May flowers are blooming and Denver has some great events to keep you from wilting. Kick off your weekend with the best local musicians at 303 Music Fest and end it by sipping and shopping at Big Wonderful. Whatever you end up doing, make sure to a look at this roundup of events in Denver.
Thursday, May 17
303 Music Fest
When: May 17, 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: The Church Nightclub, 1160 Lincoln St., Denver
Cost: $15 with promo code 303FRIENDS. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: We are throwing the first ever 303 Music Fest this Thursday night at The Church on South Broadway. This will be one music fest you do not want to miss as we’ve got a little something for everyone. From a Colorado Superjam to a silent disco featuring multiple Colorado DJs – we’ve got you covered with all local music to praise our local music scene. Passes are still available for this one-of-a-kind event, and we here at 303 would absolutely love to see you there. – Words by Michael Tritsch
Noche De Museo
When: May 17, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Candela, 1691 Central St., Denver
Cost: $80 – $160 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Museo De Las Americas celebrates Latino art and culture with Noche de Museo — their annual fundraising fiesta. You can dance to live music, participate in a live auction and a silent auction and more. The night honors Latino culture and gives you a deeper experience of the cultural programming available in Denver, all in a setting that regularly pays homage to Latin America. Plus, the dessert is a churro in a shot glass, and who can say no to that?
READ: Denver Fashion Show Celebrates Chicana Culture and Style as Resistance
Harry Potter-thon
When: May 17 – 19, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
Cost: $9.95 get tickets here
The Lowdown: The Harry Potter-thon continues this weekend with three showings of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. You can dive into the magical wizarding world and see how Harry Potter and his friends Ron and Hermoine fight for the life of Sirius Black, Harry’s godfather.
Emerging Filmmakers Project
When: May 17, 8 – 10 p.m.
Where: The Emerging Filmmakers Project, 3654 Navajo St., Denver
Cost: $5 at the door
The Lowdown: Watch some indie films at the Emerging Filmmakers Project. The showcase is presented every third Thursday of the month and hosted by volunteers from the local film communities. Support local indie filmmakers and see some great films for only $5.
Deadpool Double Feature
When: May 17, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Alamo Drafthouse Denver, 4255 W Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: $20 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Delight in a Deadpool Double Feature. You can see the infamous superhero in not only Deadpool but also Deadpool 2. Ryan Reynolds plays the naughty crime-fighting character who fills the film with dirty humor, gore and more. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours soon.
Friday, May 18
Happy City: Art for the People
When: May 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Denver Union Station’s Plaza and Great Hall, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
Cost: Free and open to public
The Lowdown: Denver has an art intervention with Happy City: Art For the People. You can see art installations from local, national and international artists. The artists include Stuart Semple, Alexander Schauss, Matt Barton and more. Many of the art installations will present themselves throughout a six-week time frame throughout Denver.
READ: Everything You Need to Know About “Happy City” Transforming Denver
The Whisky Extravaganza
When: May 18, 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, 1111 14th St., Denver
Cost: $135 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Learn more about whisky and sip on the best pours at The Whisky Extravaganza — a traveling tasting show that’s been around since 2000. You can sample some of the best whiskeys, cocktails, whisky-inspired bites and more during a masterclass taught by industry experts.
FUNK CLUB!
When: May 18, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Where: Syntax Physic Opera, 554 S Broadway, Denver
Cost: $6 at the door
The Lowdown: Get down and funky at FUNK CLUB! The event features a dance party full of ’70s and ’80s classics. DJ Jason Heller, DJ Dogboy and Fred Schneider of The B-52’s will spin only vinyl 45s. Be ready to dance the night out and funk it up.
Park Hill Art Festival
When: May 18, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. May 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Park Hill Masonic Lodge grounds, 4819 E Montview Blvd., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: The Park Hill Art Festival is back for the fifth year in a row. You can explore 80 different fine artists presenting all variants of mediums such as watercolor paintings, stone sculptures and raku ceramics. You can peruse the art and meet the artists who created them.
Yoga in the Park
When: May 18, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Graham-Bible House, 20th and York St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Stretch out and pose at Yoga in the Park. You can meet with others for the first session of the season. The class features a sunset vinyasa flow for all levels and a picnic dinner to follow. Make sure to bring your own mat and bring food to share for the picnic.
Woke Up Stand Up
When: May 18, 8 – 10 p.m.
Where: Woke Up Stand Up, 2199 California St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Listen to some hilarious comedy at Woke Up Stand Up. The event features acts from Basil Faraj, Gabby Gutierrez-Reed and Byron F. Graham. Anyone who loves comedy can attend and it is all for free.
Saturday, May 19
Colfax Marathon
When: May 19 – 20, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: $43 – $139 register here
The Lowdown: Lace up your shoes and run in the 13th Colfax Marathon — Denver’s only marathon. You can choose to run in the marathon, half marathon, 10 miles, or 5k. You can also choose a charity to raise funds for when you register. The race will lead you around Denver on the longest main street in America and give the ultimate tour on your feet, connecting major iconic landmarks.
Craft Beer and Cheesecake Pairing
When: May 19, 12 – 2 p.m.
Where: Alpine Dog Brewing Company, 1505 Ogden St., Denver
Cost: $25 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Alpine Dog Brewing Company Partners with Freshcraft for a Craft Beer and Cheesecake Pairing. You can indulge in three cheesecakes paired with three 8oz beers. You can also sip on an additional pour of your choice before the pairing and have a chance to win a crowler.
