Denver, CO
Unique Things To Do in Denver This Weekend 1/1 – 1/5 – 303 Magazine
It’s the first week of 2025! Cheers to a Happy New Year in Denver. Kick the year off with comedy, art shows, mocktails and make your goals for the year ahead.
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Sundance Head
When: Jan. 2, 8 p.m.
Where: The Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues, 1624 Market St., Denver, CO
Cost: $20
The Lowdown: For an evening of soul and country, listen to Sundance Head at Oskar Blues this Thursday. Head was on American Idol in 2007, making the top 24 and then joined in Season 11 of The Voice in 2016 and won on Blake Shelton’s team.
Buy tickets here
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert
When: Jan. 3, 7 p.m., various dates and times available
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $19.20-$166.40
The Lowdown: While Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ is played in high-definition across four giant screens, the Colorado Symphony will perform John Williams’ score, conducted by Justin Freer.
Buy tickets here
Caspa B2B Rusko
When: Jan. 4, 9 p.m.
Where: Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO
Cost: $67.89+
The Lowdown: Mission Ballroom is starting 2025 out strong with a stacked lineup of DJs and producers this Saturday. The Widdler, Ternion Sound, Mythm, Chief Kaya, Torcha and Skinny Limbs will open, followed by a b2b set with Caspa and Rusko for a “Back to the Underground XL” performance.
Buy tickets here
Donny Most with MJO
When: Jan. 5, 4 p.m.
Where: Dazzle, 1080 14th St., Denver, CO
Cost: $20 – $30
The Lowdown: For 90 minutes enjoy the big band style of music from Donny Most, known as “Ralph Malph” on Happy Days. The band will play songs from Sinatra, Darin and Martin, in their own creative interpretation of the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra.
Buy tickets here
New Year’s Day Recovery Brunch
When: Jan. 1, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Wonderyard Garden + Table, 2200 Larimer St., Denver, CO
Cost: Free to attend, prices vary
The Lowdown: After a night full of celebrating, you might need a pick-me-up to get the day going. Wonderyard Garden + Table is offering 25% off their Bloody Mar or Mimosa bar for the day beside a spread of their signature brunch favorites like fluffy pancakes, avocado toast and more.
Reserve here
Raise Your Glass to Dry January
When: Jan. 1 – Jan. 31
Where: FIRE at the ART Hotel, 1201 Broadway St., Denver, CO
Cost: Prices vary
The Lowdown: The start of a new year is full of emotions and expectations. If you’re looking to start 2025 on a fresh and sober foot but still want to be social with friends, consider trying FIRE Restaurant and Lounge’s two non-alcoholic cocktails for the month of January. There is “The Clean Slate,” an NA take on a smoked Manhattan and “The Designated Driver,” an NA margarita.
Book a table here
Paint and Sip – Lovely Winter Wonderland
When: Jan. 3, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Painting with a Twist – Lakewood, 7134 W. Alaska Dr., Denver, CO
Cost: $39/person
The Lowdown: Instructor Brian will guide the class through painting a “Lovely Winter Wonderland” that includes mountains and winding river through the snow with various mediums and brushstroke techniques. This class is for any skill level, from beginners to experienced painters. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase so that you can unwind while letting your creative juices flow.
Buy tickets here
Beer Pairing Dinner
When: Jan. 4, 6 p.m.
Where: Goldspot Brewing Company, 4970 Lowell Blvd., Denver, CO
Cost: $99/person
The Lowdown: Chef Jared has curated an intimate tasting menu for guests to appreciate, paired with brews from Goldspot Brewing Company. The menu will entail a five-course Colorado grown meal paired with five Colorado crafted beers, with details revealed only at dinner to compound the surprise.
Buy tickets here
Brew Year’s Eve #8
When: Jan. 5, 8 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.
Where: Bierstadt Lagerhaus, 2875 Blake St., Denver, CO
Cost: Free to attend
The Lowdown: At this “Industry Get Down,” attendees can indulge in $7 liters of lager, a free mac and cheese bar with toppings, free shots for the countdown at 10 p.m., karaoke, a beer pong tournament and other games. The event is “a little late and not as flashy, but wayyyyyy more fun.”
