WEEKLY EVENTS: July 31, 2015 – August 6, 2015

Denver! Now that it has finally stopped raining/snowing/hailing/UMSing, I am headed out this weekend for the first camping trip of the summer.

I’m gonna eat some (veggie) dogs, poke at the fire, and hopefully drink about 40 domestic brews. But you, you Denver…you go out and explore! Push your boundaries of comfort, make some new Facebook friends, and when I get back, have some tales to tell me.

(In addition to the events below, be sure to check-out the 2nd Annual Japanese Kite Festival, the Cherry Creek North Art Feast, and Sesh Fest. 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 a screening of The Old Man and the Seaweed at Green Spaces and the Denver Community Ride at 990 Bannock.)

Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2015: Denver County Fair at the National Western Complex

The Denver County Fair honors the fine traditions and values of America’s county fairs, which have been enjoyed by millions of people for over 100 years…but Denver’s version offers it with a twist! Internet Cat Video Festival! Drag Queen Pageant! Adult-Sized Big Wheel Rides! Dancing Dogs! Circus Zombies! The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile! X-TREME Pancakes! X-TREME Breakfast Burritos! Pig Tricks! Speed Texting Competitions! Pie-Eating Contests! Pugs vs. Chihuahuas Races! Appearances by Lil BUB! For realsies! All tickets serve as weekend passes, so you and your family can come back again and again! Adults: $12; Kids/Seniors/Military: $5; Children 4 and under are FREE. The fair runs 12 – 8pm on Friday, 10am – 8pm on Saturday, and 10am – 6pm on Sunday.

Friday, July 31, 2015 @ 5 – 8pm: Pool Party at TAXI

A $10 entrance fee gets you access to free beer, free cocktails, food, pool times, DJ sets by Lone Dancer and DJ Drew, napkins, unicorns, and magic.

Friday, July 31, 2015 @ 5 – 8pm: Art Party at Spangalang Brewery

With help from the Denver Kush Club, Spangalang Brewery will be turning their plaza into a full-on beer garden this evening. Come enjoy some incredible art from local artists, alongside of some terrible art from the Spangalang employees. After the party wraps up, head on over to the after-show at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom.

Friday, July 31, 2015 @ 6 – 8pm: B-Side Music Fridays w/ DéCollage + Normal Eyes at the MCA Denver

B-Side Music Fridays is a live music series where guests can enjoy an intimate rooftop performance by Denver’s top indie musicians, craft cocktail in hand. Tonight’s performers are DéCollage and Normal Eyes. Happy hour from 5 – 7pm; live performances from 6 – 8pm. Free for MCA members; $5 for regular people.

Friday, July 31, 2015, doors @ 7pm, stage event @ 8pm: Fucking Fabulous Fiction Fest at the Oriental Theater

Denver bookstore/wine bar, BookBar, and indie band, High Fiction, have teamed up to bring a unique literary event to the Oriental.  For one night only, this dynamic duo will host a low-brow, highly accessible celebration of all things literary, including local authors, book-related music, beer, improvisation, and various forms of live performance. Specifically, there will be sets from The Narrators, Stories on Stage, Bar Choir and The Novelistas, as well as an adult spelling bee, literary costume contest, tarot card reading, community poetry, author appearances, and burlesque. Food trucks will also be on-site. Tickets are $12.

Friday, July 31, 2015 @ 9pm – 2am: Lipgloss at Syntax Physic Opera

Lipgloss is bringing yet another icon of underground/alternative rock to their DJ booth. This very night, legendary bassist David J of Bauhaus and Love and Rockets will step into the Lipgloss DJ booth with Hollow & DJ Slave1 to play an exclusive DJ set for you. Pre-sale tickets are just $8; bragging rights are free.

Friday, July 31, 2015 @ 10pm: Koyaanisqatsi at the SIE FilmCenter

One night only! Without a story, dialogue, or characters, Koyaanisqatsi (the film’s title is a Hopi word roughly translated into English as “life out of balance”) is composed of natural imagery, manipulated in slow motion, double exposure, or time-lapse, juxtaposed with footage of humans’ devastating environmental impact on the planet. Tickets run $7 – $11.

Friday, July 31, 2015, doors @ 10pm, show @ 10:30pm: Tickle Monster at the Bug Theatre

Hey y’all, The Fine Gentleman’s Club and The Bug Theatre present another edition of Tickle Monster this Friday! They have the very funny Solomon Georgio in town, along with a very special secret surprise guest! How very! PLUS the hilarious Justine Marino will be slanging jokes, in addition to Denver faves Jordan Doll, Stephen Agyei, and Aaron Urist! This is one fine-looking show! $10 at the door.

