Thornton Holds Free Altar Festival as Colfax Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Denver-area communities host a series of cultural and commercial events this weekend, including a major return to the Bluebird District and a new opera production.
By Ivan Mori ·
A free community festival honoring the Mexican tradition of remembering the departed will take place in Thornton on Sunday, Nov. 1. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. at the McAllister Park Center, located at 750 W. 96th Ave.
Organizers stated the gathering honors the tradition of remembering loved ones through art, music, dance, food, and cultural traditions for all ages. Attendees are invited to bring photos and notes to add to the ofrenda, or altar. The venue will host face-painting, arts and crafts, magic, storytelling, a mercado, and food and drink trucks.
The main stage features live dance and music from Colorado Mestizo Dancers and Myriad DF. Chicano Heat and Las Dahlias will also perform. The festival will show the live Broncos-Chiefs game on the main screen. Details are available at thorntonco.gov.
The Bluebird District on East Colfax Avenue hosts its 20th annual Boo and Brew Halloween Block Party on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. This edition marks a return to normal for the corridor after years of bus rapid transit construction. That disruption caused business closures and left sidewalks missing or fenced off.
More than 35 boutiques, restaurants, bars, and other businesses will hand out candy and serve adult beverages along the 12 blocks between Monroe and Elizabeth streets. The sidewalk mini-parade includes 15 bands and DJs, clowns, magic, and a photo booth. Free first-come, first-served parking is available at 3300 E. Colfax Ave. A dog parade starts at 2:30 p.m. in front of the Bluebird Theater. Information is at boonbrew.com.
Opera Colorado will stage Giuseppe Verdi's Macbeth for the first time from Nov. 7 through Nov. 15. Performances are set for Nov. 7, 10, 13, and 15 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. in Denver. The schedule includes daytime and matinee shows. Conductor Patrick Summers makes his Opera Colorado debut for this production.
Tickets range from $39 to $299, and officials said Pay What You Wish tickets are offered for every performance. On Nov. 7, Wax Trax Records at 638 E. 13th Ave. hosts a free event from 1 to 4 p.m. to celebrate the return to print of Bob Rob Medina's Denvoid and the Cowtown Punks. The store helped support the book's second, updated edition. Live sets by Hex Cassette, The Disposable Icons, and Cheap Wigs will take place. A second free event runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. that same day at Mutiny Comics & Coffee, 3483 S. Broadway.
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