May is here and Denver is prepped with a ton of events to help you move into the month. Start your week off by listening to running stories at An Evening with Scott & Jenny Jurek and end it by listening to some Thrilling Tales. Whatever you end up doing, make sure to take a gander at this roundup of events happening in Denver.
Monday, April 30
An Evening with Scott & Jenny Jurek
When: April 30, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Runner’s Roost, 1685 S Colorado Blvd. Unit J, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Learn how to improve your running skills in An Evening with Scott & Jenny Jurek. Scott will speak about his experiences about running in the mountains and let you in on his new book, North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail. You can meet the Jureks and get some sweet discounts on running gear.
Intro to Digital Marketing
When: April 30, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Industry RiNo Station, 3858 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: Free, register here
The Lowdown: Involved in marketing? If so, you need to check out Intro to Digital Marketing. The class takes you through the basics of digital marketing and how you can apply it to your business. The class also helps you learn to identify key performance indicators to push your marketing in the right direction. Make sure to bring your laptop. All levels are welcome, however, spaces are limited so register soon.
Power Vinyasa Yoga
When: April 30, 6 – 7 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Park, Colfax and Bannock St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Start your week off right with a Power Vinyasa Yoga Class. An instructor from The River Yoga will lead the flow to help end your Monday on the right note. The class is held on the Great Lawn in Civic Center Park, so dress for the weather. All levels are welcome.
Tuesday, May 1
SCFD Free Day
When: May 1, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St., Denver
Cost: Free and open to public
The Lowdown: The Molly Brown House Museum opens its doors with no admission fee on SCFD Free Day. You can explore the history of Denver and its haunting stories without worrying about the cost. Tickets are first-come-first-serve so make sure to get there early for a tour.
Weird Al Yankovic
When: May 1, 8 – 11 p.m.
Where: Paramount Denver, 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver
Cost: $45 – $79.50 get tickets here
The Lowdown: See the bizarre and hilarious Weird Al Yankovic perform live. Yankovic has made it to Denver for his “‘Weird Al’ Yankovic: The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour.” You can also see Emo Philips perform stand up comedy alongside Yankovic.
ATC DEN Open House
When: May 1, 5 – 7 p.m.
Where: ATC DEN, 3420 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: If you are in RiNo, you can explore ATC DEN at an ATC DEN Open House. As you take a look around the gallery, you can nibble on bites and sip on a cocktail from an open bar. You can also listen to beats from DJ Derek Russo to set the mood. RSVP by April 29 by emailing events@atcden.com
Wednesday, May 2
Curatorial Tours
When: May 2, 4 – 5 p.m.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St., Denver
Cost: Free with museum admission
The Lowdown: The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Denver hosts Curatorial Tours. You can take a peek at behind the scenes of the Cleon Peterson, Diego Rodriguez-Warner and Arthur Jafa exhibitions. Zoe Larkins, the curatorial associate of MCA Denver will lead the tour. When arriving at the museum tell the front desk you are there for the tour.
The Organic Metropolis
When: May 2, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Walker Fine Art Gallery Contemporary Art Denver, 300 W 11th Ave. Unit A, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Walker Fine Art, Colorado State University and Denver Urban Gardens join together for The Organic Metropolis. The event features a panel about the future of agriculture in terms of the urban landscape. You can listen to Gene Kelly from Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Lisa Mason, a Graduate student from Colorado State University in the Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management and A.J. Boyce a master gardener from Denver Urban Gardens. They will discuss the problems at hand and for the future. You can sip on wine and taste hors d’oeuvres during the panel.
Mixed Media with Tony Ortega
When: May 2, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant St., Denver
Cost: $10 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Give homage to your mother at Mixed Media with Tony Ortega. You will participate in a workshop that is part of the Message to Our Mothers – Mensaje a Nuestras Madres (M2M) project. The workshop explores the concept of the family with art combined with storytelling while creating collages. Ortega, an associate professor at Regis University is known for his bright artwork, so be ready to work with color.
Film For All Seasons
When: May 2, 2 p.m. or 7 p.m.
