody Mary), Jordan Wieleba, (Cosmopolitan), and Sam Tallent (Lime Daiquiri). $10 gets you in the door + one cocktail.

Sunday, May 10, 2015 @ 8pm: The Church of Coen Presents: The Hudsucker Proxy w/ musical selection by The Quartet at Syntax Physic Opera

Every month, hosts Theresa Mercado and Ian O’Dougherty will be showing a film by Joel & Ethan Coen (in order of theatrical release), preceded by a short musical selection performed by a local musician celebrating the magnificence, importance, and variety of music from that film.  This week’s show includes musical selections by The Quartet, featuring Phil Norman, Julie Threatte, Tori Woodrow, and Adrienne Short, and a screening of The Hudsucker Proxy.  Come share your zeal and fondness for the brothers with other devotees.  FREE.

Monday, May 11, 2015 @ 6 – 7pm: Civic Center Moves at Civic Center Park

Got a case of the Mondays?  A FREE all-levels vinyasa yoga class on the Great Lawn of Civic Center Park may just be what the doctor ordered.  Open your heart, unlock your emotional hips, and get the blood moving through every fiber of your body as you mentally prepare for the rest of your week.  This class is typically held every Monday evening with some exceptions; please bring your own yoga mat.  FREE.

Monday, May 11, 2015 @ 7 – 10pm: Forbidden Bingo at Maloney’s Tavern

Come play Forbidden Bingo with DJ Rockstar Aaron and Rich every Monday night downtown.  Win prizes from Romantix, concert tickets, cupcakes, free drinks, bar tabs, and more.  $5 menu items, two-for-one drink specials, and FREE to play!

Monday, May 11, 2015 @ 7:30 – 9:30pm: Monday Night Music & Movie Trivia at the SIE FilmCenter

It’s back!  Bigger, better, and more horrifying than ever!  Well – it’s back anyway, and that’s a great thing, right?  Join the Denver Film Society this Monday with your host Ryan as he rekindles this weekly gathering of challenging pop culture questions, boozy trivia, prizes galore, and other goofy antics!  Invite your friends!  FREE.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 @ 7 – 9pm: film/Still: An Evening with Anna Gaskell at the SIE FilmCenter

Photographer and filmmaker Anna Gaskell has exhibited her work in galleries, museums, and film festivals around the world.  A recipient of numerous grants and awards, Gaskell’s work is beautiful, ethereal, and often self-reflective.  Join the Clyfford Still Museum and the Denver Film Society at the SIE FilmCenter to view five of Anna’s short films, followed by a live Q&A with the filmmaker.  Tickets are $7 – $9.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 @ 6 – 8pm: Civic Stitch and Bitch at the McNichols Civic Center Building

Here is an activity for all you indoor kids!  Bring your favorite crafting activity (or take advantage of one that is provided) and take part in a conversation about housing, sex offenses, policing, fracking, winning the Powerball, aging, and/or immigration.  $5 suggested donation, but no one turned away due to lack of funds.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 @ 7 – 9pm: Beer & Empanada Pairing at Former Future Brewing Company

Former Future is hosting its third Beer and Empanada Pairing with Maria Empanada!  $22 gets you 4 beers and 4 empanadas – yum!  Tickets can be purchased at Former Future or by phone at 720-441-4253.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 @ 7:15pm: Metalhead at the SIE FilmCenter

One night only!  Fueled by a remarkable breakout performance by actress Thora Bjorg Helga, director Ragnar Bragason’s drama begins with a farming accident in the 1980’s that sends a young girl, Hera, and her parents into a tailspin of grief over the death of her heavy metal music-obsessed older brother.  A decade later and Hera is transformed into a surly headbanger and DIY musician, dressed in black leather and a Slayer t-shirt, clutching her dead brother’s electric guitar as she howls anthems of rage to a barn full of cows.  Seemingly trapped in a haunted landscape of slaughterhouses and barren winter fields, making all the wrong choices in her life – including coming on to the local priest and sleeping with her platonic best friend – Hera slowly, painfully comes to terms with her family’s loss and the sound of her own true voice.  Tickets run $7 – $11.

Thursday, May 14, 2015 @ 7:30pm – 8:30pm: Class With a Glass: Swing Dance Lessons at the Infinite Monkey Theorem

These classes are perfect for people who want to learn to swing dance, who like wine, and/or who want to try both!  $15 includes a glass of wine and drop-in swing dance class; $10 for dance lesson only.  No partner or experience required; sneakers recommended.

Thursday, May 14, 2015 @ 8pm: Cool Shit at the 3 King’s Tavern

Cool Shit is the newest comedy drug that all the cool kids are doing (and that one kid’s dad).  This week’s show will feature a whole slew of local comics for your enjoyment.  FREE show, cash bar, cool shit.

Thursday, May 14, 2015 @ 9pm: Motown Thursdays at the Goosetown Tavern

Party people of Denver!  Come dance it out with DJs Maladjusted and Caramello at their new home at the Goosetown Tavern.  Kitchen open until midnight; drink specials all night.  No cover.

Thursday, May 14, 2015 @ 10pm: Karaoke with DJ Rockstar Aaron at Barricuda’s

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