WEEKLY EVENTS: August 26, 2016 – September 1, 2016

Denver! Last night I attended a couple of showcases at this year’s High Plains Comedy Festival. If you’ve never been before, this festival provides the opportunity to see some of the best local + national comedic acts around, up close and personal. And even better, all showcases and special events are affordably priced, meaning you can LOL your brains out and still have enough money to buy some tacos afterwards. The fest continues tonight and tomorrow, so check it.

Peep the list below to help keep boredom at bay and for even more options this weekend, consider the RiNo Music Festival, a Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado Synth Pop Night at The Walnut Room, Firefighter’s Calendar Release Party at City Hall, and SUP & Sip at Chatfield State Park.

Looking for safe, affordable transportation to all of the fun? Sign-up for Lyft using the promo code DEARDENVER and receive $50 in FREE ride credit #Lyft4Life

Friday, August 26 & Saturday, August 27, 2016: High Plains Comedy Festival

The High Plains Comedy Festival kicks off tonight with a stacked line-up of national and local crushers. Individual tickets are wildly affordable and still available online.

Friday, August 26 – Sunday, August 28, 2016: Denver Modernism Show at the National Western Complex

Held annually, the Denver Modernism Show features over 100 booths of vintage and contemporary modern design, furniture, home accessories, art, and fashion. Exhibitors from across the country come to participate in one of the nation’s largest – and most fun – mid-century gatherings. The show also features live music, fashion show, a popular Tiki Lounge, a mid-century car show, and more. Peep the event schedule here. This event takes place Friday 6 – 10pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm, and Sunday 11am – 4pm. Friday night preview party is $20; general admission is $10; kids under 12 are free.

Friday, August 26, 2016 @ 4 – 7pm: Party on the Plaza at Lakewood Cultural Center

Come on out for a FREE community party to celebrate the end of summer! Civic Center Plaza will play home to a DJ, street performers/buskers, food trucks, and more! Beer and wine will be available for purchase and the first 100 people to arrive will receive $10 in food truck bucks!

Friday, August 26, 2016, doors at 5pm, film at dusk: Free Outdoor Screening: School of Rock at Sloan’s Lake

Join the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for a FREE screening at Sloan’s Lake! The first 200 to arrive will receive free sunglasses and inflatable instruments! Located at 17th and Stuart, activities start at 5pm and the film starts at dusk. The fun includes a performance by School of Rock Denver, a tiny cinema, food, drinks, face painters, caricature artists, and a photo booth!

Friday, August 26, 2016 @ 6 – 9pm: Levitt Pavilion Denver Presents: Brandy Zdan at Civic Center Park

This Friday, Levitt Pavilion Denver will present the second performer in their FREE concert series, Brandy Zdan. This series is intended to build excitement for the new non-profit venue, which is scheduled to open in Ruby Hill Park next year. This organization aims to build community through music, hosting 50 free concerts per year. Food trucks and local brews will also be available at this event.

Friday, August 26, 2016 @ 7 – 10pm: Fresh Jazz and Crisp Vinyl Series at The Dikeou Collection

The Fresh Jazz and Crisp Vinyl Series focuses on jazz musicians living and working today, whose names are not yet embossed into history but whose energy, wisdom, well-worn instruments, and presence in the jazz scene are further defining our admiration for the medium. The latest installment of this series will feature a very special performance by local quintet Orenda, along with an opening and closing DJ set. This event is FREE and open to the public; light refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, August 27, 2016, cereal bar at 10am, movie at 10:30am: Batman at the Sie FilmCenter

The Sie FilmCenter celebrates the “peculiar” vision of auteur Tim Burton with a retrospective of films from his early career. Tickets are $5 (children under 6 are free) and admission includes an all-you-can-eat cereal bar!

Saturday, August 27, 2016 @ 10:30am – 12pm: Paint, Fabric, and Gems: Oh My! at Mestizo-Curtis Park

ArtCorps mentor and community artist Mike Roderique is presenting a fun project where attendees will create portraits defining who they are. Participants will then attach the portraits together using sewing techniques or fabric glue to create one large masterpiece and connect our community! This event is FREE; healthy snacks + drinks will be provided.

Saturday, August 27, 2016 @ 11am – 2pm: Vegan Van Rebirth Brunch at Nooch | Vegan Market

The Vegan Van is back! Come celebrate with some delicious brunch!

Saturday, August 27, 2016 @ 1 – 7pm: Wondergate at 2060 West Colfax Ave.

Football season is finally back and this closet bro could not be happier! Join the fine folks from TheBigWonderful for a good time tailgating party, complete with food trucks, live music, craft cocktails, and brews. No cover.

