10 things to do for $10 in Denver this weekend (6 free!), August 2-4

August is all about summer fun, and there's plenty of fun to be had this weekend without digging too deep in your pockets. Celebrate the first weekend of the month with outdoor movies, a laser show under the stars, and tons of other cheap happenings. For more events, visit the...

By Robin Edwards

August 2, 2013

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August is all about summer fun, and there's plenty of fun to be had this weekend without digging too deep in your pockets. Celebrate the first weekend of the month with outdoor movies, a laser show under the stars, and tons of other cheap happenings. For more events, visit the Westword calendar, and share your own suggestions of things to do in our comments section.

First Friday Bike-In Movie Night at Gabrielle's Garden (Friday, $5) Take a break from First Friday Santa Fe art shows and wander over to 832 Kalamath, where local food producer Gabrielle's Garden will be hosting a series of short films about farming and sustainability. Gabrielle's is also the place to learn more about local eats on any Saturday at its pay-what-you-can market.

Welcome to SoHi at Blue Dot Studio (Friday, free) Denver has LoDo, LoHi, SoBro and plenty of other annoying neighborhood nicknames. And now there's another: SoHi. Artists Peter Miles Bergman and Heather Link are exploring the newly re-branded South Highlands area (a.k.a. the area bordered by Lakewood Gulch, I-25, 26th and Knox Streets) in a multimedia show that documents SoHi landmarks, public art, and underutilized space.

Blood Lustre at Kitchen's Ink (Friday, free) It's going to get bloody tonight at the new show from former Warlock Pincher, collector, and artist Andrew Novick. Blood Lustre features works that use real human blood as the medium for a series of photographs as well as a crime scene photo booth outside. Check out Cory Casciato's Q&A with Novick for more about the gory evening. Free Day at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield (Friday, free) The Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the loveliest places to visit in the city, and today the Chatfield branch will open its doors for free. Meander around the working farm, do some bird watching, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Celebrate Centennial Under the Stars at Centennial Center Park (Saturday, free) Centennial's annual celebration is chock full of free fun this year with performances by Rachel and the Kings, an Eagles cover band called The Long Run, and tons of outdoor games and festival activities. As an added bonus, there will be a laser light show under the stars, so bring blankets and lawn chairs so you can get cozy while you watch. The Princess Bride in the parking lot behind the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (Saturday, $5) If you missed seeing The Princess Bride at this year's sold out Film on the Rocks screening, tonight is your chance to see the 1987 classic projected under the stars. Watch the romance between Westley and Buttercup, quote along with the famous lines and enjoy the timeless Rob Reiner film. Presented by Boulder Outdoor Cinema.

The Fine Gentleman's Club at the Sidewinder (Saturday, $5) The Fine Gentleman's Club consistently puts on an entertaining night of stand-up comedy, and tonight will be no different. Stop by the Sidewinder to see the sets of Chris Charpentier, Bobby Crane, Nathan Lund, and Sam Tallent. Proceeds go toward Hot Congress Records, who will release the comedy foursome's album on vinyl.

Free Day at the Denver Art Museum (Saturday, free) It's the time of the month again where the Denver Art Museum offers free admission to Colorado residents, so be sure to take this opportunity to check out the permanent collections and temporary exhibits. From Spun, a show examining textiles, to a tour of Mark Rothko throughout the 1940s, you can spend your Saturday taking in art and enjoying the DAM air conditioning.

Father of the Bride at Skyline Park (Saturday, free) Watch Steve Martin look bewildered for 105 minutes in this 1991 comedy about a dad coming to terms with his daughter (Kimberly Williams) getting married. Sit under the stars and enjoy some family-friendly laughs.

Jazz it Up for Mission Supports at Dazzle (Sunday, $10) Mission Supports is one of the best places in town to donate your money: the nonprofit provides support for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those on the Medicaid waiting list. All to support this worthy cause you can see an evening of jazz to celebrate Louis Armstrong's birthday as well as a Mission Market, Musician's Thrift Mart, and silent auction.

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