As 2016 winds down, the holiday and winter season are upon us. With snow accumulating in the higher altitudes, and bank accounts withering with the purchases of holiday gifts, there is one thing that remains the same, the eclectic weekend events throughout Denver. Let’s check out what unique things there are to do in the Mile High city for the first weekend of December.
Thursday, December 1
Drunk Spelling Bee at Rosedale
Image courtesy of The Rosedale
When: Thursday, December 1 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Rosedale, 1135 E Evans Avenue
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: It’s a spelling bee, for adults! Spelling bees are a lot more fun with some liquid courage. Challenge your spelling capabilities, while enjoying drink specials at the Rosedale this Thursday. The event will start signing up competitors at 7 p.m., with the spelling bee beginning at 8 p.m.
Winter Recess: Tight Loose Screening, Beer & Tech
Photo Courtesy of Event Page
When: Thursday, December 1 from 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Where: General Assembly – 2420 17th St., Denver
Cost: Free. Sign up here.
The Lowdown: Surround yourself with like-minded snow-loving individuals over a few winter-inspired beers this Thursday night at the “Tight Loose” screening. Besides the screening, beforehand there will be a panel of user experience design experts on ideas on creating a powder alert application, as well as tech experts discussing how they created a marriage for their love of outdoors within their tech careers. After the social hour and two panels, there will be the screening of Tight Loose to really get your blood pumping for the winter season ahead of us.
Denver Christkindl Market
Photo courtesy of Denver Christkindl Market on Facebook.
When: Now until December 23, Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Skyline Park at 16th Street Mall and Arapahoe, Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: This German-style Christmas market and beer garden is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening in Denver. Sip on hot mulled wine while you listen to traditional style accordion music and shop a diverse array of holiday goods from local craft vendors. The best part about the Christkindl Market? Dogs are welcome inside the tent.
A Krumpus Story
Photo Courtesy of Event Page
When: Thursday, December 1 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Buntport Theatre – 717 Lipan St., Denver
Cost: $14. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Enjoy a darker holiday comedy with “A Krumpus Story” this Thursday. Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon folklore that punishes children who’ve been bad on Christmas, contrary to Santa. Krampus has brought a new kind of story to the Christmas season, and “A Krumpus Story” is a fun take on this fictional character. The comedy will be playing throughout December, but December 1 is the first night. The show is definitely not your common holiday story, but the diversion of the norm is what makes it a different type of a holiday show.
Friday, December 2
Sponsored
Red Bull Flying Bach
Photo courtesy of Red Bull
When: December 2-4
Where: Buell Theater – 1350 Curtis St., Denver
Cost: $29.50 – 79.50. Go here for tickets.
The Lowdown: The award winning dance crew Flyingsteps will perform to a genre-bending mix of classical, hip-hop and electronic music as they bring their international successful tour stateside. This extremely unique, contemporary take on classical has been a must see. Since 2010, Red Bull Flying Bach has been regenerating a new life to classical music in a fun and engaging way. To learn more, go here.
Denver Flea at Sports Castle
Photo Courtesy of Denver Flea’s Facebook page
When: Friday, December 2-4
Where: 1000 Broadway St., Denver
Cost: $5-30. Get tickets for one or all days here.
The Lowdown: Enjoy the one-stop-shop for all of your holiday needs at the Denver Flea. The event will take place Friday through Sunday, with Friday’s cost being $30 for a party with bottomless beverages. You will get access to the 200 vendors and enjoy live music and holiday decor. Saturday and Sunday only require a $5 ticket into the flea market with vendors, drinks, music and much more.
Cuffin’ All Thangs R&B Party
Photo Courtesy of Event Page
When: Friday, December 2 from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Epernay Lounge – 1080 14th St., Denver
Cost: $7-$9 . Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Step into the R&B world that covers past, present and future music of the genre at Cuffin’ All Thangs R&B party at the Epernay Lounge. The event has spanned through many west-coast cities, and has officially made its way to the 303. DJ’s will be spinning everything great from R&B, providing guests with a unique musical experience.
Bubbles & Oysters, Oh My!
Photo Courtesy of Event Page
When: Friday, December 2 from 5 – 10 p.m.
Where: The Infinite Monkey Theorem – 3200 Larimer Street, Denver
Cost: Purchase oysters (as many or as few) from the Marczyk fellas for $2 a piece, and IMT bubbles will be discounted to $40/bottle and $12/glass
The Lowdown: Enjoy all things great with oysters and champagne this first weekend of December. Accompanying the oysters and champagne, there will be live music from EJay the DJ and live painting from Rob Bell, as well as other featured art. This is a great way to get in the holiday spirit with some seafood, bubbles and good company. There are no tickets required, but it is encouraged that you RSVP on Facebook.
9News Parade of Lights
Photo Courtesy of Event Page
When: Friday, December 2nd at 8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Get in the spirit of the Holidays with 9News’ annual Parade of Lights this weekend. The parade will feature marching bands, floats, plenty of lights and of course, Santa. This family fun event for all ages will breathe some holiday life into you if you’re feeling a bit Grinch-like, or get you even more pumped up for the Holidays than you already were. The parade will also take place Saturday evening, with a time change of 6 p.m.
Ski Wax Party
Photo Courtesy of Diebolt Brewing Facebook
When: Friday, December 2 from 4 – 10 p.m.
Where: Diebolt Brewing Co – 3855 Maripossa St., Denver
Cost: $15.