Saturday, August 27, 2016 @ 4 – 10pm: Uptown Summer Shindig at The District

Enjoy a day with your community at this FREE family-friendly event that features live music, dance performances, local vendors, lawn games, kids’ activities, a silent auction, beer tasting, and more.

Saturday, August 27, 2016 @ 6:30 – 9pm: Wine & Whiskers at Bonaquisti Wine

Come support the 6th annual fundraiser for Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, a Denver cage-free, no-kill cat shelter.  This event features a selection of Colorado wines produced at the winery, a wide choice of appetizers and small plates, live music, dancing, and a silent auction. Tickets cost $50 in advance. Meow!

Saturday, August 27, 2016 @ 7:30 – 10pm: Swingin’ Under the Stars at Little Man Ice Cream

Ice cream, live music, dance lessons, and you. This week, you’ll be transported to Paris with La Pompe Jazz! Free swing dance lessons at 7:30pm and during the first band break for those who wish to learn the basic steps; no partner or experience required. FREE.

Saturday, August 27, 2016 @ 9pm: The Giraffes at the Bull & Bush Brewery

Jam out to some NYC punk rock at the Bull & Bush. Opening acts are Luna Sol and The Outfit. Tickets are $19.71.

Saturday, August 27, 2016 @ 9pm: Epilogue Comedy at the Mutiny Information Cafe

Come enjoy an extra festive episode of Epilogue Comedy with this one happening in conjunction with the High Plains Comedy Festival. And the best part is it’s still FREE! And cool! This month’s stacked line-up includes Bryan Cook, Amy Miller, Nato Green, Gilbert Lawand, Martin Morrow, Troy Baxley, Cody Spyker, and Derrick Rush. Hosting services provided by Timmi Lasley. This show is all ages so bring your grandmama AND your nephew!

Saturday, August 27, 2016 @ 9pm: Weird Touch 2nd Anniversary at Syntax Physic Opera

Weird Touch is turning two! Ditch the limelight, forego the scene, and explore the delightfully dimly lit corners of your city. Weird Touch is a sophisticated all-vinyl dance party collaboration offering an eclectic, yet cohesive mix of darkly tinged nu-disco, indie dance, and weird house. With DJs Fancy Matthew and Shannon von Kelly, $5 gets you to your happy place.

Saturday, August 27, 2016 @ 9:30pm: Tangerine Dream Series: Legend at the Sie FilmCenter

One of the first musical groups to popularize electronic music, Tangerine Dream’s five-decade long career paved the way for today’s EDM resurgence. In that time, Tangerine Dream scored over sixty film soundtracks, with many fans being introduced to their hypnotic synths within the context of a movie theater. This series highlights those films. Tickets run $7 – $11.

Sunday, August 28, 2016, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm: Propaganda at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret

FREE comedy show on the last Sunday of every month, featuring local and national talent in the coolest comedy club you’ve probably ever been to. Pick-up a FREE Sexy Pizza slice card on your way out and end your night with some delicious East Coast-style pizza. This month’s comedians include former Denverites Troy Walker, Chris Charpentier, Kristin Rand, Jordan Doll, Haley Driscoll, and Matt Monroe. Hosting services provided by Eric Henderson. FREE street parking on Sundays!

Monday, August 29, 2016 @ 4 – 10pm: Firkin Monday: Palisade Peach at Stem Ciders

Come early to taste this summertime treat!

Monday, August 29, 2016 @ 6 – 7pm: Civic Center Moves at Civic Center Park

Start your week off right by connecting to yourself and your community! This FREE all-levels yoga class will get your body moving and breath flowing while enjoying Denver’s beautiful warm-weather nights. This class is supportive to beginners and creative enough for more experienced practitioners. Please bring your own yoga mat and check any weather-related changes via their FB page.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016 @ 7pm: Bingo Night at Grandma’s House

Just like granny used to play only swap out the bingo hall for a brewery and prune juice for craft beer. Each beer purchased gets you a bingo card and prizes include pints, howlers, growlers, and other swag. No cover.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016, comedy at 8:30pm, movie at dusk: Films on the Fax: Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? at Illegal Pete’s – Colfax

Sweet ass patio, local comedy, and a FREE screening of Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? The first 25 people after 7:30pm to mention Film on the Fax will receive a free draft from Ratio Beerworks.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016 @ 9pm: Travesty Tuesdays Mooovie Night at Fort Greene

Enjoy a FREE screening along with movie-themed drink specials and fun souvenirs to take home! All films start around 9pm but come earlier for a seat and/or to order food. This week’s film is Idiocracy. FREE and cool.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016 @ 6 – 10pm: Matchmaker Pub Crawl

Wednesday, August 31, 2016 @ 4:45 – 6:15pm: Live at Light Rail at Lakewood-Wadsworth Light Rail Station