WEEKLY EVENTS: May 29, 2015 – June 4, 2015

Dear Denver, why you make it so hard to live here?  I have just started the home-buying process (after living here for 10 years, through the time it was actually affordable!) and already I am feeling fairly demoralized.

I just can’t compete in this market and it makes me feel sad.

But I know these things take time, so I am going to try to stay positive and patient and hope that I can find a little renovated shack in a not-so-stabby neighborhood to call my own.  Fingers crossed.

And in the backdrop of all of this self-pity, let’s take advantage of what our fine city has to offer, shall we?  This week’s events include a party-like comedy festival, FREE beer, FREE ice cream, Grease is the word, outdoor movies, bikes, found footage, brewhouse yoga, a vegan pizza party, summer camp memories, and so much 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 Hustle And Flow Festival, the Pablove Shutterbugs Photo Show at DADA Art Bar and Lucha Libre and Laughs at The Oriental Theater.)

Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31, 2015: Crom West Comedy Festival

Do you like to LOL?  I SAAAAAID, DO YOU LIKE TO L-O-L?!?  Well if so, come check-out the inaugural Crom West Comedy Festival, which brings together a smattering of local and national acts for a comedic orgy, all taking place in Denver’s hottest/coolest venues.  Peep the website for line-up and ticket info, as well as a listing of all FREE shows.  HAHAHA!

Friday, May 29, 2015 @ 4pm – until late: Final Friday Music Walk & Urban Bazaar in the RiNo neighborhood

This music walk/urban bazaar oozes with creativity and community.  Live art, music, vendors, interactive street media, food trucks, and drink specials…what more do you need on a Friday night?  (Aside from Ryan Gosling texting you for a late night booty call but let’s face it, he’s just not that into you.)  Peep the event listing to view the participating venues and the sweet ass deals.

Friday, May 29, 2015 @ 6 – 9pm: City Park Ice Cream Social at the City Park Pavilion

The City Park Ice Cream Social is an annual event provided by the City Park Alliance and City Council District 8.  The year’s event will include FREE ice cream provided by Boulder Ice Cream, The Denver Municipal Band playing a concert to the Electric Fountain show, face painting, entertainers, and historical costumes.  Ice cream will be served starting right at 6pm.  The Denver Municipal Jazz Combo will take the stage at 6pm, followed by the larger Denver Municipal Band at 7:30pm.  Random prizes will be provided to those who dress in historical costume.  FREE.

Friday, May 29, 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.  This event is family/pet friendly!  Peep the line-up here.

Friday, May 29, 2015, live music at 7pm, film at 8:30pm: Outdoor Film Series: Grease at Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre

All films  are shown on the lawn in front of the theatre.  Gate opens at 7pm with live music, and the film starts at 8:30pm.  Sandwiches for purchase provided by Heidi’s Deli.  Admission is $5/person suggested donation and children 6 and under are free.  This event is rain or shine.

Friday, May 29, 2015 @ 7pm: Release Party for “Carnality: Dancing On Red Lake” at Syntax Physic Opera

Syntax Physic Opera is hosting the release party for Denver journalist, Josiah Hesse’s debut novel, “Carnality: Dancing On Red Lake,” presented by Sexpot Comedy.  The show will include literary readings from Suspect Press editor, Ken Arkind, author and drummer for The Knew, Andy Thomas, writer and A. Tom Collins frontman, Aaron Collins, as well as a reading from Hesse with musical accompaniment from Roger Green.  Afterward there will be a dance party from America’s longest running indie-dance night, Lipgloss, with guest DJ Tyler Jacobson of Mile High Soul Club.  No cover.  Copies of Carnality: Dancing On Red Lake will be available for purchase at $12.

Saturday, May 30, 2015 @ 10am – 3pm: Dandelion Artisans Market at Denver Print Company

Come enjoy a wide range of creative offerings from artisans, jewelers, medicine makers, and more at the Dandelion Artisan’s Market.  It is their hope that this project evolves into a revolutionary artisans cooperative that supports microeconomies.  And don;t forget to bring your appetite for tamales, flan, horchata, and aguas frescas from Centro Humanitario’s Women’s Group.  Some vendors may accept credit cards, but bring some cash just in case!  FREE.

Saturday, May 30, 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.  View the musical line-up here.

Saturday, May 30, 2015 @ 1 – 4pm: Family Farm Fiesta at Mountair Park

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of FREE fun at Mountair Park’s community farm.  Help paint the new mural, sample fresh foods, enjoy live music, tour the farm, and more.  Free kids’ activities include craft projects, seed planting, English and Spanish story time, and face painting.  The Solar Roast Coffee Truck will also be on-site offering refreshments for purchase.  The farm is located in the SE corner of Mountair Park, at 13th and Depew in Lakewood.  FREE.

