Things to do in Denver this weekend, Feb. 16-19

All the things you can do when you’re done enjoying the weather.
18 min. read
Judith Franklin as Martha Reeves and the cast of Motown the Musical. (Photo: Joan Marcus)

All the things you can do when you're done enjoying the weather.

Thursday

Food & drink

Brandy barrel-aged Baracuda release. Blue Moon RiNo, 3750 Chestnut Place. 4-5 p.m.

Whiskey Flight Night. Three half-ounce pours to sample in the tasting room. Weekly whiskey selections vary. Law’s Whiskey House, 1420 S. Acoma St., 5-9 p.m.

Entertainment

Best bet: "Motown The Musical." You only have this weekend to check out this touring production of the story of Motown, featuring hits like “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough." Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $35-115.

Best bet: “The Happiest Song Plays Last.” It's closing weekend for this show. Yaz, a community organizer and “reluctant matriarch,” ends up as the voice of her struggling community in North Philadelphia. Her movie-star cousin Elliot struggling with war nightmares in Jordan. Live Puerto Rican music throughout. Curious Theater Company, 1080 Acoma St. 8 p.m. $24-34.

“The Book of Will.” The story of Henry Condell and John Heminges, friends and mentees of Williams Shakespere, who fought to preserve his work after his death. Ricketson Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe Ave. 6:30 p.m. $35.

“An Act of God.” In a play the New York Times called “deliriously funny,” God takes on a human form and sets the record straight. Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $47.

“The Christians.” A New York Times Critics’ Pick. “Pastor Paul inspires faith in the members of his growing congregation through his preaching. But when he brings up unexpected questions during a sermon, his changing perspective may ask too much of his followers.” Stage Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St. 6:30 p.m. $30-65.

“Two Degrees.” Emma, a scientist studying climate change in Greenland, is coping with the unexpected death of her husband as she shares her findings at a Senate hearing. The Jones, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St. 6:30 p.m. $30.

Stélouse. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 8 p.m. $10.

NaPalm. Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $10-12.

The Roomsounds. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $8-10.

The Big Wu. Cervantes' Other Side, 2637 Welton St. 8 p.m. $20.

CloZee and Psymbionic. Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St. 8:15 p.m. $15.

GhostPulse. Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. 7 p.m. $8-10.

Honky Tonk at the Opera featuring High Plains Honky. Syntax Physic Opera, 554 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $7.

C2 & The Brothers Reed. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St. 9 p.m. $5-10.

Grammar School. Lion's Lair, 2022 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $6.

Eastghost. Black Box, 314 E. 13th Ave. 9 p.m. $12-15.

The Common Good. The Moon Room, 1902 Blake St. 7 p.m. $10.

Kiel Grove. 3 Kings Tavern, 60 S. Broadway. 10 p.m. $5.

Bluegrass Thursday. Stem Ciders, 2811 Walnut St., Unit 150. 7-9:30 p.m.

The Emerging Filmmakers Project. Showcase of the best of Denver’s indie film scene. Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St. 8 p.m. $5.

Film Night at Alto: "Joyrides."  A documentary about songwriter, performer and artist Wesley Willis, plus a few other short films. Alto Gallery, 4345 W 41st Ave. 7-10 p.m.

Ratio Presents: Don't Panic Pre-Fest Party. Pick up your Don't Panic! two-day passes and enjoy drink specials on Ratio Beerworks beer all night. DJ "Boss" Karl Larson will be spinning punk rock. Don't Panic Fest merch will be for sale, as will fest tickets. Illegal Pete's South Broadway, 270 S. Broadway. 8 p.m. 

The SPINS featuring Main Source. Hear Vinyl Me, Please’s record of the month, Main Source's "Breaking Atoms," and enjoy drink specials and music from DJ Details. Bar Fausto, 3126 Larimer St. 8 p.m.

Swing and Lindy Hop. Mercury Café, 2199 California St. 6 p.m.-midnight. $10 per lesson, $8 for the dance.

