St. Patrick's Day In Denver (Where to Celebrate)

St. Patrick’s Day in Denver has always been full of traditions, from the parade to the bustling bars serving up green beer and Irish whiskey. We narrowed down a few spots to check out this year if you are feeling lucky.

Stanley Marketplace:

Grab your green and head to Stanley Marketplace on March 17 for the annual St. Patrick’s Day performance by students from Celtic Steps School of Irish Dance at 1 pm on the Southeast Plaza. The local dance troupe will be showcasing traditional Irish dance favorites, bringing the heart, soul and luck of the Irish to Stanley Marketplace in a celebration of Irish culture and history. While you’re there grab a stout for the season at Stanley Beer Hall with choices from the 51 self-pour tap wall, like the Dry Irish Stout Nitro from Left Hand Brewing Co., or consider a Latin-inspired cerveza like the El Flaco Dry Irish Stout from GABF award-winning Cheluna Brewing Company after the show. 

Yardbird:

Embrace your Irish spirit on St. Patrick’s Day with a post-parade patio party at Yardbird. Located just steps from the parade’s end in RiNo, Yardbird is firing up the smoker and hosting a celebration after the parade on their south-facing outdoor Front Porch with a special menu of traditional bites and beverages like a smoked brisket reuben with Yardbird fancy sauce, sprout kraut and swiss cheese, served on marble rye; pastrami spring rolls with Swiss cheese, house made pickles, and Russian dressing, and bangers & mash, Irish sausage served with yukon gold potato puree and caramelized onion gravy. Special sips for the day include traditional black & tans, Irish car bombs with Jameson, Bailey’s Irish cream, and Guinness; and Irish coffe with Jameson, brown sugar, hot coffee and topped with clouds of whipped cream. The DJ starts spinning tunes at 2:30 and the party lasts until 6pm; visit online to learn more.  

Federales:

Denver has a reputation for hosting one of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades, and this year on Saturday 3/16 is no different. The team at Federales is marking the day with their annual Party Like a Piñata St. Patrick’s Day party, as the tequila + tacos emporium opens doors at 9am for the celebration until noon that includes 4 drinks tickets plus food buffet. You can purchase tickets online or visit FederalesDenver.com to learn more.  

Safe Play: KINK Denver Rewrites Narratives

(Photo/Juli Yanai — @jbelle.photo)

On Friday, Feb. 9th the annual KINK Denver event took place at Tracks nightclub in the Rino Arts District in Denver, Colo. The event boasts being “Denver’s largest fetish ball” and hosts an eclectic array of vendors and performers, ranging from fire dancers to stands selling 3D-printed sex toy paraphernalia. 

Performances included but were not limited to live roleplay, burlesque dancers and an aerial performance done on hanging chains. 

Attendees were also invited to take part in interactive stands, experiencing “shibari”, a type of rope play originated in Japan where individuals are tied up in elaborate ways, or they could also opt to be vacuum sealed. Exploration was at the forefront, and KINK was unashamed to hold space for all kinds of funfare. 

Most importantly, the space created open dialogue for people to enjoy themselves in a liberated manner and explore with an emphasis on ethical practices. While the fetish community has a tendency to be infamous for its portrayal in the media, KINK Denver hopes to change that narrative through creating a space for safe sexual exploration that promotes emphatic consent. 

Throughout the night there were announcements, as well as scattered signage promoting inclusivity and ethical sexual practices that highlighted the energy of KINK Denver, and how it continues to educate and serve the community in a fun, engaging manner. 

KINK Denver is hosted by Tracks at Reelworks, among many other events. Tickets for upcoming events can be found at their website, linked below. 

https://tracksdenver.com/events/ 

The 2022 Great American Beer Festival Is Upon Us

The 2022 Great American Beer Festival is set to takeover Denver this weekend. The return of the largest beer festival in the world returns for its 40th Year Anniversary. As it does every year patrons can indulge on beers from all over the country. Breweries across the land submit their favorites in hopes of capturing the elusive gold medal for top beer in that category.

LIST OF BREWERIES PARTICIPATING

This year the festival has catered to include something for everybody:

  • For the foodie: Along with access to more than 1,500 different beers from the country's finest breweries, PAIRED is the craft beer and pairing event that curates a menu that's perfect for foodies looking for their next gastro-adventure. PAIRED tickets also include unlimited tastings of unique beers not found in the festival hall matched with award-winning chefs.

  • For the music lover: Head over to Studio 82 and Sing City to show your best moves or your voice in these hangouts built for those who love to get their groove on.

  • For the relaxer: Chill and play some cornhole, listen to live music on the IKON Pass stage, or just relax in a comfy lawn chair in The Backyard.

  • For those abstaining: don't forget — designated driver tickets for the General Session and Members Session include a special gift, unlimited sodas, and hospitality in the luxe Designated Driver Lounge.

  • For the one who likes to dress up: Assemble your brew crew and don your best fest costume. America's favorite beer festival is the place to see the craziest outfits worn by the most dedicated beer drinkers in the world — or someone who just likes to start Halloween a little early.

