Denver Upcoming, Fun Weekend Events

You could spend this weekend stressing about whether or not you bought enough cranberry sauce (you did, one can is totally enough). Or you could spend it pre-gaming for the big feast next week. We vote for pre-gaming. So go forth and shop local, party Meow Wolf-style at Dark Palace, or sample all the dark beers with Wynkoop. And if you’re a real food overachiever, squeeze in a BBQ Friendsgiving feast where you can argue about what side is REALLY the best! 

You’ve got a few days before your overly-opinionated cousin Tevin shows up, so take advantage of the free time and have some good old fashioned family-free fun this weekend. 

Shop the Botanic Garden’s Winter Gift Market

Thursday, November 21-Saturday, November 23
Denver Botanic Gardens
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind presents for everyone on your list, this market is the place to be. Featuring vendors selling handcrafted items like jewelry, clothing, pottery, and more, there are plenty of locally-made gifts to browse. The Gardens Guild will also be selling its herbal vinegars and seasonings for the foodies in your life. 
Cost: Market and garden admission is free for this event

Sip beers and spot a sasquatch at the 4th annual National Yeti Day celebration

Friday, November 22
Great Divide Barrel Bar 
The elusive Yeti is legendary and so is Great Divide’s Yeti beer -- although you won’t have to hide out in the wilderness to spot the latter. This annual event features a dozen varieties of Yeti on tap along with giveaways and raffles, eats from the Radical Sasquatch Dumpling Company, and a legit Yeit (beer) cave for prime photo opps. You may even spot a sasquatch in its natural habitat...
Cost: Depends how much beer you drink

Dance all night at Meow Wolf’s Dark Palace

Friday, November 22 - Sunday, November 24
National Western Complex
In case you missed it, Santa Fe’s immersive art experience, Meow Wolf, is opening a new experience in Denver in 2021, but they’re not waiting until then to bring their brand of creativity to the Mile High. Get a preview at this weekend long dance party/art spectacle.
Cost: Single day tickets for Friday & Saturday are $49.95; Sunday is $29.95

Kick off the holidays at the Cherry Creek Tree Lighting

Saturday, November 23
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Who says you have to wait until after Thanksgiving to put up holiday decorations? Much like your neighbors, Cherry Creek doesn’t play by those rules. They’re kicking things off this weekend with the illumination of their 60’ tree along with treats like hot cocoa, live entertainment, and an indoor after-party. 
Cost: Free to attend

Pregame for Turkey Day at All You Can Drink Almost Thanksgiving

Saturday, November 23
Jackson’s Denver
Before you spend a whole day cooking next week, spend a whole night drinking at this open bar event. Your ticket scores you all the drinks you want from 9pm-12:30am. And what pairs best with an all-you-can-drink party? A silent disco, duh. Everyone knows you’re totally a way better dancer after that third cocktail. 
Cost: $30

Have a Friendsgiving feast, BBQ-style

Saturday, November 23
Sm�k at The Source Hotel
Turkey and stuffing is great, but smoked turkey and brisket and burnt ends and mac & cheese is better. Especially when you don’t even have to do the dishes. SmÅ�k is offering a special Friendsgiving platter menu for two days only, so gather your nearest and dearest and indulge in a feast before the feast. Punch bowl cocktails will also be available to pair with your meals. 
Cost: A feast for four is $70; for six, $115

Sip unlimited brews at Wynkoop’s Day of Darks

Saturday, November 23
Wynkoop Brewing Co.
Over 30 breweries will be bringing their best dark beers to this fest. Tickets include commemorative glassware that you’ll fill with unlimited samples along with chocolatey treats to pair with the selections. 
Cost: General admission tickets are $50

Watch the bubbles flow at the Brown Palace’s 32nd annual Champagne Cascade

Sunday, November 24
The Brown Palace
Sabering a bottle of champagne is objectively cool (but only if you can do it on the first try). Watching a master do it and THEN pour those bubbles onto a pyramid made from 6,000 glasses is next level, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. This longtime tradition continues with a special new addition, Avalanche legend Joe Sakic on deck to pour the champagne. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Cost: General admission tickets for atrium viewing are $25 for adults

Find unique gifts at the Sugar Plum Bazaar

Saturday, November 23 - Sunday, November 24
The Denver Mart
If you get all your holiday shopping done this weekend, you can skip the Black Friday craziness. I know it’s hard to think about, but it’s totally doable. If you can muster the wherewithal, head to this market featuring nearly 150 vendors with all kinds of handmade and vintage goods.
Cost: Register ahead of time for a free ticket

See The Lumineers' Neyla Pekarek perform her solo "Folk Opera" Rattlesnake

Sunday, November 24
The Bluebird Theater 
You may have seen her rocking the cello at a Lumineers show, but for this outing, Neyla Pekarek is showing off her solo effort, a folk album inspired by a real life Colorado pioneer woman named Rattlesnake Kate. 
Cost: Tickets start at $19.50