Art

Best bet: "Mi Tierra: Contemporary Artists Explore Space opening celebration." Check out the new exhibit and meet the artists:Carmen Argote, Jaime Carrejo, Gabriel Dawe, Claudio Dicochea, Daniela Edburg, Justin Favela, Ana Teresa Fernández, Ramiro Gomez, John Jota Leaños, Dmitri Obergfell, Ruben Ochoa, Daisy Quezada and Xochi Solis. Music, cocktails and complimentary snacks. Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. 7:30-10 p.m. $20-27.

For your brain

The Science Lounge: Caffeine. Enjoy a caffeinated cocktail, learn how caffeine affects your body, try some coffee, meet coffee experts and learn about the coffee bean gene pool. Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $15. Sold out, but a limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

For a cause

EDGE Out Childhood Hunger. Cocktails, hor d'oeuvres, luxury prizes, a DJ and a silent auction to support the fight against childhood hunger in Colorado. EDGE Restaurant and Bar at the Four Seasons, 1111 14th St. 8 p.m.-midnight. $35-100.

Denver Children's Home Fundraiser. 25 percent of proceeds will go to the Denver Children's home. Baere Brewing Co., 320 Broadway, Suite E. 4-10 p.m.

Sports

Colorado Avalanche at Buffalo Sabres, 5:30 p.m.

Colorado basketball at Oregon State, 7 p.m.

Friday

Food & drink

Best bet: Girl Scout Cookie pairing. Five cookies paired with five 4-ounce beers. Zephyr Brewing Company, 1421 26th St. 2-10 p.m. $13.

Cheese 101 (with wine). Cheese + Provisions, 2432 W. 44th Ave. 7-8:30 p.m. $50.

American Kolsch Kickoff. Boulevard Brewing Co. celebrates its American Kolsch. Buy a pint and keep the glass while supplies last. Plus: free bocce, snacks and prizes. Rhein Haus, 1415 Market St. 6-9 p.m.

Second Kuzzins bottle release. A barrel-aged imperial Kentucky Common Ale. Factotum Brewhouse, 3845 Lipan St. 3-10 p.m.

Hypersonic draft release. Juicy version of the wild yeast northeast IPA series. Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales, 1290 S. Broadway. 2-11 p.m.

Vanilla bean Mexican chocolate stout tap and bomber release. Copper Kettle Brewing Co., 1338 S. Valentia St., #100. Noon-10 p.m.

Entertainment

Best bet: "Motown The Musical." You only have this weekend to check out this touring production of the story of Motown, featuring hits like “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough." Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. 7:30 p.m. $35-115.

Best bet: “The Happiest Song Plays Last.” It's closing weekend for this show. Yaz, a community organizer and “reluctant matriarch,” ends up as the voice of her struggling community in North Philadelphia. Her movie-star cousin Elliot struggling with war nightmares in Jordan. Live Puerto Rican music throughout. Curious Theater Company, 1080 Acoma St. 8 p.m. $24-34.

Best bet: Bridget Everett. Gothic Theatre, 3263 S. Broadway. 8 p.m. $25-30.

Best bet: Don't Panic! Punk Fest, featuring Ray Rocket, Chad Price, Off With Their Heads Acoustic, Erin Cookman, Jack's Smirking Revenge, The Swindlin' Hearts. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway (and other South Broadway venues). 7 p.m. $8-10. $12 per show. $25 day pass.

Mozart & Stravinsky conducted by deRidder. Mozart's Symphony No. 34 in C major, Stravinsky's Pétrouchka and Nico Muhly's Viola Concerto. Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. 7:30 p.m. $29-89.

Ballet MasterWorks. Including "Firebird," choreographed Yuri Possokhov and music by Igor Stravinsky and "Serenade" choreographed by George Balanchine to Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings in C.” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1400 Curtis St. 7:30 p.m. $30-90.

“The Book of Will.” The story of Henry Condell and John Heminges, friends and mentees of Williams Shakespere, who fought to preserve his work after his death. Ricketson Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe Ave. 7:30 p.m. $35.