  • For the studious fan: Attendees have the opportunity to speak with and learn from industry experts and brewers as well as access to educational and interactive seminars on beer appreciation in the Brewers Studio.

We will be there this weekend and have a full list of the winners and full photo gallery with some of the amazing highlights., stay tuned. So grab your pretzel necklace and fun beer themed costumes because we will be looking for you!

Global Break-Dancing Competition Returns to Mile High City: Red Bull BC One

Denver!!!!!! Break out your Adidas velours suits and Superstars for this amazing event coming to the Mile High City!

Global breaking competition Red Bull BC One returns to Denver after a seven-year hiatus for a qualifier at the iconic Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex on Saturday, May 28th. The Red Bull BC One Denver City Cypher event welcomes breakers of all levels from across the region to register and compete, in hopes of becoming the next global champion this November.

This open cypher will be hosted by Ivan the Urban Action Figure with DJ A-L spinning breakbeats. Break icons Neguin, ruleone.ilc and B-Girl Bonita will serve as judges. The top two B-Boys and top two B-Girls from the event will advance to the regional cypher quarterfinal taking place in Philly on July 23rd.

WHAT: Red Bull BC One City Cypher, Denver

WHEN: Saturday, May 28th

  • 11:00 AM: Doors Open

  • 12:00 PM: Preliminary Rounds

  • 2:00 PM: Main Event

WHERE: Sculpture Park – Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1736 Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80204

REGISTER TO SPECTATE AND/OR COMPETE: https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/bc-one-america/bc-one-city-cypher-schedule

  • Select “General Admission” or “Participants” button to make your selection for the Denver City Cypher

Evergreen Music Festival Rebrands to ‘Hops Drops’ with new Leadership Team, new Vision, and Massive Expansion Plans for 2022 Music and Craft Beer Festiva

Hops Drops, previously known as Evergreen Music Festival, is proud to announce the new brand identity, leadership team, and vision for this year's 2022 Music + Craft Beer Festival, taking place on June 25, 2022, from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm MT at Buchanan Park in Evergreen, Colorado. This will be the festival's 32nd year of musical celebrations in the heart of Evergreen.

Evergreen Music Festival celebrated its first year in 1966. The festival initially started with an intent to bring classical music to the mountains and has since been looked at as the beloved 4th of July fireworks celebration at Evergreen Lake. Thirty-two years later, the festival's leadership team has passed the reins to Evergreen hometown heros and long-standing local business owners Logan & Riley Boone, owners and operators of Boone Mountain Sports + Evergreen Brewery. Alongside the Boone family, local business owners Marcus Durante (Founder of Kree8), Bobby Everett (Co-Owner of Evergreen Brewery), and Colin Kerr (Owner of The Wildflower Cafe) have joined forces with the festival to better encapsulate the refreshed, modernized potential for Evergreen to be looked at as a go-to spot on the Colorado music and entertainment scene.

“Our Hops Drops team is made up of Evergreen locals, a team truly passionate about marrying music, craft beer, and the mountains, all to better our community and support local nonprofits while having fun,” said Logan Boone, new Executive Director of Hops Drops. “It is an honor to lead and grow this festival. We are incredibly excited at our potential to expand Evergreen’s entertainment offerings and bring a great music and beer festival to our picturesque mountain community.”

Attendees of the 2022 ​Hops Drops Music + Craft Beer Festival can expect to be submerged into a never-seen-before experience in Evergreen, filled with internationally known music legends as headliners (to be announced), numerous stages, various food vendors, kid-friendly activities, and an epic lineup of Colorado’s premier breweries, a craft beer lovers paradise if you must.

In addition to elevating Evergreen’s mountain entertainment, Hops Drop continues to support and give back to the local community and has committed to donating 10% of ticket sales to Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen.

“For 32 years, this festival has always been committed to supporting local artists and arts programs by donating proceeds to local schools supporting their music, art, and dance programs,” said Boone. “That is not changing this year. We will proudly continue the spirit of supporting artists and bettering our community any way we can.”

Early bird tickets are now on sale for $30 at www.hopsdropsevergreen.com. To stay up-to-date on all future Hops Drops announcements, please follow Hops Drops on Instagram @HopsDrops_Evergreen.


About Hops Drops:

Hops Drops is an all-day Music Festival that will feature nationally and locally celebrated musical acts alongside a beer festival showcasing a variety of Colorado’s premier craft breweries. There will be specialty food vendors, activities for the kiddos, and much more. Rooted in Evergreen’s long history of supporting the arts, Hops Drops (Evergreen Music Festival) is a non-profit organization. Ten percent of the proceeds will benefit Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen. For more information, please visit https://hopsdropsevergreen.com.

