It may be the weekend of Friday the 13th but there’s no lack of luck in this city when it comes to festivities these next few days. Swing dance at Stem Ciders, groove with a robot or move around at a local yoga studio in the most unique lineup of dance events we’ve ever seen. You can also adventure across the city in a 24-hour treasure hunt or stop by Mountain Standard’s boozy garage sale with so much more the weekend here in the Mile High City.
Cotopaxi Questival – 24 Hour Adventure Race
Photo Courtesy: Cotopaxi Questival on Facebook
When: Friday, May 13 at 5 p.m.
Where: Denver Performing Arts Complex Sculpture Lawn – Speer Blvd & Champa St., Denver
Cost: $45
Tickets: Available Here
The Low Down: Have you ever wanted to participate in a cross-Denver treasure hunt with your friends? Well, this is your chance. Form teams of two to six people and gear-up for this 24-hour adventure with your friends. Compete for thousands of dollars in prizes from airfare to cool gear, but every participant will go home with a Cotopaxi backpack just for participating. Don’t miss this adventure race stopping by Denver this Friday.
Robot Ball
Photo Courtesy: Robot Ball Event Page on Facebook
When: Friday, May 13, 7–11 p.m.
Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science – 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
Cost: $38 for members; $43 for non-members
Tickets: Available Here
The Low Down: Costumes are encouraged for this one-of-a-kind dance party at DMNS. Interact with the contents of the Robot Revolution exhibit before the tour continues to its next stop. Dance with robots and friends alike, enjoy libations at the cash bar and experience the exhibit (admission is included) in this futuristic festivity. Note: The DMNS Robot Ball is 21+.
Swing Dance at Stem Ciders
Photo Courtesy: Swing Dance Saturday at Stem Ciders on Facebook
When: Saturday, May 14, 6:45–9 p.m.
Where: Stem Ciders – 2811 Walnut St. Suite 150, Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: The second Saturday of every month Stem Ciders hosts a free evening of swing music and complimentary dance lessons. Odessa Rose is performing, Stem Ciders are serving up their craft libations and Fire Truck Crepes will be parked outside in case you get hungry. Join this local cidery for their fun and unique May installment of Swing Dance Saturdays.
SPONSORED EVENT
Valverde Bazaar Pop-Up Market
When: Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Valverde Bazaar Outdoor Market – 389 S. Lipan St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Voted Denver’s Best New Flea Market in 2014 and one of the Five Best Flea Markets in Metro Denver in 2015 by Westword, this Pop-Up Market brings together emerging artisans and small independent Colorado businesses selling a diverse mix of vintage, antique and hip handmade products. The market has expanded to over 90 booths and food trucks setting up shop in the outdoor space of Eron Johnson Antiques, surrounded by their garden and architectural antiques. Click here to learn more.
Boozy Garage Sale
Photo Courtesy: Mountain Standard on Facebook
When: Saturday, May 14, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Mile High Spirits – 2201 Lawrence St., Denver
The Low Down: Independent clothing company Mountain Standard aims to redefine outdoor mountain clothing with a combination of fashion and durability. This Saturday they will host a garage sale at Mile High Spirits with all of their merchandise at the event available for under $100. Drink specials will be available by the distillery while you peruse some Colorado clothing at this unique garage sale.
Meditation, Fire Spinning and DJ’s at Insight Gathering
Photo Courtesy: Boundless Creations on Facebook
When: Saturday, May 15 – Sunday, May 16, 2 p.m.–1 a.m. both days
Where: BBB Studio – 127 Kalamath St., Denver
Cost: $10
The Low Down: This annual event truly is one-of-a-kind and will be at BBB Studio all weekend. Relax with some yoga or maybe a massage or dance to a variety of eclectic DJ’s performing throughout the evening – or do it all. That’s only the start of it. There’s also live art demonstrations, fire spinners, workshops and more all for only $10.
Food Drive with Thievery Corporation
Photo Courtesy: Thievery Corporation on Facebook. Poster design by Mr. Melty
When: Friday, May 13 at 3 p.m.
Where: Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater – 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Many of you have heard of or even been anticipating the Thievery Corporation 20th anniversary show this weekend, but what you probably don’t know if that the band will also be hosting a food drive with Conscious Alliance. Limited-edition Thievery posters (pictured above) will be given away to the first givers to donate 20 items or more (note: ramen doesn’t count). Come out this Friday for a good cause and hopefully for an opportunity to meet the band themselves.
Northglenn Food Truck Carnival
Photo Courtesy: Food Truck Carnival on Facebook
When: All weekend – Detailed hours listed here.
