Five Things to Do in Denver When It's (Almost) Dead

Many cultural organizations have put events on hold, but some of this city's most creative thinkers have come up with new, and safe, ways to make entertainment available. And if you don't want to hit the streets to see amazing new things, there are some special virtual options this weekend, too.

Despite it all — and with apologies to the movie of almost the same name — there are definitely things to do in Denver when it's (almost) dead.

Night Lights Denver
Tuesday through Sunday, 9 to 11 p.m.
16th and Lawrence streets
During the dark days of the coronavirus pandemic, there's been a consistent bright spot: Night Lights Denver, which continues to illuminate the Clocktower at 16th and Lawrence streets with a series of mapping works by artists both local and national, all on display from 9 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Among the current offerings is "LAZARUS Beacon," by Nari Ward, currently the focus of the show Nari Ward: We the People, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver; he also has 38 digital pieces on billboards around town. Find out more here.

Memento Mori
Thursdays through Sundays Through July 25, 8:30 p.m.
Savoy at Curtis Park, 2700 Arapahoe Street
Storyteller/creator Julie Rada expounds on Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief in Memento Mori, which she's performing live at the Savoy at Curtis Park — but the audience is on the other side of the glass. The 75-minute production, which premieres on July 16, is free to watch, and you can come at any time — but you'll need to wear a mask and observe social distancing rules. Learn more at grapefruitlab.com.

Junk Fest, Community Mural Project and Dueling Pianos
Saturday, July 18,  9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Garage Coworking & Creative Workspace, Hugo
Head to the Plains for a day creating community. While vendors join in the annual junkfest, Some Girls and a Mural will be leading a mural-painting contest. And after a break at 5 p.m., Piano Keys will offer dueling piano entertainment in front of the Garage. A Mexican food truck will be on hand; wine and beer will be for sale.
Admission is free, but donations for the Garage and the Paint the Plains project are welcome. Find out more here.  Sloan’s Lake Summer BAZAAR
Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, July 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
1565 Raleigh Street
Get out in the fresh air and see some fresh local crafts at the Sloan’s Lake Summer BAZAAR. The event will feature over forty tented vendors (all spaced six feet apart), as well as local fashion and food trucks. Admission is by ticket only; you can buy a $5 guaranteed-entry ticket with a two-hour shopping window, or go for a $20 Shop & Sip Ticket, good for two hours at the market and bottomless summer-themed drinks served in a special Shop & Sip zone. Get tickets and find out more at denverbazaar.com.

Titwrench Digital Dance Party Benefit
Saturday, July 18, 8 to 11 p.m.
The NightShift dance party and the Titwrench Collective, Denver’s creative platform promoting feminist and queer perspectives, rally online this weekend with the Palm Wine Collective, an Afro-Futurist cultural group with like-minded ideals. The no-touch digital celebration will unfold via Zoom and raise money for Palm Wine's Collective Care Campaign, an initiative to create wellness kits for activists leading the way through the Movement for Black Lives. The event is free, but donations are encouraged; direct-message Titwrench through Facebook for the Zoom ID, or contribute right on the Palm Wine Collective’s GoFundMe page.

Know of a great event coming up in Denver? Send information to [email protected].