Thanksgiving weekend is upon us, and so is a weekend of consumption. However, despite the impending food comas and holiday deals, there is still so much to do in Denver that involves neither the mall nor overeating. So instead of melting on the couch after the Thanksgiving feast or rushing to stores for Black Friday deals, enjoy the beginning of the holiday lights, Thanksgiving after parties, the tapping of new beers and much more this weekend.
Thursday, November 24
Funksgiving
When: Thursday, November 24 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Syntax Physic Opera – 554 S. Broadway, Denver
Cost: $5 cover 21+
The Lowdown: Have some funk for dessert at Mile High Soul Club’s Funksgiving party this Thanksgiving. DJ Jason Heller and Rachel Wolfe will be throwing it back with ’70s funk on vinyl all night. This event is a benefit for Hunger Free Colorado.
Friday, November 25
Black Friday Dual Bottle Release
When: Friday, November 25 from 2-11 p.m.
Where: Baere Brewing Company – 320 Broadway Suite E, Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Celebrate the release of two new bottles and the tapping of three different variations of Table Sour at Baere Brewing Company (and enjoy 20 percent off the merchandise). The two bottles are the Palisade Peach Table Sour, at a price of $14 for 750 ml, and the Saison Batch #2, at a price of $12 for a 750 ml. The tappings will feature the Palisade Peach Table sour (there will be fewer than five gallons on tap, so don’t hesitate to nab a pour), the Blackberry Table Sour and the Black Currant Table Sour.
Zoo Lights Preview Weekend
When: Friday, November 25 from 5:30-9 p.m.
Where: Denver Zoo – 2300 Steele St., Denver
Cost: $9-$11. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Get an early glimpse of the annual Zoo Lights this weekend. The zoo lights will go through 60 acres of the zoo’s campus and will include nightly entertainment, a Santa meet-and-greet, animal encounters and the iconic life-like animal sculptures. Don’t miss out on this chance to see one of Denver’s most anticipated holiday events. If you can’t make it Friday, the event will also take place on Saturday.
Blossoms of Light
When: Friday, November 25 from 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Where: Denver Botanical Gardens – 1007 York St., Denver
Cost: $13
The Lowdown: We all know one of the best parts of the holiday season is the extravagant lights set up throughout the city. Check out AudioPixel’s largest installment, Blossoms of Light, for an interactive light show that features sound-reactive animated LED lights. This family-friendly event is a great way to kick off the holiday spirit and will be running from Friday night until January 1.
Locals Only – Supporting our Local DJ’s / Charity Event
When: Friday, November 25 from 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
Where: EKŌ HOUSE – 5201 York St., Denver
Cost: 21+, $10
The Lowdown: At this event, you can party, celebrate some local DJs and also benefit a local non-profit Colorado organization. This late-night event is BYOB with a $10 cover. Music will be provided by Emyli Dahlia, P. Rabell, Alan Fraze, Aaron Lee and a soon-to-be-announced DJ to close out the night with a 4:30-6 a.m. set.
Saturday, November 26
Prototype Market
When: Saturday, November 26 from 4-9 p.m.
Where: The Craftsmen & Apprentice – 1325 E 32nd Ave., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: The third annual Prototype Market will be open this Saturday, offering the chance to get some early holiday shopping done. Check out some of the vendors there, like The Bungaloo, Kelley Schei, Relevant ReUse, Strange Dirt, Craft Boner, Winter Session, Banshee Press, Blade & Knoll, Moore Collection, Two Hand Full, My Favourite Colour Studio, So Let’s Roll and more. Along with food to purchase by The Long I Pie Shop and Five Points Pizza, there will be free coffee from Copper Door Coffee Roaster.
RiNo Small Business Saturday
When: Saturday, November 26 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: RiNo River Art District
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Celebrate Small Business Saturday in the RiNo River Arts District this weekend. Get a jump on holiday shopping and help support local businesses. The district features local galleries, shops and studios. This is a great way to find some unique gifts, as well as help businesses that both compliment and showcase the signature vibe home to the Mile High city.
Holiday Beer Release and Ugly Sweater Party
When: Saturday, November 26 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: Dry Dock Brewing Company – 15120 E Hampden Ave., Aurora
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Break out the ugly holiday sweaters and celebrate the release of new beers at Dry Dock Brewing this Saturday. The brewery invites you to get into the festive spirit with an ugly sweater party for the release of their new holiday beers. Dry Dock will be debuting the Cranberry Tart, Chocolate Cherry Covered Porter and the Eggnog Cream Ale. There will also be an ugly sweater contest, the winner of which will receive a Dry Dock gift card.
Sunday, November 27
Balboa Brunch with Gypsy Swing Revue
When: Sunday, November 27 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Mercury Cafe Denver – 2199 California St., Denver
Cost: $8.
The Lowdown: The Balboa Brunch returns to the Mercury Cafe this Sunday. What better way to celebrate the new dance floor at the Mercury Cafe than to eat some brunch and dance to the sounds of the Gypsy Swing Revue? The Balboa brunch is a swing-dance inspired brunch, featuring great food and even better dance moves. The cost is $8.
Drums of the World
When: Sunday, November 27 from 1-2:15 p.m.
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall
Cost: $25. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Enjoy a cultural percussion experience this Sunday with the annual Drums of the World concert. The Colorado Symphony percussionist section will be performing a musical experience that takes listeners across the world with the sounds of rhythmic instruments, old and new. This family-friendly concert is both fun and informative, providing an enjoyable and knowledgeable musical experience.
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Mark your calendars…
Holiday Flea
When: December 2
Where: Sports Castle
Cost: $5. Get ticket here
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.