Early bird tickets are now on sale. All ticket options include:

  • General Admission: Starting at $30

    • Entry into the festival

  • GA + Beer Fest Admission: Starting at $55

    • Entry into the festival

    • Souvenir tasting glass

    • Unlimited tasting from 12-4 pm

  • VIP Bergen Peak Club: Starting at $150

    • Entry into the festival + Beer Fest

    • Premier viewing of main stage

    • Designated area with private bar

    • Private bathrooms

    • Free food & beverages

    • A photo booth and gifts from our partners

Meow Wolf Denver Prepares For Its Debut Coming September 17th

Meow Wolf Denver (Photo Credit: Kate Russell)

One of the most anticipated events of 2021 is finally happening. Take it from us, you won’t want to miss out on this one.

Meow Wolf, an immersive arts and entertainment company, announced today the highly-anticipated theme and opening date for its third permanent installation: Convergence Station will be coming to Denver September 17, with tickets on sale today at meow.wf/denver-tix.

Convergence Station is the first stop on a quantum journey of exploration and discovery as passengers traverse new worlds, and like all Meow Wolf locations, labyrinthine mysteries beckon from its vibrant walls, portals, and wormholes.

Twenty-five years ago, a freak cosmic event merged four worlds from different universes, erasing the memories of all residents and spawning the mystifying disappearances of four women. The Quantum Department of Transportation serves as the gateway to these diverse worlds: kaleidoscopic cathedrals, Corinthian catacombs, lush alien habitats, and dazzling and gritty cityscapes. In this hotbed of interplanetary cohabitation, memories serve as both currency and the key to unlocking the story behind the women's disappearances and cause of the convergence--as do multimedia clues that reveal themselves to all of the senses.

“Denver’s art scene is active and vibrant, making it the perfect place for our next exhibition,” said Chadney Everett, Executive Creative Director of Meow Wolf Denver. “Convergence Station is Meow Wolf’s third permanent immersive experience, and it will truly change the way you look at art. This exhibition is unlike anything you’ve ever seen...from The Swamp to The Cathedral - there’s a strong narrative to be uncovered should you choose, alongside truly mind-bending art from the many talented creatives that have worked so hard to bring the vision to life. We can’t wait for everyone to explore.”

Meow Wolf has worked with 110+ Colorado-based collaborating artists and more than 200 internal artists for over three years to bring the 79 unique projects within Convergence Station to life. These muralists, sculptors, fiber artists, and technologists to name a few have come together to create a one-of-a-kind installation that will leave visitors appreciating what it really means to be immersed in a narrative. Notable collaborating artists working on this project include Kalyn Heffernan, Christopher Nelson, Everything is Terrible!, Molina Speaks, Sofie Birkin, along with Moment Factory and many others.

Meow Wolf Denver (Photo Credit: Kennedy Cottrell)

An evolving hive of creativity, Meow Wolf has been creating experiences that challenge the perception of reality, with three locations to explore in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and soon Denver. Backed by top creators like Games of Thrones’ George R.R. Martin, Meow Wolf is recognized globally as a leader in the immersive space and was ranked on Fast Company's 2020 list of the ‘World’s Most Innovative Companies’, and awarded the #1 spot for Live Events. Following the success of their flagship location in Santa Fe, the arts and entertainment company launched their second permanent exhibition in Las Vegas in February this year which was an instant success, selling 517,000 tickets to date.

Opening on September 17th, Convergence Station will be open from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm Sunday through Thursday and from 10:00 am until 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Hours are subject to change.

Tickets are available for pre-purchase for $45 for General Admission ($40 Children / Seniors / Military), and $35 for Colorado Residents. Visitors are required to pre-book a time slot for entry.

Breckenridge Brewery and Pop Culture Con Launch 2019 Pop Culture Con Beer: Bocks Machina

Breckenridge Brewery and Pop Culture Con (PCC) will officially launch the 2019 Pop Culture Con Beer, Bocks Machina, on May 25th at Monkey Barrel with music, games, cosplay, and the first collectible pint glass giveaway. The beer’s name was the winner of the annual “Name the Beer” contest which beat out hundreds of submissions during the online contest. “Bocks Machina” is a play on the adventure group Vox Machina from the widely popular web series “Critical Role.” The entire cast of the series will be appearing at Pop Culture Con (Critical Role is not affiliated with this promotion).

The 2019 PCC beer features Breckenridge Brewery’s Maibock recipe, which won a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival. The party is challenged with concocting a malty lager that casts a joyful spell on all whom taste it. Maibock  is a refreshing golden liquid which tastes of honey and grain and smells of sweet fruit.

For the eighth straight year, Breck will be releasing the beer along with limited edition PCC pint glasses. This year’s glass features artwork by local artist Nick Hughes.

After the launch party, Bocks Machina will stay on tap at Monkey Barrel through Pop Culture Con. Other pubs within walking distance to the Colorado Convention Center will serve the beer leading up to and during the event. Follow Breckenridge Brewery on Facebook and Twitter for information on other pint glass giveaway events during Pop Culture Con. This information will also be posted on breckbrew.com in the weeks prior to the PCC.