Buy tickets here
Language Without Words: Works by Ash Eliza Williams
When: Dec. 22 – May 4, 2025
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens – York St. Location: 1007 York St., Denver, CO
Cost: Admission free – $15.75
The Lowdown: Explore Ash Eliza Williams’ painting and sculptures at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Williams’ Language Without Words is “an invitation to notice alternate ways to interact with nature…and contemplate perspectives beyond human experience.” Her work focuses on interspecies communication and empathy, and it has been exhibited in the MCA Denver, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (CO) and the New York Hall of Science. On Jan. 23, Williams will be present for an Intersections Lecture: Artist Talk from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Register for that event here.
Get admission tickets here
Ladies Night
When: Jan. 2, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Shoot Indoors Central Park, 6280 E. 39th Ave., Denver, CO
Cost: $10 for ladies
The Lowdown: Every first Thursday night of the month, Shoot Indoors Central Park hosts a Ladies Night, for women to be empowered in a safe, liberating experience. Rentals and targets are free, with only a $10 charge for shooting. This event is for both seasoned pros and first-time shooters.
Friday Night Stand-Up Showcase
When: Jan. 3, 7 or 9 p.m.
Where: Denver Comedy Lounge, 3559 Larimer St., Denver, CO
Cost: $21 – $25
The Lowdown: See comedians that have been featured on Comedy Central, NBC, TBS, HBO, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in the intimate Denver Comedy Lounge for some laughs at the beginning of the new year.
Buy tickets here
2025 Reading Goal Kickoff
When: Jan. 4, 12:30 – 4 p.m.
Where: Western Sky Bar & Tap Room, 4361 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO
Cost: Free
The Lowdown: Calling all book lovers: come over to Western Sky Book Coven to get started on your reading goals for the year. There will be an allotted amount of time for silent reading, book chatting, bookish vendors and flash tattoos. Guests can hang out with other book lovers, have some drinks and get inspired.
Reserve a spot here
Laura Shill: Working On Myself
When: Jan. 5, 12 – 4 p.m.
Where: MCA Denver – Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St., Denver, CO
Cost: Performances are free with museum admission
The Lowdown: Performers Laura Shill and John Lake will “Work on Themselves, exercising various forms of interaction between the objects in Shill’s ‘loneliness gym.’” The performers will move throughout the MCA Denver building for prolonged stretches and other movement.
After an extended wait of no activity from the Denver Nuggets in this year’s free agency period, the team has finally made its first new signing.
That signing just so happens to be the No. 2 pick from the 2018 NBA Draft, Marvin Bagley III.
According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, the Nuggets and Bagley have agreed to a one-year, veteran minimum deal for the 2026-27 season, effectively providing some solid depth in the frontcourt.
Free agent center Marvin Bagley III has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. A critical frontcourt addition for the Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/enHBVxgfYl
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2026
With Denver’s first free agency signing now officially in the books, here’s what the move to bring in Bagley might mean for the Nuggets moving forward into free agency and this offseason, as well as entering next season.
Marvin Bagley Brings Frontcourt Depth to Denver’s Lineup
Bagley split his time between the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks this past season to put together one of his better years of production in recent memory.
In the 60 combined games he played, Watson averaged 10.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting a career-high 61.8% from the field and 46.2% from three on a little less than one attempt per game.
Bagley’s a big who’s game centers more around his offensive skillset. He spent most of his time shooting last season at the rim or in the mid-range, shooting a stout 64.1% on two-pointers last season that can bring a bit of an interior presence into Denver’s frontcourt.
Defensively, he leaves a little bit more to be desired. And he’s still not quite the most impressive three-point shooter, even coming off his most efficient season from deep.
But for the cost of a veteran minimum contract, he acts as a nice budget-friendly addition who can shoulder some of the load offensively, and has shown value as an offensive rebounder as well. It’s tough to find much better for the price Denver’s paying.
