May is in full force and Denver has some sweet events to keep you moving. Start your week off by listening to a National Geographic photographer at Obscure Sojourn Speaker Series and end it by hearing from a panel of artists a Jim Howard Exhibition. Whatever you end up doing, make sure to check out this roundup of events in Denver.
Monday, May 7
Obscure Sojourn Speaker Series
When: May 7, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Intrepid Sojourner Beer Project, 925 W 8th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free register here
The Lowdown: Listen to National Geographic photographer Ronan Donovan and follow a visual journey through the northern Rocky Mountain region as part of the Obscure Sojourn Speaker Series. Donovan speaks alongside Caroline Byrd — the executive director of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition — with stories about the historic Yellowstone National Park. You can also take a look at Donovan’s photography in the taproom before or after the presentation.
Little Pink House
When: May 7, 2 p.m. 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: Landmark’s Chez Artiste Theatre, 2800 S Colorado Blvd., Denver
Cost: $9.50 – $11.50 get tickets here
The Lowdown: See a screening of Little Pink House, based on the true story of Susette Kelo’s struggle to keep her home in the face of eminent domain. You can follow Susette Kelo’s (played by Catherine Keener) journey of buying her dream home, a little pink house next to the water, to only discover that money-hungry corporations want to tear it down for the land. Learn how her story made history in keeping homeowner’s rights safe.
Beginner Urban Biking Class
When: May 7, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: BikeDenver, 3000 Lawrence St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Learn how to bike properly in Denver at a Beginner Urban Biking Class. The class teaches you what to look for in a bike, how to plan the best routes, how to keep your bike in shape and more. If you want to stay safe and have a cleaner commute around the city, you should check out the course.
Tuesday, May 8
The Test
When: May 8, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Landmark’s Chez Artiste Theatre, 2800 S Colorado Blvd., Denver
Cost: $15 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Learn how students across the United States feel about the standardized tests they have to take at The Test. The film, from filmmaker Michael Arlen Davis, takes a deeper look at the controversial tests by interviewing students, parents and more to see what issues lie in our educational system and how America views standardized testing.
Smash Brothers Tournament
When: May 8, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Monkey Barrel, 4401 Tejon St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Prepare your fingers for battle and compete against others in a Smash Brothers Tournament. You could stand the chance to win Lootcrates, Rapids tickets and more. You can also snag some sweet giveaways and sip on drink specials during the night. If you do win, you will be entered in a grand finale tournament.
Wednesday, May 9
All Mixed Up: Our Changing Racial Identities
When: May 9, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: $15 get tickets here
The Lowdown: See a viewing of All Mixed Up: Our Changing Racial Identities. The film presents the lives of multiracial individuals and families with a series of interviews to give a deeper look into how race is perceived in America. After the film, you can participate in a Q&A with the creators of the film and some of the individuals who were interviewed.
Layered
When: May 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: SugarCube Luxury Apartments, 1555 Blake St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: K Contemporary and SugarCube partner together to present Layered. The exhibition features work by Nina Tichava, taking inspiration from nature and architecture. The pieces are created with a layering of printmaking, painting and collage, giving way to organic shapes and structures similar to those found in nature and urban environments.
Learn to Paint Bob’s Burgers
When: May 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Grandma’s House, 1710 S Broadway, Denver
Cost: $40 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Grandma’s House hosts Learn to Paint Bob’s Burgers. You can create an amazing Bob’s Burgers themed painting to bring home. The ticket price includes supplies, a beer of your choice and instructions on how perfect your painting.
Thursday, May 10
Denver Screening Premiere
When: May 10, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Landmark’s Mayan Theatre, 110 Broadway, Denver
Cost: Free register here
The Lowdown: Project DU F.I.L.M presents a Denver premiere of Scary Lucy. The film is a short comedy based on the debacle surrounding a Lucille Ball statue. Featuring stand-up comedy from comedians Christie Buchele and Janae Burris, a behind-the-scenes look at the film and a talkback from Dr. Sheila E. Schroeder from the University of Denver and the crew and cast of the film, this event will leave you educated and entertained.
Harm Reduction Action Center Turns 16
When: May 10, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: RedLine Denver, 2350 Arapahoe St., Denver
Cost: $20 get tickets here
The Lowdown: The Harm Reduction Action Center focuses on reducing the negative consequences of injection drugs by providing direct services that help stop the spread of infectious diseases and accidental overdoses. You can help celebrate its 16th anniversary by stopping by RedLine (a contemporary art studio, gallery and community gathering place) and bringing your friends to learn about the good work The Harm Reduction Action Center does in Denver. Plus, there will be an open bar and plenty of appetizers to go around.
“Failures, False Starts & Everything in Between”
When: May 10, 4 – 10 p.m.
Where: Modern Nomad, 2936 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: $35 – $130 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Attend “Failure, False Starts & Everything in Between,” a masterclass featuring Amy Savage. Savage takes a deeper look into failure in this presentation. As a leadership coach and president of Fine Points Leadership, she has years of experience in helping others overcome their own hurdles. You can participate in activities to change your perception of failure. Later you can attend an anti-networking event at Bar Helix and a council dinner at The Bindery.