Saturday, August 1, 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, August 1, 2015 @ 12 – 4pm: Family Saturday Workshop at the Dikeou Collection

The Dikeou Family Workshops are a great way for people of all ages to learn more about contemporary art and experiment with new creative processes. This workshop will feature artist Rainer Ganhal’s Hermès-Marx series of screen-printed vintage Hermès scarves. Participants will print their own text, symbols, and designs onto a vintage-patterned scarf. This workshop will take approximately one hour to complete and is FREE to all attendees; drop-in anytime. Light refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 @ 12 – 7pm: Basic Kneads 5-Year Anniversary at Station 26 Brewing

This Saturday, bring your friends, appetite, and swimsuit down to this firehouse-turned-brewery for a fun-filled afternoon, complete with water balloon tosses, bartender/pizza chef dunk tank, cornhole tournament, a special beer release, and live music! Just $10 for all-you-can-eat pizza all day!

Saturday, August 1, 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 and be one of the first guests to try the new silent disco arena by SoundDown Party.

Saturday, August 1, 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 Summit Hot Seven. Free swing dance lesson at 7pm for those who wish to learn the basic steps; no partner or experience required. FREE.

Saturday, August 1, 2015 @ 9pm: Mile High Soul Club at Syntax Physic Opera

The summer is almost halfway over, have you found that summer romance yet? If not, what better place to do so than on the dance floor? DJs Tyler Jacobson, Steve Cervantes, and Dogboy will be your hosts for the evening, playing the soundtrack to your summer of love. Get your dancing shoes ready and come shake what your mama gave you. Only 3 bucks!

Sunday, August 2, 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 the kids. View the list of planned activities here. FREE.

Sunday, August 2, 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, August 2, 2015 @ 1 – 3pm: Open Farm & Market at Broken Shovels Farm

Sample some cheese and meet the 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, August 2, 2015 @ dusk: Bike-In Movies: Miracle at Civic Center Park

Miracle tells the true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad. Movie attendees are encouraged to bring picnics or purchase food from on-site gourmet food trucks, starting at 6pm. Arriving by bicycle is highly encouraged! FREE.

Sunday, August 2, 2015 @ 7 – 9pm: RiNo Yacht Club | Movie Night at The Source

This summer, end your weekend with a familiar film, $6 cocktails, snacks, and a rad atmosphere. This week’s film is Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. No cover.

Monday, August 3, 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, August 4, 2015 @ 6 – 10pm: Raw Food Night at Root Down

Looking for a way to balance out your boozy, pill poppin’ lifestyle? Every first Tuesday of the month, Root Down offers a gourmet 4-course raw vegan dinner for $41/person. Please call ahead for reservations and mention you are coming for the Raw Food Menu, as seating is limited. Peep this sample menu for a look at the yum.

Tuesday, August 4, 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 Serial Mom. FREE and cool.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015 @ 7pm: Sci-Fi Film Series: Blade Runner at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Science fiction feeds the imagination and helps us to explore possible futures, our hopes and fears, and the unfolding of technologies. Join scientists from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Metropolitan University film professor, Vincent Piturro, as they screen famous sci-fi films and lead discussions to break down the science behind these alternative possibilities. This week’s screening features the neo-classic film, Blade Runner. Tickets run $8 – $15.

Thursday, August 6, 2015 @ 7:30pm: I am Chris Farley at the SIE FilmCenter

One night only! Chris Farley lived his life full speed and was on a constant mission to make everyone around him laugh out loud. I Am Chris Farley tells his hilarious, touching and wildly entertaining story for the first time ever – from his early days in Madison, Wisconsin, and at Marquette University, through his work at the legendary Second City to his rapid rise to the top of the comedy world. Tickets run $7 – $11.

Thursday, August 6, 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 comedians for your enjoyment. FREE show, cash bar, cool shit.

Thursday, August 6, 2015 @ 8:30pm: Birdy Showcase #01 at Syntax Physic Opera

Birdy is throwing its first-ever event! Featuring Oko Tygra (music), Tommy Metz (music), Cities of Earth (music/video), Daniel Landes (reading), Johnny Morehouse (reading), Sam Tallent (reading/performance), cccccurtis (new media art), and Bikini & Nuke (djs). Come witness some Denver art & culture or just harass the Birdy staff about typos. $7 at the door.

Thursday, August 6, 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.