Free for All: The Five Best Free Events This Week

Now that we're far enough into the new year to remember to use "2019" in conversation and correspondence, it's high time to make good on our resolutions to get more out of life. The Queen City of the Plains boasts a rich and varied cultural tapestry, woven through with unforgettable experiences provided by the local creative community. Learn, listen and laugh your way through the week at five free events in the days ahead, including the National Western Stock Show parade, a cherished Mile High tradition dating back to 1906.

Music With Friends: Ensemble Faucheux
Tuesday, January 8, 6 p.m.
Syntax Physic Opera
Gather with chamber-music-loving chums when the Music With Friends concert series returns to Syntax Physic Opera with an intimate performance by Ensemble Faucheux. January's concert pays tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a program consisting of such evocative compositions as Chen Yi's "Romance and Dance," Gabriela Lena Frank's "Sueños de Chambi," Jessie Montgomery's Rhapsody No. 1 and Lukas Foss's "Three American Pieces." Admission is free, but seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a seat and take advantage of happy-hour food and drink specials. Visit the Friends of Chamber Music events calendar for more details.

Astronomy on Tap
Tuesday, January 8, 7 p.m.
BarFly
Fill your brain to the brim at Astronomy on Tap, an informal lecture series dedicated to explaining the mysteries of the cosmos in terms that everyday bar patrons can understand. Join January's roster of sky-gazing experts, which includes Dr. Brian Keeney, Vicky Sahami and Dr. John Bally from the University of Colorado, for an informative yet entertaining discussion of eclipse chasing, cosmic explosions and NASA's recent images of Ultima Thule. Visit BarFly's Facebook events page to find out more.

Latin America’s Democratic Decline and Possibilities for Resistance
Wednesday, January 9, noon
Anna & John J. Sie International Relations Complex
After surmounting a troubled history plagued by dictatorial rule, experts fear that Latin American governments are backsliding toward authoritarianism, a disturbing trend confirmed by the recent election of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The University of Denver's Sié Chéou-Kang Center for International Security and Diplomacy examines the deepening political crisis in the region and looks at how citizens can insist upon their own freedoms with meaningful civil resistance. The seminar is followed by a complimentary luncheon. Visit the Josef Korbel School Latin America Center's Facebook events page for more information, and RSVP via Google docs.

National Western Stock Show Kick-Off Parade
Thursday, January 10, noon
Union Station
The National Western Stock Show celebrates 113 years of animal husbandry, horsemanship and family-friendly fun in 2019, beginning with its annual nod to Denver's cowtown heritage. Starting at Union Station, the Stock Show parade will send a cavalcade of cattle, public figures, marching bands, cowboys and cowgirls through the streets of downtown. Don a Stetson, pull on some boots and join the crowd as the culture of the Old West comes to life. Visit the National Western Stock Show events calendar to learn more. 

Dixie Krystals’ Literary Lotería
Thursday, January 10, 7 p.m.
Ratio Beerworks
Many of Denver's finest pubs are seizing upon the Lotería renaissance. A bingo-like game of chance with deep roots in Mexican culture, Lotería is easy to play; the pictograms on the game's 54-card deck can vary wildly, inspiring all sorts of novel variations. In local Glamazon Dixie Krystals's interpretation of the game, players endeavor to match cards based off famous novel covers with ones randomly listed on their tablas, creating a perfect night out for the beery literati. Visit the Denver Public Library's events calendar to find out more.

Know of a free event that belongs here? Send information to [email protected].