WEEKLY EVENTS: May 15, 2015 – May 21, 2015

BeeJP_Poster_11x17_MC3Denver!  This weather continues to puzzle and deceive me.  The ole getting caught without an umbrella, followed up by sweating your ass off the next day because you are overdressed.  Oh Denver, you so cray cray.

The weekend is here and I am ready for a break (actually I am ready for the next 3-day weekend.  Memorial Day, where you at?)

However in the meantime, Denverites can take pleasure in multiple booze/donut tastings, pop-up markets, food truck gatherings, the historic Five Points Jazz Festival, comedic debates, documentaries, storytelling, and more!

(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 South Pearl Street Farmers Market Opening Day and Fashion Denver’s Spring Market Enchantment at the Byers-Evans House Museum.)

Friday, May 15 & Saturday, May 16, 2015 @ 12 – 6pm: Spring Plant Sale at 2500 Lawrence Street

Grow your own food!  Choose from peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, kale, cabbage, lettuce, beets, squash, herbs, corn, sorghum, millet, amaranth, quinoa, and more!  10% of all sales goes to local agricultural organizations.

Friday, May 15, 2015 @ 3 – 7pm: Unveiling of the Youth Media Studio at Youth on Record

Join Youth on Record as they celebrate the opening of their new youth facility in the La Alma-Lincoln Park Neighborhood.  Take a tour, listen to live music, record in the studio, create your own screen-printed t-shirt, eat, drink, and socialize in the plaza courtyard, and celebrate the realization of a dream!  View the schedule of events here.  FREE.

Friday, May 15, 2015 @ 6 – 9pm: Pop-Up Showroom Grand Opening Party at 3234 North Navajo Street

To celebrate the grand opening of their newest endeavor, the Mod Livin’ Pop-Up Showroom, Mod Livin’ Modern Furniture is throwing a party to meet all their new neighbors on Denver’s north side.  Please join them for drinks, music from Mile High Soul Club’s Steve Cervantes, people watching, sofa sitting, tours of Lumina’s apartments, and a Blu Dot giveaway.  FREE.

Friday, May 15, 2015 @ 6 – 10pm: Whiskey Throwdown, Donut Showdown at Thrive Ballpark

What better way to start your weekend than with whiskey and donuts?  Come sample some of Denver’s best donut offerings and wash ’em all down with multiple varieties of locally distilled whiskey.  Tickets run $25 – $50 and include unlimited donut and whiskey samples #yes

Friday, May 15, 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!

Friday, May 15, 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 and DJ Tower.  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.  Free before 10pm, only $5 afterwards.  Life is short; go to Lipgloss.

Saturday, May 16, 2015 @ 9am – 4pm: Valverde Bazaar at Eron Johnson Antiques

This is not your traditional flea market.  This pop-up mart brings together emerging artisans and small independent Colorado businesses, selling a diverse mix of vintage, antique, and hip handmade products.  This market has expanded to over 85 booths and food trucks setting up shop in the outdoor space of Eron Johnson Antiques, surrounded by garden and architectural antiques.  FREE admission, tasty eats, live music, go.

Saturday, May 16, 2015 @ 10am: BEEJP at West 25th Ave at Federal Boulevard

BEEJP, a first-time event, will showcase community activities in this thriving area and will also serve as an introduction to the new Jefferson Park Farm & Flea – a craft, vintage, and farmers market, beginning in August.  The day will include a plant/seedling sale, a craft/vintage market, neighborhood tours, live music, and more!  Come check out this new, burgeoning Denver neighborhood and all its bounties.  FREE.

Saturday, May 16, 2015 @ 11am: Yoga + Beer at Ratio Beerworks

Balance on your mat, then get tipsy at the bar.  Registration costs $15 and includes one brew.  Please bring your own yoga mat and towel.

Saturday, May 16, 2015 @ 11am: Five Points Jazz Festival at 2600 Washington Street

The Five Points Jazz Festival, now in its 12th year, brings people together for a day of food, fun, and fantastic music.  This free festival takes place the third Saturday of May each year and celebrates the history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood.  Once known as the Harlem of the West, Five Points was home to several jazz clubs that played host to many of jazz music’s legends, including Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.  Since its inception in 2004, the Five Points Jazz Festival has grown each year in size and popularity.  With eight stages and the most culturally diverse lineup to date, you are sure to find something to dance to.  View the performance schedule here.  FREE.

