Music

The Big Little and Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Swallow Hill

Friday, December 2 | Event info

In honor of Buy Local Week, some of Denver’s most compelling, young folk musicians are taking the stage. Opener Danielle Ate the Sandwich (pictured) is a witty singer/songwriter (listen here) who has won over audiences with out-of-left-field covers and heartfelt original songs. Then, hear headlining act The Big Little, a collaboration of transcendental folk groups Elephant Revival and Taarka.

More: Lady Antebellum | Bach’s Christmas Oratorio | Hell’s Belles | Beats Antique | Social Distortion | Brandi Carlile

Film

We Were Here, Denver FilmCenter/Colfax

Opens Friday, December 2 | Event info, Watch trailer

Thirty years since the AIDS epidemic hit San Francisco, when it was simply (and shockingly) know as the “Gay Plague,” the documentary We Were Here trails the city’s response to the unknown outbreak–and the profound impact it had on the community and political scene during the 1980s. Told from the vantage point of five individuals, including caregivers, friends, researchers, and some afflicted with the disease, this is an intensely personal look at how AIDS transformed lives forever.

More: Le Havre | Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

Seasonal

Santa Dash for Cash, Frisco

Saturday, December 3 | Event info

Wassail Days, Frisco’s annual holiday festival, has a new tradition in the lineup: A one-mile, family-friendly run with a catch–participants have to dress up like Santa (or Mrs. Claus). Cross the finish line and snag a stocking; it could be filled with up to $100. The registration fee includes a Santa T-shirt and hat, a half-hour tubing session at Frisco Adventure Park, and, of course, milk and cookies. All proceeds benefit needy families through the Summit County Cares project.

More: Winterfest | Holiday Handmade Alternative Craft Fair | Denver Gift Gala | Blossoms of Light | Olde Golden Christmas Celebration

Performing Arts

Adam Carolla Hates the Holidays, Paramount Theatre

Sunday, December 4 | Event info

Sick and tired of holiday commercials taking over the airwaves before Halloween even begins? Well, Adam Carolla is. Best known as Dr. Drew’s Loveline sidekick and co-host of Comedy Central’s The Man Show, Carolla’s sarcastic quips are the key to holiday stress relief. Expect elements from his popular podcast, including a “you-name-it-I’ll-complain-about-it” segment where audience members suggest topics for Carolla to instantly gripe about.

More: Opera on Tap | Kafka on Ice | Cinderella | A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline | Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep | Clyfford Still: Daring the Light

Benefit

Miracle on Fifth Avenue, Japoix Restaurant & Lounge

Wednesday, December 7 | Event info

The holiday season is about more than parties and food: It’s about giving back. Why not do all three? At this benefit cocktail party, you can dig into hors d’oeuvres from Japoix and desserts by Sugar Bakeshop; sip festive drinks; groove to DJ-spun tunes; and watch magic tricks. Don’t forget to stop by the photo booth (in case you’re in need of a wacky holiday card) and local vendors (think Stella & Dot, Twirl, and Dare Boutique) to get a leg up on your holiday shopping. Proceeds benefit youth-focused nonprofits.

More: Colorado Gives Day | Parade of Darks | Backcountry Bash

–Elliott Johnston, Stephanie Richards, Kendall Septon, Brady Smith, and Davina van Buren; edited by Daliah Singer

Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer
Daliah Singer is an award-winning writer and editor based in Denver. You can find more of her work at daliahsinger.com.