“An Act of God.” In a play the New York Times called “deliriously funny,” God takes on a human form and sets the record straight. Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $47.

“The Christians.” A New York Times Critics’ Pick. “Pastor Paul inspires faith in the members of his growing congregation through his preaching. But when he brings up unexpected questions during a sermon, his changing perspective may ask too much of his followers.” Stage Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St. 7:30 p.m. $30-65.

“Two Degrees.” Emma, a scientist studying climate change in Greenland, is coping with the unexpected death of her husband as she shares her findings at a Senate hearing. The Jones, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St. 7:30 p.m. $30.

The Polish Ambassador. Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N. Clarkson St. 8 p.m. $24.75.

Templo. Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $10-15.

Futurebirds. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 9 p.m. $16-30.

Dayton Stone and the Undertones. Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $8-10.

Sammy Adams. Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $15-20.

Praang. Cervantes' Other Side, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $25-30.

Los Lobos. Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St. 9 p.m. $50-70.

Dyrty Byrds. Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. 9 p.m. $10.

The Cool Kids. Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. 8 p.m. $5-15.

Alesana. Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. 7 p.m. $15.

Shady Elders album release. Syntax Physic Opera, 554 S. Broadway. 9 p.m. $7.

Waylon Jennings tribute show. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St. 9 p.m. $10-12.

The Utah County Swillers. Lion's Lair, 2022 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $6.

Sorted Presents: A Made Up Sound. Black Box, 314 E. 13th Ave. 9 p.m. $10-20.

Art

Vantage Point. New photography by Paul Brokering, Tony Eliis and Madeleine Dodge in the main gallery. Space Gallery, 400 Santa Fe Drive. 5-8 p.m.

 For a cause

General strike and march. A protest of President Trump's policies and appointments. Rally at the Capitol, then march to Senator Cory Gardner's office. Colorado State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sports

Colorado Avalanche at Carolina Hurricanes, 5:30 p.m.

Denver hockey at Miami (Ohio) 5:30 p.m.

Saturday

Food & drink

The World of Belgian Beers. An overview and guided tasting of the 15 major categories of Belgian beers. Bruz Beers, 1675 W. 67th Ave., Suite 100. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $25.

Fifth anniversary party. Tickets guarantee you two bottles of Anniversary 5, their first American DIPA, one crowler of Anniversary 5 1/4, their first hazy IPA, and one full pour of either. River North Brewery, 6021 Washington St., Unit A. Noon-close. $24.

Cheers to Two Years. Special releases, live music and food trucks. Factotum Brewhouse, 3845 Lipan St. Noon-10 p.m.

Entertainment

Best bet: "Motown The Musical." You only have this weekend to check out this touring production of the story of Motown, featuring hits like “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough." Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $35-115.

Best bet: “The Happiest Song Plays Last.” It's closing weekend for this show. Yaz, a community organizer and “reluctant matriarch,” ends up as the voice of her struggling community in North Philadelphia. Her movie-star cousin Elliot struggling with war nightmares in Jordan. Live Puerto Rican music throughout. Curious Theater Company, 1080 Acoma St. 8 p.m. $24-34.

Best bet: Don't Panic! Punk Fest, featuring Mean Jeans, Dirty Few, Poison Rites, The Ghoulies, Pueblo Escobar, Sophisticated Boom Boom. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway (and other South Broadway venues). 7 p.m. $8-10. $12 per show. $25 day pass.

The Great Make. ReCreative Denver's grand opening celebration. Tours, screen sprinting, sip and paint, live music, dancing and more. Plus hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine and craft cocktails. ReCreative Denver, 765 Santa Fe Drive. 11 a.m.-midnight. 

Mozart & Stravinsky conducted by deRidder. Mozart's Symphony No. 34 in C major, Stravinsky's Pétrouchka and Nico Muhly's Viola Concerto. Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. 7:30 p.m. $29-89.

Ballet MasterWorks. Including "Firebird," choreographed Yuri Possokhov and music by Igor Stravinsky and "Serenade" choreographed by George Balanchine to Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings in C.” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1400 Curtis St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $30-90.