WHAT:  

For eight Breckenridge Brewery has brewed a special beer exclusively for Pop Culture Con (formally Denver Comic Con). The first 200 people to this FREE event will receive a limited collector’s series “Bock Machina” pint glass featuring custom design by Colorado artist Nick Hughes. The event will feature an LED Dance Floor, Cosplay contest and a DJ.

WHERE:

Monkey Barrel

4401 Tejon St.

Denver, CO

When:

Saturday,  May 25th

- Doors 7pm

-Cosplay Contest: Winners will get tickets to Pop Culture Con  

- LED Dance Floor

About “Bock Machina!”

Past winners of the "Name the Comic Con Beer" contest are Razznarock, The Fantastic Pour, The Caped Brewsader, Brews Wayne, Hulk's Mash, Snape-ricot, and I Am Brewt.

What's on your 2019 Wish List?

New Year’s Eve in Aspen Photo by Jamie Finn

Whilst everybody else is slowly but surely giving up on their new year’s resolutions to drink less alcohol, eat more greens and get back into their running shoes, we suggest that you focus on your wish list instead. “What wish list?” you ask. Well, the idea of creating a lifelong ‘bucket list’ has been around a little while now, but a smaller, more manageable wish list for 2019 will see you achieve more in a shorter space of time. And have plenty of fun doing so.

The idea is to go big or go home! This could be the year you tick off those lifelong dreams that you've had in your head since high school. Take the plunge and get your first tattoo, travel to Las Vegas and experience everything it has to offer, or even organise a charity skydive. The sky's your limit so don’t be afraid to set the bar high. Even if you don’t manage to tick off everything, you’ll still have done some crazy cool stuff in 2019.

Aerial view of Red Rocks Amphitheatre Photo by Alex Mertz

Visit a National Park

It might seem like we’re starting off on a gentle one, but how many locals have actually been out to take a look around Colorado’s stunning array of national parks? With plenty of amazing natural wonders right on the doorstep, there’s no excuse not to venture into the great outdoors this year.

As a reader of this site, there’s no doubt that you’re into music in a big way. The perfect place to check out some sweet sounds bang in the middle of nature is the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheatre. At this gorgeous venue, you can experience everything from classical opera to modern rock bands in the open air, surrounded by incredible undulating rock formations.

Self-built Wonders

Moving on from the wonders of Mother Nature, there’s also plenty of manmade and reappropriated structures in Colorado that are not to be missed. The International Church of Cannabis is a rainbow dream in vivid technicolour from floor to ceiling; even if you don’t partake yourself, it’s well worth a visit to this incredibly decorated place of worship. On a similarly psychedelic theme, the Magic Mushroom House in Aspen is a groovy building conceptualised by 70s architect Andre Ulrych. Certainly an unusual piece of architecture to have a look round.

Other notable sites include: the UFO Watchtower in Crestone, which involves everything alien-related that you always wanted to see – as well as everything you didn’t; Denver’s Buckhorn Exchange, which contains an unbelievable number of taxidermied animals; and Cano’s Castle in Antonito, which is an impressive structure built, strangely enough, entirely from beer cans.

Inside the International Church of Cannabis Photo by Nicole Harrington

Detox Like Never Before

If you do fancy a bit of a health kick after all, go for something a little more interesting than the usual wilted salad and underused gym membership. In Denver, you can visit the city’s Flotation Center where you can spend time floating in salt water, completely quiet and comfortingly weightless. This should refresh your mind before you head to SunSpa Oxygen Bar in nearby Lakewood. Here you can get a concentrated oxygen hit – in your choice of fruity flavour, no less – to put you back on top form and feeling fighting fit for the year to come.

Go Extreme

Of course, one of the most extreme activities you can put on your list is the good old bungee jump. Colorado has some truly fantastic places where you can experience this ultimate thrill, including from the suspension bridge over the Arkansas River gorge, or above the spectacular Glenwood Canyon. Choosing an outdoor venue with brilliant views like the two mentioned here means that you can enjoy the whole experience and not just the few minutes’ thrill of the jump itself. Make a day of it and return home that evening feeling like you’re on top of the world.

Whatever you decide to put on your 2019 wish list, make sure it’s something fun, memorable and gives you the chance to fulfil a personal dream. After all, that’s what the idea of a ‘bucket list’ is all about and we only get one life – we might as well live it to the full!

Our Journey To A Place Called Tacolandia

Tacos and lowriders. (Photo Credit: Samantha Bliss)

As we have mentioned on many occasions we are pretty big fans of tacos here at Ultra5280. From al pastor to carnitas any edible morsel of goodness that can be filled in a warm tortilla we are big fans of. This year we were fortunate enough to cover another edition of Tacolandia presented by our good friends at Westword.

We had pretty large helpings of the vast selection of some of the cities best taco establishments. It is hard to pick a favorite amongst the wide selection so we will just say we enjoyed them all. What is becoming a taco lovers destination event was once again filled with food, music, a car show and an outrageous lucha libre ring.

