⛔ Expect RTD service disruptions this weekend

✈️ Weekend Travel PSA!

Got travel plans this weekend? You should know RTD’s A-Line to the airport will be partially out of service Saturday and Sunday. The train will run normally between the Union Station and Peoria stops, but maintenance will disrupt the rest of the route to DIA. There will be additional shuttle buses servicing the impacted areas. [Denverite]

• 🎧 Speaking of the airport: Pass the time on your flight with this episode of City Cast Denver about popular DIA conspiracy theories. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏳️‍🌈 Denver Debuts Queer Cultural District

The Center on Colfax, the Colfax Avenue BID, and Black Pride Colorado are working together to create Denver’s first Queer Cultural District. Lavender Hill will span parts of Capitol Hill, City Park West, Cheesman Park, Baker, and Five Points. While this is still just the beginning of a grassroots effort, the goal is to eventually fill the area with markers and art installations honoring important moments in Denver’s LGBTQ history. [Denverite]

📰 Pueblo Printing Press Leaves Front Range Papers High and Dry

The Pueblo Chieftain, which operates one of the last remaining large-scale printing presses in Colorado, has announced plans to permanently close the facility. Its 51 employees will be out of a job by August 14. The Chieftain was responsible for printing all 23 of Colorado Community Media’s local newspapers serving the Front Range. Printing needs will be transferred to The Denver Post’s plant in Adams County, but concerns remain over distribution to Front Range counties. [Denver Post 🔒]

⭐⭐⭐ = 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.

⭐⭐⭐ Veggie Viernes | Friday | 6-9 p.m.

Explore Mexican cuisine through a vegan and vegetarian lens at this food event taking place at the Westwood de Noche night market.  [Westwood; Free]

🚗 Monster Truck Charity Palooza | Saturday | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Ride in an actual monster truck — for a good cause! This car show and festival raises funds for local veteran organizations, including Disabled Veterans National Foundation and Freedom Service Dogs. [Aurora; Free]

🧚 Colorado Renaissance Festival | Saturday-Sunday | 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Jousting, jesters, medieval cosplay, and (my personal favorite) giant turkey legs! Get it all at Colorado’s beloved Ren Fest, which kicks off its 2023 season this weekend. [Larkspur; Adult $28, Child $12]

☀️ Venture Out Fest | Friday-Saturday | All day

Winter Park is kicking off the summer season with two days of free adventuring, from e-bike riding and fly fishing to live music and volleyball competitions. [Winter Park; Free]

🦋 Terrarium Building Workshop | Saturday | 1-3 p.m.

Learn how to make your own magical mini-world of dried botanicals, insects, bones, and crystals in this workshop at the Butterfly Pavilion. All materials and admission to the pavilion are included with the ticket price. [Westminster; BP members $75; GA $95]

🌸 Cherry Blossom Festival | Saturday-Sunday | All day

Celebrate and explore Japanese heritage and culture through traditional food and entertainment at the 49th annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Denver’s historic Sakura Square. [Union Station; Free]

🤘 Punk Is Dad | Saturday | 7 p.m.

The annual Punk Is Dad concert to benefit the Dorian De Long Arts and Music Scholarship Foundation takes place at Oskar Blues this weekend. Performers include Fast Eddy, Dressy Bessy, and Jaguar Stevens. [Union Station; $15 Advance, $20 Day of]

✊🏾 Juneteenth Music Festival | Saturday-Sunday | All day

Celebrate Juneteenth at Denver’s annual music festival, parade, and marketplace in Five Points. [Five Points; GA free, $50-$100 VIP]

🍩 Whiskey Throwdown + Doughnut Showdown | Saturday | 2-5 p.m.

Why dip your Saturday morning doughnut in coffee when you can dunk it in whiskey? Indulge and imbibe at this annual festival on the Tivoli Quad featuring doughnut makers and distillers from across Colorado. [Auraria; $65]

🌏 Tastes, Sounds, and Resilience | Saturday | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

In honor of Immigrant Heritage Month, Luna Cultura invites Black, Brown, and Indigenous families to share their stories and experiences with each other while celebrating the cultural contributions of Colorado’s migrant communities. [Boulder; Free]

👟 Father’s Day Classic Fun Run | Sunday | 7:30 a.m.

Get out and active with dad this weekend at this annual Father’s Day fun run. Walk, roll, or run; 5K, 10K, or 1-miler — there’s something here for every dad to enjoy! [Arvada; $12-$50]

🍺 Father’s Day Beer and Grub | Sunday | Noon-6 p.m.

Food trucks, beer, ax throwing, mini golf — What more could dad want? [Littleton; Adults $20, Kids $15]

Last week’s answer: Jerusalem Restaurant (1890 E Evans Ave.)

• City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies says: “I grew up going to Jerusalem with my friends for late-night high school hangs, and it remains my fave spot in the city for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. I recommend getting a Combination Super Dish to share with a friend on a summer evening on one of Jerusalem’s multiple patios!””

Nice work by our correct guessers:

• 🥇 Lindsay S. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
• 🎉 But Kate H., Erica J., Monica, Robin F., and Justin weren’t far behind!

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ City Cast producer Lizzie Goldsmith had her parents in town recently. Here they are in a charming little treehouse. Do YOU know where Ted and Darcie are in this photo? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

Nuggets on Parade, Welcome to ‘Lavender Hill,’ and a Monster Truck Palooza

It’s Friday! So we are looking back at the biggest news stories of the week, starting with the Denver Nuggets winning the 2023 NBA Championship! The City Cast Denver team pulled up a seat to watch the parade and hear from the city’s biggest Nuggets fans. Plus, other news we noticed this week and our recommendations for your weekend.