Hopping between watering holes, you’ve likely seen posters advertising trivia nights, live music, comedy acts and open mics. While all are fun and socially promising, this guide spotlights more crafty, creative and offbeat activities — like competitive puzzle-solving and house plant swaps. Tap into your interests and meet kindred spirits at these Denver bars and breweries with unique community events.
Bonsai Bar
Multiple locations
This national pop-up concept recently expanded to Colorado, offering an intro to the art of bonsai. Expert-led events teach participants how to create and nurture their own miniature trees, which guests select and take home in their choice of ceramic pot. Priced at $85 per ticket, Bonsai Bar hosts two-hour classes at several local breweries, with upcoming workshops at Crooked Stave, Sanitas Brewing Company, Full Frame Beer and more.
Bruz Beers
1675 West 67th Avenue and 1495 York Street
In addition to Wednesday night trivia, both Bruz Beers locations host a range of guided DIY workshops. Craft a colorful piñata while sipping a pint, stitch something cheeky during “naughty needlepoint,” create a succulent terrarium and more. Tickets start at $28.52 and all classes include a complimentary beverage. See the brewery’s event calendar for other activities, from Belgian beer tastings and fitness boot camps to dog adoption events.
Classpop
Multiple locations
Classpop connects private chefs with local businesses across the country, including Denver. Learn knife skills and sushi-rolling techniques at Renegade Brewing, craft pillowy gnocchi and scratch-made marinara sauce at Waldschänke Ciders and take part in a paella-making party at Great Divide Barrel Bar. Classes start at $55 per person.
Great Divide Barrel Bar
1812 35th Street
Along with Classpop events and classic trivia, Great Divide Barrel Bar partners with Westword readers’ favorite yoga studio, Denver Yoga Social. Roll out your mat and find your flow while fluffy bunnies, baby goats and even adoptable puppies roam around the space. Local farms and animal rescue organizations benefit from these adorable events, which start at $35 per person and include a complimentary beer or non-alcoholic beverage.
The Pearl
2199 California Street
Though Mercury Cafe recently became the Pearl, its new owners — who formerly operated lesbian speakeasy Pearl Divers — have kept many of the legendary club’s events. Stop in for a tarot reading and take the stage during open mic nights. Its calendar also includes writing workshops, crafting meet-ups, dance classes, drag shows and more.
Puzzle Buzz
Multiple locations
Race against the clock during these competitive jigsaw-solving events. Puzzle Buzz regularly pops up at several venues across town, with upcoming showdowns scheduled at Full Frame Beer, Odell Brewing’s Five Points Brewhouse and Snowpack Taproom in Conifer. Compete on your own or gather a team of up to four people, then take home the 500-piece puzzle after the competition. Solo tickets cost $25 while teams are priced at $40.
Spirit Hound Distillers
3622 Tejon Street and 4196 Ute Highway, Lyons
From live music and trivia to its Whisky Wenches women’s club, Spirit Hound Distillers offers a wide range of activities. Take your tail waggin’ pup to happy hour, swap clothing and house plants with other locals, attend a craft workshop or join a ukulele jam sesh. Award-winning spirits fuel each fun event, some of which are free to attend.
The Tabletop Tap
3422 South Broadway, Englewood
Ranked as one of the best things to do in Englewood, the Tabletop Tap features classic arcade games, countless board games and entertaining community events. Participate in its book club centered on sci-fi and fantasy novels, join video game discussions and compete in Mario Kart tournaments — prizes include posters and free drinks, plus a shot of Malört for third place. Wash it down with one of the twenty beers on tap.
Retro decor covers the walls at TrashHawk Tavern.
Molly Martin
1539 South Broadway
Trash Stitch is a monthly affair at TrashHawk Tavern, which advertises the event as “a time to stitch and bitch and make new friends.” Get access to basic supplies and attend for free. Bingo, trivia and Midwestern-style euchre tournaments add to its calendar, as do clothing and plant swaps, drag shows and more.
Western Sky
4361 South Broadway, Englewood
It’s easy to connect over shared interests at this friendly neighborhood hangout. Western Sky is one of the best Denver bars for live music, as well as karaoke, comedy performances, play readings, book clubs, game nights — the list goes on. Get a conversation going with a little liquid courage from its bar, which serves cocktails, wine and a lengthy list of craft beers.