Mariachi America (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Music from Mariachi America had everybody dancing to the rhythms of salsa and cumbias, while fellow Denver spanish rock bands such as iZCALLi and Los Mocochetes brought the local flavor. Members of the Saints and Sinner Car Club had their finest whips (it's what the cool kids say instead of cars) on display. With candy coated paint jobs to dizzying chrome wheels. The event is always a favorite of ours and if you have never been we suggest you mark it in your calendar asap for next year.

All the tacos. (Photo Credit: Samantha Bliss)

The proud traditions of the latino culture were on display. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Photo Gallery 1: Samantha Bliss (Staff Photographer)

Photo Gallery 2: Robert Castro (Editor in Chief)

New this June at Denver's Longest-Running Block Party | People's Fair

People’s Fair Art & Music Festival is Denver’s largest and longest-running block party, which celebrates its 47th year at Civic Center Park, June 1-3, 2018. People’s Fair celebrates the best of the Mile High City, including music; culture; fitness; food and beverage; fine art; and a makers’ marketplace produced in partnership with Denver Flea.

They are kicking things off Friday, June 1. with a featured concert from MAX, who's current hit, “Lights Down Low,” ft. gnash, hit number one on Billboard’s Emerging Artists and Adult Pop Songs charts earlier this year. A variety of free concerts will follow MAX’s performance throughout the weekend: a full day of bluegrass performances on the festival’s main stage on Saturday, June 2, featuring Matt Rouch & The Noise Upstairs, Turkeyfoot, Lonesome Days, Kitchen Dwellers, and Trout Steak Revival. Sunday, June 3, Moon Taxi will make their only Colorado appearance this summer at 4:30 pm, with The Other Black  opening for them at 3 pm. Additional live entertainment will showcase an eclectic range of Denver talent, including performances from Dazzling Divas Drag Show, Colorado Mestizo Dancers, and dance groups performing everything from ballet to belly dancing!

The Mural Project is back this year, a live art competition in which teams of young, local artists paint murals onsite during the festival. Many teams return to the Mural Project year after year, allowing attendees to witness transformations in the up-and-coming artists, who develop positive self-expression, time management, critical thinking and more through participating in the project. There is also a fine art show featuring more than 100 artists, beer & wine garden, a variety of fitness vendors, fitness-oriented events, such as free community yoga classes courtesy of CorePower Yoga, hosted at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday on the main stage. New this year, the “Outdoor Adventure Fest” will invite attendees to experience the Colorado outdoors in the heart of the city, with a climbing wall, a kayak pool, goat yoga and more.

In addition to highlighting the unique communities found in every corner of Denver, People’s Fair raises funds for nonprofit organizations. The event primarily benefits Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, although all of the beverage booths at the festival are staffed by volunteers from various nonprofit organizations, who raise funds via tips received at their bars. 2018 community partners include Project Angel Heart and Colorado Gay Rodeo Association.


Reserve VIP tickets, your free yoga ticket, or $5 general admission ticket to MAX at  https://peoplesfair.com/tickets/

Photos by Ryan Cox

BRECKENRIDGE BREWERY RELEASES THE 2018 OFFICIAL COMIC CON BEER “RAZZNAROK”

Launch Party to Take Place Thursday, May 17th at Stoney's Bar and Grill

WHO:  Breckenridge Brewery and Denver Comic Con (DCC) will officially launch the 2018 Comic Con Beer, RAZZNAROK, on May 17th at Stoney's Bar and Grill with live music, games, cosplay, and the first of many collectible pint glass giveaways. The beer’s name was the winner of the annual “Name the Denver Comic Con Beer” contest which beat out more than 800 submissions during the online contest. RAZZNAROK was inspired by the widely popular 2017 Marvel Comic book film: Thor: Ragnarok.

The 2018 DCC beer is a Belgian style witbier brewed with fresh raspberry puree. For the seventh straight year, Breck will be releasing the beer along with limited edition DCC beer pint glasses. This year’s Razznarok glass features artwork by local comic artist Morgan Beem.

After the launch party, RAZZNAROK will stay on tap at Stoney's through Denver Comic Con. Other pubs within walking distance to the Colorado Convention Center will serve the beer leading up to and during the event. Follow Breckenridge Brewery on Facebook and Twitter for information on other pint glass giveaway events during Denver Comic Con. This information will also be posted on breckbrew.com in the weeks prior to the DCC.

WHAT: For seven years Breckenridge Brewery has brewed a special beer exclusively for Denver Comic Con (DCC). The first 200 people to this FREE event will receive a limited collector’s series “Razznarok” pint glass featuring custom design by artist Morgan Beem. Colorado's premiere party band, 6 Million Dollar Band will be bringin' the 80s energy to keep the dance floor movin' all night!

WHERE: Stoney's Bar & Grill 1111 Lincoln St. Denver, CO

When:Thursday, May 17th

- Doors 7pm

- Live music by 6 Million Dollar Band 8pm

- DJ 10pm

About “Razznarok!”

Razznarok is a time-honored, Belgian-style ale with a tart pink twist. Brewed with unmalted wheat, orange zest, coriander and fresh raspberry puree, this unfiltered, light-bodied beer has fruity notes of raspberry & citrus, a touch of spice, and a pink blush of color. Refreshing. Surprising. Sprightly. Whimsical.

