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

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Photo Courtesy of Event’s Facebook Page

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

Baere Brewing Company owner Kevin Greer. Photo by Dustin Hall.

Baere Brewing Company owner Kevin Greer. Photo by Dustin Hall.

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

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Photo by Lindsey Bartlett

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

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Photo Courtesy of Denver Botanical Garden’s Facebook page

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

Photo Courtesy of Event Page

Photo Courtesy of Event Page

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

Photo Courtesy of the Craftsmen and Apprentice on Facebook.

Photo Courtesy of the Craftsmen and Apprentice on Facebook.

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

Rino Denver, Rino street art

RiNo Denver mural. Photo by Brittany Werges

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

Photo courtesy of Dry Dock on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Dry Dock on Facebook.

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

Photo Courtesy of Event Page

Photo Courtesy of Event Page

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

Photo Courtesy of Event Page

Photo Courtesy of Event Page

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