Things to do in Denver Sept. 15: McNichols grand reopening, the Dude outside and more

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The McNichols Building in Civic Center Park, the day before it re-opens. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) mcnichols; civic center park; kevinjbeaty; denverite; denver; colorado;

The McNichols Building in Civic Center Park, the day before it reopens. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

The McNichols Civic Center Building is finally reopening.

That's the one you might have looked at and thought, What's in that building? You know, the little one with the columns to the right of the City and County Building, if you're facing it.

It's been closed for renovations for a while. The one time I went inside was for an art show, and it was very nice, so if you've never found occasion to check it out, now would be a great time.

General admission begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. They'll be serving food and drinks inspired by the art on the walls and offering "a night of art immersion experiences bringing our exhibitions to life." The exhibits include "Art of Sport: Iconic Photographs of American Legends from 1956-today," "SPOKES" and "I’ve got a bike!: Artists respond to the Bicycle," which sounds delightful.

Tickets are $10. If you want to get in an hour early and get the VIP treatment, tickets are $25.


While everyone else is packing up the outdoor movie rig for the season, Great Divide Barrel Bar, 1812 35th St., is just busting one out.

The tap room's premier outdoor movie night will feature "The Big Lebowski," because Colorado, and $3 Great Divide beers. Admission is free and 21+. You can bring food, but there will be a food truck on site. You should definitely bring a chair, because they'll be showing the movie in a gravel lot.

Things get going at 6 p.m., which gives you around an hour and a half until sunset.


Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., this evening and learn about the history and development of land that was once nothing more than a big, dusty dirt patch.

There will be a social hour and tasting with Slow Food Denver at 6 p.m., then professor Tom “Dr. Colorado” Noel will talk about the Gardens' history from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers.


Think you're a good speller? How about after a few drinks?

Put yourself to the test at The Rosedale, 1135 E. Evans Ave., where they're hosting the Drunken Bee. Sign up starts at 7 p.m. and the competition begins at 8 p.m. 

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