While there's still time, let's have all the fun we can. This list ensures nothing but good times, because we're celebrating art, light and dark, meeting bands and getting plain old sexy to round out this weekend. Check out the Westword calendar for even more events to check out.
Cut Outs Pop Culture Collage
Gallery 51 in Buffalo Exchange
5 p.m. Friday, free
Let's kick off the weekend on South Broadway at the gallery inside Buffalo Exchange. Check out the new pop art-inspired collages by Zoa Ace. The work is eye-catching, full of humor and will be on view through February. Go on down there Friday night and give the artist a handshake.
Stepping Over the Sight Line Artist Reception
40 West Art Gallery and Studios
5 p.m. Friday, free
Thanks to the Athena Project for inspiring and supporting this all-female art exhibition. The sight line in art is the perspective of the artist, which represents a reality plane. This show steps beyond that idea, mixing all types of mediums together from a variety of artists. Meet the makers, enjoy a drink and check out a new perspective.
Art + Lit: Pop Art & A Little Life
Lighthouse Writers Workshop
6 p.m. Friday, free
Join in the highbrow conversation that pairs a book with a work of art. CU Denver Assistant Professor of Art History Yang Wang and writer Alison Alexander lead the discussion surrounding Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life and how it relates to pop art. The book is crazy interesting, so this discussion should be brilliant. It's okay if you haven't read the book — yet.
From the Cauldron: The Tale of the Hesh Witch Revealed
Lowbrow
7 p.m. Friday, free
Get a little pre-game on before your long night on the town on South Broadway and stop by Lowbrow for the unveiling of prints from the dark side. Twisted in occult, magic, cosmic beings and fun, the Hesh Witch presents a new round of ink creations at one of the best shops in town. Enjoy the art, the beverages and pagan ritual.
Open Music Sessions | First Friday Celebration
Denver Open Media
7 p.m. Friday, free
Go behind the scenes of TV productions and check out this live variety show. Hang out in the upstairs lounge to score some free pizza, then enjoy sounds from Matt Rouch & the Noise Upstairs and laughs with Jared Ewy. It's a live taping, so if you're stuck at home and you have Comcast, you can check it out on Channel 57 or here.
Read on for more things to do this weekend.
Pussy Bros Presents Adrian Mesa
The Comedy RoomRoom
7 p.m. Friday, free
The Pussy Bros are really putting on one of the most lit comedy nights, month in and month out. This edition is no different, with jokes from Corey Rhoads, Arielle Kaplan, local legend Dick Black and Comedy Works regular Adrian Mesa. Give yourself something to giggle about this weekend.
KoolrStandards presents 40s & Tacos
Maze Haus 7
9 p.m. Friday, $5
All we should have to say is "40s and tacos" to get you to this party, but to be safe, we'll let you know that you can enjoy performances from local acts, including DJ Action. With $1 tacos and $5 40s, your night is looking all right. Bring some extra green, if you know what we mean.
Ratio Sessions: Lemuria
Ratio Beerworks
5:30 p.m. Saturday, free
Get to know the band Lemuria as they tell stories and play songs at Ratio this evening. Before they play a show at the Marquis later in the night, they'll sit down with the Mostly Harmless podcast, have a chat and give a preview of their live renditions. If you like what you hear, you can pick up discounted tickets for the show.
CITRA Video Release Party
Ratio Beerworks
7 p.m. Saturday, free
Give it up for CITRA for releasing its newest single and music video, which has been getting lots of airplay from stations around town and Westword. Tonight the musicians will put their video up on the big screen and give us a free concert featuring Plastic Daggers. Any excuse to party is a good one. Way to go, guys.
Pre-Valentine Sensual Dance Party
The Savoy Events Center
9:30 p.m. Saturday, $8-$9
Hips don't lie, so lets make sure yours are telling the truth before the big day of passion. See if you can get down with the bachata, seduce with the kizomba, party zouk style and salsa the night away. Visiting instructors Rodrigo and Wendy will be around to show you a thing or two, as well.