Past winners of the "Name the Comic Con Beer" contest are The Fantastic Pour, The Caped Brewsader, Brews Wayne, Hulk's Mash, Snape-ricot, and I Am Brewt.

 

5 Upcoming Events In Denver

5 Upcoming Events in Denver

Denver hosts a plethora of unique events throughout the year. Regardless of the activities you enjoy or the scene you prefer, it's safe to say that you'll be able to find something that fits your interests. Here are some of the top upcoming events in the Denver area spanning from fashion, food, to music! If you're looking for a way to get around without shuffling ride share services or dealing with traffic, be sure to check out this Boulder Party Bus Service.

 

Denver Beer and Music Festival

May 19 at the Vinyl Events Center

This craft beer and music festival is headlined by the rock band Shwayze, but there will also be other live bands and DJ's at the event. There will be local food vendors at the Tasting Village of Food as well as unlimited samples of 50 different varieties of spirits, wine, and beer. Tickets range from $35 to $50 for VIP admission, and it will be worth every penny.

 

ThriftCon

May 20 at INDUSTRY RiNo Station

For those who enjoy a good bargain or rare vintage find, you're not going to want to miss out on ThriftCon. There will be vintage collectibles, clothing, and home goods to consider buying here. With over 40 vendors, the selection is sure to be solid. You won't leave here without a new piece, guaranteed.

 

Trash Fashion Show

June 9 at EXDO

This evening of innovative fashion features clothes made from reclaimed material by local designers. There will be different categories that the designers will compete in such as "Little Black Dress" and "White Trash". General admission will run you $25, while the $150 VIP ticket includes valet parking, a pre show cocktail reception, gift bag, front row seating, and admission to the Tracks nightclub for the after party.

 

Denver Summer Brew Fest

July 27 & 28 at Mile High Station

The Denver Summer Brew Fest boasts over 100 brews and ciders to choose from 40 different breweries. The brew fest benefits the Swallow Hill Music Association, so it's a great event to support. Tickets range from $35 to $60 for their package deal. General admission runs from 7-10 PM, but VIP holders can show up an hour early to enjoy a special beer and cheese sampling.

 

Reggae on the Grass

July 29 @ Levitt Pavilion

This is a free concert series that's open for all ages. Feel good reggae will be playing on multiple stages with bands like Nase Face, Emcee Rasta Stevie, Colorado Binghistra, Ras Marcus Benjamin, and the Denver Vintage Reggae Society. This is the first annual event, and it's sure to be super entertaining.

Ophelia’s Will Tantalize All Your Senses

Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox is a multilevel "gastro-brothel" that surrounds its guests in luxurious furnishing, flattering mood lighting, and blatantly sexy décor, aka it’s a great place for a date. In addition to dining, there’s a stage and lounge in the lower level, also viewable from the upper restaurant level that wraps around it. The name of the place is an intriguing mouthful… and you’ll find the food is as well.

Ophelia’s opened a couple years ago and is part of Chef Justin Cucci’s collection of top-rated restaurants around Denver. Located in the old Airedale building on 20th Street and Larimer, it was formerly a peep-show parlor and clearly inspired the restaurant’s décor. The menu is a tantalizing assortment of American dishes featuring globally inspired ingredients paired in intriguing ways. In addition to its vegetable forward dishes, 75% of the ingredients are organically sourced and the menu has gluten-free and vegan icons to help those with dietary restrictions.

We were delighted to dine at Ophelia’s this Tuesday and were treated to an amazing assortment of dishes that showcased the variety of foods, flavors, and ingenuity the team brings to the tables each night. We began with cocktails of course, the Never Enough gin cocktail and the Hard Eight Rye cocktail, which were both great – one sweet and citrusy the later earthy and zesty.

To start, we selected the Smoked Scallops, 600 Degree Squash and the Crispy Pork Belly. This was already more food than we could finish knowing entrees where ahead, but we are so glad we ordered it all anyway because these three dishes were outstanding. The scallops were petite, soft and smoky, served with lavash crackers, microgreens, and a chive crème fraise and hot sauce, all meant to pile onto the crackers. The creamy crème spread was a perfect balance for the smoky scallops and seed-laden lavash. We also loved the 600 Degree Squash, a collection of caramelized yellow and green zucchini with sweet, creamy goat feta and a sundried tomato sauce. The Crispy Pork Belly was especially outstanding because it was not full of fat like so often happens when we’ve ordered pork belly. It truly was crispy and candied on the outside, and soft and supple on the inside, bursting with so much savory and sweet flavor. Best pork belly we can recall!  

Next, the kitchen surprised us with their Brothel Burger and BBQ Chicken Flatbread. The burger was super succulent Elk, we didn’t even realize this while we ate it, topped with Korean BBQ, Miso candied bacon, Ponzu onions, and pickled vegetables all between a pretzel pun. We loved it. The BBQ Chicken Flatbread was accompanied by bacon, Pepper Jack, mozzarella, charred onion, bell pepper and jicama-radicchio slaw, which was an excellent addition to an overall wonderfully composed sweet, smoky, tangy pizza. All of their flatbreads and burger buns are also available gluten free.

