Denver Fun, Upcoming Weekend Events

Spring is so, so close, but in the meantime, get out from under the blanket and into the fun. This weekend is jam packed with an early morning coffee and beer (and bacon) fest, a Mardi Gras party with the world’s smallest Mardi Gras parade, and the beginning of Denver Restaurant Week. Not enticing enough? How about a Casa Bonita-themed art show or sock puppet karaoke (yes, that’s real). Things are getting a little weird in Denver this weekend and you should be a part of it. So go forth and eat and drink like it’s already 65 degrees and sunny, you deserve it.

Dine out during Denver Restaurant Week

Friday, February 21-Sunday, March 1
Various locations
It’s time to eat your way through the Mile High with multi-course prix fixe menus available all over town. Browse the menus to find your perfect fit -- there are more than 250 restaurants participating this year.
Cost: $25, $35, or $45 per person depending where you dine

Check out a Casa Bonita-themed art show

Friday, February 21
Next Gallery
For the 3rd year in a row, local artists will pay homage to a Denver icon in all it’s cliff diving, sopapilla-serving glory. Viva Casa Bonita opens this weekend with a Friday night party from 6-10pm featuring drinks, art, and yes -- sopapillas, of course. 
Cost: Free to attend

See comedian Adam Cayton-Holland live

Friday, February 21
Ratio Beerworks
You may know him from the TV show Those Who Can't on TruTV, or maybe as co-founder of The Grawlix, or possibly as the author of Tragedy Plus Time: A Tragi-Comic Memoir...basically Adam Cayton-Holland is a very busy, very funny guy and he’s performing this free show to celebrate the vinyl release of his album, Adam Cayton-Holland Performs His Signature Bits. He’ll be bringing along some surprise guests for a night of laughs and brews.
Cost: Free

Do sock puppet karaoke at a museum

Friday, February 21
MCA Denver
The Museum of Contemporary Art’s quirky event series Black Sheep Fridays continues this weekend with a crafty take on karaoke. You’ll start off by making your own sock puppet using the provided materials, then show off your creation’s singing skills with a karaoke session with DJ Bella Scratch.
Cost: Free with museum admission which is $5 after 5pm

See Olympic and X Games athletes at the first First Annual Downtown Open Rail Jam

Saturday, February 22
Civic Center Park
The Civic Center Conservancy is bringing the mountains to Denver with this first edition of a new fundraising event. Watch the rail jam competition, catch live musical performances from SoDown and option4, enjoy some adult beverages from Pacifico, and take down eats from local food trucks.
Cost: Free admission

Shop the French Punk pop-up Night Bazaar

Saturday, February 22
Dairy Block
Thrice’s month-long French Punk pop-up series continues this weekend with an evening shopping experience packed with locally-curated goods. Your ticket gets you entry into the Bazaar from 6-10pm and one specialty cocktail from Run for the Roses. Once the Bazaar closes, stay for the after party with live tattoos and a DJ set.
Cost: $15

Party at the 5th annual Mardi Gras Rumpus 

Saturday, February 22
Call to Arms 
Just because you can’t make it to New Orleans doesn’t mean you should miss out on letting the good times roll. Head to the Tennyson neighborhood for a taste of Cajun culture complete with a crawfish boil, special beer releases, a live brass band, and the World's Tiniest Mardi Gras Parade with mini floats made by local businesses and breweries. 
Cost: Free to attend

Do an ‘80s-style Glamour Shots photo shoot 

Saturday, February 22
Brewability Lab
Professional photographer Nari Ro Photography is heading to this brewery for a day of glamourous photoshoot fun. Reserve your session ahead of time and come ready to pose hard. Don’t have a crimper at home? Hair and makeup will also be available on site. Each session includes three downloadable images. There will also be an ‘80s music dance party and plenty of brews for you to try. 
Cost: $10

Get buzzed at the 8th annual Beer, Bacon & Coffee Fest 

Saturday, February 22 & Sunday, February 23
Denver Beer Co
You’ve got two days to make it to this fest that goes beyond just beer. Embrace the day-drinking -- sessions start at 8:30am -- while sampling coffee and brews and snacking on plenty of bacon and breakfast burritos.
Cost: Tickets are $45

Update your wardrobe at a clothing swap

Sunday, February 23
Stanley Marketplace
Go shopping the sustainable way at this event for anyone who identifies as a woman. It’s not quite spring yet, but you can get a jump on cleaning out your closet and come away with some new finds while you’re at it. Along with clothing, they’ll also be accepting unopened boxes of feminine hygiene products to be donated to local shelters. 
Cost: $5 suggested donation, plus your gently worn clothing to be swapped