By Clara Geoghegan
Hiya, Denver. With the third week of quarantine over, I can proudly say that I’ve cleaned my makeup brushes for the first time in two years, built an enviable Minecraft farm, and am dangerously close to dying my hair peach (because why not?). I might even do my taxes if I’m feeling a little rebellious.
Staying home definitely beats getting sick or making others sick. So, no matter how stir crazy quarantine might be making us, not going out this weekend is absolutely the move. If you need a break from deep cleaning your fridge, a distraction to stop you from trying those DIY bangs or if you just don’t feel like entertaining yourself this weekend, we’ve got you covered.
Here are things to do this weekend that support the Denver community and local businesses — all while staying at home.
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, and 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. It 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 all be done entirely online. With a wide range of topics, you can work on a project that matters to you.
Just for fun
CommuniTea Conversations. Archipelago Clubs, join with Zoom. Friday, 1-2:30 p.m. Donation-based.
Virtual Speed Dating! The Social: Modern Matchmaking, join with Meetaway. Friday, 5 p.m. Free, registration required.
The Cat’s Pajamas Ungala. Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue, join with Facebook Live. Saturday, 7-9 p.m. Free.
Weekly Mediation via Zoom. Community Care Collective, join with Zoom. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Free.
Gardens Navigator. Denver Botanic Gardens. Anytime. Free.
Online Exhibits. History Colorado. Anytime. Free.
Virtual Zoo Trip. Denver Zoo. Anytime. Free.
Learn something, make something
Constructing Colorado: Building a LEGO Loom. History Colorado, join with Zoom. Friday, 10 a.m. Free, use your own supplies.
Find Your Poetic Voice and Style. Lighthouse Writers Workshop — Lighthouse North, join with Zoom. Saturday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $65-75.
Visiting Authors Series: Writing in the Time of COVID — Doubt and Disequilibrium as Muses with Steve Almond. Lighthouse Writers Workshop, join with Zoom. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $85-95.
Look & Make: Pen & Ink Workshop (Free virtual workshop). Clyfford Still Museum, join with Zoom. Saturday, 3 p.m. Free, use your own art materials.
Strange Beauty: The Weird in Fiction. Lighthouse Writers Workshop, join with Zoom. Sunday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $65-75.
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.
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
Rocky Mountain Virtual Music Festival: Vol. 3. ARISE Music Festival, join with Facebook Live. Friday, 10 a.m. Free.
Live Concert for Dazzle. Alex Creamer, stream with Facebook Live. Friday, 5-7 p.m. Free.
UMS Presents: Streams With Grit. Underground Music Showcase, stream with Facebook Live. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. Free, tips appreciated.
Social Distancing Dance Party with Mary and DJ Imeh! Studio 3sixT, join with Zoom. RSVP here. Saturday, 7-8 p.m. Free.
Jeff White — Live from Turntable Studios. Jeff White Music, stream with Facebook Live. Sunday, 5 p.m. Free, tips appreciated.
Sunday Night Trivia Online! Triviality: The Live Trivia Game, join with Zoom. Sunday, 10 p.m.- 1 a.m. Free, print your own answer sheet.
Volume: A Local Music Project. Denver Public Library. Anytime. Free.
Art, culture and media
Live Storytime. Denver Public Library, stream with Youtube. Friday, 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Free.
Virtual Storytime with Kim Tomsic. Second Star to the Right Books, join with Zoom. Friday, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free.
No Strings Attached Book Chat. Denver Public Library, join with Google Hangouts. Saturday, 11 a.m. Free, bring a book, any book.
At the Movies. Denver Film, stream new, independent releases at home. Anytime. $12 rental.
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
Make Pizza at Home with Chef Facchini and Family. Slow Food USA, join with Zoom. Friday, 11 a.m. Free to join. BYO ingredients.
Sushi Rolling Livestream Masterclass. Colorado Sake Co., join with Zoom. Friday, 6:30 & 7:30. Saturday, 6:30 & 7:30. Sunday, 6:30. $80 and upwards. Kits delivered to you, include sushi ingredients and sake for 2.
Virtual Happy Hour and Tasting! Round 3. Denver Beer Co., join with Facebook Live or Youtube. Friday, 4-5 p.m. No charge to join, drink what you have or buy something new. To-go tasting mixes available for pick up.
Virtual Happy Hour at Doc Luces Brewery. Dos Luces Brewery, join with Google Hangouts. Friday, 6-7 p.m. No charge to join, drink what you have or pick something up to-go.
Online Class: The Mediterranean Refrigerator. The Seasoned Chef Cooking School, join with Zoom. Friday, 6-7 p.m. $25, plus any ingredients you need to pick up.
Online Class: Perfect Pasta and Gnocchi. The Seasoned Chef Cooking School, join with Zoom. Saturday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $25, plus any ingredients you need to pick up.
Exercise and sports
Fitness for Climbers with Sarah. Übergrippen Indoor Climbing Crag, join with Facebook Live. Friday, 11-11:45 a.m. Free.
Noon Weekday 20 min HIIT Tele-Workouts. Unlimited Force Training, join with Zoom. Friday, noon. Free.
Intermediate Modern Dance Class. Hannah Kahn Dance, join with Zoom. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free, donations appreciated.
At Home Brewery Bootcamp Workout. Brewery Boot Camp, join with Facebook Live. Saturday, 11 a.m.-noon. Free.
Virtual Yin Yoga with Liz Layne. RiNo Yoga Social, join virtually. Sunday, 8-9 p.m. Donation-based.
Cyber Dance 2020. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, stream virtually. Anytime. Pick your price, $5-20.