Where: Northglenn City Hall – 11701 Community Center Dr., Denver
Cost: Free Admission
The Low Down: The great thing about Northglenn Food Truck Carnival is that it really has something for everyone. With eight bands performing some of Colorado’s best bluegrass, a carnival, amusement rides and of course an assortment of gourmet Denver food trucks, this is a great opportunity to get together with some friends and family and enjoy this assortment of fun activities.
16th Annual Indian Market & Powwow
Photo Courtesy: Tesoro Cultural Center on Facebook
When: Saturday, May 14 – Sunday, May 15 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days
Where: Tesoro Cultural Center – 19192 Highway 8, Morrison
Cost: $5
The Low Down: Drum groups, dancers and Native American artists are just a few of the highlights for the return of the largest authentic American Indian art show in Colorado. Whether you’re a part of Native American culture or not, you’re welcome to join in on these exciting educational and celebratory festivities in appreciation of the Native heritage. In addition to music and dancing, there will be hawk and eagle demonstrations, interactive art exhibits and of course ample shopping.
The Primal Colorado Bike Expo
Photo Courtesy: The Primal Colorado Bike Expo on Facebook
When: Friday, May 13, 12 p.m.–7 p.m. & Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High – 1701 Bryant St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: Colorado’s largest consumer bike show is free and open to the public in Denver this weekend. Talk to like-minded cyclists of all kinds while browsing over 100 exhibitors and vendors. Returning for only its second year, this expo will have great deals on bikes and cycling equipment as well as aerial stunt performances and learn-to-ride workshops.
Blacklight Run
Photo Courtesy: Blacklight Run on Facebook
When: Saturday, May 14 at 7 p.m.
Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City
Cost: $50
Tickets: Available Here
The Low Down: This marathon with a fun twist is a great light-hearted way to get active with some of your friends and family. The only requirement is you wear a white t-shirt because during this 5k you’ll be covered with UV-neon glow powder. Black lights will light up the multi-colored powder while you run and upon reaching the finish line you’ll be rewarded with prizes. Then you can head to the after party where there will be more explosions of neon powder–but with a DJ and on a dance floor.
Youth on Record Day & Free Album Release/Block Party
Photo Courtesy: Youth on Record Day on Facebook
When: Sunday, May 15, 12 p.m. – 6p.m.
Where: La Mariposa Community Plaza, La Alma/Lincoln Park, Denver
Cost: Free
The Low Down: This unique concert festival spotlights the musical talents of our youth in a free day-long block party. This Sunday over 500 community members will come together to celebrate the album release of Y.O.R. Sessions Volume 1. There will also be poetry readings, performances by local and national musicians and food trucks that will donate a portion of their profits to the Youth on Record organization.
Queso on Colfax – Illegal Pete’s on Colfax Opens
Illegal Pete’s on Colfax. Photo by Kim Baker.
When: Friday, May 13, 7 a.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Where: Illegal Pete’s Colfax – 2001 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
The Low Down: It’s finally here–the grand opening of Illegal Pete’s on Colfax. Be sure to arrive between 3 and 6 p.m. on Friday for a free Upslope beer (with the purchase of an entree). If you can’t don’t worry, because happy hour and drink specials run all day. Mile High Soul Club will be behind the turntable at 6 p.m. and Chris Dismuke will be performing from 9 p.m. to midnight for a very special show–he will be the first artist ever to perform at every single Illegal Pete’s.
For the Love of Punk Party
Photo Courtesy: For the Love of Punk on Facebook
When: Saturday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Seventh Circle Music Collective – 2935 W. 7th Ave., Denver
The Low Down: If you missed the Punk Rock Flea Market last week worry not because Seventh Circle Music Collective is throwing an entire evening of punk performances. One of these performances includes a cover of Green Day’s infamous album Dookie. The Windermeres, Three Grams and Strafgod join the ticket and the music kicks off at 6:45 p.m. so don’t be late.
Mark Your Calendars: Next Weekend
Snape-ricot: 2016 Denver Comic con Beer Release Party
When: Friday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Stoney’s Bar & Grill – 1111 Lincoln St., Denver
Cost: Free
Chalk Art Festival
When: Saturday, May 21 at 11 a.m.
Where: 9800 S. Foothills Canyon Blvd., Denver
Besterns 2016: Roller Derby Weekend
When: Friday, May 20 – Sunday, May 22
Where: Rocky Mountain Roller Hockey League Inc. – 3606 S. Independence Blvd., Lakewood
Gothic Takeover at Lakeside Amusement Park
When: Saturday, May 21
Where: Lakeside Amusement Park – 4601 Sheridan Blvd., Lakeside
Cost: General admission to the park