10 things to do for $10 in Denver this weekend (7 free!), January 4-6

It's the first First Friday of the year, and that means that Denver is teeming with art openings galore. The great thing about art openings? They're almost always free. And the rest of the weekend is packed full of events, too, from classic film screenings to go-go dancing tryouts, and...

By Robin Edwards

January 4, 2013

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It's the first First Friday of the year, and that means that Denver is teeming with art openings galore. The great thing about art openings? They're almost always free. And the rest of the weekend is packed full of events, too, from classic film screenings to go-go dancing tryouts, and none of these events will cost you more than a Hamilton. Start your new year right by having fun without spending much cash. For a complete listing of events, visit the Westword calendar, and feel free to share more weekend bargains in our comments section.

The Denver Zine Library Show at Lowbrow Denver (Friday, free) It's all about the zines tonight at Lowbrow: The Denver Zine Library is taking over the space for a zine-related art show. Check out a variety of these DIY, handmade art pamphlets while you enjoy drinks and community. As an added bonus, the DZL will be unveiling its permanent installation at Lowbrow: a zine vending machine. Be sure to gather up your coins to bring something special home with you.

First Friday Art Show at Rhinoceropolis (Friday, free) It's always refreshing to get away from Santa Fe for some First Friday art perusing, and Rhinoceropolis has one of the best-looking offerings of the evening. The show will feature a diverse array of some of the city's most intriguing artists, including Matt Scobey, Alicia Ordal, Stephen Herrera, Tokyo Drift and Katrin Davis. The show is sure to be more exciting than going with the masses to eat cheese and stumble down Santa Fe.

Rene Farkass First Friday Art Party Closer at 1400 Dallas Street (Friday, free) Tonight is the last chance to see figure drawing teacher Rene Farkass' extensive art show, which showcases work from the last three decades. The night promises food, drinks and lots and lots of drawings of naked ladies. Stop by before it's gone.

Mantic's Circuit Bent Circus at Unit E (Friday, $5) It's one thing to look at art, and it's quite another to go to an art show where you can actually interact with the pieces. Denver-based Mantic Conceptual has created a series of "audio-oriented electronic art pieces and effect pedals" that will be on display at Unit E tonight for onlookers to play and create sounds accompanied by visuals from a circuit-bent Nintendo. Spend a fun evening manipulating audio, and then stay for live music from ManCub, Rubedo, and Wire Faces.

Community Yoga at the Mercury Cafe (Saturday, by donation) Follow up a late Friday night with something good for your body: community yoga. This all-inclusive, welcoming and donation-run class upstairs at the Merc is the perfect way to kick off a Saturday. Do the downward dog, perform sun salutations to the tunes of DJ Narky Stares, and stay for brunch afterward for an extra treat.

Tryst Saturdays at Coco Breeze Lounge & Cafe (Saturday, free for 21+) The grand opening of Denver's only gay 18+ venue is definitely something to celebrate -- and not just because it means getting a free drink if you show up before 10 p.m. Enjoy the complimentary booze, tunes from DJ Rockstar Aaron, and entertainment from go-go dancers at this weekend party on one of the many rowdy nights of entertainment to come from the club. New Drawings by Brittany Gould at Cafe Europa (Saturday, free) As a musician in her solo project Married in Berdichev, Brittany Gould creates beautiful, ethereal sounds. Her visual art captures that same dreamy feeling on paper, and it's always a treat to see what the visionary artist has been creating. This show features intricate, whimsical black-and-white drawings that are not to be missed.

Mardi Gras Gogo & Hooper Tryouts at the Fusion Factory (Saturday, $5) Tonight's the night for amateur go-go dancers to try out at the Fusion Factory, which should be a good opportunity to have a few drinks, watch the aspiring performers and cheer for your favorites. DJs Dallas Brown, Raptor and Nomad will provide the night's soundtrack. If you're feeling like a star, trying out will get you into the event for free. It's sure to be way more exciting than Dancing With The Stars.

Poetry Slam at the Mercury Cafe (Sunday, $5) The Mercury Cafe's long-running poetry slam is always a great Sunday-evening option. Get a hot beverage and some delicious food from the cafe, and sit back to enjoy performances ranging from hilarious to heart-wrenching. It's always a lively evening full of good food, drinks and art.

That Hamilton Woman at the Sie FilmCenter (Sunday, free) Take in a cinema classic for free today at the Tattered Cover's free film series. The pick for the weekend is That Hamilton Woman, a movie starring Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh that follows the affair between the admiral who defeated Napoleon and a woman named Lady Hamilton. Spend a Sunday afternoon getting in some cost-free cinema.

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