Where: Landmark’s Chez Artiste Theatre, 2800 S Colorado Blvd., Denver
Cost: $8.50 get tickets here
The Lowdown: See a screening of A Matter of Life and Death. The film follows the story of David Niven — a WWII pilot who has come to the conclusion that he has been chosen to die and must plead his case in court up in heaven. Niven battles with the struggle of love and the fear of dying, to pull at your emotions. The film was created by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
Thursday, May 3
Harry Potter-thon
When: May 3, 7:30 – 10 p.m.
Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 S Colorado Blvd., Denver
Cost: $9.95 get tickets here
The Lowdown: The Denver Museum of Nature & Science presents a Harry Potter-thon. You can see viewings of the Harry Potter movie series and instill some nostalgia into your day. The series of screenings starts on Thursday with Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone. You can see how Harry, Hermoine and Ron start their adventures in the magical wizarding world.
Introduction to Crochet
When: May 3, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Grandma’s House, 1710 S Broadway, Denver
Cost: $10 at the door
The Lowdown: Have you ever wanted to crochet a blanket? Learn how to at Introduction to Crochet. Grandma’s House presents a class to show you the basics of crocheting and teaches you how to crochet a couple of granny squares. Hooks and yarn are provided so no worries about buying your own just yet.
Opening Reception
When: May 3, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Helikon Gallery & Studios, 3675 Wynkoop St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Helikon Gallery & Studios hosts an Opening Reception for the new exhibitions Spectra and Confabulation. Spectra is comprised of a group of 16 artists such as Phoenix Chan, Nana Williams, and Daria Theodora, who use color to express emotions. Confabulation is a solo exhibit featuring works by Jonathan McAfee, a local artist who creates bright and colorful portraits.
Altered
When: May 3, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Visions West Contemporary, 2605 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Visions West Contemporary welcomes Bryan Christiansen’s new exhibition Altered. The exhibition features skulls, animals and more created from found materials. These creations invoke thoughts about how we impact the environments around us.
Colorado Film School Student Show
When: May 3, 7 – 10 p.m.
Where: Harkins Northfield Theater, 8300 E Northfield Blvd., Denver
Cost: Free and open to public
The Lowdown: Help celebrate students at a Colorado Film School Student Show. The show features the best films of the year. After the show, you can continue the party at Bar Louie, down the street from the theater. Once you arrive, retrieve your ticket by the Colorado Film School Ticket sign.
Post-Truth
When: May 3, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Visions West Contemporary, 2605 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Visions West Contemporary hosts Post-Truth, an exhibition created by Robert McCauley. The exhibition features animal portraits that dabble in whimsical fantasy and the upset of climate change created by humans.
Friday, May 4
First Friday Art Walk
When: May 4, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Art District on Santa Fe, Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: The first Friday of every month brings First Friday Art Walk. You can venture down the Art District on Santa Fe to experience all of the amazing galleries and creative businesses. The walk features 30 participating locations on Santa Fe and a whole slew of food trucks to fuel your art adventures. You can see sculptures, prints and more at the participating businesses.
READ: The Definitive Guide to Denver Art Galleries
Art of Movement
When: May 4, 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Movement Climbing + Fitness Center, 1155 W 5th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Celebrate first Friday at the Art of Movement. Movement Climbing + Fitness Center hosts an opening for you to meet local artists, local climbers and more. You can sip on drinks and munch on bites during the event.
ArtWar!
When: May 4, 6:30 – 11:59 p.m.
Where: The Curtis Hotel, 1405 Curtis St., Denver
Cost: $15 tickets available here
The Lowdown: Dress up in your favorite StarWars cosplay for ArtWar! More than 30 local artists will display their original StarWars artwork in celebration of May 4th. You can peruse art, dance, drink space-themed cocktails and more at the galactic party. May the Fourth be with you.
Process: The Artist’s Journey
When: May 4, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: Space Gallery, 400 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Join Space Gallery and All Love for a night of art and food at Process: The Artist’s Journey. The exhibition features works from Judy Campbell, Bill Snider, Nick Young and David Marshall. You can peruse the gallery and exhibitions and dig into delights from All Love.
