There are art openings all over town, too; see the lineup here. For events that won't cost you a dime, catch our list of free things to do. Now keep reading for ten events worth the price of admission:
Fitness on the Square
Saturday, May 20, 9:30 a.m.
1400 block of Larimer Street
SweatNET is taking over Denver's most historic block on the third Saturday of each month; the series kicks off with Traverse Fitness leading thirty minutes of HIIT, followed by thirty minutes of yoga with Anthony Chavez. After the workout, stick around for drinks from Hazlo, B12 shots from Give Wellness, samples from My Fit Food, and individual treatment from Elemental MVMT. Tickets are $20 (free for SweatNET members); find out more here.
The Strawberry Festival has it all.
St. Vrain Historical Society
Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont
Longmont’s St. Vrain Historical Society’s annual Strawberry Festival Vintage and Antique Market fundraiser crosses the half-century mark this weekend. The sale opens Saturday at the Boulder County Fairgrounds with a spread of antique dealers from across the state and beyond, bringing a mashup of furniture, jewelry (fine and costume), toys, collectibles, artwork, decor, glass, vintage clothing, vinyl records, postcards, and turn-of-the-century and retro items. Funds from the sale help keep Longmont landmarks in top condition. Admission is $10 cash at the gate, free for children twelve and under.
Crawfish Boil Benefit for Colorado Music Hall of Fame
Saturday, May 20, 1 to 5 p.m. (doors at 11 a.m.)
Monkey Barrel, 4401 Tejon Street
Colorado Music Hall of Fame, along with partners Westword and the Bayou Boys, are hosting a charity crawfish boil at the Monkey Barrel. Proceeds from the event will benefit local musicians, music industry workers, gig workers and stagehands who are battling addiction and mental health issues. Legendary blues artist Hazel Miller will perform at 1 p.m. You can buy a table or pay as you go for beer, crawfish and more; get the details here.
Somebody’s Friend Movement and Music Festival
Through Sunday, May 21
Denver Central Market, 2669 Larimer Street
Classes: Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21, Denver Central Market and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, 119 Park Avenue West; free to $30, register here
Concert: Saturday, May 20, 4 to 10 p.m., Denver Central Market; Tickets: $25 to $45 here
Magic and MAYhem Ball: Saturday, May 20, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Denver Central Market; tickets: $25 or $200 for house tables (8 to 10 guests) here.
The Somebody’s Friend Movement and Music Festival will promote dancing in the streets of RiNo over a long weekend of classes, performances and a grand evening of ballroom voguing competitions overseen by guest judge Icon Overall Father Renaldo Maurice Alpha Omega, a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater who's also known for his stint on HBO's Legendary. In addition to paid events scheduled over four days, the fest will also host impromptu free performances throughout RiNo and Five Points; learn more and find a list of all scheduled events here.
Gothic Takeover at Lakeside
Saturday, May 20, 1 p.m. to close
Lakeside Amusement Park, 4601 Sheridan Boulevard
Organizers of the Gothic Takeover at Denver’s classic Lakeside Amusement Park like to call the event, entering its seventh year, the largest alternative subculture gathering in the state. It's definitely a sight to see, with masses of tattooed, black-clad folks coolly digging the park’s ancient rides and neon vibe. Park admission is $5, and optional unlimited ride passes are available for purchase, as are individual ride tickets, but do goths really even like the rides? Maybe a little. Find details and a list of scheduled events on Facebook.
Bound by the Beat
Saturday, May 20, 6 p.m.
Mercury Cafe, 2199 California
Now for something completely different: a live jazz and shibari/rope performance, with ten sets of performers tying through the night in a show that's sexy and sultry, with fringe elements of BDSM and queer/BIPOC subculture. Gabe Gravagno and his many musical friends will riff with the center stage up-line while three other satellite stations around the room will ensure that everyone has a great show to enjoy. Demo rope ties will also be offered for a donation. Tickets are $40; find out more here.
Tailgate on the Terrace: Nuggets Watch Party
Saturday, May 20, 6 p.m.
The Rally, 1901 Wazee Street
While some fans will be on the front floor, watching the game on McGregor Square's giant LED outdoor screen, the Rally is inviting well-heeled fans to root for the team from the hotel’s private terrace. For $50 — without the crowds and long bar and restroom lines — you can join other fans. Note: You'll still be paying for drinks and items from the special game-day menu. Find out more here.
Madame Zervanos’ Traveling Mystery Show: Jazz and Murder Immersive Speakeasy
Sunday, May 21, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The State Room, Buffalo Rose Event Center, 1119 Washington Avenue, Golden
There’s something about the Jazz Age of the 1920s that continues to appeal to Gatsby wannabes around the world. That's why immersive parties and theatrical events like Madame Zervanos’ Traveling Mystery Show still attract attention in another century. Dress like a flapper or sheik, and grab a chair and a cocktail on the Buffalo Rose’s second-floor mezzanine this Sunday — and if 11 a.m. is too early for you to hit a gin joint, more shows are scheduled for later times in June and July. Tickets are $40 in advance here.
2023 Opera TEAser
Sunday, May 21, 3 p.m.
Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 East Alameda Avenue
Celebrate National Tea Day with Central City Opera and Augustana Arts, which are presenting a concert...and serving tea, of course. Tickets are $40; get them here.
The Moth Project
Sunday, May 21, 3 p.m. (doors at 2 p.m.)
Meow Wolf, 1338 First Street
The Moth Project is a 75-minute live multimedia and trans-disciplinary (art/science) showing in which two musicians perform a diverse range of music — from Bach to Joni Mitchell to KISS to original songs — while a visual tour of macro photography, slow motion video and dynamic motion graphics is projected onto them, transporting them and the audience to a strange and wonderful world. And yes, it is inspired by moths, with between-song stories about one family’s migration from Europe to Canada. Tickets are $20; get them here.
Do you know of a great event in Denver? We'll be updating this list through the weekend; send information to [email protected].
