10 things to do for $10 in Denver this weekend (7 free!), May 10-12

So you spent all your money buying your mom a nice present for Mother's Day. Aww, how sweet! And your generosity will be rewarded with lots of opportunities to have fun in Denver this weekend that don't require you to dig too deep in your wallet -- everything from a...

By Robin Edwards

May 10, 2013

Audio By Carbonatix

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So you spent all your money buying your mom a nice present for Mother's Day. Aww, how sweet! And your generosity will be rewarded with lots of opportunities to have fun in Denver this weekend that don't require you to dig too deep in your wallet -- everything from a free day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to a Chocolate Festival. As an extra bonus, you can even take your mama on a very cheap date. For more events, go to the Westword calendar, and share other fun things to do in the comments section.

Colorado Chocolate Fest at the Denver Merchandise Mart (Friday-Saturday, $5) Finally, an excuse to eat chocolate for two days straight: Sample tons of delectable desserts at this gourmet food festival. And don't miss Andrew Novick's "Is Chocolate REALLY good with EVERYTHING?" booth, where he will put the adage to the test in what are sure to be fun (and possibly revolting) ways.

Roots & Rhythm at YOUnique Expressions (Friday, free) Take in some classic blues and soul music Friday at the YOUnique painting and wine bar. The Roots & Rhythm band will perform blues and jazz standards ranging from the '20s to the '60s while you sip on wine -- and wield a paintbrush, if you're feeling artistically inclined.

David Ford: A Neighborly Gaze reception at Counterpath (Friday, free) Counterpath is known for its intriguing art exhibitions, and Friday's reception will highlight another fascinating show. This David Ford solo exhibit will feature 2D and 3D work, described as "incorporating diverse ideas of beauty culled from his travels in non-European societies and a discordant, political humor."

Brassiere Bazaar at Lumber Baron Inn (Saturday, $5) In the spirit of helping support women's shelters, local vintage vendors are uniting for a day that combines shopping, Bloody Marys and a good cause. Bring a new bra to donate to the bra drive, eat from food trucks, and drink mimosas -- all to aid Safehouse Denver and the Gateway Battered Women's Shelter.

Sustain Arvada Festival at Old Towne Square (Saturday, free) The first annual Sustain Arvada Festival kicks off Saturday, with everything from informative presentations about light rail and community-supported agriculture to a display of human-powered contraptions to a chance to pet alpacas. The free fest will be a great opportunity to learn how to be more eco-friendly while you enjoy live music and good food.

The Grand Maintaining: A Celebration of Local Business at 2830 Larimer Street (Saturday, free) Celebrate the wonderful array of local businesses along Larimer Street Saturday; they'll be featuring their wares in a parking lot that will also host an all-ages bouncy castle. Drink free coffee from Huckleberry Roasters, shop from a variety of vendors, and sip complimentary beer from Our Mutual Friend Brewery while you revel in a world where adults, too, can jump for joy.

RiNo Art Safari at the River North Art District (Saturday, free) Continue your adventure in the River North Art District while hunting for rhinos. Seriously. Artist Jonathan Kaplan has hidden 100 ceramic rhinoceroses all over the area, so you can search for your very own keepsake while viewing the wonderful art at the many galleries that will open their doors Saturday.

Fine Gentleman's Club Presents at the Meadowlark (Saturday, free) The Fine Gentleman's Club always puts on entertaining shows, and this monthly night at the Meadowlark is the newest edition to its growing comedy empire. The free music and comedy show will feature stand-up from the Fine Gentlemen as well as music by a different act every month. Up this time: Pennsylvania's Banned Books.

Horrorcore, Wrasslin' & More IV at Casselman's (Sunday, $10 if you mention Westword at the door) Watch a bunch of costumed dudes throw each other to the ground Sunday at this Primo's wrestling event. With fights between wrestlers with names like The Oracle and The Atheist and a $2 discount for mentioning Westword at the door (it's normally $12), how could you go wrong? Free Day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Sunday, free) The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is always a fun Denver destination, and on Sunday it's opening its doors for free. Go on a prehistoric journey and hang out by the dinosaur bones, see the mummies, and find out what you're going to look like as an old person at Exhibition Health. You'll be happy you don't have to pay for that!

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