While entering the league slotted in primarily as a power forward, it’s been in the past few seasons that Bagley’s settled in more as a full-time five; having spent 95% of his minutes during the 2025-26 campaign playing at the five.
That might give you a bit of a hint as to how the Nuggets plan to use him this next season, though they might also have some stretches where he’s placed alongside Nikola Jokic at the four for a bit of a larger frontcourt lineup.
The Writing’s On the Wall for Jonas Valanciunas
Looking at what Bagley’s addition might mean for the Nuggets’ current roster, no one in the picture gets more impacted by Jonas Valanciunas.
Valanciunas was Denver’s primary backup behind Jokic at the five last season following his trade from the Sacramento Kings, and entered this offseason with an uncertain future because of his contract situation.
The veteran big man has an expiring $10 million contract heading into the 2026-27 season, but one that’s not fully guaranteed, giving the Nuggets the opportunity to release him and save $8 million, while incurring a dead cap hit of $2 million that can be stretched over multiple years.
Such a move can give the Nuggets further cap flexibility that they’ll need this offseason to re-sign key pieces like Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones, which to this point haven’t been done, but becomes a bit easier now that Denver can take that next step in pivoting off of Valanciunas.
Perhaps Denver might also look deeper into a trade involving Zeke Nnaji, now that they’ve got a cheaper option in Bagley that might even sit ahead of him on the initial depth chart. However, it remains to be seen if the Nuggets have any takers on the two years remaining on his contract. To this point, they haven’t found anyone to bite.
When factoring in Valanciunas and Nnaji though, Bagley’s addition now brings the Nuggets to a total of 10 players signed onto traditional contracts for the 2026-27 season.
That leaves them with four open spots left to utilize in the days and weeks ahead. How they decide to use that space remains to be seen, but at the very least, the Nuggets’ long-awaited first offseason signing has now officially come to light.
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See social media react to LeBron James leaving the Lakers
After eight seasons in Los Angeles, LeBron James will return for his 24th season, but not with the Lakers.
The King and the Joker together?
Is it possible that LeBron James could join the Denver Nuggets?
The 41-year-old James plans to play in 2026-27 for his 24th NBA season, but he’s informed the Lakers it will be with another team.
It seems like the Nuggets may be at least somewhat interested in pairing James with star Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets have reached out to James, the Denver Post reported on July 1.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN said he has “long believed” the Nuggets could be an “outlier” team in part because of James’ admiration for Jokic.
The Nuggets recruited James when he was a free agent in 2018 before he signed with the Lakers.
LeBron James next team betting odds
Where do the sports books think James is going? Sports betting company DraftKings Sports does not have the Nuggets high on the list.
There are 10 teams that DraftKings believes are most likely to land James in free agency after he turned down the Lakers.
DraftKings believes James will choose to sign with one of the following teams at some point this summer: Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.
DraftKings Sports odds: LeBron James landing spots
Here are the full odds for the top 10 landing spots this free agency period for James, a four-time champion, Finals MVP and league MVP:
- Golden State Warriors: -250
- Cleveland Cavaliers: +170
- Miami Heat: +800
- San Antonio Spurs: +3000
- Detroit Pistons: +3000
- Dallas Mavericks: +3000
- Milwaukee Bucks: +4000
- Brooklyn Nets: +4000
- Washington Wizards: +5000
- Philadelphia 76ers: +5000
Sports reporter Kevin Lytle can be found on social media on X, Instagram and Threads @Kevin_Lytle and on Bluesky.
July 4th Food Deals
This July 4th marks America’s 250th birthday! And there are lots of $2.50 deals across the Mile High City. On July 4, Good Times offers a menu of sweet treats for $2.50 each, including frozen custard, fried ice cream and more. Through July 12, Sonic is serving its America $2.50 Menu with cheeseburgers, hot dogs, onion rings and more. Dairy Queen has its Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float for $2.50 – through July 5. And, from July 3 to 5, Carl’s Jr. is cooking up a double cheeseburger for $2.50. Not to be left out, Krispy Kreme is giving any customer who comes into a store on the 4th wearing red, white and blue a totally free Original Glazed Doughnut. For more information and additional deals, check out milehighonthecheap.com/ free-cheap-things-4th-july-denver.
