3 things to do for free in Denver this week, April 8-11

You won't need magic to conjure up some bargain entertainment in Denver this week. Denver -- everything from free screenings of films at the Sie FilmCenter (including a presentation of the first Harry Potter flick) to a hip-hop open mic to a local author talking about his struggle with prescription...

By Robin Edwards

April 8, 2013

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "12017618",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17242653",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261320",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18838239",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17261321",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

You won't need magic to conjure up some bargain entertainment in Denver this week. Denver -- everything from free screenings of films at the Sie FilmCenter (including a presentation of the first Harry Potter flick) to a hip-hop open mic to a local author talking about his struggle with prescription drugs. For more information on events, check out the online Westword calendar; if you know of other free opportunities, post them in the comments section below.

Matt Samet at the Tattered Cover LoDo (Monday) Throughout climber Matt Samet's struggle with anxiety and depression, he was prescribed a multitude of drugs that were supposed to help combat the mental illness. Instead, his dependency on benzodiazepines became an addiction all its own. He chronicles this ordeal in his book, Death Grip: A Climber's Escape from Benzo Madness, which he'll read from tonight; the book also discuss the Western epidemic of prescription drug problems and how rock climbing helped him escape.

The Pit at Funky Buddha Lounge (Thursday) Catch up-and-coming rappers perform their newest rhymes at the Funky Buddha Lounge's hip-hop open mic hosted by Turner Jackson and DJ Dozen. Here's how it works: rappers sign up between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for five-minute sets to try their fresh work on the mic. Unleash your own freestyles or simply catch the acts of performers including Rebel Queen and Blvck Jordan.

Free Day at the Movies at the Sie FilmCenter (Thursday) Spend a day at the movies without spending a cent at the Sie FilmCenter today. From a special family presentation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to the coming-of-age Cold War teen tale Ginger & Rosa, all of the unique programming (except for the screening of Chasing Ice) will be free. Arrive early to ensure a seat; tickets will be handed out at the box office.

Follow @WestwordCulture

KEEP WESTWORD FREE... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.