The weather is heating up and Denver has some chill events to keep you cool. Kick off your weekend by learning a skillful craft at Introduction to Crochet and end it by sipping wine and shopping at an Urban Market. Whatever you make of your time, make sure to take a peek at this roundup of events in Denver.
Thursday, May 3
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.
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.
LiveWell Turns 10
When: May 3, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: The GrowHaus, 4751 York St., Denver
Cost: $10 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Help a beneficial, local nonprofit celebrate at LiveWell Turns 10. LiveWell is an organization that works with other local organizations to bring food justice to our communities. GrowHaus partners with LiveWell for this event where you can take a tour of its indoor farm and Mercado de al Lado. You can sip on a cocktail and nibble on hors-d’oeuvres as you honor LiveWell.
Gin Doctors
When: May 3, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: The Infinite Monkey Theorem, 3200 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: The Infinite Monkey Theorem hosts a Gin Doctors take over. You can party to nostalgic ’90s jams from the throwback band Gin Doctors and sip on delightful wine. The party is held on the outdoor patio if the weather cooperates.
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
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.
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.
Star Wars After Dark
When: May 4, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E Academy Blvd., Denver
Cost: $25 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Transport yourself to another universe at Star Wars After Dark. The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum opens for a Star Wars themed party for the best May 4th you can imagine. Dress up in your best Star Wars garb and immerse yourself in the nerddom. If you purchase your tickets early, you have a chance to win a seat in the X-Wing (which won’t be open to the public at this event).
Midnight Madness
When: May 4 – 5, 11:59 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Landmark’s Esquire Theatre, 590 Downing St., Denver
Cost: $9.50 get tickets here
The Lowdown: If you are an anime fan you need to see the screening of Belladonna of Sadness at Midnight Madness. The film features the sad story of Jeanne, a young woman who has been raped and finds revenge after making a pact with the Devil. The film presents a soundtrack from Masahiko Satoh, an avant-garde jazz musician.
May the Fourth Be With You
When: May 4, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Declaration Brewing, 2030 S Cherokee St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Declaration Brewing presents May the Fourth Be With You. The event features a Star Wars themed day of brews and fun. All of the beer will have a new Star Wars themed name and if you dress in Star Wars cosplay you can sip on a free pint. You can also play some games, dig into food from The Jerk Truck and more.
The Heart and Soul
When: May 4, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: Museo De Las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Museo De Las Americas celebrates cultural First Fridays with The Heart and Soul. The event features beats from DJ @PAZMAP, a look at the Pachucos y Sirenas Exhibition, drinks and more. You can also catch a performance of El Mariachi Juvenil de Bryant Webster, an elementary mariachi group comprised of children from third through eighth grade.
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.
Curio’s Derby Party
When: May 5, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: The Denver Central Market, 2669 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: $40 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Sip on the best mint juleps and wear your most favorite Derby day hat at Curio’s Derby Party. You can watch a screening of the Kentucky Derby, dive into a shrimp boil, savor discounts on food and drinks and more.
SEE: 303 Street Style – The Kentucky Derby Party at Curio
Cervecería Colorado Grand Opening Fiesta
When: May 5, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Cervecería Colorado, 1635 Platte St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Spend your Cinco de Mayo at the Cervecería Colorado Grand Opening Fiesta. Cervecería Colorado opens its doors with traditional cuisine, craft beer and more. You can play Mexican games, taste rich tres leches cakes, smash a piñata and make the most of the Latino holiday.
READ: Cervecería Colorado Brings Mexico to Denver with a Latin Inspired Brewery
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.
READ: Hello Denver, My Name is DINKC
Lotería! 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 Lotería playing cards and a series of photographs presenting the game and the traditions that attributed to it.
Cinco de Mayo Dance Performance
When: May 5, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Stanley Marketplace presents a Cinco de Mayo Dance Performance. Ballet Folklorico Sol De Mi Tierra will perform live at 12 p.m. and again at 1 p.m. to keep you celebrating. Ballet Folklorico Sol De Mi Tierra is a children’s dance group created to honor Mexican heritage and help Latino children find safety and stability in dance.
MILE HIGH SOUL CLUB
When: May 5, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Syntax Physic Opera, 554 S Broadway, Denver
Cost: $5 at the door
The Lowdown: MILE HIGH SOUL CLUB is back. Be ready to shake your body and dance to music from Steve Cervantes, Tyler Jacobson and Jason Heller. You can get your ’60s dance on to the best soul, R&B and more on vinyl 45s.
KenTaco Derby
When: May 5, 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: Zeppelin Station, 3501 Wazee St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Kentucky Derby day and Cinco de Mayo collide at Kentaco Derby. You can dance to music from Extra Gold, sip on cocktails from Wild Turkey Distillery and delight in tacos from Comal Heritage Food Incubator as they fire up an Argentine-style grill. You can also dig into BBQ from ¡un Solamente de Colorado! and purchase items from A Small Print Shop during the party.
Avanti’s Derby Day Celebration
When: May 5, 12 – 5 p.m.
Where: Avanti F&B, a collective eatery, 3200 Pecos St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Don your best big hat for Avanti’s Derby Day Celebration. The event features a contest that gives you a chance to win prizes for the best dressed and best Derby hat, a screening of the race and beats from a DJ to dance to. You can sip on a signature Baller Julep and special Woodford Reserve bourbon and rye.
Cinco de Mayo Pinche
When: May 5, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Tacos Tequila Whiskey, 3300 W 32nd Ave., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Delight in street tacos, margaritas, beer and more at Cinco de Mayo Pinche. The event features a party in the Pinche parking lot with a liquor locker raffle, giveaways and more. You can also listen to a mariachi band and win a costume contest during the day.
Kentucky de Mayo
When: May 5, 12 – 8 p.m.
Where: Blackbird Denver, 305 S Downing St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Blackbird Denver hosts Kentucky de Mayo. You can create a team of four people to race against other teams in a gallop and gulp stickhorse event. If your team wins, you will receive the golden sombrero. If you aren’t feeling like galloping on a racetrack, you can sip on craft beer, play other games and watch the races. Register your team here.
Jammin’ Chihuahua Races
When: May 5, 2 – 4 p.m.
Where: Denver’s Civic Center Park, Colfax and Bannock St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Watch or have your pup participate in the Jammin’ Chihuahua Races. Jammin’ 101.5 hosts the 8th Annual event where little chihuahuas will race to the finish for the chance of winning a $250 prize in cash, a doggie “spaw” day and a trophy. Register your chihuahua here.
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 including some from Shake Shack. The event will also hosts a pop-up record shop with Vinyl Me, Please that you can explore.
Urban Market
When: May 6, 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: The Infinite Monkey Theorem, 3200 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: The Infinite Monkey Theorem presents its first Urban Market. You can sip on two for one mimosas, peruse a market of vendors and more. The market includes Little Shop of Floral, M.H. Pike’s Vintage and Elevate Bodywork + Massage. You can also snag some sweet wine deals while you shop.
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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.