10 things to do for $10 this weekend (6 free!), October 26-28

The great thing about Halloween falling on a week day is that it means there will be parties on both of the surrounding weekends. The fun kicks off tonight, and there are plenty of inexpensive events to enjoy -- everything costume parties to pet-costume parties to a chance to be...

By Robin Edwards

October 26, 2012

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The great thing about Halloween falling on a week day is that it means there will be parties on both of the surrounding weekends. The fun kicks off tonight, and there are plenty of inexpensive events to enjoy -- everything costume parties to pet-costume parties to a chance to be an amateur sleuth. And there are even some worthwhile non-All Hallow's Eve-themed activities. For more events, visit the Westword calendar, and if you know of other bargains this weekend, share them in the comments section.

Urban Arts Forum at the Crossroads Theater(Friday, free) The Urban Arts Fund seeks to prevent graffiti by showcasing artists in other ways, like creating murals in graffiti hotspots. Celebrate the group's mission tonight with a panel discussion featuring local artists like Jolt, Dread, Gamma and more, as well as music from DJ Selko and a video by Fa'al of Easy Media. It will be a great chance to learn more about the Urban Arts Fund and see/hear some great art -- and it's all free! (Including the refreshments.)

3rd Annual Haiti Benefit Concert at Unit E (Friday, $10) Denver and Haiti have a musical connection. For the past three years, musicians in Denver have been helping musicians in Haiti, and now they plan to more through the recently formed nonprofit Yon Sel Lanmou. This benefit will further that goal, raising money to provide Haitian musicians with gear so they can perform live in their country. Wheelchair Sports Camp, Mute Man's Microphone and Haitian folk band 2 Roots, which is on tour, will play.

Damien Echols at the Tattered Cover LoDo (Friday, free) Convicted of a murder he didn't commit, Damien Echols spent almost eighteen years on death row before being released last year. Westword's Alan Prendergast will join Echols tonight in a discussion of Echols' new book, Life After Death. For more from Echols, check out our Q&A here.

Asylum Women's Halloween Party at Tracks (Friday, $7) Looking for a place to show off your Halloween costume this weekend? There are plenty of places where you can do that -- but at Tracks, you'll win $500 if yours is voted the best. In addition to the costume contest, this ladies' bash includes DJ Tatiana playing all the hits, dancing from the Wicked Little Girls, and the chance to see Tracks completely Halloween-o-fied.

One Book, One Denver: An Evening with the Author at the McNichols Building (Saturday, free) Hear stories firsthand from the author of the 2012 One Book, One Denver selection, Enrique's Journey. The book tells the true story of a Honduran boy's journey to find his mother, and writer/reporter Sonia Nazario will be on hand to tell the fascinating story. Register for free to guarantee your spot. Sunnyside Critter Costume Contest at Chaffee Park (Saturday, free to watch, $5 donation or cans of food to enter a pet) Halloween wouldn't be complete without seeing a bunch of other people's pets dressed up in so-cute-you-wanna-puke costumes, and you've got your chance today at Chaffee Park. Bring $5 if you want to enter your pet, or simply watch all the cute animals stuffed into bizarre costumes while you enjoy the free hot chocolate, coffee and donuts. (Bring cans of food to donate.)

Haunted Houth II at Mouth House (Saturday, by donation) Denver's favorite punk house is throwing a giant Halloween bash, complete with tons of bands like Cosmic Sound Child, Little Fyodor and Fiction is Fun, as well as BBQ, circus games and the chance to win Halloween-themed puppets. Wear a costume, get it sweaty while you dance, and enjoy what's sure to be a rowdy night.

Murder on Broadway at 3 Kings Tavern (Saturday, $10) Every want to try your hand at sleuthing Sherlock Holmes-style? You can do just that today all along Broadway. Interview suspects, solve the mystery, and win prizes from sponsors like Beatrice & Woodsley, the Clyfford Still Museum, Happy Coffee, and more. All of the proceeds go to support the Metro Denver Promotion of Letters.

Night of the Living Shoe at Deer Pile (Saturday, free) Don your costume, head to the Deer Pile, and dance the night away at this fun, completely free costume party. Music from Black Amex, Snubluck, Groove Cereal, Rumtum and more will provide the soundtrack for this night of crazy costumes and shaking it on the dance floor.

Propaganda at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret (Sunday, $5) End the weekend with a free comedy show on the glamorous stage at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret. The last Sunday of every month, Matt Monroe curates this reasonably priced night of laughter. This month's edition will feature Los Angeles comic Andy Haynes, whose credits include performances on Jimmy Fallon and Conan, as well as musical comedy from Eli Braden and sets from Kristin Rand and Jodee Champion.

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