WEEKLY EVENTS: July 3, 2015 – July 9, 2015

Welp. I’m back from the jungle. Mexico was a boozy, hot, relaxing adventure. And I only got diarrhea 17 times. Just kidding it was only 7. Just kidding it was only 3.

I saw monkeys, iguanas, stingrays, tortoises, barracudas, coatis, peacocks, and a lot of awkward sunburns in the pool bar.  Overall, I would say it was a wonderful vacation and that I’ve even managed to bring a little bit of the peninsula vibe back home with me [insert an island cocktail emoji here].

But now…there are patriotic celebrations to be had y’all! Fire up those grills, iron those jorts, and watch some explosions in the sky. [For a full list of fireworks this weekend, peep this list here.]

(In addition to the events below, be sure to check-out the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and Baere Brewing Company’s 1st Anniversary Weekend. 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 Ethiopian Cultural Festival at Hinkley High School and No Holds Bar at El Charrito.)

Friday, July 3, 2015 @ 11am – 7pm: Stars & Stripes Express Fest at Union Station

All-aboard Denver Union Station’s first annual Stars & Stripes Express Fest! To celebrate America, they’re more than doubling the size of the Terminal Bar patio and serving up some tasty patriotic drinks. Come and enjoy frozen treats and BBQ eats; live music from Dixieland Express, the Train45 Bluegrass Band, and Phat Daddy; family-friendly entertainment, and specials on Colorado’s finest brews! This event is FREE and open to the public.

Friday, July 3, 2015 @ 6 – 8pm: B-Side Music Fridays w/ Automatic Iris + The Take at the MCA Denver

B-Side Music Fridays is a live music series where guests can enjoy an intimate performance by Denver’s top indie musicians, along with crafted cocktails and some of the sweetest views in town. Tonight’s performers are Automatic Iris + The Take. Happy hour from 5 – 7pm; live performances from 6 – 8pm.  Free for MCA members; $5 for regular people.

Friday, July 3, 2015, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm: Open Music Sessions w/ Rossonian at Denver Open Media (DOM)

This First Friday, visit YOUR community access television station for a live, intimate studio performance by Rossonian and a joke-telling set by Daniel Reskin.  Additionally, there will be FREE food from Illegal Pete’s and cheap drinks.  Haaaaaaaaay.  This event is FREE and located along the Santa Fe First Friday Art Walk.

Friday, July 3, 2015 @ 8pm: Independence Eve at Civic Center Park

This pre-holiday concert/firework extravaganza will feature patriotic and contemporary favorites from Funkiphino and the 101st Army Concert Band from Buckley Air Force Base. Lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; bring your own blankets or low-rise concert/beach chairs. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnics; food trucks will also be available on-site. Arriving early is highly encouraged. The event will take place rain or shine. FREE.

Friday, July 3, 2015 @ 9pm – 2am: Lipgloss INDIEpendence Eve at Syntax Physic Opera

Beautiful babies of Denver! Come celebrate your freedom at Denver’s favorite indie rock dance night, featuring Hollow and DJ Tower. This is the only event where you can lose it to Neil Diamond, Bloc Party, Queen, The Supremes, and LCD Soundsystem all in one night.  They’ll be serving up $2 PBRs + $4 vodka/gin drink specials, and giving away tickets to see Empire of the Sun with St. Lucia and Holy Ghost! Free before 10pm, only $5 afterwards. Life is short; go to Lipgloss.

Friday, July 3, 2015 @ 10pm: Films on Tap: Top Gun at the SIE FilmCenter

Ray-Bans, cheesy music, sweaty beach volleyball…as if Top Gun couldn’t get any more awesome, the Denver Film Society is adding booze into the mix! Attendees will be given a list of rules for the (drinking) game and as people in the audience call them out, you take a drink. The first 50 people also will receive a free beer courtesy of Breckenridge Brewery. Tickets run $7 – $11; come early to check-out the fireworks from the top floor of the parking garage! Please drink and watch responsibly; only guests 21 and over will be allowed to attend Films on Tap screenings.

Saturday, July 4, 2015 @ 10am – 1:30pm (or until goods run out): Le Jardin Secret at Bistro Vendome

Le Jardin Secret is not your average summer market. At this French-inspired chefs’ market, foodies can shop for dairy, meat, bread, produce, and other goods – all with a mimosa in hand. Free parking is available on the top levels of the Larimer Square Garage (14th and Market Streets) during market hours to the first 40 customers. Customers must ask for a validation pass from the Mile High Business Alliance representative at the Le Jardin Secret welcome booth. FREE.

Saturday, July 4, 2015 @ 12 – 10pm: TheBigWonderful’s 4th of July Celebration at Sustainability Park

Come celebrate freedom at this family/dog-friendly event filled with live music, local food, craft beer + cocktails, beach volleyball, yard games, and even a play areas for the kiddos. Admission is FREE and it’s the perfect place to meet-up with friends/family for a laid-back good time. Plus, this week includes extended hours until 10pm! Music starts at 1pm and ends around 8pm; view the musical line-up here.

