Denver Arts Festival and 27 Things to do in Denver this Week

May is nearing its end but not to worry, Denver has some great events to keep the month moving along. Start off your week by watching cinematic performances at CINE and end it by flexing your nerdy knowledge at Star Wars Trivia. Whatever you end up doing, make sure to take a gander at this roundup of events in Denver.

Monday, May 21

 CINE

Photo Courtesy of CELE on Facebook

When: May 21, 6 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Syntax Physic Opera, 554 S Broadway, Denver 

Cost: $5 at the door

The Lowdown: CELE presents CINE — a projection of silent movies paired with live electronic music. You can see the coupled performances of Blazej Malinowski, Offthesky and Alex Whittier. You can also snack on tapas and delight in drinks while you watch the performances.

Temple Grandin

Photo Courtesy of Temple Grandin on Facebook

When: May 21, 6 – 8 p.m. 

Where: Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada

Cost: $35 tickets available here

The Lowdown: Meet Temple Grandin at a book signing of her new book Calling All Minds: How to Think and Create Like an Inventor. Before the book signing, Grandin will present a discussion that explores the world through her eyes. You can ask her questions that you have always wanted answers to and have a chance to purchase the book after the talk. Grandin speaks from 6 to 6:45 p.m.

Movie Night

Photo courtesy of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory on Facebook

When: May 21, 8 p.m. 

Where: Ophelia’s, 1215 20th St., Denver 

Cost: Free admission

The Lowdown: Ophelia’s presents a movie night. You can watch a viewing of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and have a taste of nostalgia. The film — based on Roald Dahl’s book Charlie and The Chocolate Factory — features a story about a lonely candy maker who is searching for the best prodigy to take over, via a contest of winning a golden ticket and a tour of the chocolate factory. This is the 1971 movie and not the remake with Johnny Depp.

Tuesday, May 22

Happy Talks

Photo Courtesy of Happy City Denver on Facebook

When: May 22, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 

Where: Museo De Las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Dr., Denver 

Cost: Free and open to the public

The Lowdown: Happy City: Art for the People continues with Happy Talks. Charles Montgomery the author of Happy City: Transforming Our Lives through Urban Design and Emiliana Simon-Thomes, the science director at University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center will take a deeper look into the effects of art on mental wellness and how we can participate as citizens.

Gentrification or Revitalization?

Photo Courtesy of Denver Metro Association of REALTORS‎ on Facebook

When: May 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Where: PPA Event Center, 2105 Decatur St., Denver 

Cost: $25 get tickets here

The Lowdown: Participate in a conversation that asks the question — gentrification or revitalization? It’s a timely topic with the current state of Denver’s rapid development. The discussion starts with a presentation from West Fry with the Colorado Civil Rights Division of the State of Colorado’s Department of Regulatory Agencies about the do’s and don’ts of fair housing. After his presentation, the discussion continues with a panel of real estate professionals moderated by Denver Business Journal’s Pete Casillas. There will be time to ask questions of your own, as well.

’90s Disney Trivia Night

Photo Courtesy of Chain Reaction Brewing Company‎ on Facebook

When: May 22, 7:30 – 10 p.m. 

Where: Chain Reaction Brewing Company, 902 S Lipan St., Denver

Cost: Free admission

The Lowdown: Flex your brain muscles at a ’90s Disney Trivia Night. Do you remember the name of all the characters in Disney movies, not just the main ones? Have you memorized every soundtrack? Is Disneyland still on your vacation dream list? Well, you can test your memory (or current knowledge) of classic Disney movies and win. Trivia questions will be based on movies such as The Lion King, Mulan, Aladdin and more.

Wednesday, May 23

Macbeth

Photo Courtesy Landmark’s Chez Artiste Theatre‎ on Facebook

When: May 23, 7 – 10 p.m. 

Where: Landmark’s Chez Artiste Theatre, 2800 S Colorado Blvd., Denver 

Cost: $15 tickets available here

The Lowdown: Landmark’s Chez Artiste Theatre presents Macbeth from the Royal Opera House. You can see a rendition of the famous Shakespearean play following the tumultuous tale of Macbeth, a Scotish general who has received a prophecy from three witches that someday he will become King of Scotland. Macbeth, driven by power, does all he is capable of to grab the position, including murder. It’s a classic tale that everyone should see at least once.

Ladies Shop Night

Photo Courtesy of Colorado Mountain Bike Association on Facebook

When: May 23, 6 – 8:30 p.m. 

Where: evo (Denver), 860 Broadway, Denver 

Cost: $20 get tickets here

The Lowdown: Evo (Denver) partners with COMBA & VIDA for a Ladies Shop Night. The night will teach you to keep up maintenance on your bike from brakes to general improvements. Bring your bike and something to take notes on and make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty. Spaces are limited and sell fast, so get your ticket soon.

Ratio Comedy

Photo Courtesy of Ratio Beerworks on Facebook

When: May 23, 8 – 10 p.m.

