10 things to do for $10 this weekend, September 21-23, 2012

Short of cash and wondering how you can have fun this weekend? Don't worry. Whether you want to burn your mouth on chiles, see a rare 1930s samurai film or ride around on public transit all day as part of a competition, the town will be full of things you can do for $10. For a complete listing of all area events, visit the Westword calendar. Keep reading here for our 10 for $10.

See also: - Director's pick: Four feature films in the Silent Film Festival and why they're great - Photos: Two new exhibits cross cultures with Asian and African influences - Ten pieces of pop culture you didn't know Wayne White created

Chile & Frijoles Festival at downtown Pueblo (Friday-Sunday, free) Some like it hot! At the annual Pueblo Chile Festival, you can sample food and chiles, watch competitions, listen to live music and, of course, breathe in the smell of roasting peppers. Just be sure not to rub your eyes.

Colorado Alliance of Illustrators' Create-O-Rama @ DEAD Academy in the Colorado Arts Center (Friday, $10 pre-registration) The Colorado Alliance of Illustrators is throwing a bash emphasizing all things creative, and the group promises it will be much more than just the usual drinking and drawing. From musical performances by Roniit, Rainbowdragoneyes and Aethernaut to drawing, writing and open-mic performances, this will be a night not to miss for anyone who likes to create. All the funds raised will go toward helping the CAI fund its new gallery space, and you can enter a raffle to win your very own gallery show on Santa Fe Drive.

Denver Silent Film Festival at the King Center (Friday-Sunday, screenings starting at $8) It's always a treat to see films on the big screen, and with digital projectors replacing 35mm all over the country, it's especially nice to be able to see classics on real film. You'll get three days of beautiful old black-and-white silent films at this three-day festival. Check out the director's top picks for some of the best, but really, you can't go wrong.

Help support victims of the Aurora shooting this weekend by attending an afternoon signing by Wildstorm and Marvel comic artist J. Scott Campbell. He'll be at All C's to sign his work (which includes covers for

); donation pails will be out with 100 percent going directly to victims with the help of Aurora Rise. In addition to the signing, there will be a silent auction with items including a Halo 4 box set signed by Todd McFarlane.

Denver Transit Challenge at Market Street Station (Saturday, free) Experience the magic of Denver public transportation day with the free Denver Transit Challenge. Here's how it works: get a team of two to four people together and meet at 9:30 a.m. at Market Street Station. You'll get a score sheet, free B-Cycle and RTD passes for the day and a list of tasks you need to complete while you travel around the city. It should be a fun way to spend the day, and it'll show you all the places Denver public transportation can take you.

Help fight against future wars tonight this politically-charged event put on by the Colorado Coalition Against an Attack on Iran. With a slew of incredible music and poetry in the lineup, including Wheelchair Sports Camp and Close Alpha Schoolmarm Orchestra, a cultivating peace teach-in and much more, this promises to be an evening full of top-notch entertainment to help support the peace.

7th Circle Grand Opening BBQ/Show at 7th Circle Music Collective (Saturday, $5-7 donation) Remember that punk venue formerly known as Blast-O-Mat? It's re-opening today as the 7th Circle Music Collective, and the new folks at the venue are celebrating the space by throwing an epic party. There will be vegan and carnivore BBQ food, as well as a line-up of eight bands including Reptilian Shape Shifters, Gomorrah and Vomit Slaughter. Come nosh and mosh -- although maybe not at the same time.

Cora Vette's Pie Social at the Denver Central Library (Saturday, free) If you're looking for some old-fashioned fun and free pie this weekend, look no further than Cora Vette's Pie Social outside the library in Acoma Plaza. The burlesque star is known for her stellar performances and naughty evenings, but this event promises to be family-friendly. Eat pie from Whole Foods and enjoy the musical stylings of Cora Vette's Chop Shop.

Mary-oke at Hamburger Mary's (Saturday-Sunday, free) Singing famous songs in front of inebriated strangers is always a blast, and it's especially fun at Hamburger Mary's. Get some courage with $4 drink specials, sing some songs, and then if you're feeling extra confident you can enter the Kamikaze Karaoke round where host Venus Sexton picks songs and the brave souls who participate get free cocktails in exchange for catering to her musical whims.

Sazen Tange and the Pot Worth a Million Ryo at Muenzinger Auditorium (Sunday, free) The IFS is offering a unique chance to see this 1935 Japanese samurai film, which follows a one-eyed, one-armed swordsman. This marks the start of a series of rare screenings from the Nikkatsu Studio, and a unique opportunity to see some amazing films.

• Things to Do