We then made room for two of their Dinner entrees, the Steelhead Trout with Pozole and Chicken & Waffles, which were like yin and yang as far as flavors, textures, ingredients and nutrition. Pozole is a traditional Mexican stew composed of hominy, green chilies, and spices. Their pozole is topped traditionally with fresh radishes, cilantro, tomatillo salsa, and chunks of avocado, but is only mildly spicy. The trout was wonderful, not too fishy, seasoned with black pepper, and a great, local alternative to salmon. An added bonus, all of the warming spices, herbs, root vegetables and omega-3 fish make this an excellent winter dish and flu-fighter!

On the other end of the spectrum, the Chicken & Waffles were decadent, sweet and crunchy. It comes with two pieces of herb and potato laden waffle between three pieces of crispy, fried chicken topped with bacon bits, a flavorful cinnamon apple butter and chili honey – my goodness! On the side, there’s a bit of healthy greenery for you with apple slices and dried cranberries.

Throughout all of this wonderful feasting, live musicians took turns on the stage below for open mic night. Wednesday’s and Sunday’s Ophelia’s has jazz bands, and the rest of the week generally has live music events as well. Ophelia’s is much more than just a delicious restaurant; it’s a happening hangout with plenty of pleasing offerings. The bar and lounge areas provide really nice drinking spots, and the wrap around restaurant is an awesome medley of fabulous food and dynamic entertainment below. We absolutely suggest you go!

https://www.opheliasdenver.com/

Words by Tiffany Candelaria @tcdoesfnb     Photos by Samantha Bliss @redfollowsherbliss

Chicken & Waffles

Immerse Yourself in Theater & A Wild Party

“You’re invited to leave your inhibitions (and Prohibitions) behind for a decadent 360° party in the Roaring Twenties. Indulge your inner flapper as you mingle with an unruly mix of vaudevillians, playboys, divas, and ingénues in a Manhattan apartment lost in time.” From the creators of last year’s immersive, experiential theater performance that we also covered, “Sweet & Lucky” the DCPA’s new Off-Center show “The Wild Party” is a similar experience but different. Confused? That’s good – the creators and two-time True West Award-winning Director Amanda Berg Wilson, want the audience to be surprised, it makes for a more exciting experience. Read on if you would like to know a little bit more of what to expect.

The audience begins the experience all together in a main room and is free to mingle about, have a seat, and buy drinks. Then the show begins with a fun musical act and the performers weave through the audience dancing, singing, and chatting with the crowd. They playfully ask groups of us to follow them into another room until the entire audience has been transported to the other side. Unlike “Sweet & Lucky” where the different groups of audience members are separated and experience different scenes in different rooms, all of the audience members of “The Wild Party” end up in one room together to watch one big show play out all around them.

The First Act is one big party, full of fun, flappers, booze and tunes, accompanied by a seven-piece band! You really feel like you’re at the party with the scenery (and almost everyone in attendance dressed up), the music, and the actors interact with the audience, teaching us to dance for example. We saw people of all ages around us, from 21 to 70’s, dressed up and having a fun night out. “Our goal with each audience member is that they are going to experience a kind of release that you only have when you have had a really wild night," Director Wilson said.

Debauchery turns disastrous in the Second Act as the party’s guest’s gin sets in. The plot thickens dramatically as the actors’ songs and actions reveal their feelings bubbling under the surface and themes such as race, gender, and religion are brought to the forefront. Accompanying this we hear adult language, see uncomfortable situations, nudity and violence. The mood gets real serious towards the end and almost makes us loose our buzz too, even after we all just had a complimentary shot of gin. The show’s tagline is, “When the night is over…No matter what happens…Blame it on the gin.” We came away with many different interpretations of the true moral of the story and left wishing the best parts of the party weren’t over. 

The Wild Party is a musical by Michael John LaChiusa and a book by him and George C. Wolfe. The story is based on the 1928 Joseph Moncure March narrative poem of the same name. The show features all local actors, and runs most nights October 11 - 31, 2017 at The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace. Tickets for Sat, Oct 28 and Tue, Oct 31 include a post-show party with a costume contest, music, and dancing!

Immerse yourself in a sinful good time; hurry tickets are almost sold out.

https://www.wildpartydenver.com/get-tickets/

By Tiffany Candelaria

2017 Denver People’s Fair Sat 6/3 & Sun 6/4 Civic Center Park

Since its inception in 1972, the People’s Fair has been a staple of Denver arts and culture as the largest community-based festival in Colorado! People’s Fair features an eclectic mix of national and local entertainment, live music, nearly 100 artists and hundreds of local food and craft vendors. A long-running Denver tradition, the 46-year-old event will open its doors in celebration of the local community and the creative instincts that have inspired the city for nearly a half a century.

