Well, that's a wrap on Summer 2015. It flew by, and we had a lot of fun, but we're going to go out with a final bang. This weekend, we're going to party with Joan Jett, hit the beach and get juiced up on java, all on the cheap. Check out the Westword calendar full a full list of Labor Day events, and drop us a comment if your hosting anything that should be on this list.
A Taste of Colorado at Civic Center Park (11:30 a.m. Friday-Monday, free)
Over the next four day, you have to stop by Civic Center Park at least once to walk through and take in that sweet and smokey smell that comes from this premiere food event. And the music line-up is wild, too. Morris Day and the Time, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers are just a few of the acts to check out over the weekend. Plan your trip here.
Thunder in the Rockies at Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson (12 p.m. Friday-Monday, free)
Strap on your leathers and hardtail it up to Loveland for this biker rally with fun for the whole family. Try to make it up on Friday for the free BBQ and Waymore's Outlaws and Shooter Jennings concert. Throughout the weekend, there will be stunt shows, hundreds of vendors, bikini wrestling and all kinds of other wild biker things. Check out the schedule for a memorable Labor Day weekend.
Disney and Star Wars Art Show/Grand Opening at The Incredible Art Gallery (Friday-Monday, free)
There's a new gallery popping up downtown, which will be fun for kids of all ages, galactic nerds and comic book junkies. The Incredible Art Gallery will feature Disney, Star Wars, DC and Marvel inspired art. Try to swing by on Saturday or Sunday to hang out with Disney Fine Artists Rob Kaz and Irene Sheri. Watch them work, hear about the creative process and geek out over Disney stuff.
First Friday Beach Party at Denver Tool Library (5 p.m. Friday, free)
Just because we're landlocked doesn't mean we can't have an end-of-summer beach party. Flip-flop your way down to The Denver Tool Library for hot dogs grilling, beach games, coconut cocktails and screen printing. They're going to scare you into always staying on the sand, too, by projecting Jaws once the sun goes down too. Life's a beach, man.
The Cut and Sew Art Show/ Pop-Up Shop at Buffalo Exchange (6 p.m. Friday, free)
Instead of buying a painting that will hang in your house, buy a pair of pants with art on them that you can put on — and put on public display — every day. That's the idea behind this art show/pop-up shop taking over the back section of Buffalo Exchange. Local design house the Cotery has teamed up with local artists to create some rad threads, available to pre-sale order now. Do some online shopping and pick them up at the show, which also includes whiskey tasting from Blank & Booth Distilling.
Reception, Reading, & Q&A with Eli Gottlieb at Lighthouse Writers Workshop (6:30 p.m. Friday, free)
Add a little sophistication to the last weekend of summer by saying you got to meet a Rome and McKitterick Prize winning author. Eli Gottlieb has received much praise for his new novel, Best Boy, and Lighthouse has been kind enough to host the author. Gottlieb will give a reading, answer some questions and mingle. All you have to do is RSVP here for a chance to put a little culture in your weekend.
Corvus ThrowDown at Corvus Coffee (7 p.m. Friday, free)
So many of us grab our cup of coffee and gulp it down for a quick boost, not even thinking about the craftsmanship that goes into it. Let's celebrate java by having a giant party. There's going to be masters of the froth making latte art, plenty of giveaways, food, drinks and music. Catch a buzz, and ride it all weekend.
Fashion Denver's Summer Mini Market & Fashion Show at Illegal Pete's (3 p.m. Saturday, free)
You're going to want to grab a burrito and a margarita at some point this weekend, so you should probably do it at the Mini Market. Check out twelve featured local designers in a fashion show as models walk the runway of the Bocce court. Browse the nifty garb and then go have another marg.
Gay VS. Straight: An Epic Battle of Improv at Tracks (7 p.m. Saturday, $6)
In order for everyone on this planet to get along, we have to start laughing at the things that make us different. Laughter is the best medicine for everything, and the Gay Vs. Straight improv troupe has it all figured out. There can only be one winner on the stage, but all of us in the audience are the real winners. We get a great improv show and then get to party at Tracks all night.
Twilight Bike Tour at McNichols Building (8 p.m. Saturday, free)
Tour Denver's public art scene by way of bike in a whole new light. The artwork looks great in the day time, but it takes on new magic and mystique under the moonlight. Works like Virginia Folkestad’s "Current 3," Adam Frank’s "SUNLIGHT," and Erick C. Jonson’s "Bottom of the Night" will be featured, so get your tires pumped up and make sure your flashers are working. RSVP here.