Where: Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer St., Denver 

Cost: Free admission

The Lowdown: Ratio Beerworks presents Ratio Comedy. You can watch comedians perform in The Doom Room, where a screen of doom will wait, ready to change up the comedians’ sets. The night is hosted by Cory Helie and Count Gorlick.

Thursday, May 24

Emotional Baggage Drop (hello stranger)

Photo Courtesy of Happy City Denver‎ on Facebook

When: May 24, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. , 3:30 – 6 p.m.

Where: Denver’s Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver

Cost: Free and open to public

The Lowdown: Stuart Semple has created an interactive art installation dubbed Emotional Baggage Drop (hello stranger) as part of the Happy City city-wide intervention. The installation is comprised of a private booth where anyone can enter and confidentially share their emotional baggage with a stranger. You can let go of anything that you need to and connect with strangers in a safe environment. The booth is only open during certain hours, so check on their Facebook page for more days and hours to visit.

READ:  Everything You Need to Know About “Happy City” Transforming Denver

 Finding Hygge

Photo Courtesy of Finding Hygge Film on Facebook

When: May 24 – 25, 7 – 9:30 p.m. 

Where: Infinite Monkey Theorem Winery – RINO, 3200 Larimer St., Denver

Cost: $50 get tickets here

The Lowdown: Infinite Monkey Theorem hosts a viewing of Finding Hygge. The documentary film explores what hygge (pronounced hue-gah), the Danish word that encompasses a feeling of being at home, means in real life. It takes a deeper look at how people strive to find hygge and how it can be misconstrued into a darker meaning. The ticket price includes two glasses of Infinite Monkey Theorem wine, a $5 voucher for another glass following the film showing and bites from Kevin Grossi of The Regional. You can also participate in a Q&A after the film. 

Scarlet Nights

McNichols event center. Photo by Brittany Werges

When: May 24, 6:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. 

Where: McNichols Building, 144 W Colfax Ave., Denver 

Cost: $55 – $60 get tickets here

The Lowdown: 7 Healing Stars Oneness Center and Potent Productions host Scarlet Nights. The event features music from five musicians including Desert Dwellers, Templo Music and LowPro, an art gallery of ten different artists, live painting and more. You can center yourself with meditation, dance and explore all of the art throughout the night.

Free Yoga

Photo Courtesy of Free Yoga in the Parks‎ on Facebook

When: May 24, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 

Where: Cheesman Park, E 8th Ave and Franklin St., Denver

Cost: Free 

The Lowdown: Gather with friends for Free Yoga. You can join other locals at the Pavillion in Cheesman Park for a yoga session. Bring your mat, water for hydration and sunscreen to keep your skin safe. All levels welcome.

Public Art Tour

Photo Courtesy of Denver Public Art‎ on Facebook

When: May 24, 6 – 7:30 p.m. 

Where: Denver Public Art, 144 W Colfax Ave., Denver 

Cost: Free register here

The Lowdown: Learn more about the sculptures in the triangle park on Colorado Boulevard, Alameda Avenue and Leetsdale Drive on a Public Tour. Rosalie Martin, a public art docent, will lead the tour and give more insight about the sculpture park and its installations. The tour will meet at the southeast corner of the park, by the black and red sculpture. There are only 15 spots available — so RSVP fast.

Friday, May 25

Untitled Final Fridays

Photo courtesy of Denver Art Museum on Facebook

When: May 25, 6 – 10 p.m. 

Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver 

Cost: $8 – $13 at the door

The Lowdown: Denver Art Museum presents Untitled Final Fridays. The event features comedy, music, live visuals and more. You can also participate in a Smash Brothers tournament, an improv workshop and participate in a myriad of art workshops. You can sip on drinks and snack on food from Barbed Wire Reef food truck during the event.

A Word About Words

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Photo by Hayley Krichels

When: May 25, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. 

Where: RedLine Denver, 2350 Arapahoe St., Denver 

Cost: Free RSVP here

The Lowdown: Take a deeper look into language at A Word About Words. The workshop presents a way for you to gain awareness on how to communicate more effectively and more inclusively. You can learn about language binaries and how to navigate them properly.

GOATS IN RINO

Photo Courtesy of Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary‎ on Facebook

When: May 25, 6 – 10 p.m. 

Where: LFX Filmworks, 1701 31st St., Denver 

Cost: $12 get tickets here

The Lowdown: Watch a showing of Labyrinth at “Goats in RiNo.” The event features the film screening with baby goats and other cute animals surrounding you. You can arrive at 6 p.m., with your own chairs to set up and then snag some food from the approved treat stand to give to the goats. Then, just sit back, relax and enjoy the goats (oh, and the movie too).

Double Feature

Photo Courtesy of Denver Mart Drive In‎ on Facebook

When: May 25 – June 3, 7 p.m. 

Where: Denver Mart Drive In, 451 E 58th Ave., Denver 

Cost: $10 – $60 get tickets here

The Lowdown: Experience a Double Feature of Solo: The Star Wars Story and Avengers: Infinity War. Denver Mart Drive In holds the double viewing that you can drive in and relax at. Get your inner nerd on and start your journey at sundown.

