You know the weather is getting nicer when more and more fun things to do around the city are popping up. If you need help deciding which of those things to attend, that's what this list is for.
Notably, the Sun Valley Rising Viaduct Night Market is back for a second year, following an exciting inaugural celebration that Denverite was able to attend.
I got a chance to meet Venus Cruz and Isaac Sinclair, two incredible soul, R&B vocalists, at a local open mic recently. I'm excited to see both of them are part of BurnDown's grand opening party this weekend. Details below.
Lastly, local photographer Anthony Maes, whom we profiled about an exhibit earlier this year, has helped organize Denver Photo Swap, a community of local photographers who get together and sell or exchange prints. They're meeting up this weekend and attendees could win film rolls and cameras.
Happy exploring Denver!
Sun Valley Rising Viaduct Night Market
Date: Saturday, May 20, 4-10 p.m.
Location: Parking Lot B at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium
This inaugural year saw Sun Valley residents and community stakeholders turn an otherwise empty underpass into a colorful night market full of vendors, food trucks, pho-eating contests, clowns, free books and other community resources for people of all ages.
The 2nd annual night market is taking place this weekend at Empower Field Parking Lot B, adding a second stage for live music and entertainment. There will also be a spicy hot dog eating contest hosted by Mukja Food Truck as well as other international food options, crafts and handmade goods throughout the event.
The night's will be headlined by Latin Pop/Hip Hop group, 2MX2, whose danceable urban sound ripples through its modern renditions of traditional Latin music. MC will be Jozer and other performers will include Machete Mouth, Roka Hueka, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Movete Chiquita Vinyl Club and In Lak'ech Youth Mariachi.
Be sure to check out the list of 22-plus food vendors, 24-plus artisan and merchants and all other details about this exciting community gathering happening in Denver this weekend here.
Black People Know Things Trivia Night
Date: Saturday, May 20, 7 p.m.
Location: 2736 Welton St.
Black People Know Things (BPKT) hosts monthly trivia nights and special events dedicated to creating an in-person community catered toward Black Denverites. Its founder, Darian Wilson, started BPKT in the summer of 2020 as online trivia events before eventually launched in-person events at Wah Gwaan Brewery.
Wilson announced that he will be moving out of state so this will be one of his last shows in the city before he passes the torch of BPKT to its next host.
This weekend event will be hosted at Spangalang Brewery and the theme will be "Black People Know Sexx." Four rounds of trivia in the categories of history, TV/Film, Music and Majority Wins, all with a raunchy twist. Note: Slum shaming, anti-sex work rhetoric, homophobia, transphobia and kink shaming will be prohibited at this event.
Follow BPKT on Instagram for updates on the event.
Denver Photo Swap
Date: Saturday, May 20, 1-5 p.m.
Location: 743 Kalamath St.
Organized by local photographers Connor Ray and Anthony Maes, Denver Photo Swap is a community of photographers that get together and network, exchange or sell their prints.
Hosted at Not Another Film Lab, organizers will be giving away 30 rolls of Candido film, 10 cameras and a Mamiya RB67 camera. There will also be live screen printing and a photo op in the studio.
This is one of the coolest meet ups of local photographers in the city that you won't want to miss. For more information on the event and to enter the Mamiya RB67 giveaway check out their Instagram page.
Immersive Jazz-Art Experience at Lumonics
Date: Friday, May 19, 7 - 9:30 p.m.
Location: 800 E 73rd Ave, Unit 11
Every third and fourth Friday, the Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery presents an evening of art, film, and live improvisational jazz accompanied by the Lumonics light sculptures/video projection. The evening is hosted by radio personality Janine Santana.
This Friday, Brad Goode will perform with his ensemble. Goode is the Associate Professor of Jazz Studies (Trumpet) at UC Boulder and serves as the Musical Director for the Conference on World Affairs.
Advance tickets are $20 and $25 at the door. You can reserve here.
BurnDown Restaurant & Bar Grand Opening Party
Date: Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21
Location: 476 S. Broadway
BurnDown is Broadway's newest three-story restaurant and bar with rooftop views. Its grand opening party is taking place all weekend, featuring live music both days.
On Saturday, jazz, soul, Hip-Hop and Afro Latin vocalist Venus Cruz & Super Distant Boyfriend are performing from 4-7 p.m., followed by Jalbatross with Ryan Jalbert from The Motet.
On Sunday, Isaac Sinclair, host of Ophelia's Wayback Wednesday Hip-Hop/R&B nights, will be performing at noon.
Any Given Sunday
Date: Sunday, May 21, 4-9 pm.
Location: 1144 Broadway
This event is part of the Sunday Funday series with Munchies & Mimosas that includes food, drinks, karaoke, and games throughout the afternoon.
Taking place at Mirus Art Bar, Louisiana influenced cuisine will be provided by Taste Bud Bullies and music will be provided by DJ CYN and KDJ Above.
This 21 and up event is free until 5:30 p.m.
