10 Things to Do for $10 in Denver This Weekend (7 Free!), October 23-25

After a drizzly couple of days, there are hints that the sun may come out for a little while on Saturday and Sunday — and so should you. This weekend is filled with art markets, pumpkin carving and wild parties to put Netflix-and-chill on pause. Check out the Westword calendar for more to see and do, and if you know of anything we missed, drop a comment below.

Essence at Ironton Studios (6 p.m. Friday, free)
Andy Sweet has been in the sculpture game for a long time, but recently decided to retire the iron and stone. Join him for a send-off show featuring the art, live jazz band, sweets and libations. His art is an attempt to sum up the essence of the human condition, so come take a gander at the opening of a final exhibit.

Blowpony at The Compound (9 p.m. Friday, $5)
Blowpony is a pre-Halloween LGBT party that tours the nation and promises a wild time — and it should be extra nuts in Denver. Performances by Airick X, The Bitch Prince, Dirty Diesel and Fingerbang will warm you up for the night., followed by headliners Zebra Katz and Rap Girl. 

CherryArts Festival at Stanley Marketplace (10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, free)
The Stanley Marketplace is slated to open in 2016 as a community hub similar to the Source but in an old aviation building on the border of Stapleton and Aurora. Catch a sneak peek of the space at the CherryArts Festival this weekend. The popular Fourth of July tradition comes alive in late October with nationally juried artists, interactive art, activities for the kids, food trucks and live entertainment.
#sourcepopup at The Source (10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, free)
Speaking of the Source, the RiNo community staple is throwing a pop-up market this weekend. Eight special artisans have been hand-picked for you to explore. Check out hand-crafted jewelry, stylish bags, vintage goods and much more over the next couple days. Grab some of that tasty Boxcar Coffee while you're there.  

Pumpkin Carving Contest at Huckleberry Roasters Roasting Room (5:30 p.m. Saturday, free-$10)
Bring $10 and a pumpkin if you want to enter the carving contest for a shot to win cool gear. Bring $5 if you just want to hang out and drink beer and coffee. If you're feeling giving, you can bring some treats to share with everyone and get in for free. Carving a pumpkin is always a good time, so come do it with the community and win some swag. 

Boulder Beard and Moustache Competition at Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel (5:30 p.m. Saturday, $10)
Facial hair is all the rage these days. So much of a rage, they're putting it on display up in Boulder this weekend. Come see the hairy spectacle in eleven categories ranging from goatee to freestyle beards. The ladies will even have their own faux-beard competition as well. This competition is mostly about showmanship, so if you want to see some hairy wacko's, this is the place for you.  

Astronomy on Tap at Leon (8 p.m. Saturday, free)
Space is pretty bad-ass, but beer is way more bad-ass. Join the party bringing both things together tonight at Leon. Explorer of explosions far, far away Jennifer Hoffman and Mars aficionado Issac Smith will be on hand to discuss intriguing topics of the final frontier. We'd probably have a lot more astrophysicists if they offered free beer in class, so here's your chance to learn something new.  

Art & Soul 3 at Ophelia's Electric Soapbox (8:30 p.m. Saturday, $5)
Try a cool new spot with a different kind of party. Be a part of the energy that goes into a live painting by the artist, Detour, while DJ Soulrane, DJ A-L and The Soul Pros kick out the jams for you to be funky with.  

The Dark Woods: The Life and Work of Melanie Tem at Vintage Theatre (7 p.m. Sunday, free)
Earlier this year, Denver's sci-fi and horror community lost one of its most important members. A World Fantasy and Bram Stoker award winner, Melanie Tem's life, short stories and plays will be remembered tonight at the Vintage Theater. Her work was both dark and compassionate and includeed Fry Day, Straight Sitting,The Society for Lost Positives, and the short story Dhost. The performance is free, but donations will be accepted.

Propaganda! A Comedy Show at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret (8 p.m. Sunday, free) 
We're always excited for the last Sunday of the month, because we get a side free pizza coupons with our comedy. Welcome Emily Maya Mills, Stephen Agyei, Sam Gordon, Scott Boxenbau, Jordan Wieleba and special guest host Eric Henderson to the Lannie's stage. Lots of laughs to wrap up this crazy weekend. 

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