Saturday, May 26

Denver Arts Festival

Photo courtesy of Denver Arts Festival on Facebook

When: May 26 – 27, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Where: Conservatory Green at Stapleton, E 49th Pl., Denver

Cost: Free

The Lowdown: The Denver Arts Festival is back for the 20th year in a row. You can peruse a selection of fine art and fine crafts from Colorado artists and national artists. The art festival is one of the biggest art events in the nation so you will not want to miss it.

READ: 21 Outdoor Art Events to Attend in Colorado this Summer

Gothic Takeover at Lakeside

Things to do this weekend in Denver, This weekend in denver, denver, 303 magazine, tyler harvey, what to do in denver
Photo courtesy of Lakeside.

When: May 26, 1 – 11 p.m. 

Where: Lakeside Amusement Park, 4601 Sheridan Blvd., Denver 

Cost: $3 at the door

The Lowdown: If you love living the gothic lifestyle you need to attend a Gothic Takeover of Lakeside Amusement Park. Dress in your best gothic garb and celebrate with vintage carnival vibes. You can have pictures taken and ride on a goth train on the Oriental Express.

Block Party

Photo Courtesy of Youth on Record on Facebook

When: May 26, 12 – 5 p.m.

Where: Youth on Record, 1301 W 10th Ave., Denver 

Cost: Free admission

The Lowdown: Youth on Record host a Block Party. You can listen to live music from local musicians, Youth on Record students and more. You can also see a live performance from Athena Project and grab food and drinks to delight in while you party.

Sweet William Market

Photo Courtesy Stapleton MCA‎ on Facebook

When: May 26, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Where: Founders Green, 7601 E 29th Ave., Denver 

Cost: Free admission

The Lowdown: Shop for the best vintage and uncommon treasures at the Sweet William Market. You can peruse vintage, antique and art vendors at the market and find the perfect item for yourself or others.  

The Couch Lab

Photo courtesy of Spectra Art Space on Facebook

When: May 26, 8 p.m. – 2 p.m. 

Where: Spectra Art Space, 1836 S Broadway, Denver

Cost: $10 – $15 get tickets here

The Lowdown: Spectra Art Space presents The Couch Lab. The second installment of The Couch Lab features a night of house music and art. You can listen to a variety of house music styles (like tech house, bass house and minimal) and explore the gallery. You can also imbibe in free drinks with the price of a ticket, while supplies last.

Denver Day of Rock

Photo Courtesy of Maggie Rose‎ on Facbook

When: May 26, 5 – 6 p.m. 

Where: 16th Street Mall, Champa St., Denver 

Cost: Free – $250 get tickets here

The Lowdown: Jam out at Denver Day of Rock. The event features five stages of live music all along the 16th Street Mall. The one-day music festival raises funds for non-profits around Denver.

Of The Moment

Photo Courtesy of Leon on Facebook

When: May 26, 7 – 10 p.m. 

Where: Leon, 1112E 17th Ave., Denver 

Cost: Free admission

The Lowdown: Leon presents Of The Moment. The event series ends with a performance from artists Tobias Fike and Matthew Harris. Harris and Fike will perform “Pop”, which is comprised of the two dueling with needle-tipped swords as they try to pop inflated body parts.

Sunday, May 27

Fluid Art

Photo Courtesy of Kristina Thayer‎ on Facebook

When: May 27, 3 – 6 p.m. 

Where: Candelaria – Maker’s Studio

Cost: $40 get tickets here

The Lowdown: Learn how to create a masterpiece at Fluid Art. The workshop features a guided course on how to paint by dirty pouring without the use of brushes. All materials are provided as well as light snacks and drinks. Be sure to wear clothes that can get messy.

iMarble

Photo Courtesy of Eventbrite for Organizers on Facebook

When: May 27, 2 – 6 p.m. 

Where: Spectra Art Space, 1836 S Broadway, Denver 

Cost: $15 get tickets here

The Lowdown: Try your hand at water marbling at iMarble. The class features a chance to dip an item into a ready design and then have your own chance to create a design to dip into. No prior experience is required for the class. Refreshments are provided.

Star Wars Trivia

Photo Courtesy of Monkey Barrel‎ on Facebook

When: May 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Where: Monkey Barrel, 4401 Tejon St., Denver 

Cost: Free admission

The Lowdown: Monkey Barrel presents Star Wars Trivia. Excalibur Mobile Entertainment hosts the night of nerddom. You can also sip on craft beer starting at $3 and grab giveaways. You can also win prizes during the trivia.

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Mark Your Calendars

God Save the Queens

When: May 28, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. 

Where: Hi-Dive Denver, 7 S Broadway, Denver 

Cost: Free admission

Mirus Gallery (Second) Grand Opening 

When: June 1, 7 – 10 p.m. 

Where: Mirus Gallery Denver, 1144 Broadway, Denver 

Cost: Free register here

Bodies⁵

When: June 2, 6 – 9 p.m. 

Where: Abend Gallery, 1412 Wazee St. Unit 1, Denver

Cost: Free admission

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