Five Things to Do for Free This Weekend

This weekend is a real free-for all, with Denver Arts Week wrapping up on November 9 even as the holiday markets start unwrapping their wares. Detour's 5 Pointers has filled RedLine with a futuristic look at music in Five Points; Night Lights Denver just launched, and will continue to light up downtown for the foreseeable future. Learn more about Night Lights Denver here and 5 Pointers here; keep reading for five more free events around town over the next few days, as well as a bonus next week.

Black Tie Night at a Dive Bar
Friday, November 8, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
3 Kings, 60 South Broadway
Dress up and get down at the annual Black Tie Night at a Dive Bar, a free bash that features three bands — Coldreplay, 36 West and Blue Isotopes — and a lot of people in formal attire. This is your chance to break out that awful bridesmaid dress, or enjoy the prom you never went to when you were too cool for school. Admission is free, but it's 21+ only. Find out more here.

Veterans Day Parade
Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m. to noon
Civic Center Park
Veterans Day is Monday, but the city will start the celebrations on November 9, when the annual Veterans Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on 14th Street by the Denver City & County Building. For best viewing, head to Civic Center Park, where a free festival honoring thoe who served will continue until 3 p.m. today.

Boulder Mountain Handmade
Saturday, November 9, and Sunday, November 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Boulder Elks Lodge, 3975 28th Street in Boulder
Back for its 45th year, Boulder's family-friendly art and craft market will again benefit the Boulder Mountain Fire District, north Boulder's line of defense in a foothills emergency. That's why the event includes fire-truck tours, but there will also be a bake sale (with items prepared by residents of the fire district), live music throughout the day, and more than 65 independent artisans and food purveyors selling their wares in a market setting. And admission is absolutely free! Get a jump on your holiday shopping, have fun and do good, all at the same time.

Fall Feast
Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt Street
For a fourth time, the National Western Stock Show, Service Systems Associates and the American Heart Association have partnered to provide a free feast as well as other services to neighborhoods and communities in need. In addition to a free, sit-down barbecue meal, attendees will have access to services including health checkups, flu shots and a clothing giveaway; there will also be a Kids' Zone to keep children occupied (though they must be accompanied to Fall Feast by an adult). No reservations are required; for more information, go to denverfallfeast.org.

Chili Cook Off
Sunday, November 10, 2 p.m.
Diebolt Brewing Company, 3855 Mariposa Street
Get out your crockpots and your recipes; there will be a contest for chili that uses Diebolt beer, and one for chili that doesn't. If you enter, you'll get a free bottle of Diebolt beer or two cans. The competition is free to enter and free to judge; guests will cast their votes in both categories. Best in show wins a $25 Diebolt card. For more details, email [email protected], or just show up at the bar with a spoon and appetite.

And a bonus:

Artist Talk With Thomas "Detour" Evans
Wednesday, November 13, 5 p.m.
RedLine, 2350 Arapahoe Street
Detour’s 5 Pointers, a month-long futuristic and interactive art exhibit and musical journey, has turned RedLine into a gallery a century from now, devoted to the history of a mythical band based in Five Points. The show, which opens with a ticketed event November 8, is fascinating. Learn more when Evans gives a free artist talk on November 13. Find out more about 5 Pointers here.

Know of a great free event around town? Send information to [email protected].