10 things to do for $10 this weekend, September 14-16, 2012

There are so many ways to spend your money, so why blow it on an expensive night out when there are so many other options? This weekend is full of stellar events that won't cost more than ten bucks -- from a dramatic reading from Fifty Shades of Grey to...

By Robin Edwards

September 14, 2012

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There are so many ways to spend your money, so why blow it on an expensive night out when there are so many other options? This weekend is full of stellar events that won't cost more than ten bucks -- from a dramatic reading from Fifty Shades of Grey to a screening of Young Frankenstein. And if you're not into the macabre, there are plenty of inexpensive, wholesome activities, everything from art openings to crafty trunk shows. For a full listing of events, visit westword.com/calendar. In the meantime, here are ten things for under $10:

Young Frankenstein (last outdoor movie) at Elitch Theatre (Friday, $5) This is your last chance to check out Elitch Theatre's Film on Fridays program -- and they've picked a hit for the last hurrah of summer. Enjoy the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy Young Frankenstein, complete with Gene Wilder as a descendant of the creepy doctor and Elitch Theatre Advisory Board Member Cloris Leachman. Take a free tour of Elitch Theatre, purchase food from food trucks, and listen to the tunes of The Denver Soundtrack and "Take That!" Trio before enjoying a screening in the great outdoors.

Spotlight Aurora at Fletcher Plaza (Friday, free) Watch the Aurora Arts District light up tonight! Artist Susan Cooper, along with Mike Bradbury and Rex Baker of Design Lighting, will unveil a new public-art project that uses LED lights to outline buildings spanning three blocks of East Colfax Avenue. The kick-off celebration features music as well as a dedication by Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan, and will shed spectacular light on Aurora's growing arts district.

Design Within Denver at the MCA Denver (Friday, free) The MCA's bi-monthly trunk show continues with a real treat this weekend: a collaboration between Becky's Buttons & Things and Sara Guindon. The pair will sell their buttons, jewelry and puppets, as well as special collaborative diorama lockets. For more on Sara Guindon, check out this Q&A from her art show, which opened last week.

Handmade in Colorado Expo at Skyline Park (Friday, free) Support local artists at the Handmade in Colorado Expo. Everything on display has been made in our state, so you'll know your dollars will be going to a neighbor. But you can also just browse the goods and enjoy the park for free.

16th Street Mall Festival of the Arts at the 16th Street Mall (Friday-Saturday, free) And there are more shopping opportunities this weekend on the 16th Street Mall, a stretch where you can usually only buy touristy Colorado-themed T-shirts, chain-store items and knock-off purses. But the 16th Street Mall Festival will turn the mall into a bazaar filled with fine art from artists and galleries from Denver's Art District on Santa Fe. All sorts of mediums and galleries will be represented at this first annual event, which brings much-needed artsy culture -- not to mention an LED screen -- to the mall.

Denver Gem & Mineral Show at the Denver Merchandise Mart Expo Hall (Friday-Sunday, $6) See sparkly stuff all weekend at the annual Gem & Mineral Show. This year's theme is copper, but there will also be all sorts of other precious gems and rocks on display as well as a a wide variety of booths, vendors, and demonstrations. Get your crystals here!

Taiga Fest at Forest Room 5 (Saturday, $10) Taiga Fest at Forest Room 5 will bring together music, art and, of course, drinks for a fun evening. Men in Burka, Pacific Pride, Wild High and more will provide the music, and the Forest Gallery will be filled with art from Rebecca Peebles, Allison Brown, and John Kleeman. Each ticket includes a free drink, and the night promises to be a blast.

Lucha Rama 2 Year Anniversary at Beauty Bar (Saturday, free before 10 p.m.) It's a special edition of Lucha Rama tonight, marking the two-year anniversary of the Mexican Luchadors Wrestling/Ladies Jello Wrestling party. Watch Electric CamelToe battle Mystic Moose Knuckle, dance to tunes from Deejay Diabolic and DJ Stonerokk, and participate in the time-honored tradition of watching people in bizarre costumes fight for your entertainment.

Obscene/Courageous Birthday party/Burlesque Show at Underdog Bar, (Saturday, $3) There's nothing black and white about Fifty Shades of Grey, the BDSM- for-housewives phenomenon that will get a dramatic reading tonight. And if that's not your thing, Obscene/Courageous Theatre Company's birthday bash will have something sexy for everyone, from burlesque to drag performances. Celebrate Boulder Pride week, pre-order the company's 2013 Pin-Up Calendar, and wish the company a happy birthday.

Yoga Rocks the Park at Sunken Gardens (Sunday, $10 in advance) This is the last installment of Yoga Rocks the Park for the season, so get in your last savasanas and namastes today at Sunken Gardens and end your weekend with some exercise and relaxation. Music from Scott and Shanti Medina will accompany the practice, and afterward you can shop, eat food and bask in your yoga high.

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