Witness the kick-off parade of the National Western Stock Show with over 30 Longhorn cattle walking the downtown Denver streets, emulating a true cattle drive and celebrating Colorado’s western traditions. In the theme of western life, go hear some mountain music from The Infamous Stringdusters at Mission Ballroom. There is also free-spirited Rum crafting class at Osteria Marco, the Colorado Bridal Show and plenty more events to keep busy with in Denver this weekend.

Read: This Week In Concerts — Rod Wave, The Infamous Stringdusters, Motifv, DJ Seinfeld & More

Chris Beck Album Release

When: Jan. 8, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Where: Dazzle, 1080 14th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $20
The Lowdown: Denver-based pianist and composer Chris Beck is releasing his debut album Still Here. Come to Dazzle for some jazz fusion and to celebrate Beck’s release. It will feature Beck on piano and keyboards, Dave Devine on guitar, George Horn on drums and Kevin Johnson on bass.
Buy tickets here

The Panhandlers

When: Jan. 9, 8 p.m.
Where: Gothic Theatre, 3263 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO
Cost: $40.42
The Lowdown: Texas country supergroup, The Panhandlers is comprised of Josh Abbott, John Baumann, William Clark Green and Cleto Cordero. Their songs are “vignettes of West Texas life,” said Cordero. Their sound includes pedal steel, fiddle, banjo, dobro, guitar and percussion. In 2023, they released the 14-track Tough Country.
Buy tickets here

Thee Sacred Souls

When: Jan. 10, 8 p.m.
Where: Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO
Cost: $55.05
The Lowdown: Thee Sacred Souls is an R&B/Soul band consisting of Josh Lane (lead vocals), Sal Samano (bass), Shay Stulz (guitar), Viane Escobar (background vocals), Alex Garcia (drums), Riley Dunn (piano/keys) and Astyn Turrentine (background vocals). In October of 2024, the band released Got a Story to Tell. They are at the Mission Ballroom for the Live For You Tour.
Buy tickets here

The Infamous Stringdusters

When: Jan. 11, 6:45 p.m.
Where: Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO
Cost: $57.68
The Lowdown: The Infamous Stringdusters have been together since 2006 when they formed in Nashville, Tennessee and released a five-song EP CD. They’ve been nominated for four Grammy Awards and won one in 2018 for The Laws of Gravity as Best Bluegrass Album. Catch their Colorado leg of the run at the Mission Ballroom.
Buy tickets here

Mozart & Now with Peter Oundjian

When: Jan. 12, 1 p.m.
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $15 – $110
The Lowdown: Friday through Sunday, Mozart & Now will have three unique performances that contrasts the music of Mozart alongside contemporary works of today’s composers. Music Director Designate Peter Oundjian will conduct the Colorado Symphony. The performance repertoire is available at the ticket link as well.
Buy tickets here


Glass Half Full – Wine Wednesday For Women
When: Jan. 8, 4 p.m.
Where: Reivers Bar and Grill, 1085 S. Gaylord St., Denver, CO
Cost: $23.18
The Lowdown: This event is a monthly business networking event designed for professional women. Connect with other women in conversation — whether you are an entrepreneur, executive or aspiring leader, you are welcome to join in on this evening of curated wines and idea sharing.
Buy tickets here

Sourdough Thursdays
When: Jan. 9, 2 p.m.
Where: Curate Mercantile, 8242 S. University Blvd. #150, Centennial, CO
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Aimee, the owner of Aimee’s Creekside Sourdough will bring in a supply of her freshly baked goods each Thursday while goods last. The menu rotates weekly but you can expect to find things like sourdough breads, focaccias, scones, cookies, granola and other treats. While there, browse the other 100+ local vendors.

Little Man Ice Cream – Ice Cream Making Classes
When: Jan. 10, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Little Man Ice Cream Factory, 4411 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Cost: $133.63
The Lowdown: Satisfy your sweet tooth craving with family or a friend at Little Man Ice Cream Factory. Guests will be assisted in preparing, labeling, spinning, quarting up and finishing their very own ice cream with 15 different mix-ins. There are several dates with various flavor profiles. Jan. 10 will feature Vanilla.
Buy tickets here

Unleash Your “Free” Spirit

When: Jan. 11, 2 p.m.
Where: Osteria Marco, 1453 Larimer St., Denver, CO
Cost: $100/person
The Lowdown: Osteria Marco is supporting all of the Denverites going through Dry January who might be craving some of the flavors from your favorite cocktails. They will teach guests how to make their own free-spirited Rum during an hour-long class. Snacks are included while crafting the Rum, and you will get to take home a bottle for yourself, along with a recipe book to make free-spirited cocktails.
Buy tickets here

Liquid Inspiration: A Cocktail Endeavor

When: Jan. 12, 6 p.m.
Where: The Broken Cage Social Cocktail Parlor, 2420 17th St. #103, Denver, CO
Cost: $40
The Lowdown: With reservation, guests will receive preferred seating, three cocktails (one welcome drink teaser plus two offerings from the menu), a small donation for Metro caring and a possible surprise. The cocktails will be made with Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse products.
Buy tickets here


Interrogation: True Crime Stories

When: Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $14
The Lowdown: “Interrogation” is a performance where comedians will tell their own true crime stories and sit down at the interrogation table for questioning. Audience members will be in charge of getting to the bottom of the case and will also be able to text their own crimes in to be read on stage as well.
Buy tickets here

National Western Stock Show Kick-Off Parade

When: Jan. 9, 12 p.m.
Where: Start at Union Station at 17th St., end 17th and Glenarm Pl., Denver, CO
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: View over 30 Longhorn cattle walk through the streets of downtown Denver as the National Western Stock Show kicks off. Denverites will get to celebrate Colorado’s western traditions and a true western cattle drive with horses, cowboys, cowgirls, tractors, marching bands and floats. The parade kicks off the 16-day livestock show.

Heart Strings by Lilian Lara and MCA Denver Teens

When: Through Feb. 2 (closed Mondays)
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St., Denver, CO
Cost: Free – $14 for museum admission
The Lowdown: Heart Strings comments on how today’s world is affected by the presence of artificial intelligence, especially in spaces that should be reserved for humans, and its effects on our perception. The exhibition is “artists’ portrayal of real, authentic human connection (shown by anatomy) viewed through the lens of AI and technology distorting our world.”
Buy tickets here

Worldbuilding 101
When: Jan. 11, 2 – 6 p.m.
Where: Tattered Cover Colfax, 2526 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Interested in taking your writing to the next level? Consider attending this Sci-Fi/Fantasy Masterclass of Worldbuilding 101: Creating a Relevant and Believable World for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Stories. Four local independent authors will share their knowledge of the Sci-Fi/Fantasy writing world through presentations, followed by a Q&A and meet and greet. Presenting authors Marisa E. Cardin, Michael Brockbank, Thomas Fowler and Maddi Bluhme will be there for 30 minutes each and help attendees build their own stories
Reserve a spot here

Colorado Bridal Show
When: Jan. 12, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, 321 17th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $11.54 – $49
The Lowdown: A wedding season is filled with magic, fashion and numerous decisions. Head into the Colorado Bridal Show to shop local wedding professionals, get show-only pricing, receive vendor prize giveaways, preview sample reception tables to get ideas for your own wedding, register for a romantic honeymoon at Mountain Lodge Telluride and more wedding-themed gifts.
Buy tickets here