Denver is never short of opportunities to rub shoulders with the artists, musicians, and visionaries who drum up the city’s diverse and creative identity. This week Coloradans will enjoy a blitzkrieg of artistic events including jazz festivals and poetry readings; gallery exhibits and intimate community gatherings. Whether you want your week to be loud or quiet, opulent or minimal, there is an event for everyone to connect in a creative way.
TheBigWonderful – Opening Weekend at Stanley Marketplace
Tickets: Available Here
The Low Down: TheBigWonderful is an outdoor market that brings together local craftsmen, food, and fun. The market features an outdoor craft beer garden, live music, beach volleyball, an urban farm, and more. This event gives small businesses a boost and provides a unique shopping for all attendees. Starting on May 21, the popular market will officially move from its previous RiNo location to the new Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. Help them celebrate their new home and make sure to check it out this weekend.
Wealth in Community Knowledge Presents: The WICKNIC
Photo courtesy of Wealth In Community Knowledge
When: May 21, 1-5 p.m.
Where: 648 Wolff St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Wealth In Community Knowledge (The WICK) is a local non-profit that focuses on youth creativity, cultural sustainability, and cultivating investment in the community. The organization hosts youth day camps that focus on community garden building, arts education, music performance, and more. The WICKNIC will feature live local music, wholesome food, and an art auction.
Five Points Jazz Festival
Photo courtesy of The Denver Post
Cost: Free
RSVP: Available Here
The Low Down: This free festival celebrates the history of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood through the lens of jazz. Once known as “The Harlem of the West,” this area was a hot spot for some of the biggest jazz legends in the nation. Since its inception in 2014, the festival has ballooned in popularity, growing to include even more vendors, venues, and artists this year. Attendees will enjoy latin, blues, funk, trios, youth-focused programming, and more.
Teow Lim Goh Book Launch Party/Poetry Reading
When: Saturday, May 21, 6 p.m.
Where: Lighthouse Writers Workshop Grotto, 1515 Race Street, Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Teow Lim Goh is a prolific Denver poet who will be celebrating the release of her book of poetry called Islanders, (Conundrum Press, 2016), a powerful volume of poems based on the writings of Chinese immigrants who were detained on the Angel Island Immigration Station between 1910 and 1940. The reading will begin at 6:30, with a book signing to follow.
Altering Natural Perceptions
Photo courtesy of Walker Fine Art studio
When: May 20, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Walker Fine Art Studio, Prado Building, 300 W. 11th Ave., #A, Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: This gallery opening features seven artists’ exploration of what it means to alter our natural experiences. Using a variety of mediums, the pieces take real moments from the artists’ lives and transform them in a way that creates meaning and a dialogue between our human perceptions and what it is we encounter in the natural world.
6th Annual Denver Modern Home Tour
When: May 21, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Greater Denver Area
Cost: $35 in advance, $40 the day of
Tickets: Available Here
The Low Down: The Modern Home Tour provides Denverites the opportunity to explore the area’s most remarkable and modern residences. While exploring these homes, attendees can meet and greet with homeowners and architects. Guests can peruse the impressive spaces at their own pace, as the tour is completely self-guided. Habitat for Humanity-Metro Denver is the benefiting non-profit partner of the tour for the second year in a row, so participant’s attendance will support a good cause.
Mark Your Calendars
Crom West Comedy Festival
When: May 27 & 28, 8-11 p.m.
Where: Crossroads Theater, 2590 Washington St, Denver
Cost: $15
Run for the Door 5K
When: May 28, 7:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Cheesman Park, 8th Ave & Franklin, Denver
Cost: $35, Children and Families receive discount
Registration: Available Here
Mountain Glow Paddle at Chatfield
When: May 28, June 11, & June 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Chatfield State Park, 11500 Roxborough Park Road, Littleton
Price: $25
Tickets: Available here