A grilled cheese festival, Breck Brew’s Opening Day, adult prom and more things to do in Denver

Kick it off

First Wolf Creek, then A-Basin, then Loveland. This week, after Keystone, Breckenridge and Eldora, it’s pretty official that ski season is already full steam ahead — and you need to celebrate properly. Breckenridge Brewery will once again take over the parking lot of Punch Bowl Social for Opening Day 2018. Shredders can bring their boards for a free waxing, watch snowboard artists create live, dance to the Gin Doctors and, well, drink beer. There will also be live band karaoke with the Gin Docs so that’s sure to be something. Oh yeah, and it’s free. Punch Bowl Social is at 65 Broadway, Denver. breckbrew.com/opening-day-2018

Glad tidings are here

Through Sunday: Whether you like it or not, it’s time to start thinking about your holiday shopping. Enter the Junior League of Denver’s Mile High Holiday Mart, Nov. 9-11 at Gates Field House on the University of Denver campus (2201 E. Asbury Ave.). The 38th annual event features both local and national artists selling housewares, specialty food items, jewelry, clothes and more. Heck, there are even gifts for your furry friends. (We’re talking about animals, not Uncle Phil, who could use a back wax.) This year, the Junior League is celebrating — wait for it — its 100th anniversary. (So they know what they’re doing.) Proceeds support the group’s charitable efforts. The mart is open to the public  noon-8 p.m. on Nov. 9,  9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Nov. 10, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11. Tickets are $10. A special VIP shopping event will be Friday from 10 a.m. to noon for $40. More information at jld.org.

Glory Days

Saturday. The dress. The tux. The limo. It’s prom night all over again — except this time you’re actually legally allowed to drink. So put those flasks away and head to RiNo Prom because kids, tonight there’s no curfew. Make sure you dress to impress: The attire is prom (giant bows and perms optional, powder blue tuxes highly encouraged). A $65 general admission ticket includes entry and open bar; a $105 VIP ticket includes entry, open bar and a VIP seating area with a food truck voucher. Prom will start at 9:30 p.m. at B-Spot Gallery, 2750 Blake St. Tickets available at eventbrite.com.

Veterans Day

Saturday and Sunday. The Denver community will come together this weekend to honor its veterans with a parade, festival and race. On Saturday, the parade will step off from Colfax and Bannock at 10 a.m., as all are welcome to show up and salute local heroes. Following the parade at noon, a family-friendly festival will be held in Civic Center with a music stage, activities, military displays, food and more. On Sunday, you can run off that food with the 5K or 10K run at 8 a.m. in City Park. Registration is $30-$190, depending on which race and size of team. More information at denverveteransday.com.

So cheesy

Wednesday. We loved it as kids. We love it as adults. We’re always going to love the gooey, crunchy joy that a proper grilled cheese brings us. Finally there’s a festival to honor this classic meal. Denver Grilled Cheese Fest will be Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 10 p.m. inside Mile High Station (2027 W. Lower Colfax). Your ticket ($55-$125) includes grilled cheese tastings, tomato soups, beer and wine from more than 20 restaurants and beverage companies. The best sammie will take home the Meltdown Award. The event is also a fundraiser for Imagination Library of Denver. VIPs (those with higher priced tickets) will enter at 6 p.m. for first dibs, then general admission gets in at 7 p.m. Information and tickets at twoparts.com.

[Read More …]