November is National Gratitude Month, and if you’re a Stepping Stone arts and culture aficionado, you have plenty to be grateful for. Why are there so many artsy events in and around Denver this time of year? Maybe because we’ve finally come inside after our long, lovely late summer, but aren’t fully surrendering yet to the upcoming holiday madness. This really is an ideal time to catch a bit of culture—and yes, perhaps bring home artful holiday gifts, too.
Denver Film Festival-Nov. 4-15
Blockbusters, documentaries, shorts, and indies. Whatever your cinematic taste, you’ll find something to love among 250+ screenings at the largest premier film celebration in the Rocky Mountain region. (After all, last year’s 55,000 guests can’t all be wrong.) Be the first among your friends to see cutting-edge films, since the DFF is widely recognized for presenting movies such as The Artist, Black Swan, and Brokeback Mountain well before earning accolades. Screenings are held at the Sie FilmCenter and Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Special packages including dinner and parking are also available. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Denver Arts Week-Nov. 6-14
Craft an experience all your own during this entire week devoted to artistry of every kind: visual arts, theater, music, film, museums, dance, opera, comedy, history, and heritage. On Know Your Arts First Friday (Nov. 6) you can stroll up and down seven of Denver’s creativity-rich neighborhoods, checking out the galleries—some of which will offer local art for as little as $52.80. Explore an exhibit devoted to Sherlock Holmes at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Or view 100 works by Andrew and Jamie Wyeth at the Denver Art Museum. Just the tip of a very artful iceberg. Learn more.
Denver Botanic Gardens Free Days and Winter Gift Market-Nov. 13-14
A world of handcrafted artistry (and holiday gift ideas) awaits you, including bath and body products, pottery, jewelry, specialty foods, clothing, antiques, and more. Plus you can stroll through our city’s lovely Botanic Gardens without an entrance fee. Denver Botanic Gardens’ Guild will also sell its popular assortment of homemade gourmet herbal vinegars and seasoning mixes made from herbs grown on site. Come to the Sneak Peek on the 12th for best selection, appetizers, wine, and beer along with live entertainment. The Sneak Peek is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. The events on Nov. 13-14 are free. Learn more.
Where Do You Think You Are?-Nov. 21, 11am-12pm
Explore the diverse cultural forces that shaped the Town of Parker that you know and love today. (New Stepping Stone residents, this is the perfect introduction to one of our nearest Northern Douglas County neighbors.) Held at the Parker Library, this event will include lively discussions on the history and development of Parker with long-time residents and local history experts. Bring your questions! Register here.
