Bring on the creative and original this weekend with a slew of unique things to do. Check out a food truck safari at the zoo, the county fair or a comedy show by Steve Martin and Martin Short. Looking to try something new? Learn how to fire spin or throw an axe. Also, there are some great performances this week, like Dita Von Teese’s The Art of the Teese burlesque revue or have a healthy weekend in a fun way with Fitness on the Rocks or Yoga and Plants. Whatever you do this weekend, be sure to get out of your comfort zone and have a lot of fun while you’re at it.
Wednesday, July 19
CinemaQ Film Festival
Photo courtesy of CinemaQ Film Festival.
When: July 19 – 23
Where: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre — 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison and Sie FilmCenter — 2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: Full access pass $99. Get individual event tickets here.
The Lowdown: This film festival will include three days of screenings and short films. Starting at Red Rocks at 7 p.m. is A Cock In A Frock On A Rock — DJ & Drag Party before the screening of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Then the festival moves to Sie FilmCenter for screenings including two locally filmed shorts: TRANSaction: stepping out of the closet and I STAND STILL: a love poem.
Thursday, July 20
Food Truck Safari
When: July 20, 6:30 – 10 p.m.
Where: Denver Zoo — 2300 Steele St., Denver
Cost: $17. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: This adults-only night will feature plenty of food trucks, live music and the zoo’s new dinosaur-themed exhibit. With your ticket, you also get a free beer from Great Divide Brewing Co.
Dita Von Teese’s “The Art of the Teese” Burlesque Revue
When: July 20, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Where: The Fillmore Auditorium — 1510 Clarkson St., Denver
Cost: $95 – $143. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Dita Von Teese’s show, The Art of the Teese, kicked off in San Diego at the beginning of the month and is coming to Denver this week. With a new version of her “Martini Glass” routine, the addition of male dancers and other surprises, the Burlesque performer is sure to put on a seductive show.
READ: Burlesque Icon Dita Von Teese on Bringing Her Show to Denver for The First Time
Fire Spinning 101
When: July 20, 7 – 10 p.m.
Where: The Beat — 1221 Pecos St., Denver
Cost: $30. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: Learn how to master the mesmerizing talent of fire dancing this Thursday night. Taught by Dylan D from MettaOne Performance Arts, you’ll learn how to dance with flames and stay safe doing it. There will also be live music throughout the class.
The People Versus _______
When: July 20, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: McNichols Building — 144 W. Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: For this week’s Warm Cookies of the Revolution theme, police, voting, God, kids and capitalism are on trial. Denver’s experts in unique areas like public education, charity, masculinity, nuclear weapons and oatmeal raisin cookies debate as the audience comes to a conclusion as the jury and raise ideas regarding what to do about these issues.
Friday, July 21
Urban Axe Throwing
When: July 21 – 23, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday
Where: Bad Axe Throwing — 845 E. 73rd Ave., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Learn how to do something different this weekend: Throw an axe as far as you can. The new Bad Axe Throwing Denver is hosting an open house and wants to teach everyone how to throw an axe. Stop by and see what the hype is all about.
Denver County Fair
When: July 21 – 23
Where: National Western Complex — 4655 Humboldt St., Denver
Cost: $3 – $20. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: What’s summer without a good-old-fashioned fair? Get your rollercoaster, farm animal and hot dog fix this weekend with 20 amusement rides, food and trivia contests, as well as six stages with local bands and performers. Celebrate Denver and all of its craft beer, unique ways to do yoga — try one of the fair’s Goat Yoga sessions — and music.
Lucha Libre Match
When: July 21, 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Museo de las Americas — 861 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Cost: $5 – $20
The Lowdown: With colorful masks and “high-flying” moves, this form of Mexican wrestling is one heck of a show. Sit out in an open air amphitheater as you watch one of Mexico’s most famous traditions.
Saturday, July 22
The Budlong Nashville Hot Chicken Pop-Up
When: Saturday, July 22, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: RiNo Yacht Club — 3350 Brighton Blvd., Denver
Cost: Free Admission
The Lowdown: For one afternoon only, The RiNo Yacht Club will serve dishes prepared by Jared Leonard of The Budlong Hot Chicken — a Chicago restaurant focused on Nashville hot chicken. The a la carte menu will include Nashville hot tenders, Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich and Budlong Biscuits. The menu will be available until 5 p.m or supplies run out. – Words by Alexandria Nickens
Mile High Dance Festival
When: July 22, 8:30 a.m – 9 p.m.