“The Book of Will.” The story of Henry Condell and John Heminges, friends and mentees of Williams Shakespere, who fought to preserve his work after his death. Ricketson Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe Ave. 7:30 p.m. $35.

“An Act of God.” In a play the New York Times called “deliriously funny,” God takes on a human form and sets the record straight. Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $47.

“The Christians.” A New York Times Critics’ Pick. “Pastor Paul inspires faith in the members of his growing congregation through his preaching. But when he brings up unexpected questions during a sermon, his changing perspective may ask too much of his followers.” Stage Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St. 7:30 p.m. $30-65.

“Two Degrees.” Emma, a scientist studying climate change in Greenland, is coping with the unexpected death of her husband as she shares her findings at a Senate hearing. The Jones, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St. 7:30 p.m. $30.

Lotus. Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 N. Clarkson St. 8 p.m. $34.50.

Savoy. Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $28-35.

Hippo Campus. Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $16-18.

Futurebirds. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 9 p.m. $16-30.

SIR. Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $8-10.

Giant Panda Guerrila Dub Squad. Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $18-20.

Praang. Cervantes' Other Side, 2637 Welton St. 9 p.m. $25-30.

Los Lobos. Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St. 9 p.m. $50-70.

Chris Daniels and the Kings and The Hazel Miller Band. Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. 8 p.m. $18.

Seasons After. Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. 7 p.m. $12-15.

Spinscott. Black Box, 314 E. 13th Ave. 9 p.m. $10-30.

The Parlor Pickers. Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St. 9 p.m. $5-10.

N'awlins Swing Jam. Mercury Café, 2199 California St. 9 p.m.-midnight.

Bowling Alley grand opening and customer appreciation party. From 6-7 p.m.: Kill a Keg and a limited open bar selection featuring Kahlua and White Russains. From 7-8 p.m.: bowling contest. At 8 p.m. "The Big Lebowski" and drinking White Russians bath robes, plus a costume contest. Stoney's Bar & Grill, 1111 Lincoln St. 6-11 p.m.

Art

Teen Wake & Make: Tea & Terrariums. Sip tea, snack on toast and build a terrarium. Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany St. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

For families

The Great Make. ReCreative Denver's grand opening celebration. Family-friendly portions include free drop-in crafting from 10 a.m.-noon and a song writing workshop from 5-6 p.m. ReCreative Denver, 765 Santa Fe Drive.

Black History Live: Harriet Tubman. National Humanities and Chautauqua scholar Becky Stone will portray Harriet Tubman, former slave, scout, spy and nurse who led hundreds of slaves to freedom by the Underground Railroad. Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St. 2:30-4 p.m.

Bumblebee Jamboree: Dr. Noize. Kids are invited to dress as a favorite pollinator (bees, butterflies, birds) and dance and sing along with the musical guest. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. 10:30-11:30 a.m. $5-12.

Helmet Safety Story Time. Pedalheads will host storytime and a fun presentation about the importance of wearing a bike helmet. Kids get a bike bell, sticker and "Helmet Safety Certificate." Second Start to the Right, 4353 Tennyson St. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Scott Bergstrom: "The Cruelty." Bergstrom will read from his YA novel, participate in a Q&A and sign copies. Second Start to the Right, 4353 Tennyson St. 3-4 p.m.

For your brain

"The President's Kitchen Cabinet" book launch party. The story of the African Americans who fed presidents from the Washingtons to the Obamas. History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway. 5:30-7 p.m. Free.

Meet your Muslim Neighbors. Learn about Islam and meet your Muslim neighbors. Enjoy desserts and get a free hennah tattoo. Masjid AnNur, 2124 S. Birch St. 2:30-5:30 p.m.

