Musicals, beer, comedy, and music: these are a few of our favorite things! One of the best parts about living in Denver right now is watching it grow, because with growth comes so many more fun experiences to enjoy! In this month’s edition, we found something for everyone.
August 11-September 13: The Book of Mormon
You don’t have to be from Colorado to know the reputation that precedes “The Book of Mormon.” Sure, it was created by the guys who brought us South Park, but it has become so much more than that. The musical has won NINE Tony Awards and currently holds the all-time single-ticket on-sale record for The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, with more than 38,000 tickets sold on a single day. It’s kind of a big deal! Want to learn some of the songs before heading to the show? Start with this emoji version of “Hello!” and then watch Andrew Rannells perform “I Believe” at the Tony’s!
What: The Book of Mormon
When: Tuesday, August 11 - Sunday, September 13, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Where: The Ellie, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Tickets: Tickets start at $35
August 15: Hops in the Hanger
What happens when you combine an air and space museum, housed inside of a WWII-era Air Force hangar, with beer? The manliest event in Denver! You don’t have to grow a mustache to enjoy this event, however. It’s open to all (as long as you’re 21+, of course). More than 20 of Colorado’s breweries will share samples while you savor mouth-watering pulled pork, sausage, and brisket from Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q. If you have more of a sweet tooth, Tommyknocker will also be serving up root beer floats!
What: Hops in the Hanger
When: 5-11 p.m., Saturday, August 15
Where: Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 East Academy Boulevard
Tickets: $25-$45
August 20-22: High Plains Comedy Festival
If you want to LOL or even ROFL this month, your best bet is the High Plains Comedy Festival. Founded in 2013 by Denver comedian/writer Adam Cayton-Holland (a co-star of the new TruTV series “Those Who Can’t”) and comedian/producer Andy Juett, the festival features a mix of local and national comics in venues throughout the city—with a special emphasis on the historic Baker neighborhood surrounding South Broadway. Fun, food, and laughter? Can’t think of a much better combination!
When: Various times, Thursday, August 20 - Saturday, August 22
Where: All around Denver!
Tickets: Prices vary per event
August 28-30: Riot Fest Denver
Dust off your studded belts and Converse sneakers because Riot Fest is back! If you enjoyed The Warped Tour back in the ‘90s and early 2000s, you’re sure to love this lineup. And this year, the three-day concert takes place at the National Western Complex. That’s right—where rodeos happen. Can you imagine Rancid playing while a cowboy is trying to stay on a bucking bronco or bull? We can’t either, but we’re thrilled to try! The Widefoc.us staff is so excited, in fact, we’ve started a Music Monday series for our most anticipated Riot Fest Denver acts.
What: Riot Fest Denver
When: Friday, August 28 - Sunday, August 30
Where: National Western Complex, 655 Humboldt Street
Tickets: Prices vary per event; one-, two, and three-day passes are available
Is something noteworthy missing? Give us grief about it (and keep us in the loop) over on our Facebook page!
—by Sara Grossman
Sara Grossman is a Floridian-New Yorker now residing in Denver. When she isn’t busy thinking in spurts of 140 characters, you can find Sara enjoying live music, planning her next travel adventure, and trying to make her Mini Schnauzer famous on Instagram!
