10 Things to Do for $10 in Denver This Weekend (8 Free!), July 10-12

There's so much heat in this town, and it's not just coming from the sun. Every weekend around here is oozing with things to do to make 2015 one of  the best summers of all time. This weekend, you can be apart of American history, be a part of beer history, or just go to a space party, because no matter what, it's going to be a good time. For even more ways to turn up the heat, check out the Westword calendar and drop a comment down below if you have an event that should be on this list. 

American Idol XV Auditions at Denver Coliseum (7 a.m. Friday, free)
Not saying you have to show up to audition to be America's last idol, but you could. And if you did, you'd catch a last glimpse of American pop culture history since it has been announced that this is the show's final season. The people-watching here has to be phenomenal and it will give you a heck of a story to tell. But remember there's no camping out allowed. The mad dash for destiny starts at 7 a.m.

Colorado Black Arts Festival at City Park (12 p.m. Friday-Sunday, free)
Rock steady this weekend at the festival celebrating African diaspora and community involvement. Be wowed at the parade, explore the marketplace, check out some vintage cars and bang on a drum for a fun weekend. Denver’s own Sheryl Renee is performing on Sunday, which is a must see, because she does a mean Marvin Gaye. Check out the schedule here for even more.

Loveland Loves BBQ, Bands & Brews at Downtown Loveland (3 p.m. Friday-Saturday, free)
Put on your bib and make the trip up to Loveland for an all-out BBQ fest. Not only can you try some of the best BBQ around, but a bunch of bands are going to jam, the cold beer will flow out of the beer garden and carnival rides will complete the experience. Get your mouth watering by checking out the vendors here. 

Denver 40oz Regional Poetry Slam at Mercury Cafe (6:30 p.m. Friday, $10)
If roses are red and violets are blue, the 40 oz Poetry Slam might be for you. Come down to the Mercury tonight to witness masters of the art of words and rhyme schemes battle it out in the preliminary finals of this competition. Eight teams are going head-to-head in this wordsmith competition for the coveted 40 oz crown, so come see something you've never seen before. 

Summer Horseshoe at Horseshoe Craft and Flea Market (9 a.m. Saturday, free)
Craft and flea markets are a dime a dozen in Denver, but the Horseshoe Market is miles above the rest. Sure you've got the artisans, food trucks and vintage goods, but you also have DIY activities that the whole family can enjoy and an after-party at the Berkley Beer and Spirits mini-fest (although that costs a little extra). Come out and see why the Horseshoe rules.

36th Anniversary Celebration at Boulder Beer Company (12 p.m. Saturday, free)
The Boulder Beer Company has been around for a long time — they are an institution of craft beer, so cheers to them. Show them some love and take a tour of their brewery, taste at least a dozen different rare brews, pair it with fine cheese and dance to some jams for a nice little Saturday afternoon. If you fancy yourself as a lover of the craft brew, it would behoove you to take part in this history. 

Viva la Vida! A Celebration of Frida's Life at Chicano Humanities & Arts Council (6 p.m. Saturday, free)
Frida Kahlo's work is iconic and one of a kind. Her influence is deep and her life should be celebrated, so check out the selected works featuring the issues of politics, gender and identity just as Frida would have done. Since this is an opening reception, delicious Mexican treats will be served, music will sweep you and you can even get your faces painted for the Facebook picture. 

Sci-Fi Extravaganza at Mutiny Information Cafe (7 p.m. Saturday, free)
Have an out-of-this-world experience at the Mutiny tonight with space age music, go-go dancers, crazy projections and live artists doing creating and trading work. It's going to be crazy with Tiffany Armstrong & Shattered Halo, Sugarsplat and so many more bringing these sounds and tunes your way with the trippy video. Put on your best space cos-play attire as well.

Primos Wrestling presents: EVoLUCHA at The Watering Bowl (7 p.m. Sunday, $10)
Get ready for some high-flying, off-the-top-of-the-ropes professional wrestling at your dog's favorite bar tonight. Title holder Trajan Ender will go against rival Caleb Crush for the belt, as well as plenty of other bouts and tag-team mayhem. These Luchas are nuts, so guzzle some beers and watch the destruction of artistic proportions.

The Church of Coen Presents: The Big Lebowski at Syntax Physic Opera (8 p.m. Sunday, free)
Here comes the hymn we've all been waiting for. From the prophetic minds of the Coen brothers, we were bestowed with the classic tale of The Dude. The plot lines to this one are deep and technical, but it can also be enjoyed heavily on the surface level of a burnout trying to make a little cash and still get in time at the lanes. Join the congregation tonight and hear Jesse Elliott of Ark Life fame play a few tunes. Return to work on Monday with plenty of ways to tell your boss to f-off, man. 

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