Guess what? There’s a hip new event in Denver’s RiNo district every Friday night, hard to believe, right? In case you haven’t heard about it (gasp) or gotten to go yet, I will give you the rundown. 

Friday Night Bazaar launched four Fridays ago in a cool warehouse right next to Denargo Farm & Truck food trucks. It will continue every Friday from 6pm to midnight as “a highly focused, weekly artisan event that combines vintage crafts, food, and live music.” When you first arrive there may be a little line, but I made good use of my time by eating a bowl full of something warm and delicious from one of the many food trucks outside. They ranged from BBQ, Indian, Tacos, Pizzas, Crock Pot themed, and gourmet grilled cheeses. 

Once inside the donation-based event there are a few more food options, which also change frequently, as well as free samples. According to their Facebook page, which will give you some insight each week on what to expect, one new vendor this Friday will be Kettle Head Popcorn. They offer unique flavors, including organic, gluten free & cooked fresh-to-order popcorn at the Bazaar. Also featured will be Red Camper’s Picnic Supply line, with six different marmalades infused with various spirits. Perfect for morning toast, right? There was also some all-natural, homemade beef jerky and ginger beer, baked goods, salsas, and Mile High Urban Farmscaping was teaching people how to design, plan & cultivate their own food. 

In addition to all the food vendors were of course a good range of local artists looking to sell their craft. Over the two Fridays I have been, there was a lot of lovely handmade jewelry, some beautiful textiles made into purses, pillowcases, etc., environmental art, flora & fauna, paintings, custom woodwork and vintage clothes for sale. 

And to set the mood for all of this good shopping and food sampling was live music and a wrap around bar! The live music acts change each Friday, the two times I went they were some form of upbeat jazzy rock or swing, one act playing at the beginning & one towards the end. There is an area in front of the stage to dance, and people weren’t afraid to use it. Behind that, and on both ends of the center bar, are wooden picnic tables for people to eat, drink, and be merry. Although the Bazaar gets busy, people are continually trickling in and out so you can snag a seat eventually. And when you eventually, or immediately, get over to order yourself a drink there is a decent selection with a red & white wine, Deep Eddy Vodka, a few featured cocktails of the night, a few beers, and sodas.  

The Friday Night Bazaar is worth checking out, and I personally like that it opens (and actually draws a crowd) at six pm so I don’t have to wait to get my Friday night started. I am also excited to check out their summer counterpart, The Big Wonderful. It started last year, and reopens next month, Saturday May 2 in a big grassy field at 26th & Lawrence. 

Located at 3530 Brighton Blvd.  Denver, CO 

https://www.facebook.com/fridaynightbazaar

www.kettleheadpopcorn.com/

http://shop.redcamper.com/collections/picnic-supply

-Tiffany Candelaria