Impressive… Most Impressive
When: May 4, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Black Book Gallery, 304 Elati St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Black Book Gallery celebrates May 4th with Impressive…Most Impressive. The exhibition features work from artists Ted Lincoln and Adam Lister. The works are inspired from StarWars, with a focus on the dark side. You can also take a look at some Rocky Mountain Alliance posters while you dive into the force.
From The Earth Opening Reception
When: May 4, 5 -9 p.m.
Where: Westwood Food Cooperative, 3738 Morrison Rd., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Westwood Food Cooperative presents a From The Earth opening reception. The reception features art from local artists such as Amanda Vella, Santiago Jaramillo and Mardelle Espinoza showcasing all different mediums. You can also watch traditional Aztec Dancers, participate in a ceremony to honor the earth and more.
May First Friday
When: May 4, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Zeppelin Station, 3501 Wazee St. #109, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: RiNo Made presents May First Friday with an exhibition featuring the artist of the month, Kimberly Wolff Photography. Wolff is a resident of RiNo and creates works that take a closer look at the urban environment that surrounds us.
Freakshow
When: May 4, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Abstract, 742 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Indyink Gallery presents Freakshow. The exhibition features pieces by artist Even Lorenzen. You can experience Lorenzen’s work and take a look at hats and shirts designed by Lorenzen that are released the day of the reception.
First Friday at GRACe
When: May 4, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: GRACe, 888 E 50th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: The Global River Front Art Center (GRACe) hosts a First Friday reception. You can meet resident artists, take a peek at new works in the gallery and watch live demos. You can also delight in refreshments while you explore the space, but be sure to take your time as GRACe has over 75 creatives in residence for you to experience.
Spring Issue Release Party
When: May 4, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Fort Greene Bar, 321 E 45th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: FLORA || FAUNA presents its Spring Issue Release Party. You can grab the 2018 Spring Issue zine for only $10, watch live performances from Easy Riders, The Kinky Fingers and DJ Ross Taylor Murphy and more. The Spring Issue features a theme of “nature in flux” and showcases local artists, musicians and businesses that incorporate nature in their work and creations.
Rebel Tours – Grand Opening
When: May 4, 3 – 5 p.m.
Where: RiNo Art District
Cost: $20 per person, here.
The Lowdown: Have you ever wondered who painted your favorite mural in RiNo? Well starting this weekend, you can find that out, as well as other insider information about the Denver street art scene, the history of graffiti and more during a Rebel Tour. Organized by The Street Art Network and resident 303 art and culture writer Cori Anderson, Rebel Tours will offer guided walking tours through the buzzing street art and graffiti scenes in RiNo and the Art District on Santa Fe. The tours last about two hours and must be reserved in advance.
Saturday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo
When: May 5, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Denver’s Civic Center Park, Colfax and Bannock St., Denver
Cost: Free and open to public
The Lowdown: Celebrate freedom and Latino culture at a Cinco de Mayo festival. The festival features three stages of dance and musical performances, amazing Mexican food, chihuahua races and more. You can also watch a parade and participate in a taco eating contest to honor the Mexican holiday.
Free Comic Book Day
When: May 5, 10 – 6 p.m.
Where: Mile High Comics, 4600 Jason St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Mile High Comics dishes out free comic books on Free Comic Book Day. You can receive three free comics that are part of this year’s Free Comic Book Day variants, meet Richard and Wendy Pini, the creators of Elfquest, and more. You can also meet local writers and artists throughout the day.
Derby Day Party
When: May 5, 12 – 5 p.m.
Where: Denver’s Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Put on your best Derby wear for a Derby Day Party. You can delight in mint julep specials, dance to live music from La Pompe Jazz and watch a live stream of the historic race. You can also win best dressed in a contest and receive a $250 gift card to Union Station or win the grand prize of a night at The Crawford Hotel-Denver Union Station.
You Should Have Seen the Other Guy
When: May 5, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: K Contemporary, 1412 Wazee St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: K Contemporary welcomes Michael Dowling for You Should Have Seen the Other Guy. The exhibition features oil paintings using bold lines and inspiration from American mythology and dark ghost-like figures. The paintings give a certain provocative emotion that pulls you in.