LIGHT IT UP
When: May 10, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: SKYLIGHT, 833 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: $30 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Denver Fitness Week is back with LIGHT IT UP. You can break a sweat at a silent disco cardio workout with the help of LIGHT and SoundOff Colorado. Knock off a punch on your Denver Fitness Week punch card, try out different vendors available before and after the workout and book classes in advance. Be sure to bring a mat, a water bottle to keep hydrated and a pair of tennis shoes to keep your feet moving.
POP!
When: May 10, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W Colfax Ave 3rd Floor, Denver
Cost: Free – $125 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Help celebrate the work that YouthRoots does at POP! YouthRoots is a one-year program that gives students the abilities to create and innovate. At POP! you can delight in free food and drinks, live music, games and more. But more importantly, you can also participate in a silent auction and see students present checks to non-profit organizations. In the past, students have raised tens of thousands of dollars for charities that help children in the Denver metro area.
Yoga for EveryBODY
When: May 10, 6 – 7 p.m.
Where: Denver’s Civic Center Park, Colfax and Bannock St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Big Booty Yoga presents Yoga for EveryBODY. You can press into downward dog at the yoga class on the great lawn. The class is for all levels so don’t be worried about your skills. Make sure to bring a mat, water and wear clothes appropriate for the weather.
Opening Reception
When: May 10, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Michael Warren Contemporary, 760 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Michael Warren Contemporary presents an opening reception for New Mexico artists. The reception features solo exhibitions from Jennifer Bain and John Garrett. The gallery will also feature works from New Mexico artists such as Ted Laredo, Brian Shields and Angela Berkson.
The MIX Annual Show
When: May 10, 1 – 5 p.m.
Where: Niza Knoll Gallery, 915 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Niza Knoll Gallery features The MIX Annual Show. The show features works from eight artists such as Nancy Enyart, Mark Friday and Victoria Eubanks. You can view and purchase artworks from the gallery during the presentation of a myriad of mediums.
Mural Install Party
When: May 10, 4 – 8 p.m.
Where: Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy, 2250 S Quitman Way, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Help students and muralists complete a mural at a mural install party. Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy (KCAA) students have been working on mural concepts through partnerships with Detour at RedLine and Carlos Fresquez at the Center for Visual Arts for this event. The day will feature the painting of a mural, music from student DJs, a food truck and more. You can also watch special guests DINKC and Balance create murals to go along with the install.
READ: Hello Denver, My Name is DINKC
Watercolor 101
When: May 10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Craftsman & Apprentice, 1325 E 22nd Ave., Denver
Cost: $40 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Start your watercolor journey at Watercolor 101. You can learn the basics of watercolor painting from Kelley Schei at the two-hour workshop, along with color theory and general design tips. Create an original piece during the event and bring your own materials to add to the works if you feel so inclined.
Friday, May 11
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
The Lowdown: Dive deeper into the world of art at the Denver Art Museum (DAM) Symposium. The day-long event features a workshop called Leonardo in Milan: Creative Process and Artistic Dynamics. It will take a look at the impact that Leonardo da Vinci had on artists in his time. You can also delight in breakfast and a reception after the workshop.
Carmen
When: May 11 and 12, 7:30 p.m. May 13, 2 p.m.
Where: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, 119 Park Ave W., Denver
Cost: $45 get tickets here
The Lowdown: The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble presents Carmen. The dance showcase is comprised of a photo exhibition to honor the 125th anniversary of the Mexican Consulate in Denver, the premiere of La Mulatta de Cordoba, created by Viviana Basanta and a performance of Uprooted: Pero Replantado, created by the late Donald McKayle. The updated Carmen includes live vocals from Erica Papillon-Posey, a local singer.
Gear Up For Spring
When: May 11, 7 – 10 p.m.
Where: Vauxhall @ The Ramble Hotel, 2450 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: $10 get tickets here
The Lowdown: See what Colorado-based Topo Designs has to offer at Gear Up For Spring. You can check out the gear, see nine different short films curated by Mountainfilm on Tour and sip on cocktails from the Death & Co Denver team.
READ: NYC’s Famed Death & Co Comes to Denver with Three Bars, a Cafe and More
Healthy Swings: Charity Home Run Derby
When: May 11, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Where: Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Denver
Cost: Livestream on Facebook here.
The Lowdown: UCHealth partners up with professional athletes from the Nuggets, Rockies and Broncos for a charity event. The event features the athletes playing in a derby and hitting for donations. For every hit the athletes make, UCHealth will donate an amount to the Gold Crown Foundation. Tune into Facebook to see the live broadcast.
Mark Makers Opening Reception
When: May 11, 5 – 9 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 Gallery presents Mark Makers for an opening reception. Featuring works from seven artists including Mary Mackey, Brigan Gresh and Ana Zanic, the show highlights how each artist decidedly “makes marks” using different mediums. It will be on view until July 7, 2018.
Tom Everhart
When: May 11, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Fascination St. Fine Art and Frame, 2727 E 3rd Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Tom Everhart returns to Fascination St. Fine Art and Frame for another solo exhibition. Everhart paints bright and colorful works featuring characters from Peanuts, such as Snoopy and Charlie Brown. You can see his works at an opening reception and explore his take on the characters.
