The days and nights are getting cooler but the cool events are just heating up. This weekend, take in the last outdoor film of the summer, check out Denver’s largest street art festival or go to the opening night of an infamous haunted house — if you can handle it. May the good times roll right into fall.
Thursday, September 15
The Big Lebowski Movie Showing at Great Divide Barrel Bar
When: Thursday, September 15 at 6 p.m.
Where: Great Divide Barrel Bar – 1812 35th St., Denver
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: To celebrate the end of summer, check out cult classic The Big Lebowski at Great Divide’s Barrel Bar outdoor lot. They are offering $3 cans of Great Divide beer and a food truck on site. Make sure to get there early to set up chairs and catch a buzz before the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Bring your own chair and for this event and outside food is welcome. The event is 21+ and unfortunately puppies and young children will have to stay home. More information on the event is available on the Great Divide website here.
The Phantom Circus
When: Thursday, September 15 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Oriental Theater – 4335 W. 44th Ave., Denver
Cost: $12-20 – Get Tickets Here.
The Lowdown: Professional belly dancer Natalie Brown has built a contemporary circus act filled with acrobatics, fire, hooping, belly dancing and aerial arts called the Phantom Circus. Their premier performance is this Thursday and will contain three family-friendly acts to delight anyone with a modern circus bug. The small company will be based in Denver and with any luck tour and introduce new material as time goes on.
Friday, September 16
Blue Moon After Party on 19th Street Bridge
When: Friday, September 16, 6-10 p.m.
Where: 19th Street Bridge – Between Platte St. and Little Raven St., Denver
Cost: $95 – Get Tickets Here.
The Lowdown: If you missed your chance to RSVP to Blue Moon’s Grand Opening Party there is a chance to support the Green Way Foundation and enjoy a delicious Blue Moon at a gala dinner on scenic 19th Street Bridge. The dinner will raise funds to support the preservation of the Platte River and create programs that engage and educate the community. The event is 21+ so make sure to bring your ID. Learn more about the Green Way Foundation’s work on their website.
Gary Lee Days
When: Friday, September 16 at 8 p.m. & Sunday, September 18 at 2 a.m.
Where: Gary Lee’s Motor Club and Grub – 126 South Broadway, Denver
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: Local business owner and South Broadway favorite Gary Lee is being honored over the weekend at his rockabilly watering hole — Gary Lee’s Motor Club and Grub. There are three days of celebration including live music each night of the weekend, a pin-up fashion show and a silent auction around 6 p.m. on Saturday benefiting Max Fund. This is the first of what will now be an annual event, and in addition to being a lot of fun, it will be a great way to mix and mingle with the wonderful folks at Gary Lee’s as well as the South Broadway community. Get more information on the event here.
TJ Miller at the Paramount
When: Friday, September 16 at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Paramount Theater – 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver
Cost: $19.50-39.50; Get Tickets Here.
The Lowdown: TJ Miller of Silicon Valley fame will make a big stop at Denver’s Paramount Theater where he will be filming his upcoming HBO Special. Miller’s dry wit and party-friendly demeanor are truly hilarious, as can be seen in the above video. This event is a great Friday out if you enjoy stand-up comedy and a rare opportunity to cameo in those sweeping audience shots that appear in all televised comedy specials.
Saturday, September 17
Dumb Friends League’s Wag N’ Trail
When: Saturday, September 17, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Glendale Farms Open Space – 12300 Havana St., Castle Rock
Cost: $50 – Register Here.
The Lowdown: Grab your best furry friend and register to walk the Wag N’ Trail. The mellow 1.6 mile hike is not only great exercise for you and your pet, it’s also for an amazing cause – The Denver Dumb Friend’s League. The walk annually raises enough money to house 17,000 pets in need. This year registration will include a photo of you and your pet at the finish line, a bag of Hill’s Science Diet Treats and root or craft beer. If you’re unable to attend but still want to participate the DFL offers a virtual registration option for only $25.
The Crush 2016
When: Monday, September 12 – Sunday, September 18
Where: RiNo Art District – Event Map.