Where: Cleo Parker Robinson Amphitheater — 119 Park Ave. West, Denver
Cost: Free – $45 ( DJ Styles Dance Party tickets $10 – 45 can be purchased on site)
The Lowdown: Join Denver icon and dance star Cleo Parker Robinson for a day long dance festival. Celebrating dance styles from all over the world, the event will feature West African drumming, to film screenings and a sunset soiree. The event lasts more than 14 hours so make sure to break in your dance shoes before hand.
Steve Martin and Martin Short
When: July 22, 8 – 11:59 p.m.
Where: Bellco Theatre — 700 14th St., Denver
Cost: $65 – $180. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: These stars in comedy and film will be performing their show, An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life, which makes quite the promise. These veteran comedians feed off each other’s humor and have created a show that features stand-up, film clips, musical numbers and their experiences in their performance-centered lives. The Steep Canyon Rangers, who often perform with Martin, will be there to play some bluegrass.
Fitness on the Rocks
When: July 22, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre — 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
Cost: $35 – $55
The Lowdown: This is the seventh year of Fitness on the Rocks and every year gets bigger. Whether it’s your first or seventh time, spend your Saturday focusing on health and wellness at this quintessential venue. Catch the opening ceremonies, then dive into yoga, zumba, the Total Body Extravaganza, OrangeTheory Fitness, kick boxing, an obstacle course and more. When you get hungry, there will be plenty of healthy food vendors.
Rosé All Day Brunch
When: July 23, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Table 6 — 609 Corona St., Denver
Cost: $120 for a reservation of two. For reservations call 303-831-8800
The Lowdown: Brunch was made for Sundays and rosé adds to the fun. Head to Table 6 for a three-course brunch that pairs with Veuve Clicquot Rosé. You’ll be given a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot Rosé with your reservation when you arrive before you decide if you want another glass — or bottle — with your brunch.
Levitt Open House
When: July 22, 3 – 6 p.m.
Where: Levitt Pavillion — 1380 W. Florida Ave., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: The free concert venue and community space is finally open to the public and it’s time to celebrate. Hosting free tours every 30 minutes, you can get a behind the scenes look at the brand new concept that’s never been seen before in Denver. Maybe it’ll inspire you to come back to the many free shows and events it will host all year long.
READ: 10 Must-See Free Shows at Levitt Pavilion This Summer
Sunday, July 23
Drink RiNo Battle of the Bands
When: July 23, 12 – 7 p.m.
Where: Rackhouse Pub — 2875 Blake St., Denver
Cost: $15. Get tickets here.
The Lowdown: At this Drink RiNo event, watch bands battle it out against a panel of judges. These bands are made up of employees of local breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries including Mockery Brewing, Great Divide, Ratio Beerworks and others. Each band will be represented by a drink of their choice, so be ready for a wide range of tasting.
City Park Jazz: Los Bohemios
When: July 23, 6 p.m.
Where: City Park, Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: This round of City Park Jazz features the local Salsa and Cuban Son band, Los Bohemios. Pick up whatever smells best from one of the food trucks on your way in and settle into the evening. Los Bohemios’ three-part-harmonies and high energy are sure to get you feeling the music in the park this week.
Cornhole Tournament at Declaration Brewing
When: July 23, 12 p.m. sign-up, games start at 1 p.m.
Where: Declaration Brewing — 2030 S. Cherokee St., Denver
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Have a competitive streak? Gather your friends with good hand-eye-coordination and come to Declaration Brewery on Sunday for a cornhole tournament and a brew or two.
Yoga and Plants
When: July 23, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Evolve Yoga Denver — 1321 S. Broadway, Denver
Cost: $25
The Lowdown: Get down to your roots for these two hours starting with a yoga class for the first half and plant class for the second half. This class is featuring lavender and its many uses and benefits. With your ticket, you also get supplies for your lavender projects, snacks and smoothies, a sample of marijuana-infused tea and lavender essential oils.
Want this list before everyone else?
Click here to have it sent to your inbox.
Mark Your Calendars
Tender Belly and Blue Moon Beer Brat Brawl
When: August 6, 12 – 5 p.m.
Where: Blue Moon Brewery RiNo – 3750 Chestnut Pl., Denver
Cost: $40
Tickets: Available here.
Jackalope: An Indie Artisan Fair
When: July 29 – 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: McNichols Building – 144 W Colfax Ave., Denver
Cost: Free
Denver Beer Co’s Second Annual Ice Cream Shandy Social
When: July 29, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Denver Beer Co – 1695 Platte St, Denver
Cost: $20
Tickets: Available here.