See also: - Meet five designers showing at Frost: Fashion Denver's Holiday Market - Lucky '13: Sara Century from Night Nurses, Baby Hair, and Ladybug Fest - H.P. Lovecraft: A horrifying crash course to prepare you for the H.P. Lovecraft Holiday Special
Deer Pile's One Year Anniversary at the Deer Pile (Friday, free) In just a year, Deer Pile above City O' City has become an institution: a go-to all-ages venue where you can see live music, comedy and more for cheap. Celebrate this spot tonight with a full lineup of entertainment hosted by Westword MasterMind Andrew Orvedahl. The show includes many Deer Pile regulars, everything from comedy by the Fine Gentleman's Club to storytelling from the Narrators, and the fun will be capped off by a dance party downstairs at City O'.
Cafe Cultura's Open Mic at Denver Inner City Parish (Friday, $3 donation) Whether you go to express yourself through spoken-word poetry or simply to experience art and support the community, Cafe Cultura's monthly open mic night provides entertainment for a good cause. Part of the proceeds from the door will purchase items for native Reservations, so while you enjoy performances by SlamNUBA superstars Ayinde Russell and Dominique Ashaheed and live art by Xencs L. Wing, you'll know your money is going to support something worthy.
Mile High Soul Club at the Meadowlark (Friday, free) It's been a while since we urged you to check out Denver's free, monthly soul club, but you don't want to miss the last 2012 installment of one of the town's best dance night. Dance to '60s and '70s soul, runk, R&B and northern soul from DJs Dogboy, Tyler Jacobson, "Creeper" Steve Cervantes and guest DJ Stefano.Cheap Xmas Crapfair at the MCA Denver (Friday, $5) Black Sheep Fridays' Cheap Xmas Crapfair is back, bringing you the cheapest, crappiest kinds of gifts with which to surprise and delight your family and friends this year. Have a drink, see the MCA's exhibits, and then buy the best worst gifts possible find for everyone on your list.
Self-Care & Zine Making at the Denver Zine Library (Saturday, suggested donation $5-$15) Winter is coming. And to help you combat the dark days, the Denver Zine Library is offering a self-care workshop and zine-making event today. Learn how to stay healthy and balanced in the cold weather, and participate in something that always helps: creative expression. The admission is donation-based, so no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Dream Generator at Trace Gallery (Saturday, free) Step into artist Adam Scott Miller's mystical world at this art opening. Miller's ethereal work is inspired by dreams, and depicts landscapes full of beams of colored light and magical elements. Musical guest Shaggz will set the mood, and designer Born of Infinity will bring you back to earth with a show original jewelry.REI Ugly Sweater Festivus at REI Denver & Boulder (Saturday-Sunday, free) Don your ugliest holiday outfit and head to REI -- the Denver flagship store Saturday and the Boulder store Sunday -- for a day full of prize drawings, scavenger hunts and a photobooth. You can learn more about outdoor gear and stock up for the coming months of outdoor adventures (and possible win some gear), all while wearing your tackiest thrift-store finds.
In Trance We Trust at Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery (Saturday, $10) Get cozy at this night of trance music, featuring sounds from Tangle & Mateusz, DJ JackJack, Soapbox.DJ, Brian Vance, A-TrainDJ and Hazy Meadow. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some cool lights and music, take off your shoes (seriously, they want you to), and dance away the seasonal affective disorder.Holiday Mixer at the Bovine Metropolis Theater (Sunday, $6) Catch the very last performance of this popular Bovine Metropolis Theater sketch- comedy show tonight. Put on by the PrimeTime Sketch Team, the show is a night of holiday-themed sketches that will get you in the mood for -- and also make fun of -- the most wonderful time of the year.
December Neat Market at Hoodlab (Sunday, free) With cheese balls and reindeer meat abounding, vegans can feel left out during the holidays. But not at the December Neat Market. This all-vegan market is a perfect place to pick up vegan food, wine and gifts for the holidays. Support local businesses, learn ways to volunteer, and enjoy the community of animal lovers at this monthly event.Follow @WestwordCulture