Saturday, July 4, 2015 @ 1 – 5pm: Vegan 4th of July BBQ at Cheesman Park

Join Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) for an animal-friendly 4th of July BBQ potluck at Cheesman Park (around 11th and Franklin). Kids, dogs, partners, friends, and lawn games are welcome. Bring a vegan dish to share and your own plate, cup, and cutlery. DxE organizers will also be available to talk about how attendees can get involved in speaking up for and volunteering with animals. This event is FREE and open to everyone.

Saturday, July 4, 2015 @ 7 – 10pm: Swingin’ Under the Stars at Little Man Ice Cream

Ice cream, live music, dance lessons, and you. Tonight’s live music will be provided by Joe Smith and the Spicy Pickles Jazz Band. Free swing dance lesson at 7pm for those who wish to learn the basic steps; no partner or experience required. FREE.

Saturday, July 4, 2015 @ dusk: Jurassic Park at Skyline Park

Family-friendly screening of Jurassic Park in downtown’s Skyline Park. Come early to snag the best seats and to enjoy some musical entertainment before the film. Bring your own blankets, picnics, and drinks. FREE.

Saturday, July 4, 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, July 5, 2015 @ 11am – 6pm: Meet in the Street at the 16th Street Mall

Around the world, cities are temporarily closing busy streets to vehicles for a day of free, healthy activities that promote community. Meet in the Street is a program launched by the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District that encourages people to get outside, walk, bike, eat, and enjoy the 16th Street Mall in a new and different way. This month’s event will feature live music, art, expanded patio seating, and a whole slew of activities for kids. View the schedule here. FREE.

Sunday, July 5, 2015 @ 12 – 6pm: 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, music, drink specials, vendors, and awesome schwag. No cover; all-day bloody mary bar + $7 bottomless mimosas from 12 – 2pm. Get your vitamin C on, son!

Sunday, July 5, 2015 @ 1pm: Paris, Texas at the SIE FilmCenter

This is German filmmaker, Wim Wenders, at his best. It’s a film of wandering, searching, and landscape as a man (Harry Dean Stanton) meanders through the American West, through literal desert and the spiritual/emotional desert of Los Angeles, trying to find his son and his wife in hopes that he can somehow reassemble their fragmented family. Tickets to this classic film are only $1! Hosted by Denver film critic Howie Movshovitz.

Sunday, July 5, 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, July 5, 2015, sign-up at 7pm, contest at 8pm: Courage on a Tiny Dance Floor at Sputnik

Come show off your best moves for a chance to win passes to this year’s Underground Music Showcase. There are limited spots, so get there early to get on the list. The Postman will be providing the tunes #nofear

Monday, July 6, 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, July 6, 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, July 7, 2015 @ 6 – 8pm: What’s With All The Spying? at the McNichols Civic Center Building

Come discuss what spying looks like in Colorado with the Colorado ACLU, the Denver Public Library, State Representative Jonathan Singer, and Commander Pat Rigdon from the Colorado Springs Police Department. You’ll also hear from folks who were spied on and later saw their files. Come share your stories of spying and being spied upon as well. $5 suggested donation.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015, reception at 6:30pm, movie at 7:30pm: DocNight: Tomorrow We Disappear at the SIE FilmCenter

One night only! When their land is sold to developers, the magicians, acrobats, and puppeteers of Kathputli Colony must find a way to unite –or splinter apart forever. Director Jimmy Goldblum in person! FREE reception preceding the film at 6:30pm in Henderson’s Lounge. Tickets run $12 – $15.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015 @ 9pm: Dirty & Divine: A Weekly John Waters Movie Night at Fort Greene

Come celebrate the Pope of Trash on the patio at Fort Greene (previously Crash 45), a beautiful new space that the King of Bad Taste would be happy to drink a martini in or do some poppers at. This week’s film is A Dirty Shame. FREE and cool.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 @ 4 – 7pm: Lamar Station Farmers’ Market at Lamar Station Plaza

Come on out for some farm fresh produce, food, music, bounce house, arts & crafts, and fun for the whole family. FREE.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 @ 5:30 – 7pm: Summer on the Plaza w/ Science Partner at 1801 California Plaza

Unwind after work at Summer on the Plaza, a free outdoor concert series at 1801 California in downtown Denver, presented by Arts Brookfield. Enjoy music from rising stars of the regional music scene, starting with the lush, three-part harmonies of Science Partner. Concertgoers can also enjoy happy hour specials at Guard and Grace, adjacent to the plaza – a great way to get over the hump. This event is FREE.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015, doors at 8pm: Comedy Night w/ Sam Tallent at Ratio Beerworks

Come out, have a laugh, and party hard.  In addition to headliner Sam Tallent, attendees can enjoy the comedic stylings of Matt Cobos, Cory Helie, Bethany Hernandez, and more!  Hosted by Ian Douglas Terry. FREE.

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 comedians for your enjoyment. FREE show, cash bar, cool shit.

Thursday, July 9, 2015 @ 9pm: Warm Ways at Fort Greene

Deep soft rock mixed with your dad’s favorite songs. Come sway the night away. FREE.

Thursday, July 9, 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, July 9, 2015 @ 10pm: Karaoke with DJ Rockstar Aaron at Barricuda’s

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