—DESIGN—

WHAT: Denver Modernism Show: Eclectic artwork, art deco and retro furnishings, vintage designer clothes, and live music for your perusal this weekend. Ninety-five exhibitor booths include edgy design haven P Design Gallery and Denver staple Mod Livin’, plus some new blood in a selection of out-of-state galleries.
WHY: Not only can you score some sweet one-of-a-kind purchases, but you can also catch yourself some culture. Drop in on one of comedian Charles Phoenix’s famous retro slide shows for an entertaining dive into all things mid-century kitschy (Friday evening, Sunday afternoon).
BONUS: Pick up your free copy of Modernist Magazine—devoted to the design movements of the 20th century—at the show. Hint: A ticket to the show gets you a discounted yearlong subscription.
DETAILS: Fri 7–10 p.m. (preview party, $10); Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Denver Studio Complex, 241 S. Cherokee St. at Alameda Ave. $5/day. Visit www.denvermodernism.com.

—THEATRE/FUND-RAISER—

WHAT: The Great American Trailer Park Musical: The off-Broadway musical comedy opened in Denver on Aug. 10, but next Thursday’s show is a special benefit performance for Camp Fire USA Central Rockies Council. Mark McIntosh of KUSA-TV’s Colorado and Company hosts the evening, along with his TV co-host and KOSI 101.5 FM personality Denise Plante. The adult comedy paints a loveable and humorous portrait of trailer park living, complete with dysfunctional marriages, exotic dancers, roost-ruling trailer wives, and other quirky characters.
WHY: The producers of this box-office record-breaker hope to raise $5,000 for the underprivileged children served by the local branch of Camp Fire USA, which fosters leadership, confidence, healthy choices, and service-learning for underserved children in our community.
BONUS: Music to remember: The diverse score ranges from American radio to bluegrass to disco to R&B—and everything in between.
DETAILS: Thu, Aug. 30, 6 p.m. (pre-show reception), 7:30 p.m. (performance). Show runs through Sep. 23, but only proceeds from Thursday night benefit Camp Fire USA. New Denver Civic Theatre, 721 Santa Fe Drive. $39.50. For tickets, call 303-309-3773 or visit www.ticketswest.com. For more information, visit www.denvercivic.com.

—CULTURE—

WHAT: Boulder International Fringe Festival: A huge collection of performances, cultural events, workshops, readings, and family events that tops off a year-round way of life for the local creative community. Get your fill of live theatre, film, music, dance, puppetry, poetry, and all manners of off-the-beaten-path entertainment. Local talent includes Johanna Walker and her comedic one-woman show, Anatomy of a Yell, inspired by internet dating, singlehood after 30, and the crazy quest for love; Giving Voice Productions, whose Pressure to Prove unabashedly dives into post-adolescent intimacies; and Naropa University’s mythical expedition through southwestern mythology, Shadows and Journeys.
WHY: Need a hearty laugh? Soul-searching for some existential understanding or a bit of insight into the scary world of teenage-dom? These provocative performances dare you to dig a little deeper.
BONUS: Fringe Encore! The show that sells the most tickets at each venue will have the opportunity to perform one final time the last Sunday (Aug. 26) of the festival, giving fans and those who missed the first go-round a chance to see the best of the best one more time. $5–$15, depending on show.
DETAILS: Through Mon, Aug. 27. Venues, showtimes, and ticket prices vary. Visit www.boulderfringe.com

—ART—

WHAT: CultureHaus Bash: The educational arm of the Denver Art Musuem celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a birthday party—complimentary cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music, of course—honoring its members and founders. Best part? You don’t have to be a member for this shindig. For a minimal cost (only $10), non-members are welcome to attend and score a peek at DAM’s anticipated exhibition, “Clyfford Still Unveiled: Selections from the Estate.”
WHY: CultureHaus cultivates art appreciation and education in a social environment. Take advantage of this non-exclusive par-tay and up your art smarts.
BONUS: If you do decide to hop on the bandwagon and join the CultureHaus membership at the party, your name goes in a pool to win prizes and goodies for the duration of the evening.
DETAILS: Thu 6–10 p.m. Denver Art Museum’s Ponti Hall, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway. $10 (non-member). Visit www.culturehaus.com.

—MINGLE—

WHAT: Groove on the Move: A Colfax pub-crawl for young professionals, sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado. Get groovy in the Bluebird District with other hipsters in the working world—Denver has plenty. Last year’s crawl was a hit and this year should be even better.
WHY: Networking heaven. Meet, greet, schmooze, and commiserate with other young professionals. You could leave the night with a new ultimate Frisbee pal, a neighbor you never knew you had, or a fellow Broncos fanatic to invite to your next game-day chili cook-off. (Not to mention a hangover waiting to happen.)
BONUS: Price is right. Just $10 buys all the beer and food you could want, plus a chance to win some wicked-cool prizes. We’re there.
DETAILS: Fri 6 p.m. kickoff. Itinerary: 6 p.m. Goosetown (3242 E. Colfax Ave.); 7 p.m. Mezcal (3230 E. Colfax Ave.); 8 p.m. Atomic Cowboy (3237 E. Colfax Ave.); 9 p.m. Rockbar (301 E. Colfax Ave.).