No need to fear a future full of talking machines that are smarter than humans -- that future is already here. Local company Gamma Two Robotics specializes in artificial intelligence, and you can explore its world of wonders at a free open house tonight. But if wandering a room full of robots doesn't electrify you, there's still plenty to do in Denver this weekend that won't deplete your wallet. Find our complete listing of events on the online Westword calendar, and leave suggestions for other bargains in the comments section below.

See also: - The five best Kentucky Derby parties in Denver - 100 Colorado Creatives: Norman Broomhall and Jean Albus - Photos: Four exhibits at Plus Gallery and Spark Gallery focus on conceptual art

See artificial intelligence in action at Gamma Two Robotics' monthly open house from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight. Robots will serve you snacks while you chat up the inventors, converse with the machines, and ponder the impending awesome/terrifying future of a world filled with astoundingly smart electronics.

RiNo Epicurean Market at 3370 Walnut St. (Friday, free) Check out artisan food from local vendors -- including Gourmet Blends Denver and Kassia's Pasta Farm -- and enjoy free food samples and cocktails while also listening to live music. It's Thirst Friday!

Civilized Living at Fancy Tiger (Friday, free) Fancy Tiger Boutique's Civilized Living series continues with an unexpected local collaboration: Breckenridge Brewery and Topo Designs. The two companies will be debuting a new backpack specially designed to accommodate a beer cooler and bottle opener. And they'll be giving away one of the new designs tonight, as well as offering free beer from the local brewery.

Mingling With Fire at Trace Gallery (Saturday, free) Let your inner pyro out tonight -- in a totally safe way -- by learning about pyrotechnics from the experts. Burning Man fire-safety team members DaveX and Eric Smith will be in town to host a Flame Effects for the Artist class, but even if you can't swing the tuition you can meet the two tonight at this free garden party. If you plan to go, bring an appetizer or bottle of wine to share.

May the force be with you. All things sci-fi will unite at this Deer Pile event tonight inspired by the famous

line. Comedian Ben Kronberg will host the evening of music from Itchy-O and Mancub, comedy from The Fine Gentleman's Club and Third Curd, trivia with Andrew Novick, and a dance party to finish it all off. Dress like an Ewok and be sure to

to get the $10 price -- the day of the show the cover goes up to $15.

Touch at Forest Room 5 (Saturday, free) Artist Porscha' Danielle drew inspiration from Jacques Derrida's book On Touching-Jean Luc Nancy to create a series of paintings and video installations featured in this new show which debuts tonight at Forest room 5. Pillow Garden and Mariposa will provide live music to go along with the art designed to, in Danielle's words, "Touch those and those instances that have touched me."

Valverde Bazaar Outdoor Market at Eron Johnson Antiques (Saturday, free) 'Tis the season to avoid the mall and shop local outdoor markets, and one of the prime spots to hit this weekend is the Valverde Bazaar. Over fifty local vendors will hawk their wares; there will also be live music from Mondragon and food trucks offering nourishment to fuel your continued shopping.

Industrial Project at Junction Box (Saturday-Sunday, $10 suggested donation) Ballet Nouveau Colorado was recently reborn as Wonderbound. Experience the company's new space tonight when it hosts the Industrial Project, an experimental piece produced by house dance troupe the Wonderbound Hares. Admission is by donation; there will be drinks, snacks and mingling with the dancers afterward.

Cinco de Mayo Fest & Parade at Civic Center Park (Saturday-Sunday, free) Civic Center Park will host a huge celebration of Latino culture this weekend, with two days of mariachi bands, a parade, a taco-eating contest, green chili cook off, and so much more. Get a real taste of Mexican culture at the fest.

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Buffalo Bill Birthday Celebration at the Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum (Sunday, free) Celebrate the life and times of Wild West hero "Buffalo Bill" Cody today at his gravesite. The party will feature free cake and ice cream, costumed re-enactors and complimentary admission to the museum so that you can learn more about this consummate showman.

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