Visit the online Westword calendar for more ideas, and if you know of any other under-ten-buck bargains, drop a line in the comments section below.
See also: Lawrence of Arabia kicks off 24 weeks of classic film tonight
Esme Patterson live at Twist & Shout (Friday, free) Unless you've been living under a rock, you have to know and love the sweet sounds of Denver's own Esme Patterson. Tonight Twist & Shout will present a free concert celebrating her newest album, Woman to Woman. While the show is free, buying a CD might get you a better seat.
Jodorowsky's Dune at Sie FilmCenter (opens Friday, $10) Dune was set to be the greatest science fiction movie ever made, based on the seminal science fiction book by Frank Herbert. But even with a grand cast consisting of Mick Jagger and Salvador Dali, and two years of meticulous planning, that version of the movie simply never happened. The documentary Jodorowsky's Dune takes a look at why this movie may have been just too ahead of its time and impossible to make.
Beth at The Betsy Stage (Friday-Saturday, free) The Betsy Stage is a tucked-away gem in this city. Its specialty is adapting Shakespeare really well, and for this show it has flipped Macbeth on its head and placed it in 1920s Paris with an all-female cast. The updated version pays "homage to women's struggle throughout time in art," says Samantha McDermott, writer/director of the show. Go to the Betsy website to reserve your free tickets.
Back to the Future at the Esquire(Friday-Saturday, $9) With all the outdoor things going on this weekend, at the end of the night you might just want to hang out indoors and relax. Take a trip back in time in the DeLorean with Doc Brown and Marty McFly at the Esquire's Midnight Movie -- and watch Marty play Earth Angel like his life depends on it.
Denver Day of Rock at 16th Street Mall (Friday-Sunday, free) This is one of the best music events you'll ever see without having to pay a dime. Spread out over five stages throughout downtown, the one-of-a-kind music fest will feature over 25 national acts. And not just little bands, either; the likes of The Wallflowers and Black Joe Lewis are just a couple of the notables who'll perform. The concert is brought to you by Concerts for Kids, so it's a win-win for everyone. Downtown Denver Arts Festival at Denver Performing Arts Complex (Friday-Sunday, free) Downtown Denver has a pretty awesome art scene, and this weekend the Denver Performing Arts Complex will host the best of it. Arts and crafts from both local artists and a select group of national artists will be exhibited all weekend long. As an added bonus, this year Opera Colorado's Young Artists will share some performances. And yes, it's all free.ArtStir Denver at Denver Pavilions (Saturday-Sunday, free) After checking out what's going on at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, walk a few blocks to the Denver Pavilions and browse through ArtStir Denver, where many Colorado creatives will be showcasing their art, music and fashion design. Admission is free.
Strings with Sandra Wong and James Hoskins at Denver Central Library (Saturday, free) There's a lot of music in town this weekend, and if rock and roll gets to be too much, you can head to the Central Library and relax to the sweet sounds of the cello. Sandra Wong and James Hoskins will team up for the first time for a duo performance as a part of the library's Saturday Sessions. The music will not only be delightful, it's free!
Denver Flea at City Park Denver takes a lot of pride in local goods, and you can support that effort at Denver Flea, which will present the best of Colorado beer, food and crafts at this event. And not only is it free, if you RSVP on the Denver Flea website, the first beer is free. Something Fabulous at Blush & Blu (Saturday, $5) Before television and the Internet took over, people had to venture out of their homes for a night of vaudevillian entertainment. Blush & Blu is bringing back that concept tonight with Something Fabulous, a variety show with a little something for everyone. Comedians Timmi Lasley, Byron Graham and Abby Alt will perform through the night, and there will also be drag performances, burlesque, music and poetry -- for just $5.
