🎸 Hard Rock Cafe dumps Denver

🚏 RTD Will Be Fare-Free in July and August

Following the success of RTD’s month of free fares last summer, the state transit agency is preparing to once again run its “Zero Fare for Better Air” program — this time for the months of July and August. Reports show that last year’s trial increased ridership (though it’s unclear whether it had an impact on air quality). RTD is also set to vote on piloting a year-long initiative that would allow riders 19 and younger to ride for free. If approved, it would begin in September. [Denver Post 🔒]

• 🎙️ Look back: What did RTD users actually think of last summer’s fare-free month? City Cast producer and frequent bus rider Lizzie Goldsmith interviewed fellow riders to discuss the experience. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🚘 Hancock Renews Effort to End Traffic Deaths

Denver is notoriously off the mark to achieve its “Vision Zero” goal — a 2017 pledge to eliminate traffic deaths by 2030. Already this year, 84 people have died on Denver streets. In an effort to course-correct, Mayor Hancock has unveiled a new, updated plan that will focus on lowering speed limits and better enforcing them; zeroing in on particularly troublesome areas; and building more infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. [Denverite]

🎸 Bidding Goodbye to Hard Rock Cafe

After 25 years on Denver’s 16th Street Mall, Hard Rock Cafe has announced it will close for good on July 29. This is just the latest blow to the mall, which has been struggling to lure back visitors in a post-pandemic economy. The restaurant has been on notably shaky terms with its landlord in recent years — the two entities sued each other in 2021. [BusinessDen 🔒]

⭐⭐⭐ = The official City Cast Denver ‘Maybe’ of the weekend, as in maybe you’ll see us there! Listen to today’s podcast for more deets.

🐝 Beers for Bees | Friday | 2-5 p.m.

Stop by Diebolt Brewing Co.’s Friday happy hour where $1 of each beer sold will go toward purchasing pollinator-friendly plants and flowers to be planted in the Sunnyside neighborhood. [Sunnyside; Free to visit]

⭐⭐⭐ Grand Opening: Konbini | Friday | 5-8 p.m.

A new immersive art exhibit at Dairy Block takes visitors into a Konbini — a Japanese convenience store — for a unique peek into a cool corner of Japanese society. [Union Station; Free]

🇲🇽 Lotería Fundraiser | Friday | 6 p.m.

Enjoy delicious bites from Comal Heritage Food Incubator, music from Los Mocochetes, and a round or two of Lotería, the Mexican game of chance, all to benefit Focus Points Family Resource Center. [Globeville; $125]

☀️ Safe Summer Kickoff | Saturday | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Celebrate the season of outdoor recreation at this family-friendly resource fair, where you can try your hand at rock climbing, biking, boating, and more. [Mar Lee; Free]

📚 Picnic with Friends | Saturday | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Join the Friends Foundation for a family-friendly picnic at the Smiley Branch Library to support local literacy, education, and art. There will be live music, a used book sale, kids’ activities, and food trucks onsite. [Berkeley; Free]

🍺 Belgian Brew Fest | Saturday | 1-4 p.m.

Sample the best Belgian beers around metro Denver, then stop by Bruz Beers for the after-party! [North Denver; $48]

🤘 Denver Day of Rock | Saturday | 1-9:30 p.m.

This one-day music festival features three stages and 15 local bands to benefit Denver nonprofits. Nab VIP tickets for access to four lounges with exclusive bites and beverages. [LoDo; Free; $250 VIP pass]

🍿 Lowry Bike-In Movie Night | Saturday | 7:30-10 p.m.

Pack your blankets and lawn chairs, then bike over to Denver Beer Co.’s Lowry location for an outdoor screening of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Food and beer will be available for purchase. [Lowry; Free]

🪶 Indian Market and Powwow | Saturday + Sunday | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Tesoro Cultural Center presents its 22nd annual celebration of American Indian artists and heritage at the historic Fort Restaurant. [Morrison; $10-$15]

🎉 Taste of Colorado / ¡Viva Streets! | Sunday | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Support local retailers, food vendors, and musicians at the annual Taste of Colorado festival. It will coincide with the city’s second ¡Viva Streets! event that will close major downtown roads to cars for pedestrians and cyclists. [Civic Center Park; Free]

🧀 Charcuterie Make n’ Take | Sunday | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Craft a beautiful meat and cheese platter under the guidance of a professional charcuterie designer. Ticket price includes a custom wood board! [Hampden; $85]

🎷 City Park Jazz | Sunday | 6-8 p.m.

City Park kicks off its free summer jazz series starting with Sarah Mount and the Rushmores. [City Park; Free]

Last week’s answer: Urban Putt, 1201 18th Street

• Reader Dave M. says: “A good place to take kids so the adults can have a couple beverages while the kids are entertained!”
  
• Reader Jon E. adds: “Good food, good booze, and a great little course!”

Hole in one for our correct guessers:

• ⛳ Reader Jon E.  was the first to write in with the correct answer!

• 👏 But Tom G., Leah J., Madeline O., Jessica K., and Julie D. weren’t far behind!

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ Do YOU know where to find this tea party setup for two? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

Mayoral Attack Ads, a Mysterious Missing Hat, and is Denver Disney-Ready?

It’s Friday, so City Cast Denver host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by state politics correspondent Justine Sandoval to take a look back at the news of the week — mayoral mudslinging, local wins and fails, and of course, our recommendation for your weekend fun.