The town is united in orange for the Broncos this weekend, but there's still plenty to do before and after game time. You can spit hot fire, roller skate or find out who's coming out of the queer comic closet. For even more events, smash that Westword calendar button.
Telluride Fire Festival at Telluride Mountain Village (Friday-Sunday, free)
Make the trek to Telluride for an unforgettable show that's like a winter Burning Man. The town will shoot flaming balls of joy through the air via humans, cars and robots. Many of the events are free, including exploring the town in all its flaming glory. Find More info here.
Breckenridge Ullr Fest at Breckenridge (Friday-Saturday, free)
For a shorter trip to the mountains, stop by Breckenridge. The Ullr Festival celebrates the Nordic god of fresh pow-pow: The more partying, the more Ullr will bless the slopes. You can do the polar plunge into icy water, followed by a dip in a hot tub; other festivities include a hockey game, ice skating and Ullympics — wild stuff to appease the gods.
Raven Speaks i: Revelations to Peace at Carol Mier Fashion (6 p.m. Friday, free)
Here in Denver, enjoy an amazing blend of Indian dance, electronica trip-hop beats, Mudras and Abbhinaya as Raven Speaks uses exotic movement to convey her connection to food addiction and the world of fashion. Following the show, head to Tesoro across the street to meet the artist.
Jared Paul Record Release Party at The Deer Pile (8 p.m. Friday, $4-10 donation)
Jared Paul presents his no-gimmick hip-hop album at Deer Pile tonight, where there will also be spoken-word performances by Suzi Q. Smith, Piper Mullins and Sole. This is Paul's first solo show in town; get ready by checking out his album here.
Roll '80s Neon Ski Party at EXDO Events Center (9 p.m. Friday, free-$10)
The rollerskating parties at EXDO are always a guaranteed good time. Tonight you can break out the fluorescent skiwear and goggles for a proper throwback ski party. DJ Garthy Garth will hit the tunes while the black lights shine. Get there before 10 p.m. to avoid paying a cover.
3 Year Anniversary at Cannonball Creek Brewing (12 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, free)
Cannonball Creek has whipped up a hell of a beer with Chain-Shot Abbey: a complex ale with rich hints of fig, plum and raisin. And that only scratches the surface of what the Golden brewery has been able to hop up over the last three years. The brewery will celebrate its third birthday with live music, BBQ, pickles, a hangover brunch and much more, including tapping special kegs to keep your senses buzzing the whole time.
The Blend Presents - SunDragon and Sami at Meadowlark (9 p.m. Saturday, free)
Like a massage for the soul, the beats and sounds that DJ SunDragon and Sami conjure up will make you completely relaxed. Known for DJing yoga sessions and positive gatherings, SunDragon will keep the vibes positive with droning beats and evocative sound.
Denver Broncos Playoffs Watch Party at The Monkey Barrel (2 p.m. Sunday, free)
Our boys need all the good juju this city can muster up if they're going to beat those Yinz for a shot at the big dance. The Monkey Barrel is gathering up the community with $5 burger and beer specials, free snacks, free shots and coverage on twenty televisions.
The History of Gay Characters in Comics by Sara Century at Syntax Physic Opera (7 p.m. Sunday, $10)
We've all second-guessed the relationship between Batman and Robin over the years; something about those tights sets off a little gaydar. Sara Century is a queer multimedia artist and comics historian; join her as she leads an exploration of the world of queer comics.
Reservoir Dogs at Alamo Drafthouse (7:30 p.m. Sunday, $10)
Get the gang together and put on the black suits for an amazing 35mm screening of the Tarantino classic, the first bloody offering he gave the silver screen. Even if you've seen the movie a million times, nothing is better than viewing it on the big screen. And then start Monday feeling like a bad ass.