The Lowdown: Get your gear ready for the ski-season while enjoying some drink specials this Friday at Diebolt Brewing. With $15, you will get a wax for your ski or snowboard, as well as a pint of one of Diebolt’s standard beers. To get you even more stoked for the season ahead of us, they will be playing action-filled ski and snowboard movies all night.
2016 Ugly Sweater Release
Photo Courtesy of Wit’s End Brewing Company
When: Friday, December 2 from 2 – 9 p.m.
Where: Wit’s End Brewing Company – 2505 W. 2nd Ave, Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Break out the ugly sweaters and enjoy Wit’s End’s holiday brew, the Ugly Sweater. This Belgian-style brown ale is a delectable brew for the winter season and is the brewery’s highly anticipated holiday brew. It is encouraged for guests to wear the ugliest of ugly sweaters to celebrate the event, with a chance to win the ugliest sweater contest at 7 p.m. To substitute for a more adult version of the classic holiday milk and cookies, Kelly from Honeycombe Custom Cakes & French Macarons will be collaborating with the brewery to have a cookie beer flight that will be available while supplies last.
Saturday, December 3
Seventh Annual 1940’s Christmas Ball
Photo by Josh Barrett, Ignite Images.
When: Saturday, December 3 doors open at 5 p.m.
Where: Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield
Cost: $75. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Take an elegant step into the past at the Seventh Annual 1940s Christmas Ball this Saturday. The Rocky Mountain Metro Airport will be transformed to look like a scene from the classic 1940s White Christmas Ball film for this annual charity ball. There will be live music, costumes, reenactments of the film and much more. This annual charity event raises money for The Colorado 10th Mountain Division and The Commemorative Airforce.
Santa Pub Crawl
Photo courtesy of Santa Pub Crawl on Facebook.
When: Saturday, December 3 from 1:30 – 11 p.m.
Where: LoDo
Cost: $10 – 50. Tickets available here
The Lowdown: Be merry and frolic with over 1,000 tipsy Santas this Saturday to some of Lodo’s best bars. The 2016 Santa Pub Crawl is a fun way to get into the spirit of the holidays, while benefiting Denver’s kids in need. Toys and proceeds from the event will go to helping kids in need this holiday season. Your ticket purchase includes a drink from each bar along the crawl, entry into an after party with a live band at Jackson’s and the possibility to win from awesome prize giveaways. Also, if you bring an unwrapped new toy, you double your chances of going home with a winning prize of your own.
Ornament Extravaganza
Photo Courtesy of Event Page
When: Saturday, December 3 from 10 – 5 p.m.
Where: FIRE Studio – 1550 W Evans Ave, Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Check out the beautiful art of glass-blowing and its role in creating Holiday ornaments this Saturday at FIRE studios. This one-day event will allow guests to watch and learn about the art of glass-blowing, as well as get the opportunity to stroll through the winter wonderland of glass arts provided at the studio. This one-day event will provide you with a different outlook on glass-blowing, as well as the opportunity to check out incredible glass art.
Mile High Soul Club
Photo Courtesy of Event Page
When: Saturday, December 3 from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Syntax Physic Opera – 554 S. Broadway, Denver.
Cost: $5.
The Lowdown: Join Denver’s best all vinyl soul party this Saturday for Mile High Soul Club’s December party at the Syntax Physic Opera. Though the weather will be getting cold, this dance party is sure to keep your blood pumping and body moving. Guest DJs Big-Style and K-nee will be joining the music lineup, that features all music spun from vinyl records. This blast to the past party is a good way to dance off some of the holiday foods and get down to some of your favorite old soul albums.
Sunday, December 4
Dead Set Yoga
Photo Courtesy of Sunny Trails’ Facebook Page
When: Sunday, December 4 from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Cervante’s Masterpiece – 2635 Welton St. Denver
Cost: $25-$30. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Enjoy yoga and the Grateful Dead this Sunday at Cervante’s. Admission into the event includes a one-hour heady yoga class, a Grateful Dead Class Playlist, Grateful hour open bar, accompanied with great vibes and company. This yoga class can help take the stress out of your work week or holiday season, rebalance your mind and body, while providing you with the positive vibes needed to get through your week.
Denver: Historic and Haunted! An Evening of Spiritual Connections
Photo Courtesy of Event Page
When: Sunday, December 4 from 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens – 2555 W. 37th Ave Denver
Cost: $33- $80. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Enjoy the spiritual sides of the Holidays at the charming Lumber Baron Inn & Gardens with psychic medium Heather Hunter. There will be a cash bar for wine or beer available for guests to settle into an informative session on the history and hauntings of the building, as well as the opening of the “phone line to Heaven” provided by renown medium Heather Hunter. She is renown for making this experience uplifting, comforting and even humorous.
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Mark your calendars…
Brewery Dragstravaganza
When: Thursday, December 1 from 8 – 10 p.m.
Where: Ratio Beerworks – 2920 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: Free
Fuck Up Nights Denver Vol. 6
When: December 15
Where: Globe Hall – 4493 Logan St. Denver
Cost: $10. Get tickets here.
5th Annual Denver (only) Beer Festivus
When: December 17
Where: Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Cost: $40 – $60. Get tickets here.
A Very Special DMXas Show
When: December 23
Where: Cervantes’ Ballroom
Cost: $33-$35. Get tickets here.