City Cast Denver
💰More COVID payouts could be coming
June 30, 2023
Good morning, Denver! Planning on a hike this weekend? According to Condé Nast Traveler’s list of most popular national parks for hiking, Rocky Mountain National Park ranks No. 2 (behind Utah’s Zion National Park). The publication said RMNP is “one of the most glorious — and calming — in the country for hiking with clear lakes and luscious meadows set among craggy peaks.”
What's CITY Talking About?
💰 Denver Considers One-Time COVID Payouts
City council is considering a proposal that would give some Denver residents a direct, one-time cash payment to make up for financial hardships experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The payout would be $1,000-$1,500 for people who were ineligible for federal aid last summer because of things like citizenship status. [Axios Denver]
🚎 RTD Asks People to ‘Respect the Ride’
RTD’s board of directors approved a new passenger code of conduct with the hope of curbing drug use, crimes, and “other unwanted activities” on RTD property. The new rules ban harassment, violent or profane language, and loitering when it’s apparent RTD services aren’t being used. Another change allows police and security personnel more latitude when it comes to suspending people who violate the code of conduct. [Denverite]
♻️ Denver Makes Strides in Eco-Friendly Hospitality
The Populus, a new 13-story, 265-room hotel being constructed across from Civic Center Park, plans to be the country's first carbon-positive hotel (meaning it will sequester more carbon than it emits). Also part of its eco-conscious ethos, the hotel will not offer parking (in an attempt to encourage less driving). It will be powered in part by wind and sun, and developers plan to plant 72,000 spruce trees to restore a Gunnison County forest. [Denver Post 🔒]
What To Do
⭐⭐⭐ = 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.
🦸 FanExpo Denver 2023 | Friday-Sunday | Times Vary
Comic books, sci-fi, anime, and cosplay galore — the state's largest comic convention returns to Denver. The celebrity lineup includes Chevy Chase, Jon Bernthal, Danny Trejo, Tom Felton, and WAY more! [Downtown; $48+]
🍨 Live Music at Little Man | Friday | 6-9 p.m.
Stop by the Little Man in Central Park for live tunes from Tea with Friends and signature sweet treats. [Central Park; Free]
🛍️ CherryArts Festival | Saturday-Monday | Times Vary
Celebrate the best of Cherry Creek — food, music, art, and more — at this three-day festival to support arts education in Colorado. [Cherry Creek; Free]
🐦 Bird Walk | Saturday | 7:30-10 a.m.
Take a volunteer-guided stroll around Bluff Lake and get to know the area’s many bird residents. [Central Park; Free]
🚲 Goat Head Weed Removal | Saturday | 8:30-11 a.m.
Volunteer to join Goathead Greg in his mission to rid the High Line Canal trail from pesky, invasive puncture vine weeds! [Windsor; Free]
⭐⭐⭐ Mo’Betta Green Marketplace | Saturday | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Support Beverley Grant’s mission to bring food literacy, fresh produce, and environmental stewardship to north Denver communities when you swing by the Mo’Betta Green farmers market. [Five Points; Free]
🤠 DUSTY BOOTS Music Festival | Saturday | 2 p.m.
Bust out your best boots and dust off your cowboy hat for the DUSTY BOOTS country music concert at Civic Center Park. Headliners include Colter Wall, Margo Price, and Houndmouth. [Civic Center Park; $90+]
🔮 Midsommar’s Eve Market | Saturday | 5-10 p.m.
Ritualcravt is celebrating the season with tarot card readings, aura photos, and local vendors specializing in crystals, herbs, incense, and other mystical and magical wares. [Wheat Ridge; Free]
😂 Josh Blue at Comedy Works | Sunday / Monday | 8:15 p.m. / 6 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of hilarious standup from Denver’s own homegrown comic Josh Blue of “Last Comic Standing” and “America’s Got Talent” fame. [Union Station; $30]
👟 bRUNch club | Sunday | 9:15 a.m.
Work up your appetite with a Sunday morning 5K / 10K along the Cherry Creek and Platte River trails, then top it all off with breakfast sammies, donuts, and coffee at Milk Market. [Union Station; Free]
🐶 Puppy Yoga | Sunday | Noon-2 p.m.
Stave off the “Sunday scaries” with patio yoga, delicious vino (non-alcoholic options included), and adoptable puppies! Proceeds will benefit Lola’s Puppy Rescue. [RiNo; $35]
Where Is It?
Last week’s answer: “English Roses,” a vibrant street mural by Boulder-based artist Remington Robinson, can be found on the side of the Acoma House, a boutique hotel behind the iconic Metlo building, on Broadway and 11th Avenue.
Congrats to our correct guessers:
- 🏆 Melissa T. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
- 👏 But Elizabeth B. and Stacie J. weren’t far behind!
This Week’s Photo:
🕵️ Do YOU know where this colorful sculpture is? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter. Bonus points if you can provide the piece’s name and artist!
Today on City Cast
Tipping vs. Service Fees, Why BCycle Died, and Drake Night
It’s Friday, and we’re looking back at the news stories that kept us captivated all week long. Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and multimedia producer Graffiti to talk about tipping — or rather the lack thereof — at Casa Bonita, the premature demise of BCycle, more wins and fails of the week, and of course, our recommendations for your weekend.
That’s all for this week! Happy weekending, and see you back here on Monday 👋
— Peyton Garcia
Free · Daily