Saturday, May 30, 2015 @ 2:30 – 4:30pm: Mara Wiles and the Funky Brunch at Grandma’s House

Get funky on the last Saturday of each month at Grandma’s House, with your host Mara Wiles.  This month, reap the benefits of visiting comics from Crom and laugh and eat and drink, all together like a family.  No cover.

Saturday, May 30, 2015 @ 3 – 9pm: Benefit for BikeDenver at The Denver Bicycle Cafe

Bands.  Beer.  Bikes.  What could be better?  How about raising money for BikeDenver!  FREE entry.

Saturday, May 30, 2015, doors at 6pm, music at 7pm: Glowing House and Land Lines at Black Shirt Brewing Co.

Come check-out Black Shirt’s new outdoor stage, sip on some red brews, and enjoy the melodies of local faves, Glowing House and Land Lines.  This show is going to rule.  Tickets are $5 and will probs sell-out so plan ahead!

Saturday, May 30, 2015 @ 9pm: Black Amex w/ Funk Hunk at the Meadowlark

Well, well, well…it’s been far too long since the Black Amex crew gave us all a reason to dance.  Their guest sound selector and boogie maker this time around is an underground Denver gem, Funk Hunk.  He is easily the most prolific disco editor in our square state and has a proven skill to make you burn holes in the dancefloor.  It’s going to be quite the disco and funk experience, so hold onto your butts.  No cover; cheap drinks.

Saturday, May 30, 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 31, 2015 @ 10:30am: Brewhouse Yoga at Alpine Dog Brewing Company

Balance on your mat, then get tipsy at the bar.  Class costs $15 and includes one brew.  All participants will receive $1 off each additional beer.  Please bring your own yoga mat and towel.

Sunday, May 31, 2015 @ 11am – 2pm: Brits Who Brunch at the Infinite Monkey Theorem

Prepare yourself!  Winemaker, Ben Parsons and Brand Manager, Sean McQuaid are channeling their hometowns and whipping up a English-inspired brunch.  Luckily, Ian Kleinman & team from The Inventing Room are stepping in to not only assist, but add some creativity too.  Brunch is $20, which includes a glass of liquid nitrogen frozen moscato #fancy

Sunday, May 31, 2015 @ 12 – 5pm: RiNo Beach Club at the Exdo Event Center

Come join this urban beach party, which features 10,000 square feet of sand, a giant swimming pool, tunes from DJ Yo Huckleberry, drink specials, vendors, and awesome schwag.  No cover; all-day bloody mary bar + $10 bottomless mimosas from 12 – 2pm.  Get your vitamin C on, son!

Sunday, May 31, 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.

Monday, June 1, 2015 @ 6 – 10pm: Pizza for Peaceful Prairie at Bonnie Brae Tavern

Pizza for Peaceful Prairie is a fundraiser for the Eastern Colorado treasure, Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary, which is a safe haven to formerly farmed animals, as well as a vegan advocacy/education center.  Friends of the sanctuary, vegans, vegetarians, animal lovers, and pizza lovers alike are all welcome to come together and share an all-you-can-eat vegan pizza buffet at the tavern for only $15 ($5 for kids under 12).  $9 of the admission price will go directly to the sanctuary, and there will also be vegan drink specials!

Monday, June 1, 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, June 1, 2015 @ 7:30pm: Movie Night: Superbad at The Walnut Room

FREE screening, FREE popcorn, drink specials, and cozy couches #McLovin

Monday, June 1, 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, June 2, 2015 @ 7:10pm: We Are Still Here at the SIE FilmCenter

Caught this film at the Stanley Film Festival this year and it scared the *beep* out of me.  If you like old-school horror movies, then be sure to check this one out.  It’s good and bloody.  Tickets are $7 – $11.

Wednesday, June 3, 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, June 3, 2015 @ 7pm: Yoga in the Beergarden at Black Shirt Brewing Co.

Get over the hump-day-slump and enjoy an evening of vinyasa in the BSB backyard, along with your favorite red ales.  $15 gets you in the class PLUS a glass of beer (or Happy Leaf Kombucha) and a $5 credit to use towards a very delicious vegetarian meal from WongWayVeg!  Please bring your own yoga mat and towel.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015 @ 8pm: Everything Is Terrible! Legend at the SIE FilmCenter

One night only!  Come experience what is Everything is Terrible! live in person.  Found footage at its best/worst/weirdest.  Buy your tickets now, $10 – $12.  All ages.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015 @ 8:30 – 10pm: Movie Night: Wet Hot American Summer at TAXI

“You taste like a burger.  I don’t like you anymore.”  Join TAXI for their first movie night of the summer, hosted by Zeppelin Development.  FREE booze, snacks, and general good times provided.  Come early and hang out at the pool before the festivities begin.  FREE.

Thursday, June 4, 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 for your enjoyment.  FREE show, cash bar, cool shit.

Thursday, June 4, 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, June 4, 2015 @ 10pm: Karaoke with DJ Rockstar Aaron at Barricuda’s

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