The Spectrum Vol. 1
When: May 5, 4 – 10 p.m.
Where: Spectra Art Space, 1836 S Broadway, Denver
Cost: Free – $10 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Spectra Art Space presents The Spectrum Vol. 1. The event features all types of art, glassblowing, music and more. You can see live paintings and visuals and explore vendors showcasing their works. The event is indoors and outdoors so be prepared for the weather.
TheBigWonderful
When: May 5 – 6, 12 – 6 p.m.
Where: TheBigWonderful, 4400 Fox St., Denver
Cost: Free – $50 get tickets here
The Lowdown: TheBigWonderful is back in full force. Spend your Derby weekend partying at the 5th anniversary of TheBigWonderful. You can dance to bluegrass, explore a bazaar full of vendors and more. You can also taste unlimited samples at a Beerfest from more than 20 cideries and breweries (with a ticket).
Walk MS
When: May 5, 6:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Where: Denver City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
Cost: Free – $35 register here
The Lowdown: Walk or run for a great cause during Walk MS. The walk helps to benefit research to push the end of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). You can walk or run a 5k and raise funds for those who have been affected by MS or you could donate straight to the cause.
Four Person Show
When: May 5, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Abend Gallery, 1412 Wazee St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Abend Gallery hosts a Four Person Show. The show features works by Elsa Sroka, Jacob Dhein, Dave Santillanes and Stephanie Hartshorn. You can explore each of the artists’ unique styles and take a look at Abend Gallery in their new (ish) location in downtown.
Loteria! Group Art Show
When: May 5, 2 – 8 p.m.
Where: FICE Gallery, 2654 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: DINKC Studios and Theyshootn present Loteria! Group Art Show. The show features a two-part series with 20 Latino artists including GuerillaGarden, ThewriteJuan, DINKC and Karmaleigh. The show will showcase canvases inspired by traditional Loteria playing cards and a series of photographs presenting the game and the traditions that attributed to it.
Sunday, May 6
Vinyl + Brunch Pop-Up
When: May 6, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: 303 Magazine and Ratio Beerworks partners together for a Vinyl + Brunch Pop-Up. You can get the first look at the new 303 Music Vol. 1 vinyl album that features local bands like Flobots, Trev Rich and Griz. You can listen to the record, grab a great brew and nibble on free brunch bites. Ratio also hosts a pop-up record shop with Vinyl Me, Please that you can explore.
MGMT
When: May 6, 2 – 3 p.m.
Where: Twist & Shout Records, 2508 E Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Twist & Shout Records hosts the popular musical group MGMT. MGMT will sign one item, whether it be a t-shirt, vinyl or CD, for the first 250 in line. You can also have a chance at winning a vinyl grab bag that is selected by the band. This also offers you the perfect opportunity to look at all of the records that Twist & Shout has to offer.
NamasBey
When: May 6, 9 a.m., 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.
Where: The Walnut Room 3131 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: $15 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Move into a downward dog at NamasBey. You can listen to Queen Bey while Kady from Big Booty Yoga leads you in a one hour class. After class, you can grab a mimosa or beer to freshen up. The classes fill up fast so buy your ticket soon. All levels are welcome.
Thrilling Tales
When: May 6, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: $15 – $28 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center hosts Thrilling Tales. You can listen to stories from Steven Cole Hughes, Heather Hughes and Rhianna DeVries as part of the Stories on Stage series. The stories feature tales of African adventures, porn tapes and more.
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Mark Your Calendars
All Mixed Up
When: May 9, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: $15 get tickets here
DAM Symposium
When: May 11, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy., Denver
Cost: $55 get tickets here
Fem Fest 2018
When: May 12, 2 – 10 p.m.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St., Denver
Cost: $5 – $25 get tickets here
Noche de Museo
When: May 17, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Candela, 1691 Central St., Denver
Cost: $80 – $145 get tickets here
Editor’s note: this listing previous stated this event May 6. We have updated the event to reflect the appropriate date. We regret the error.