For a cause

Defend Our Constitution March. Speakers will kick things off, followed by a march. The route will not be posted ahead of time. Civic Center Park Amphitheater, 150 W. 14th Ave. 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Leukemia and lymphoma fundraiser. Local barbers and stylists will be donating their time. For a $20 donation, you get you a haircut, a beer and raffle ticket. For a $15 donation, you get a beard trim, a beer and a raffle ticket. If you have long hair that you're willing to donate, it's free and you'll get priority with the barbers and stylists. Hair will be donated to Wigs for Kids, or you can donate it to another organization. Baere Brewing Co., 320 Broadway, Suite E. Noon-5 p.m.

Noenemies: Movement Choir practice. The protest music series created by Flobots continues. Youth On Record, 1301 W. 10th Ave. 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Sports

Colorado basketball at Oregon, 1 p.m.

Denver hockey at Miami (Ohio), 6 p.m.

Denver Mammoth at Saskatchewan Rush, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday

Food & drink
Entertainment

Best bet: "Motown The Musical." You only have this weekend to check out this touring production of the story of Motown, featuring hits like “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough." Buell Theatre, 1350 Curtis St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $35-115.

Best bet: Ballet MasterWorks. Including "Firebird," choreographed Yuri Possokhov and music by Igor Stravinsky and "Serenade" choreographed by George Balanchine to Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings in C.” Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1400 Curtis St. 7:30 p.m. $30-90.

Best bet: Ben Roy. Former Denverite, Grawlix member and co-star of "Those Who Can't." Comedy Works, 1226 15th St. 7 p.m. $12.

“The Book of Will.” The story of Henry Condell and John Heminges, friends and mentees of Williams Shakespere, who fought to preserve his work after his death. Ricketson Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe Ave. 6:30 p.m. $35.

“An Act of God.” In a play the New York Times called “deliriously funny,” God takes on a human form and sets the record straight. Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $47.

“The Christians.” A New York Times Critics’ Pick. “Pastor Paul inspires faith in the members of his growing congregation through his preaching. But when he brings up unexpected questions during a sermon, his changing perspective may ask too much of his followers.” Stage Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St. 6:30 p.m. $30-65.

“Two Degrees.” Emma, a scientist studying climate change in Greenland, is coping with the unexpected death of her husband as she shares her findings at a Senate hearing. The Jones, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St. 6:30 p.m. $30.

The Hip Abduction. Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave. 9 p.m. $15-20.

PARTYBABY and Potty Mouth. Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St. 8 p.m. $12-15.

Great American Canyon Band. Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $10-12.

Pkew Pkew Pkew. Hi-Dive, 7 S. Broadway. 8 p.m. $12.

Ratio Sessions: Pkew Pkew Pkew. The band stops by Ratio to talk with the Mostly Harmless Podcast, drink beer and play some songs. Fee-free and discounted tickets to the Hi-Dive show will be sold. Ratio Beerworks, 2920 Larimer St. 3-5 p.m.

Sammy Adams. Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St. 8 p.m. $15-20.

Born of Osiris. Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St. 6 p.m. $10-20.

You Blew It! Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St. 7 p.m. $5-14.

RipRats. Lion's Lair, 2022 E. Colfax Ave. 8 p.m. $6.

Matinee Metal featuring Skinned and Tierkrieger. Black Sky Brewery, 90 Santa Fe Drive. 2-5 p.m. Free.

My Bloody Violent-tine Film Festival. Horror films made by locals, live music, prizes and more. Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St. 8 p.m. $10 per person or $15 per couple.

Art

Foul-Mouthed Cross-Stitch Sundays. Get crafty and do some cross-stitching. All materials provided with purchase. Grandma’s House, 1710 S. Broadway. Noon-9 p.m.

For families

The Music Train, featuring Honeycomb Funk. Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. 6 p.m. $4-8.

Indoor Block Party. Free food, games and fun for the people of Green Valley Ranch and Northeast Denver. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College, 19535 E. 46th Ave. 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

For a cause

Impact: Sack lunches for the homeless. Pitch in $10-20 and help prepare and hand sack lunches. Cervantes Masterpiece, 2635 Welton St. 12:30-2:30 p.m. $10 per person, $20 per family.

Sports

Colorado Avalanche vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, 6 p.m.

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