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: The Crush is a week-long celebration in River North Art District showcasing urban beautification through mural art all over the trendy area just outside of LoDo. There are specials and discounts all week which will culminate in live music performances over the weekend. With everything happening in and around Colorado Crush, RiNo art district is the ideal place to spend your week(end). Artists will be painting all over the area and attendees are welcome to check in on the works in progress. There are too many amazing things happening to list, so check out the full program of events here.
Cherry Creek North 2nd Annual Art Feast
When: Saturday, September 17 from 3-6 p.m.
Where: Begin at Art Feast Headquarters in Fillmore Plaza – Event Map
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: The second annual art feast will pair Cherry Creek restaurants with galleries wanting to showcase their crafts, skills, styles and bites to the general public. Enjoy a leisurely walk around Cherry Creek North’s shopping district and stop in at each gallery to see what they have to offer. Each gallery will provide small snacks carefully prepared by participating restaurants. For a list of all restaurants and more information on the event check out Cherry Creek’s website.
Oktoberfest at Station 26 Brewing Co.
When: Saturday, September 17 from 1-11 p.m.
Where: Station 26 Brewing Co. – 7045 East 38th St., Denver
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: Mid-September is Oktoberfest season and Station 26 Brewing Co. will kick it off for the “state of craft beer.” There will be pretzels, sausages, punk rock and a stein-holding contest. Lederhosen and dirndl are highly encouraged to truly celebrate Germany’s traditional celebration and there will be an Oktoberfest Lager served in maßkrüge. Get more information at the event page.
Ruin and Rose Premier
When: Saturday, September 17 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Oriental Theater – 4335 West 44th Ave., Denver
Cost: $16 – Get Tickets Here.
The Lowdown: As the weather turns many Denverites start looking forward to snow, mountains and winter sports. Just in time to get in on the ground floor of excitement is the premier of Ruin and Rose – a beautiful and epic film that follows a small group of children who survive when all the water on Earth is gone. The film balances the journey of a young boy searching the desert world for mountains with gorgeous footage of extreme skiing. The movie is sure to please anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
Opening Night of the 13th Floor
When: Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The 13th Floor Haunted House – 4120 Brighton Blvd., Denver
Cost: $21.99-39.99 – Get Tickets Here.
The Lowdown: Denver’s haunted house game is always strong and this year pack leader The 13th Floor is opening first with three room upgrades, including “Cursed: The Ritual” and “Undead: Abominations.” Tickets for general admission are $21.99, but for $18 more you can skip the line and jump right into the scariest annual event in Denver.
Sunday, September 18
Game Day Brunch Buffet
Where: The Ritz Carlton, Denver
When: Sunday, September 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $28 per person, $14 for children 12 and under
The Lowdown: Celebrate the kickoff of the Broncos season with a morning feast of Elway’s favorites – such as potatoes and USDA prime strip loin. Other options include breakfast burritos, omelets, french toast and much more. For an additional $14, indulge in bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys. Regular menu options will be available in addition to the buffet. For reservations call 303-312-3107.
Gilmore Guys
When: September 18 at 8 p.m.
Where: Boulder Theater – 2032 14th St., Boulder
Cost: $26.50 – Tickets Available here.
The Lowdown: If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, the very popular television series, you’re going to absolutely love this. Kevin T. Porter and Demi Adejuyigbe are die-hard fans of “Gilmore Girls,” and so the men created a podcast in which they watch every single episode and “bro-out, analyze, go-deep and gab” about all things Gilmore. Check them out at their live podcast show this weekend at Boulder Theater.
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Mark Your Calendars…
The Denver Oktoberfest
When: Friday, September 23 at 1 p.m.
Where: LoDo, Denver
Cost: $25-125; Get Tickets Here.
Oceanaire Robert Mondovi Wine Dinner
When: Friday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Oceanaire Seafood Room – 1400 Arapahoe St., Denver
Cost: $83 – Get Tickets Here.
Brewer’s Alley 2016
When: Saturday, September 24 at 4 p.m.
Where: Rialto Cafe – 934 16th St., Denver
Cost: $25 – Get Tickets Here.
Sports Team Bar Crawl
When: Saturday, September 24 from 2-8 p.m.
Where: LoDo and Downtown Denver
Cost: $15 – Get Tickets Here.
Article by Sarah Heath with contributions from Peyton Garcia and Mary-Lynn Elliot