See also: - Shop local on Small Business Saturday, and feel good about where you spend your money - Postscript postcards bring new life to Denver streets -- and the U.S. Mail - Enjoy colorful Colorado: "The Twelve Days of Fitness"
Who Killed Arnold Palmer? at the MCA Denver (Friday, $5) Black Sheep Fridays is traveling to the fictional town of Twin Peaks this week with Who Killed Arnold Palmer?, an event focused on David Lynch's iconic television show and lemonade and vodka iced tea cocktails. Discuss the death of Laura Palmer, take in some art at the MCA, and delve into the weirdness of this always interesting recurring event.Glitch Givin' 5 at Fanbass (Friday, $10) Rather than buying anything this Black Friday, Colorado artists are encouraging people to go out and see live music and donate to a worthy cause. See electronic music performances from artists like Adem Joel and Deja Oner, live painting from Katrina Stowers, and dance knowing that the proceeds from the event are going to benefit Urban Peak@The Spot, a counseling center that works with youth on the streets. Bring a winter item to donate and get into the spirit of giving rather than consuming.
The Yellow Machine at the Gothic Theatre (Friday, $10) Local MC Sid Pink will transform into a character named Anton L'Amiral tonight for a one night only performance of The Yellow Machine: A Rockeretta. The musical spectacular, inspired by Alice Cooper and rock n roll theater productions like Hedwig and the Angry Inch, follows L'Amiral's tale of heartbreak through music. Check out the show, view a gallery of art inspired by the production, and enjoy a full theatrical event complete with costumes, special effects, and live music.
Purple Friday at Anam Cara Living Arts (Friday-Sunday, free) For those who really want to be around shoppers and sales this consumer weekend, Anam Cara Living Arts is throwing a much more mellow, and differently colored sale. Purple Friday will feature a "feast of the arts" and many deals on artwork in the studio. Unlike the Wal-Mart specials, you won't have to get up in the middle of the night to get the deals--it all starts at noon so you can spend a leisurely morning avoiding capitalism before you head out to check out the art.
Downtown Denver Grand Illumination from Denver Union Station to the City and County Building (Friday, free) Say what you will about the vast commercialization of the holidays, but one of the magical things about the season is that the whole city becomes illuminated in sparkling lights. Make a mug of hot chocolate and see it all happen tonight at 6 p.m. as downtown goes from darkness into pretty holiday lights. It's sure to be enough to grow your heart a few sizes. Go ice skating at Skyline Park (Friday-Sunday, free) You know it's really the beginning of winter when Southwest Rink at Skyline Park opens for the season. The free ice skating rink opens today, celebrating with free skate rentals and DJs in the evening. It's open the rest of the weekend for free with only $2 skate rentals, live music on Saturday, and family entertainment on Sunday. Practice your salchows and axels, or simply try not to fall as you skate around downtown and celebrate the fun things about the winter weather. TheHundred Anniversary Party at Beauty Bar (Saturday, $7) Dance off all that turkey and pumpkin pie at community dance party TheHundred's one year anniversary party. LA's JEROME LOL will headline the event, with more tunes from Narky Stares, ENSO, option4, and Lust. Celebrate a whole year of TheHundred bringing fine music to Denver and get some fun exercise following your day of overeating.Holiday Movies and DIPS Small Business Saturday at Rakun (Saturday, free) If you must shop this weekend, it will be much more fun to support local businesses than go to the mall. The Denver Independent Boutiques Small Business Saturday Boutique Crawl will offer a passport to a wide variety of local shops that are offering discounts, prizes, and fun events while you browse. Rakun is one of the participants, providing refreshments and showing holiday movies all day in the boutique. Shop for unique holiday gifts while you watch Christmas classics in the store.
Cher West's Last Supper at The Bar (Saturday, $8 in advance, $10 at the door) Drag queen Cher West is going out with a bang at this fun, campy murder mystery show. Enjoy free champagne and appetizers before the show and then watch the performance and guess who killed West while you bid farewell to her drag performing days. Farolito Lighting at The Fort (Sunday, free) Join in the annual Native American tradition of lighting the farolitos, or little lanterns, this afternoon to welcome the holiday season. The night includes free apple cider, coffee, and cookies as well as an award ceremony for a member of the Native American community and a pine cone ceremony to honor lost loved ones. The ceremony combines with the beautiful scenery at The Fort promises to be an interesting way to kick start the holiday season that doesn't include shopping till you drop.Follow @WestwordCulture