Five Points Jazz Festival
When: May 19, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: 27th & Welton Station, 2720 Welton St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Celebrate all things jazz at the Five Points Jazz Festival. You can learn the history of Five Points, hear music from jazz bands on eight stages and more. You can also dig into food and drinks to cool you down as you tap your feet.
The 6th Annual Whiskey Throwdown & Doughnut Showdown
When: May 19, 2 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Rock Drill, 1717 E 39th Ave., Denver
Cost: $30 – $65 tickets available here
The Lowdown: If you love whiskey and sugary treats you need to check out The 6th Annual Whiskey Throwdown & Doughnut Showdown. You can sip on local pours, local pastries and raise funds for Minds Matter of Denver. You can sample from more than 25 vendors for a great cause.
Jefferson Park Farm & Flea Market
When: May 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Jefferson Park Farm & Flea, 2500 Federal Blvd., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Shop until you have found the perfect find at the Jefferson Park Farm & Flea Market. You can peruse more than 70 makers of all kinds, listen to live music, delight in food from food trucks and more. Attending a flea is the perfect weekend pickup.
READ: 12 Flea Markets Not to Miss This Spring and Summer
Spring Tequila Tasting Festival
When: May 19, 4 – 6 p.m.
Where: Blake Street Tavern, 2301 Blake St., Denver
Cost: $20 – $100 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Sip on the best tequilas at a Spring Tequila Tasting Festival. You can meet tequila brand reps and taste 15 samples of tequila. You can also snag giveaways, vote for your favorite brand and more. A portion of the proceeds will go towards a local charity.
Patio Party
When: May 19, 4:20 8 p.m.
Where: Vine Street Pub & Brewery, 1700 Vine St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Vine Street Pub & Brewery celebrates its 10th anniversary with a Patio Party. You can sip on a cold beer and bite on burgers and brats on the patio while listening to live music. The proceeds from the event go towards Project Angel Heart.
Jackalope Art Fair
When: May 19 – 20, 10 a.m.
Where: McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W Colfax, Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Peruse more than 150 different artisans at the Jackalope Art Fair. You can explore a ton of art and find the best handmade items. Proceeds from the bar and donations at the event will benefit Zane Beadles Parade Foundation. You can also donate new art supplies to the foundation at the fair.
Sunday, May 20
Goodness
When: May 20, 3 – 9 p.m.
Where: The Meadowlark, 2701 Larimer St., Denver
Cost: $10 at the door
The Lowdown: The Meadowlark hosts Goodness. The event features music from DJ Low Key with special guests DJ Slot-A, DJ Spider and Kayla Marque. If you are one of the first 25 people to ask, you can receive a #GDNSS enamel pin. Also if you wear a Goodness button or other Goodness gear you can get in with no cover before 6 p.m.
ThriftCon
When: May 20, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Industry RiNo Station, 3858 Walnut St., Denver
Cost: $5 – $25 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Shop vintage and collectibles at ThriftCon. You can shop from more than 35 vendors and find the best vintage items to add to your collections. This is Denver’s first vintage and collectible convention to hit the public. If you love finding unusual old things, you will love ThriftCon.
Harvey Milk Boozy Brunch
When: May 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: There Denver, 3254 Navajo St., Denver
Cost: $55 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Support the local LGBTQ+ community at a Harvey Milk Boozy Brunch. The brunch features bottomless mimosas, breakfast bites, coffee and more. You can help raise funds for LGBTQ+ legislation and hear from local advocates on how to improve Denver and become a better ally to the community.
Yoga in the Galleries
When: May 20, 8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St., Denver
Cost: $20 – $25 get tickets here
The Lowdown: Let the weekly stresses go at Yoga in the Galleries. You can bend and flow in the Cleon Peterson exhibit for an hour while observing the art. All levels are welcome. The ticket profits will go towards a local organization that helps victims of domestic violence.
Bocce Ball Tournament
When: May 20, 3 – 6 p.m.
Where: Rhein Haus, 1415 Market St., Denver
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Rhein Haus hosts a Bocce Ball Tournament. You can flex your bocce skills and compete against others to win. If you aren’t feeling the bocce game, you can also watch and cheer on your favorite team and sip on a cold brew to keep you cool.
Alpine Dog Brewery & Johnny Cupcakes Pop-Up
When: May 20, 1 – 4 p.m.
Where: Alpine Dog Brewing Company, 1505 N Ogden St., Denver
Cost: Free register here
The Lowdown: Sip on a brew and dive into some sweet bakes at an Alpine Dog Brewery & Johnny Cupcakes Pop-Up. The pop-up features cupcakes and gear from Johnny Cupcakes as well as cold beers to imbibe on. You can snag some sick finds and delight in a free gift and raffle.
Big Wonderful
When: May 20, 12 – 1 p.m.
Where: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
Cost: Free admission
The Lowdown: Stanley Marketplace hosts the Big Wonderful. You can shop and explore craft vendors, live music and more. You can also delight in food and beer while you peruse the vendors. The beerfest, bazaar and bluegrass combination will make for a wonderful adventure.
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Mark Your Calendars
Temple Grandin
When: May 21, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada
Cost: $35 tickets available here
Royal Opera House: Macbeth
When: May 23, 7 – 10 p.m.
Where: Landmark’s Chez Artiste Theatre, 2800 S Colorado Blvd., Denver
Cost: $15 tickets available here
Denver Arts Festival
When: May 26, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Conservatory Green at Stapleton, E 49th Pl., Denver
Cost: Free
What about next week? I’ll be flying in from Florida on the 25th.
Check the “Mark your calendars” section at the bottom! Also we release week long lists on Monday and the weekend list comes out every Wednesday. You can also check out our event calendar here: https://303magazine.com/calendar/