August is winding down and many people are heading back to school or noticing a change in the weather. Do not worry though – summer is not over yet. We are showcasing festivals of every kind, phenomenal theater performances, alternative dance parties and every kind of charity event. Keep busy this weekend doing all the fun things.
High Plains Comedy Festival
When: August 25-27
Where: Multiple Venues on Broadway and the Paramount Theater – 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver
Cost: $5 – $42.50 – Purchase tickets ala carte here.
The Lowdown: The High Plains Comedy Festival this weekend will showcase local and national talent with over 100 acts in three days. In addition to traditional stand-up there will also be themed shows as well as podcasts and showcases. You have the option to select which shows you want to attend – ranging over three days there is plenty of opportunity to check out some fresh acts. The festival is being put on by TruTV and 303 Magazine is a proud sponsor.
RiNo Music Festival
When: Friday, August 26 4:30 p.m.
Where: RiNo Live! – 3715 Chestnut Pl., Denver
Cost: $20-30; Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: River North Arts District will host a huge outdoor music festival this Friday night. The lineup is set and with big names like St. Lucia and 888 it’s guaranteed to be a real crowd pleasing event. For every ticket sold $1 will be donated to the River North art district. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the show is all ages.
Opening Weekend: Phantom of the Opera
When: August 25 – September 11
Where: The Buell Theater – 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Cost: $30-$150; Get tickets here
The Lowdown: To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Buell theater opening the DCPA will again welcome the Phantom of the Opera. The Buell was originally renovated specifically to house the famous Broadway Operetta. This will be the opening weekend and the show will run half way through September. The show and space will delight theater goers of all ages.
Ned Fest
When: August 26-28
Where: Nederlands Colorado
Cost: $32-$420; Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: The 18th annual Ned Fest takes off this weekend. There are three days of performances that range from bluegrass to jazz and tons of rock and roll. Camping is encouraged and since Nederland is perfectly tucked at the feet of the Rocky Mountains the scenery alone is worth the drive. The open air festival is encompassed by a large ring of vendors and local artists on either side of the main stage. This is a Colorado cult classic festival and not to be missed.
Wake the Dead Presents – A Funeral Party
When: Friday, August 26 at 9 p.m.
Where: Milk Bar – 1037 Broadway, Denver
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: Funerals can be a drag so Wake the Dead is presenting an alternative to crying about it. The Funeral Party will have goth and metal rock music from multiple local acts. The party starts at 9 p.m. with a seance and the music will kick up right after. Your finest funeral attire is highly suggested. At midnight the wake will begin leading into 1 a.m. when the dead will appear. Check out the event page for more details.
Colorado Synth Pop Night
When: Saturday, August 27 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Walnut Room – 3131 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: $12-15; Get tickets Here
The Lowdown: If you ever thought to yourself “Hmm, needs more synthesizer,” then this event is for you. An awesome lineup of local artists whose styles reflect a time past – where all the elements of the music were made by an actual instrument. The Walnut Room is excited to host the rad evening of dance-able jams and it will be a dance party to remember. Snag a ticket now so you have time to dust off your dancing shoes.
The Color Run
When: Saturday, August 27 at 8 a.m.
Where: Coors Field
Cost: $39.99; Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: The Color Run® is the largest 5K event series in the world. This year’s theme, “The Color Run Tropicolor™ World Tour” is coming to Denver on Saturday, August 27 and kicking off at 8 a.m. in the Coors Field Parking Lots. Make sure to register to experience all the fun and leisure of an island-style vacation full of music and crazy colors. Brand new this year Color Runners will be bathed in a tropical array of colors as they pass through the shade of palm trees, inflatable arches, and island-style music. A fun thing to do with friends or family the 5K has partnered to support the Colorado Children’s Hospital.
Japanese Tea Ceremony
When: August 27, 28, 10 a.m.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
Cost: $27 members, $32 non-members
Tickets: Available here
The Lowdown: In Japan, the tea ceremony is a major part of the country’s traditions and lifestyle. A tea ceremony is based on harmony, respect, purity, tranquility and elegant simplicity. Come to the Denver Botanic Gardens to experience the real thing inside an authentic Japanese Tea House.
Summer Shindig at The District
When: Saturday, August 27 at 4 p.m.
Where: The District – 1320 East 17th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: The District and the Denver Bicycle Cafe are co-hosting a great block party from 4-10 p.m. this Saturday. There will be live music and swing dance performances as well as great vendors and beer. There will also be a silent auction to benefit the Uptown on the Hill Neighborhood Association who take on projects to benefit the Uptown neighborhood and keep it beautiful. If you live in the area this is a great way to get involved and get to know your neighbors.
Firefighter’s Calendar Release Party
When: Saturday, August 27 at 730 p.m.
Where: City Hall Events Center – 1144 Broadway, Denver
Cost: $35-200; Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: It is finally here – the debut party for the 2017 Firefighters’ Calendar. City Hall Events Center is throwing one of the most anticipated charity bashes of the year this Saturday. The debut party offers first look at the calendar both in print and with a runway show of the selected firefighters. Money raised at this and other events and with the sale of the calendar directly benefit children burn victims in Colorado. Grab tickets now as they go up at the door and we highly recommend getting the $100 front row seats – for charity.
Oskar Blues Gold Rush Bike Rally
When: Sunday, August 28 at 630 a.m.
Where: Begins and Ends in North Boulder Park
Cost: $75-$85; Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Oskar Blues Brewery is sponsoring an epic mountain bike race to benefit their charity CAN’D Aid – an organization dedicated to maintaining the trails and scenery in our mountains. There are two different skill level trails you can register for that both end in a cook out and beer party in the park. A great workout, cause and unique way to take in the mountain scenery surrounding Boulder. Make sure to sign up soon and choose your trail carefully.
Vesper Lounge Pig Roast
When: Sunday, August 28 at 4 p.m.
Where: Vesper Lounge – 233 E. 7th Ave., Denver
Cost: $10/Plate
The Lowdown: Vesper Lounge is roasting two pigs, making their own pineapple slaw and whipping up craft cocktails with Parce Rum. There will be live music throughout the event. Timed perfectly to nap off a food coma, the event is starting at 4 p.m. If you have not yet visited the Vesper Lounge this will be a delicious introduction to the Bonnanno Concept’s “dive bar.” Find out what a Vesper is on the lounge’s website.
Closing Night – Defending the Caveman
When: Sunday, August 28 at 2 p.m.
Where: The Garner Galleria Theater – 1101 13th St., Denver
Cost: $38; Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Make sure to catch the last performance of this hilarious gender comedy romp. The show is a delightful satire reflecting the differences between men and women. Clever and genial it will be worth your while to end the weekend in a front row seat.
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Mark Your Calendars…
303 Magazine Pool Party
When: Sunday, September 4
Where: Riviera at the Breakers Resort – 9099 E. Mississippi Ave., Denver
Cost: $20-30
Taste of Colorado
When: September 2-5
Where: Civic Center Park, Denver
Cost: Free Admission
Riot Fest
When: September 2-4
Where: National Western Complex – 4655 Humbolt St., Denver
Cost: Starting at $84.98