11079039_10205722965855335_9046749849637639023_nSaturday, May 16, 2015 @ 12pm: Donuts & Beer Pairing at Crooked Stave

To finish off American Craft Beer Week, Crooked Stave will host a hangover brunch of sorts featuring two different artisan donuts from Acorn restaurant paired with two different tasters of beer.  The pairing begins when the taproom opens at 12pm and runs until the donuts are gone.  Cost for one donut paired with one beer is $6.  Want to try both?  $12.

Saturday, May 16, 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 16, 2015 @ 2pm: Skatedeck Art Show at Megafauna

30+ local artists, Colorado vendors, food trucks, music, and fun to raise awareness and money for Stronghold Society, which is a local organization that strives to inspire confidence, creativity, hope, and ambition for the youth of Native and non-Native communities.  View list of participating artists here.  FREE.

Saturday, May 16, 2015 @ 7:30pm: Sound+Vision series presents: Hall & Oates Recorded in Dublin + After-Party at the SIE FilmCenter

Daryl Hall and John Oates, the #1 selling duo in history, are giving fans another shot at their music with a new live set recorded in Dublin, Ireland last July.  With six #1 hits including Rich Girl, Kiss on My List, Private Eyes, I Can’t Go for That, Maneater, and Out of Touch, plus dozens of other top 40 songs, this legendary duo’s recently recorded concert is a “must see” for all music fans.  Plus!  After the screening, DJ Tyler Hayden (Guilty Pleasures) will throw a yacht rock-inspired dance party in the lobby of the SIE FilmCenter.  Tickets for the film run $10 – $12 and include the after-party.

Saturday, May 16, 2015 @ 8:30pm: Motown Mayhem at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

Come have some fun while you dance it out to some Motown jams.  $5 cover.

Saturday, May 16, 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 17, 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 17, 2015 @ 1 – 3pm: Open Farm & Market at Broken Shovels Farm

Sample some cheese and meet the new baby goats at this animal rescue farm located just 15-minutes from downtown Denver.  A little cheese, a lot of goats, and tons of love.  FREE.

Sunday, May 17, 2015 @ 7pm: Mad Men Finale Party at the RiNo Yacht Club

Join the RiNo Yacht Club for a classic Mad Men party on Sunday.  The last episode will be shown on the big screen at the bar.  FREE entry.

Sunday, May 17, 2015 @ 10pm: Arguments & Grievances at Vine Street Pub

Give the middle finger to Monday and come on out for some quality laughs and some quality brews.  Debates this month include Make vs Re-Make, Enlightenment vs Entitlement, Top Gun vs Top Chef, The Tortoise vs The Hare, and the headlining debate, Land vs. Sea.  FREE.

Monday, May 18, 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 18, 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 18, 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 as they rekindle this weekly gathering of challenging pop culture questions, boozy trivia, prizes galore, and other goofy antics!  Invite your friends!  FREE.

Monday, May 18, 2015 @ 8 – 10pm: Sexpot Comedy Presents: Open Mic Comedy Night at the Goosetown Tavern

FREE open mic comedy hosted by Jeff M. Albright.  This is also a Sexpot Comedy/Denver Relief show, which means FREE schwag.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015 @ 7:15pm: Packed in a Trunk at the SIE FilmCenter

One night only!  Packed In a Trunk uncovers the story of artist Edith Lake Wilkinson, who was committed to an asylum in 1924 and never heard from again.  Special in-person appearance by musician Danielle Ate the Sandwich and post-screening Skype with director and cast.  Tickets are $7 – $11.

11265099_836490413053466_5536844373616712347_nWednesday, May 20, 2015 @ 4 – 7pm: Bike-to-the-Taproom Happy Hour at Factotum Brewhouse

Starting May 20th and extending through September 16th, Factotum will be offering special prices during happy hour on all taproom beverages if you bike in on Wednesdays in part of Bike-to-Work Wednesdays.  Pedal power!

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 @ 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 “Nature vs. Nurture″.  Admission is FREE, plus there is cheap can beer to sip on while you listen, haaaaaaaaaaay.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 @ 8:30pm: Comedy Night at Ratio Beerworks

A mega-chill FREE comedy night collaboration between Ratio Beerworks, comedian Ian Douglas Terry, and Damian Burford, host of the Mostly Harmless Podcast.  Come out, have a laugh, and party hard.  In addition to headliner Chris Thayer from LA, attendees can enjoy the comedic stylings of Nathan Lund, Janae Burris, Zach Reinert, Andres Becerril, and more!  FREE.

Thursday, May 21, 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 21, 2015 @ 10pm: Karaoke with DJ Rockstar Aaron at Barricuda’s

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