Is there anything better than a July 4 that falls on a Tuesday? Even if you have to work on Monday, you know you’re not working-working (unless you have one of those jobs that keeps people alive, and if so, thank you for doing what you do). And when there’s no work, there are all sorts of play. If you’re not skipping town for the extra-long weekend, Denver has so much fun in store for you all month long. Start your July 4 weekend off with a bang.
July 1: Fourth of July Weekend @ Avanti F&B
Location: Avanti F&B – 4058 Tejon St.
Our dogs hate it, but we can’t help but love that when the Rockies put on a fireworks show, they knock it out of the park. The elaborate, extensive displays will be lighting up the skies on all three nights of the series against the Detroit Tigers—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. And there’s no better place in town to catch the show than…well, on the field of Coors Stadium. But if you don’t go to the game, Avanti is the next best thing. Plus, the food’s better (nothing against stadium dogs, just saying), and the drinks are the bomb. Avanti’s celebrating the holiday with Bomb Pop Frozen Cocktail and food specials all weekend long. Order up, grab a seat on the patio, and settle in for the show. Find more details here.
July 2: Sunday Funday Polo Party @ Denver Polo Club
Location: Denver Polo Club – 6359 Airport Road, Sedalia
It’s Colorado Heroes Day at Denver Polo Club and you’re invited. And you should feel totally special ’cause they don’t open their doors to the public very often—only once per month during the summer months, in fact, during the Sunday Funday polo tailgate parties. Spectators can park and party right next to the action, watching the game from the sidelines while mixing and mingling at the club’s field-side bar. Horses thunder by at 35 miles an hour while players fight for the ball and check each other—like hockey but with 1,000 pounds of horsepower behind each move. Along with the outdoor cocktail bar, there are bites from Wafflarita and Walking Taco, plus divot stomps, live music, a chance to mingle and take photos with the players, and more high-brow fun. If you’re feeling fancy, splurge for a ticket to the VIP champagne tent. For $125 pp, you can watch the matches in a private cabana where the bubbles flow free. More details on the Denver Polo Club website here.
July 3: Meet the Brewer @ El Rancho
Location: El Rancho Colorado – 29260 US-40, Evergreen
At this weekly event at Bonnano Concept’s landmark establishment in Evergreen, 10 lucky folks have the chance to meet with El Rancho’s brewmaster Adam Gurtshaw. He’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at brewing techniques that make the Pygmy Stallion beers exceptional. The $15 ticket grants you access to an intimate brewery tour, a flight of beer, plus a pint of your favorite to enjoy when you wrap up at 3 p.m. And lucky for you, that will coincide with happy hour, so you’ll have no excuses not to stay and try some grub. Tours start at 2 p.m., and given their intimate size, it best to reserve your spot before you make the drive. You can do just that via Tock..
July 4: Fourth of July Seafood Boil + Homemade Pies To-Go @ The Bindery
Location: The Bindery – 1817 Central St.
When I was growing up, I tried to convince my mom that we should make it our family tradition to have lobster for a holiday—whatever holiday that may be. She never went for it, and I’m still bitter about it. But thanks to the Bindery’s Fourth of July Seafood Boil, I can pick up a new tradition for myself. The $160 to-go package nets you all the fixin’s of a traditional seafood boil: two whole lobsters, shrimp, little neck clams, potatoes, and corn. And what’s a holiday feast without dessert, right? Bindery’s got you (and some pie crusts) covered. The All-American Fourth of July Homemade Pies, $39 each, come in three sweet flavors: Mile High Lemon Meringue (omg, I want), Peach-Ginger Double Crust, and Blueberry + Lemon Lattice. If you’re feeling particularly festive, get all three for a complete red, white, and blue spread. Place your orders now via Tock.
July 5: Wub Wednesday Ft. CØNTRA @ Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox
Location: Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox – 1215 20th St.
Join Ophelia’s for another rowdy Wub Wednesday at downtown’s sexiest spot for live music, featuring the cutting-edge bass production and live violin sounds of CØNTRA (FKA Contra Scandal), with support from Serious Jorge, Persy, Sling Wave, & Soggy Noize. Sound and visuals will be proper as always, thanks to BassDrip Productions and Struggle Bus Industries, setting the vibe just right to soak up all that bass. The show runs from 8 p.m to 1 a.m. Reserve a table to indulge in the dinner menu during the show, or just show up to get down. Ophelia’s guarantees the eargasms are free. Book via Opentable.
July 6: Puppy Pool Party Adoption Event @ Greg’s Kitchen & Taphouse
Location: Greg’s Kitchen & Taphouse – 4433 W. 29th Ave. #102
These are a few of my favorite things: puppies, pools, and pints. If you’re like me or you’re looking for a new pooch to join your pack, head to Greg’s Kitchen & Taphouse for a special adoption event brought to us by Dewey Beer Co. and Lola’s Rescue. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., but no one can resist puppies, so you should get there early before someone else adopts your new best friend. Who can say no to Fozzie, the puppy Poinetr Australian Shepherd, who is available for adoption as of this writing. He’s probably still terrified from the fireworks on the Fourth. He and all his Lola buddies deserve to feel safe in a forever home. More details on the event via Eventbrite; more details on the adoptable pups via Lola’s Rescue here.
July 7: Garden to Glass: Summer Drinks and Tapas Workshop @ Denver Botanic Gardens
Location: Denver Botanic Gardens – 1007 York St.
Step up your mixology game and learn how to make the most of your summertime libations. Susan Evans, author of “The Herbalist’s Happy Hour,” will impart some well-earned knowledge about refreshing aqua frescas, extraordinary elixirs, and sensational syrups made from fruits, veggies, and herbs fresh from the garden and summer markets. Plus, you’ll create delicious tapas to go along with the drinks. Handout with recipes, drink samples, and tapas included. Tickets are $70. Note: this spirited event is spirit-free. No alcohol will be served in class. Learn more on the Denver Botanic Gardens website here.
