For thrifty locals looking for things to do, endless opportunities await. Whether you're making an effort to engage with and understand an unfairly maligned community, sipping wine at a comedy show or taking in some deeply ironic art, Denver creatives have your entertainment needs covered. Keep reading for the five best free events June 5-9, listed below in chronological order.
[image-6]Unpacking Islamophobia
Tuesday, June 6, 6 p.m.
Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library
In an era when terror attacks, unhinged political rhetoric and fear permeate public life, it's more important than ever to listen to one another. Unpacking Islamophobia aims to cut through the noise, anxiety and misinformation with an engaging and informative discussion aimed at puncturing misguided stereotypes. A panel of local Muslim speakers will be on hand to lead the discussion. Colorado Stands will also be collecting "Letters in Support of Our Muslim Neighbors," as a powerful counter-protest against the deeply troubling March Against Sharia planned for June 10. Visit the Unpacking Islamophobia Facebook events page to learn more.
Punketry!
Tuesday, June 6, 7 p.m.
Mutiny Information Cafe
Denver’s newest publisher, Punch Drunk Press, wants to help writers, poets and artists share their work with the broader world, both at in-person readings and online. To help spread the word, it’s hosting Punketry, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at Mutiny Information Cafe, 2 South Broadway. Poets Andre Carbonell, aka Hakeem Furious, Cat Frances and Kenny White will be reading to the tunes of punk outfit Black Market Translation. Punch Drunk Press is asking for a $5 donation at the door; a comedy open mic follows the reading. For more information, go to Punketry's Facebook event page.
UnCORKED
Wednesday, June 7, 8 p.m.
The Infinite Monkey Theorem
Local comic and trained sommelier Meghan DePonceau has a well-documented fondness for drink; in her dearly missed Amuse Booze showcase and on both sides of bars across the city, DePonceau's extensive knowledge of wine impresses and charms in equal measure. DePonceau's latest effort blends standup comedy with wines from Denver's own Infinite Monkey Theorem Winery, truly a pairing for the ages. Join DePonceau along with Katie Bowman, Kyle Pogue and Brett Hiker, who will crack wise while you crack wines. Admission is free; visit UnCORKED's Facebook event page to learn more.
Keep reading for more free events later in the week.
Four Mile Free Day
Friday, June 9, 12-4 p.m.
Four Mile Historic Park
Although any day is a good day to amble through Colorado's formative years at Four Mile Historic Park, it's even better with free admission. From 12 to 4 p.m. on every second Saturday until December 8, visitors can explore the twelve-acre grounds, mingle with farm animals and grab a seat for the Hay Bales and Tall Tales storytelling show, a particular hit with kids. Built in 1859 on the banks of Cherry Creek, the Four Mile House is Denver's oldest standing structure and current home to a museum that brings history to life. Cap it off with a free sample from the summer kitchen.
Re-Arted III Thrift Store Series
Saturday, June 10, 6 p.m.
Cabal Gallery
Thrift-store paintings are typically the sort of pleasantly forgettable images that get mass-produced to be hung in suburban homes and dental offices and then donated once they're no longer fashionable. That's where local painter Joshua Finley comes in. With Re-Arted, which returns for its third installment on Saturday, June 10, Finley will display discarded old prints he's turned into a canvas for something completely new. Painting over the prints to add flourishes and colors that weren't there before, Finley offers a dark commentary on the original image, like a bucolic field consumed by flames or a blood-speckled Jesus keeping watch over a city. The show, which is free and open to the public, starts at 6 p.m.; visit the Re-Arted III Facebook event page to learn more.
Go to Westword's calendar for more things to do.