Colorado Renaissance Festival – Children’s Weekend / Military Appreciation Weekend
Hear ye! Hear ye! Merriment (on a budget) awaits. The 49th annual Colorado Renaissance Festival (650 W. Perry Park Ave.) in Larkspur is back for adventure and family fun on weekends this summer. There’s plenty for families to do and see, including entertainment, an Artisan’s Marketplace and themed weekends. And, on July 4 and 5, kids (12 and under) get in for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. It’s also Military Appreciation Weekend, with all active military and veterans getting a buy-one-get-one-free ticket. The offers are only available at the box office on-site. If you’re going without children for the holiday weekend, find discounted tickets at King Soopers. The festival runs on weekends through Aug. 2. coloradorenaissance.com
Gabriel Scarlett, The Denver Post
Alayia Fabre, 7, has her face painted by Susan Oxman of Fabulous Face Painting on July 8, 2017 at the 31st annual Blacks Arts Festival in Denver.
Colorado Black Arts Festival
It’s the 40th year for the Colorado Black Arts Festival at the West End of Denver’s City Park – from July 10 to 12. Multiple stages will showcase local and regional talent performing jazz, blues, soul, hip-hop, dance and gospel. In addition, festival-goers will find a wide variety of artwork for sale, as well as food, games and services. The Watu Sakoni (People’s Marketplace) is the place for unique gifts, crafts, woodcarvings, clothing, jewelry, oils, incense, music and books. Plus, a Children’s Pavilion will offer the younger set lots of hands-on fun with various activities and games. And the Food Court serves up affordable fare from the American South, the African continent and the Caribbean. The festival is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. colbaf.org
Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival
Look up! It’s worth getting up early for the colorful hot air balloon launch that highlights the annual Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival — from July 10 to 12. The balloons take off at 6 a.m. each morning (weather permitting) in the open field across from Erie High School, on the northwest corner of County Road 5 and Colliers Pkwy. Arrival is recommended around 5:30 a.m. New for 2026, there will be a fleet of special-shape balloons floating in the sky, including characters, creatures and colossal creations. If you’re not an early bird, there is also a Night Glow on July 11 at 8 p.m. in the same field – an opportunity to see the balloons lit up after sunset. Attendees will also enjoy food trucks, music and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, tethered balloon rides will also be available for $20 per person. erieballoonfestival.com
Cow Appreciation Day
Admittedly, some people will do anything to score free food! And, to celebrate its 80th anniversary, Chick-fil-A is bringing back one of its most popular giveaways — Cow Appreciation Day. On July 14, “moo” into any Chick-fil-A dressed as a cow (Longhorn, Dairy, Hereford…your choice!) and enjoy a free breakfast, lunch or dinner entrée from a select menu – from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Even better, children (12 and under) get a free original or grilled nuggets (5-ct.) kids’ meal with a drink, side and premium. The giveaway is only valid for customers who are physically present in the restaurant. Claim the freebie via dine-in, carry-out or drive-thru. Limit one entrée per person. chick-fil-a.com
Lavender Festival
Lavender is in the air! Back in 2015, a Lavender Garden was planted at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms (8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd.) in Littleton. Now that the more than 2,000 plants have come into bloom, the Denver Botanic Gardens is hosting a Lavender Festival on July 18 and 19 — from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The beautiful purple blooms create the perfect backdrop for a day devoted to “all-things lavender”. Admission includes guided garden tours, a scavenger hunt, entertainment by local Colorado bands, barrel train rides, lawn games, kids craft area and more. Also, a variety of food and drink vendors will be available for sale, as well as lavender products made by local growers and artisans. Entry also includes exploration of Chatfield Farms and the gardens. Admission is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $9 for children ages 3 to 15. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific entry time. No on-site ticket sales. botanicgardens.org/events/public-events/lavender-festival
