Saddle up for sombreros and derby hats! Denver is bringing the fiesta and the finish line this weekend with the Cinco de Mayo Festival and Mini Derby. Not only that, but the City Park Farmers Market makes its debut and will stay until October. Top off the weekend with the annual Chalk Lines and Vines event.
When: May 10 – 18
Where: The Brighton – A NPU Venue – 3403 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
Cost: $35+
Two Friends
Two Friends comprises Eli Sones and Matthew Halper, an American DJ/producer duo from LA. They are popular for their hour-long “Big Bootie” mixes. Laszewo, MC4D and Beachcrimes will open.
Photo credit Two Friends
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell is a songwriter who originally was part of Drive-By Truckers. He released his first album with The 400 Unit in 2009. This March, Isbell released folk album Foxes in the Snow. They are at the Mission Ballroom Thursday, followed by a Red Rocks show tomorrow.
Photo credit Jason Isbell And the 400 Unit
Turnover
Turnover is performing their iconic 2015 album Peripheral Vision in full at Red Rocks as a celebration of its 10 year anniversary. They will be joined by Tigers Jaw and Balance and Composure.
Photo credit Turnover
Citizen Soldier
Rock band Citizen Soldier takes to the Fillmore stage for The Semicolon Tour with special guests 10 Years, Thousand Below and Nerv. The band formulated while in a psychiatric hospital in 2016, where Jake Segura wrote “Let It Burn,” their first single, released in 2017.
Photo credit Citizen Soldier
CHIODOS
Chiodos, a post-hardcore band released Alls Well That Ends Well in 2005. They are headed to the Fillmore to celebrate 20 years of the album after rescheduling. The band has rotated members throughout the years, now with Craig Owens, Mitch Rogers, Blake Hardman, Nick Ventimiglia and Nick Clemenson.
Photo credit Ticketmaster
Mile High Asian Food Week
Indulge in Colorado’s growing AANHPI culinary scene with different cuisines from an array of vendors this week. Participating businesses will be offering insider perks like special discounts, secret menu items, specialty menus and more. View the vendors here.
Photo credit Mile High Asian Food Week
Helles on the Half Shell with the Shuck Brothers
On the first and third Thursday of the month, Bierstadt Lagerhaus is hosting this event with fresh oysters and Maine lobster rolls from the Shuck Brothers. Snack on a half-dozen oysters on the half shell and a Helles for $20.
Photo credit Bierstadt Lagerhaus
Happy Hour has gone to the Dogs
Bring your best friend along to Spirit Hound Distillers for the perfect chance to mix and mingle with other dog lovers and their pets. Puppy trail mix is included.
Photo credit Spirit Hound Distillers
City Park Farmers Market
The City Park Farmers Market is returning for the season. Stop by any Saturday through Oct. 26 for local food, live music or a grass patch to hang out on with the community during the sunny weekends.
Photo credit City Park Farmers Market
Chalk Lines and Vines
Arapahoe County’s annual spring wine and chalk art festival is here with over 21 event features like wine samples from Colorado wineries, live chalk artists, bands throughout the day, shopping, food trucks, fun activities and more.
Photo credit Arapahoe County Fair & Event Center
Climate Storytelling Workshop
This writing workshop is focused on writing about climate. During the class, attendees will examine how writers use story as a tool for social change and explore climate writing in all its forms. The workshop will include generative writing time, reflection and discussion with instructor Carly Schmidt, the Director of Membership & Communications at River Network.
Photo credit Petals & Pages of Denver
Tina Fey & Amy Poehler
Longtime friends and comedy powerhouses Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have banded together for the Restless Leg Tour. Attendees can expect joint standup, along with some sketch and improv comedy. Laughs are sure to be had with these two at Red Rocks.
Photo credit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
First Friday
Come along to Stanley Marketplace for First Friday. Curious Jane will be on-site to help guests customize hats, bags and necklaces with patches and iron letters.
Photo credit Curious Jane
The Denver Mini Derby
During the Mini Derby, watch the Run for the Roses on a massive viewing screen, followed by the Famous Mini Horse and Corgi Races in person. There will be a live band and DJ, along with BBQ & gourmet food options, an open bar and best dressed contests.
Photo credit Drink Denver
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Celebrate the largest and longest-standing regional Cinco de Mayo festival in Colorado with contests, non-stop entertainment across three stages, food vendors and merchandise from local artisans. There will be Chihuahua Races, a taco eating contest and a lowrider car show, just to name a few exciting events.