Few things cure a case of the Mondays more thoroughly than making plans to wring every possible moment of joy that your work-week free time permits. Take a break from your wage-slaving and -saving agenda during the days ahead, and venture out into a cultural scene replete with artistic, comedic and architectural riches...many of which charge no admission at all. Read on for the five best free events this week.
CATALYTIC DENVER: The River Mile
Monday, January 28, 6 p.m.
Sharp Auditorium, Denver Art Museum
Gaze into the future of Mile High development with the Denver Architecture Foundation, whose CATALYTIC DENVER lecture series continues with a presentation on the River Mile, a bold reimagining of the Central Platte Valley. Brush up and weigh in on a project that could transform Denver's cityscape and relationship with its humble waterways; the discussion will begin with a panel of architectural experts moderated by Ken Schroeppel, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture and Planning. The gathering convenes at 6 p.m. tonight in Sharp Auditorium (located in the Denver Art Museum's Hamilton Building); admission is free, but pre-registration is required. RSVP and discover more on the Denver Architecture Foundation Eventbrite page.
Sisu Launch Party
Tuesday, January 29, 6 to 8 p.m.
10 Barrel Brewing
Issuing an intriguing retort to the status quo of bros who dominate the outdoor-adventure narrative, Sisu Magazine is making a bold foray into the publishing world with a launch party at 10 Barrel Brewing Company. Juxtaposing chronicles of the experiences of trans, gender-queer and non-binary nature enthusiasts with eye-catching art and action photography, Sisu captures the inclusivity of wilderness in its first issue. See it at a debut gathering that includes a ski and snowboard raffle prize giveaway, live music by LVDY, and a bounty of tasty brews on tap. Visit Sisu's events page to register and learn more.
Study Hall: A Comedy Show
Wednesday, January 30, 8 p.m.
Call to Arms Brewing
The freewheeling chaos of comedy open mics can be a hostile breeding ground, so local standup Brad Galli founded the Study Hall comedy show as a safe haven for fledgling material to take flight. Nestled into the intimate and tealight-festooned side room at Call to Arms Brewing, Study Hall offers comics a chance to test bits in front of supportive brewery patrons rather than their indifferent peers, and rewards its crowd with the freshest possible crop of jokes. January's edition welcomes Mile High mirth merchants Olivia Schyling, Nic Dean, Gabby Gutierrez-Reed, Steve Vanderploeg, Charlie Cohen and Stephen Agyei to set the stage for headliner Amy Miller (Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central Up Next). Find further details on Call to Arms Brewing's Facebook events page.
1910 Opening Reception: Schoph and Jamie Lynn
Thursday, January 31, 7 to 11 p.m.
Leon Gallery
Collaborating under the collective nom-de-art 1910, Jamie M. Lynn and Schoph Schofield are landing in Denver with their Cut From the Same Cloth exhibit, which kicks off with an opening reception on Thursday, January 31. Though the duo transitioned from brand design for prominent snow and skateboard companies such as Vans, Volcom and Dragon into gallery installations, 1910's striking style is unmistakable in any context. Don't fret if you can't attend the premiere; the installation will remain on display through Saturday, March 2. Visit Leon Gallery's events calendar for more information.
First Friday Art Show with Cassidy Robison
Friday, February 1, 5 to 9 p.m.
Lion's Lair
The sticker-speckled walls of the Lion's Lair, a punkishly deathless Denver dive, are due to undergo a classy and meticulously-crafted glow-up at a First Friday Art Show featuring the works of Cassidy Robison. A collection of mythical and multi-limbed figures rendered against stark white backgrounds, Robison's charmingly distinctive canvases are ideal for bringing out of the bar and into your abode. While you consider your options, you can avail yourself of some of the cheapest and strongest drinks in the Queen City in this appealing antidote to the First Friday Santa Fe shuffle. Find out more on the Lion's Lair Facebook events page.
Know of an event that belongs in this list? Email information to [email protected].