Summerfest Arts + Music Festival
It’s a festival of arts, crafts, music and more in Evergreen at Summerfest Arts + Music Festival with more than 100 artists from across the country on hand at Buchanan Park (32003 Ellingwood Trail) on July 18 and 19. Enjoy live music and entertainment, kids’ craft activities and shopping the multitude of artists’ booths. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults at the gate, with children 10 and under getting in for free. No pets, please. Shuttle parking is free at Evergreen Middle School and U.S. Bank. Plus, the RTD and Castle Court lots are within easy walking distance to the park. evergreenarts.org/summerfest
Tennyson Street Fair
Block off the weekend for summer fun! The Tennyson Street Fair is a two-day affair, set for July 17 and 18. The fair runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. The neighborhood block party extends multiple blocks on Tennyson from West 41st Ave. to West 43rd Ave. and brings local businesses out into the street for a festive atmosphere. Shop from more than 200 artisans and local shops at the fair’s marketplace, selling handcrafted jewelry, rugs, spices, art, candles, skincare and more. And enjoy eats and treats from more than 15 local food trucks and pop-ups. Plus, imbibe on Tennyson-brewed craft beers and libations – while listening to Denver’s Wax Trax spinning records all day, as well as live music. Kids enjoy a free bounce house. tennysonstreetfair.com
Arapahoe County Fair
It’s time for the 2026 Arapahoe County Fair, with four days of family fun from July 23 to 26. The fair takes place at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds (25690 Quincy Ave.) in Aurora. Fairgoers will find their entertainment dollar goes a long way because gate admission includes unlimited carnival rides and all main stage performances, rodeos, 4-H livestock shows, public competitions, mutton bustin’ and more. (Only midway arcade games and food cost extra.) See critters of all types in the livestock pavilion. And be sure to check out the Comedy Wild West Show, BMX Showcase, silent disco, Globe of Death circus act, axe throwing, Top Hogs and much more. Plus, weather permitting, a drone show is planned for Friday and Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. Single-day general admission tickets are $30 for adults. Kids under 36 inches get in for free. arapahoecountyfair.com
Buffalo Wild Days
The annual Buffalo Bill Days festival brings rootin’ tootin’ Wild West fun to Golden – from July 24 to 26. The weekend includes western-style entertainment, Best of the West Parade, arts and crafts festival, children’s activities and live concerts by local bands filling Golden’s downtown streets. Admission is free. The festival officially opens at 5 p.m. on Friday in Parfet Park (710 Tenth St.) with a performance by Jeff Goodwin and Band, followed by Hillbilly Demons at 7 p.m. Red Rock Vixens headlines Saturday night at 7 p.m. The Long Run wraps things up on Sunday starting at 2 p.m. This year’s Best of the West Parade steps off on Saturday at 10 a.m. at 9th & Washington. The hour-long parade boasts more than 70 horses, plus collectible cars, floats, fire and emergency vehicles and several local performing groups. Park for free at the Jefferson County Human Services building, (900 Jefferson County Pkwy.) and hop on the complimentary shuttle right to the entrance of the event. goldenbuffalobilldays.com
Cheesman Park Arts Fest
Cheesman Park turns into an outdoor arts festival on July 25 and 26. More than 150 artists from across the country have been invited to showcase their work at the Cheesman Park Art Fest. Patrons can browse top-quality works of potters, painters, jewelers, sculptors, glass artists, and more – in a wide range of friendly prices. This lively outdoor event will also feature live music, local food trucks, creative demonstrations and activities for kids. This event is free of any commercial booths or sales, it’s all about authentic, handcrafted artwork. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Please carpool or consider biking or walking to the colorful event. Parking is available along the north lane of 8th Ave. The show is on the south side of the park. dashevents.com/productions/cheesman-park-art-fest
Send tips to info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance.
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