The Crown Collection
When: May 11, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: The Crown Collection, 4433 W 29th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free and open to public
The Lowdown: The Crown Collection welcomes Thomas Dailing — an award-winning jeweler. Dailing creates magnificent jewelry that features gold with bright jewels swirling together, and though many of his pieces are aesthetically beautiful, they also represent deeper symbolism. One of his designs, the Nautilus pendant, was accepted by the The National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. in 2011.
READ: The Definitive Guide to Denver Art Galleries
Sketches of Bali
When: May 11, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Where: Denver School of Arts, 7111 Montview Blvd., Denver
Cost: $15 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Watch dancers and musicians perform at Sketches of Bali. The event features performances of ancient dance and sounds from the Balinese gamelan, Tunas Mekar. You can also see I Gusti Ngurah Kertayuda perform Topeng mask dances to bring tales of old to life.
Saturday, May 12
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
The Lowdown: Listen to some great female bands and embrace your feminine side at Fem Fest 2018. You can hear music from the Red Aunts, Princess Dewclaw, The Corner Girls and more. You can also go on a tour with female comedians, participate in workshops and have a tarot card reading. Plus, there will be a craft session with tampons.
Accio Book Drive
When: May 12, 7:30 – 10 p.m.
Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 S Colorado Blvd., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Help donate books and meet with other Potter-heads at the Accio Book Drive, hosted by the Denver Diagon Alley chapter (a Harry Potter nonprofit). The book drive is open right before the Harry Potter-thon movies and you can donate your gently used books for the Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico and for local libraries. You can get tickets to the movies here.
Queen City Slam
When: May 12, 4 – 10 p.m.
Where: Youth on Record, 1301 W 10th Ave., Denver
Cost: $7 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Youth on Record hosts the Queen City Slam. You can listen to local DJs spin hot beats for individuals between the ages of 13 and 19 competing in the Rock the Mic Cypher. MC’s will freestyle the first round and be prompted for the second round. If they make it to the third round they have to work with 16 bars to become the Minor Disturbance 2018 emcees.
Shift’s High Fashion Showcase
When: May 12, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Where: Shift Workspaces-Bannock, 1001 Bannock St., Denver
Cost: $35 – $85 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Shift Workspaces-Bannock presents Shift’s High Fashion Showcase. The showcase features spring 2018 designs from upcoming local designers. You can watch the show, listen to music from DJ Lea Luna and meet the designers after the show. Also plan on imbibing on cocktails and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres during the night. The proceeds from the event benefit the Denver Children’s Home.
The Body Obscura
When: May 12, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Amanda J. Armstrong, 888 E 50th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Explore The Body Obscura — a solo exhibition. Amanda J. Armstrong presents her first solo photography exhibition. According to Armstrong, it was after a life-saving surgery that she dedicated her time to full-time artistry work. You can take a look at her studio and peruse the work that pulls at your brain at the opening of the exhibition.
Spring Horseshoe Market
When: May 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Horseshoe Craft & Flea Market, 4345 W 46th Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: The Spring Horseshoe Market opens for its 9th season this Saturday. You can shop the market of more than 120 artists, makers, vendors and more. You can also listen to live music, dig into food from food trucks and sip on drinks while you shop.
May HAHO Market
When: May 12, 12 – 5 p.m.
Where: FORGE, 970 Yuma St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: More than 20 makers are lined up for the May HAHO Market. You can peruse all of the vendors and pick up the perfect items. You can grab food from Dos Gringos food truck and shop until you drop.
READ: 12 Flea Markets to Not Miss This Spring and Summer in Denver
Mother’s Day Garden Bazaar
When: May 12 – 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: RISE Westwood, 3738 Morrison Rd., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift at the Mother’s Day Garden Bazaar. You can shop for plants to create a beautiful garden or up your indoor space game. You can also create art, meditate in yoga and taste some lovely food and drinks. Family activities are provided by Museo de las Americas, the plant sale is courtesy of Gulley Greenhouse Inc. and there will even be mimosas.
Sunday, May 13
Jim Howard Exhibition
When: May 13, 3 – 7 p.m.
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy., Denver
Cost: $10 get tickets here
The Lowdown: The Denver Art Museum presents a Jim Howard art exhibition. You can see the amazing fashion illustrations and listen to a panel discussion with Howard, Sandra Vanderpool and David Wolfe — fashion illustrators turned paper doll artists. The panel is moderated by Jenny Taliadoros. Contact Jenny at info@paperdollreview.com or 800-290-2928 to join.
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Mark Your Calendars
Bryozoan evolution
When: May 14, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 S Colorado Blvd., Denver
Cost: $16.95 get tickets here
The Little Ice Age and Korean Art
When: May 14, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy., Denver
Cost: Free admission RSVP by calling 720-913-0130
Fit & Fold
When: May 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: McNichols Building, 144 W Colfax, Denver
Cost: $10 – $15 get tickets here
The Art of Erik Stitt
When: May 19, 10 a.m.
Where: McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W Colfax, Denver
Cost: Free admission