With musical performances by Guster, Night Riots, and Jeremy Garrett’s Fiddle Science - a supergroup featuring members of Leftover Salmon and The Infamous Stringdusters, and other great bands Gipsy Moon, P O P F I L T E R, Kayla Marque Band, Gasoline Lollipops, and SkyLaw. There will also be over 30 other performances including bands, artists, drag shows and creative community entertainers. Visit https://peoplesfair.com/schedule/ for the full scheduled lineup!

Aside from music, there is a strong focus on community engagement and interactive programming, so the People’s Fair will offer events like free morning yoga hosted by Kindness Yoga and Art In The Park where attendees can enjoy an Infinite Monkey Theorem beverage and art instruction as they create their own painting. There will be countless lawn games, local community dance and theater groups, local food trucks, and a chance to get to know some of the most innovative upcoming local businesses.

This year’s People’s Fair sets the stage for a massive cultural showcase event that is uniquely Denver. The Denver People’s Fair is free to the public, however VIP tickets are on sale now for $20 that includes premium stage viewing, a shaded VIP lounge, two free drinks, a VIP bar, and separate VIP entrance all weekend. Proceeds go to benefit the Capital Hill United Neighborhoods (CHUN).  More info on the event can be found at www.peoplesfair.com

Dazzle Jazz Re-opens in Former Baur's

The new space will feature three unique stages: The Main Stage (to be completed July 2017) will be suited for well-established acts requiring a larger seating capacity. The original Baur’s Stage will continue to be used for acts in an intimate setting while the Gallery Stage will feature music accentuated by unique works from some of Colorado’s finest visual artists. Patrons of the new location will be offered a new menu created by Dazzle’s team of culinary artists led by Chef/Owner Mario Godoy and Chefs Benjamin Erickson and Daron Edgar.

Tuesday, May 23 - Thursday, May 25th Dazzle Jazz is giving its patrons a chance to peek into their much-anticipated re-opening at the historic Baur’s Lounge on 15th and Curtis. Dazzle will embrace the community that it loves, dedicating its first productions to non-profit organizations with missions centered on music education and programming. “We have dedicated our new home to artists and the community that loves and nourishes them," says Owner Donald Rossa.

May 23, 6pm-8pm: Jam Session hosted by Paul Romaine benefiting Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts. 9pm-11pm Jam Session hosted by Todd Reid, Dan Schwindt, and Jean-Luc Davis benefiting the scholarship program for the University of Colorado - Denver's Music & Entertainment Industry Studies.

May 24 Celebrating World Music benefiting the Music Appreciation Society (MAS).
6pm-7pm Purnell Steen & LeJazz Machine. 7pm-9pm Tanner Harris. 10pm-Late “Pain and Art” Wes Watkins Ensemble.

May 25 KUVO Jazz 89.3 Benefit – A Dynamic Evening Featuring Three Unique Sets of Music. 5:45pm-6:45pm Ritmo Jazz Latino. 7pm-8pm Tyler Gilmore’s Candy Shop Ensemble. 8pm-10pm Ritmo Jazz Latino again.

Tickets range from $10 - $30, the later performances being the lower price, and most include a food tasting and premier seating.

"Everyone is invited to listen, taste and feel."

The Secret Garden - Now Playing!

The classic story The Secret Garden, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1911 still finds itself being told to audiences today. Our Denver Center for the Performing Arts has adapted the novel into an all-ages theater musical at the Stage Theater downtown. The show has two Acts totaling 28 original songs by Marsha Norman, composed by Lucy Simon and directed by Brooklyn-based Jenn Thompson who has worked all over the US.

The story follows a child named Mary who is sent to live with her uncle after the death of her parents. She is sent to a big, solitary mansion on the Moors of England where she finds herself in a creepy, old estate left to her Uncle Archibald who lives in a state of grief and fear. Mary slowly learns the stories of the people both living there and deceased and uncovers all kinds of secrets. But when she uncovers the key to her late aunt’s long-lost garden, she becomes determined to turn things around for everyone by reviving the beauty that once flourished. Surrounded by spirits of the past, she uses the magic of hope to help the world around her grow once again.

The cast of 22, orchestra and a stage crew of about 30 people make all the magic happen on and off stage such as smooth backdrop and scene changes, lighting and fog effects, and overall flow and presentation so the story comes to life. The vocal acrobatics and the abnormal amount of contrapuntal pieces in this musical made it a full-sensory experience. The plot line was well developed and the characters, half of who were deceased spirits guiding the living, created a complexity for the adult audience. Most of the play was more adult in tone and plot in our opinion, especially as it was set in a haunted mansion and dealt frequently with death, hardship and loss on multiple levels. Alas, all is not lost and the characters and garden find renewed life.

The show runs approximately 2 hours 10 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. Ticket prices vary by date and availability, and there are both matinee and evening performances on the weekends through May 28th.

https://www.denvercenter.org/shows/specific-series/Get?Id=4652359c-77e8-4812-9917-4b5dd5f9ffcf

Words by Tiffany Candelaria