By Clara Geoghegan, for Denverite
Hi, Denver. How have you been? I think a lot of us are in the same boat. As the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed, all of our lives have been affected, and, to put it lightly, it’s a bit freaky.
Now maybe more than ever, a sense of connection and community is important. But as we stay home to reduce the spread of COVID-19, feeling connected with one another is exceedingly difficult.
We’re here to help.
Like last week, the activities on this weekend’s Things to do list can be done remotely to keep yourself and others safe. Tune in to a local concert, learn to make cheese, explore Denver’s museums, or back relief efforts to support those being hit hardest. We’re in this together.
Community support: volunteer and donate
Operation Family Meal supports laid-off service industry workers affected by COVID-19 restaurant closures. Monetary donations support free meals and therapy sessions. Donations of supplies and food are also appreciated.
Denver Metro Emergency Food Network
The Denver Metro Emergency Food Network has pledged to cook and deliver meals to low income families and the elderly in need. Your support means additional meals for those whose food security has been threatened by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Help Colorado Now supports those who are at high risk for COVID-19 across the state. In addition to support through donations of money and supplies, they seek volunteers for a variety of roles, some of which can be done remotely, through the internet.
The Denver Foundation Critical Needs Fund
The Critical Needs Fund grants COVID-19 emergency money to high-impact Denver nonprofits. They partner with organizations focused on homelessness, home insecurity, healthcare, food insecurity and basic family needs.
Volunteer with citizen science based projects, many of which can be done entirely online. With a wide range of topics, you can work on a project that matters to you.
Just for fun
Gardens Navigator. Denver Botanic Gardens. Anytime. Free.
Online Exhibits. History Colorado. Anytime. Free.
Virtual Zoo Trip. Denver Zoo. Anytime. Free.
Slow Food Live: Music Hour with DJ Cavem. Slow Food USA, join with Zoom. Friday, noon. Free.
Learn something, make something
Creative Corner: Victorian Paper Bead Making. History Colorado, join with Zoom. Friday, 10 a.m. Free, use your own craft supplies.
The Story Behind Evil for Teens. Lighthouse Writers Workshop, join with Zoom. Friday, 2-2:50 p.m. $18.
Words With Pictures for grades 3-5. Lighthouse Writers Workshop, join with Zoom. Friday, 2-2:50 p.m. $18.
Virtual Drawing Hour / Mixtape Release. Jordan Lempe Tattoo & Art, join with Facebook Live. Friday, 7-8 p.m. Free.
Whismsy to Gogh, At-Home Art Kits. Whimsy Studios, 8246 E. Northfield Blvd. Stream videos anytime, pick up art kits every day between noon and 5 p.m. $20 and upwards.
Canvas and Cocktails — Free Online Classes. Canvas and Cocktails, join with Facebook. Friday, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. Free to join, $10 optional material kits available for pickup.
The Art of the Brick: Building Contest. Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Submit before April 24. Free. Build with your own LEGOs at home, submit online.
Music and nightlife
Mashups & More! FB Live Shows. Ben Hammond, stream with Facebook Live. Friday, 7:30-9 p.m. Free, donations appreciated.
Lipgloss ● A Virtual Indie Dance Party. Boyhollow & Lipgloss, stream with Twitch TV. Friday, 8 p.m.-midnight. Free, tips appreciated.
Just Dance Wii Party! (Facebook LIVE Edition). AM.SWO Productions, join with Facebook Live. Saturday, 2-3 p.m. Free.
Volume: A Local Music Project. Denver Public Library. Anytime. Free.
Art, culture and media
At the Movies. Denver Film, stream new releases at home. Anytime. $12 rental.
Plantopia LIVESTREAM Art Extravaganza! Virtual Art Party. Spectra Art Space, join with Facebook Live and Instagram. Saturday, 5-8 p.m. Free.
Virtual Middle Grade Book Club. Second Star from the Right Books, join with Google Hangouts. Sunday, 2-3 p.m. Free.
Kanopy. Denver Public Library. Anytime. Free with a library card.
Audio Books. Denver Public Library. Anytime. Free with a library card.
360 Degree Tour. Kirkland Museum. Anytime. Free.
Eats and drinks
Virtual Happy Hour and Tasting! Round 2. Denver Beer Co., join with Facebook Live and YouTube. Friday, 4-5 p.m. No charge to join, drink what you have or buy something new.
Virtual Burrata & Mozzarella Cheese Making Class. Truffle Cheese Shop, join virtually. Friday, 5 p.m. $30, includes ingredients and virtual class. Kits available for pickup or delivery, call ahead to make arrangements.
Virtual Happy Hour Reading: TaraShea Nesbit and José Olivarez. Lighthouse Writers Workshop, join with Zoom. Friday, 5-6 p.m. Free.
Facebook Concert! Dezirae Schalice Music, join with Facebook Live. Friday, 6-7 p.m. Free.
Exercise and sports
FREE Saturday Morning Yoga – Virtual Class. Jess Whetsel, join with Zoom and register with Google Forms. Saturday, 9-10 a.m. Free.
Virtual Yoga Nidra w/ Breanne. Tula Hot Yoga Denver, join with Zoom. Saturday, 10-11:15 a.m. Free, optional donations will be given to Food Bank of the Rockies.
Intermediate Modern Dance Class. Hannah Kahn Dance, join with Zoom. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free, donations appreciated.
Virtual Groovin’ Foot Workshop. Zenergy Dancesport, join virtually. Sunday, 2-4 p.m. $20-30.
Virtual Yin Yoga with Liz Layne. RiNo Yoga Social, join virtually. Sunday, 8-9 p.m. Donation based.
