Air out the costume closet folks, because this week is all about getting into the spirit and showing up in style. Bring that retired band t-shirt back for one last night in the spotlight at the Denver Punk Rock Flea Market, and make sure your intergalactic getup has enough give for you to get down at the Star Wars Day dance party. With the right planning, you can use that same costume to impress fellow comic nerds in line at Free Comic Book Day. Whether you’ll be donning superhero tights or ripped fishnets; tying on Superman’s cape or Darth Vader’s cloak, Coloradans have a jam-packed week of themed-fun ahead. Rock on and May the 4th be with you.
Denver Punk Rock Flea Market
Photo courtesy of Getty Museum Store
When: May 7, 12-5 p.m.
Where: Glitter Dome Event Center, 3600 Wynkoop St, Denver
Cost: $5, free for kids under 10
The Low Down: Lace up your leather boots for this counter-culture celebration of all things punk rock. This all-ages DIY specialty flea market includes handmade items, new and used clothing, jewelry, vintage relics, original artwork, flash tattoos, comics, musical equipment and instruments, band merchandise, vinyls, and of course a bar. Rumor has it there will be an all-ages after party popping off after the event, with a slew of live music and predictably rowdy crowd.
Art War! May the 4th Be With You
Photo courtesy of Pinterest
When: May 4, 6-10:15 p.m.
Where: Point Gallery, 765 Santa Fe Dr, Denver
Cost: $35, includes 4 drinks
Tickets: Available Here
The Low Down: Like Comic-Con but with more disco, dancing, and drinking: The Point Gallery will be transformed to feature art pieces crafted specifically for this one-night Star Wars-themed event. The Original Trilogy will be playing on projectors all night, while attendees can receive tattoos on-site (both real and henna). There will also be live music, fan art vendors, and of course local food trucks, because no one likes a hangry Wookiee.
The Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market
Photo courtesy of Horseshoe Craft and Flea
When: May 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Olinger Chapel parking lot, 4345 W. 46th Avenue, Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: The Horseshoe Market is a community-centric market that specializes in handmade and vintage vendors from all around Colorado. Vendors will include local artists, designers, collectors and entrepreneurs. Attendees can also enjoy food vendors, food trucks, and DIY and family-friendly activities.
Free Comic Book Day
Photo courtesy of KidLit TV
When: May 7
Where: Various participating comic book stores around Colorado
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Free Comic Book Day: The name says it all. Comic book stores nationwide come together once a year to offer free comics, giveaways, and other fun for fans. You can find out which comic stores near you are participating with the FCBD Participating Store Locator. You can also find out which comics will be offered for free this year by checking out the list in advance. So dust off that Batman costume and get in line early before the Jokers get all the goods!
Exhibition and Opening Reception of “The Shadow Knows”
When: May 7, 7-11 p.m.
Where: Leon Gallery, 1112 E 17th Ave, Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Artist Jaimie Gershen works with an impressive medley of mediums including ink, fabric, thread, found photographs, matches, and book pages. With a similarly unique flair, Douglas Spencer works with smoke on glass, gold, mirrors, paint, glitter, and other found objects. Both artists have been featured in alternative gallery spaces across Colorado, but this extraordinary exhibit will be be their first in a gallery (and their first collaboration).
Florence Crittenton Services: 12th Annual Miles for Moms 5K Run/Walk
When: May 7, 8-11 a.m.
Where: Sloan’s Lake Park, 17th Ave. & Utica St., Denver
Cost: Kids 10 & under free, Online Registration $25, Event Day $30
Registration: Here
The Low Down: This 12th annual race hosted by Florence Crittenton Services supports education, support, and access to resources for teenage mothers. You can stroll leisurely with your dogs in tow, or have your race timed as a qualifier for the BolderBOULDER. This event includes plenty of family fun including face painting, Mother’s Day card-making, balloon artists, and more.
Mark Your Calendars
Youth on Record Day & Free Album Release/Block Party
When: May 15
Where: La Mariposa Community Plaza, La Alma/Lincoln Park, Denver
Cost: Free
Insane Inflatable 5k
When: May 14, 8:30 a.m.
Where: The Ranch at Larimer County Fairgrounds, 5280 Arena Circle, Suite 100, Loveland
Cost: $60-$100
Registration: Available Here
Vintage Market Days of North Central Colorado
When: May 13-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way, Estes
Cost: $5
Tickets: Available Here