BEST BETS: Whiskey Throwdown and Doughnut Showdown, Farm & Flea and more
SATURDAY» Simply slapping the words “doughnuts” or “bacon” on an event’s name has been a winning strategy for a number of promoters lately, but the folks behind the Whiskey Throwdown and Doughnut Showdown, which sets up at Denver Rock Drill May 19, have been at it for a half-dozen years. The tasting event, which benefits the educational nonprofit Minds Matter Denver, includes libations from 25 Colorado distilleries, sugar-shots from nine doughunut makers, unlimited whiskey and doughnut sampling, related vendors and live entertainment. If that sounds like it’s worth $39, or $65 for VIP earlyadmission (and an engraved “rocks glass”), get thee to 1648 E. 40th Ave. starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday for the 21-and-up event. whiskeydoughnuts.com
Family fun. WEDNESDAY» As a NASA astronaut, Kjell Lindgren trained for years before getting a chance to board the International Space Station in 2015 as part of the Expedition 44/45 mission. And as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Medical School, Lindgren had plenty of lead-up to the experience. Lucky for us, he’s eager to talk about those rare, fascinating experiences to all-ages audiences, having also worked as a flight surgeon at NASA’s Johnson Space Center before becoming an astronaut in 2009. He’ll be at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., 7-9 p.m. on May 23. The event, which includes a meet-and-greet, is free, but registration is required at dmns.org.
Farm to street. SATURDAY» If you’re looking for a mellow, communal grocery experience, check out the fourth year of the Jefferson Park Farm & Flea, which takes over 25th Avenue between
Federal Boulevard and Eliot Street, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 19. The farmer’s market includes more than 70 local vendors — including seedlings to get your garden started — handmade and vintage goods, artisanal food and food trucks, plus urban homesteading tables on beekeeping, container gardening, animal husbandry and more. Kids will dig the live music, ice cream and face painting; adults will enjoy the sangria tastings. The event returns July 21 and Sept. 15. jpfleamarket.com.
Books galore. SATURDAY» A pair of book festivals are taking place this weekend, but we’re sure either of them would be happy to share you with the other. There’s the OMG Bookfest and Author Circus, presented by the One Book, One Denver program. It’s free, aimed at middle-graders and will feature activities, authors, games, prizes and more from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 19 (registration required at evenbrite.com) at the Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave. The Arvada Center’s Book Fest also takes place 8 a.m.-10 p.m. on May 19 at the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities. It will feature author keynote Laura Moriarity, workshops, kid’s activities, food and drink, trivia, a spelling bee, a poetry stage and more. Admission for adults is $5, kids 3-12 are $1, and kids under 3 are free. arvadacenter.org