♻️ Here’s when you’ll get your new compost cart

♻️ Your New Compost Cart is Coming

This week, residents in the city’s Solid Waste Collection District 2 — City Park, Clayton, Cole, Elyria-Swansea, Five Points, North Cap Hill, Skyland, Whittier, and parts of Globeville — received notifications in the mail that their neighborhood’s new compost services will begin at the end of the month and carts will be delivered soon. Once that rollout is complete, the city will turn its attention to SWC District 4 and continue on a district-by-district phased rollout. [City of Denver]

• 🤔 What do you need to know? Here’s the rundown on the city’s new composting program and how it’s likely going to affect you. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🔥 Is Xcel to Blame for the Marshall Fire?

According to the 246 plaintiffs who sued the utility company this week, yes. The lawsuit alleges Xcel’s negligence and improper equipment maintenance contributed to the ignition of the historic Colorado fire that destroyed more than 1,000 homes. This follows an 18-month investigation into the fire that points to Xcel as the culprit (or, one of the culprits, that is). The nearly 250 residents, property owners, and businesses are seeking compensation for damages. On top of that, more than 150 insurance companies are also suing Xcel for repayment of settlement money. [Denver Post 🔒]

🚨 Police Look into Downtown Sniper Shootings

Denver police are investigating five separate “sniper-style” shooting incidents that have taken place downtown since May. Nobody has been injured, but residents remain unnerved after shots were fired into multiple residential buildings, shattering windows. Investigators are looking into a possible connection to a man who was recently arrested by officials in Broomfield for a similar shooting and other violent crime charges. [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.

🎨 Pearl Street Arts Fest | Friday-Sunday | Times Vary

Artists from across Colorado will be showcasing watercolors, sculpture work, handcrafted furniture, and more at this long-running arts fest. [Boulder; Free]

🌳 Nature Walk | Friday | 9-11 a.m.

Immerse yourself in Waterton Canyon’s beautiful surroundings on this expert guided tour with botanist Dr. Christina Alba. (Note: Dogs are not welcome on this walk.) [Littleton; Free, reservations required]

🎬 RegiRama Summer Movie Series | Friday | 6:30 p.m.

Regis University kicks off its outdoor summer movie series with a screening of “Sing.” There will also be live music and a barbecue dinner ($10/plate) before the movie to raise funds for the Bienvenidos Food Bank. [Regis; Free]

🎞️ ‘Wakanda Forever’ at Historic Elitch Theatre | Friday | 6-10 p.m.

Spend an evening inside Denver’s historic Elitch theater for a showing of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Come early for pre-film games and concessions. [Berkeley; Free; $5 donation suggested]

⭐⭐⭐ Aberrant Behavior Opening at the Dairy Arts Center | Friday | 5-8 p.m. This new exhibition from artists Chelsea Kaiah and Cody Norton explores the intersections of hunting culture and queerness within the broad expanse of Indigenous perspectives. [Boulder;

Free]

🧁 Rosie’s Birthday Party | Saturday | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Rosie the Tarantula, the beloved ambassador for the Butterfly Pavilion, is celebrating her 28th birthday and the pavilion’s 28th anniversary! There will be celebratory treats and activities. [Westminster; Regular admission prices ($12.95-$14.95)]

🌎 Fiesta de Colores | Saturday | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Shop bright, seasonal accessories and apparel handcrafted from across the Americas at the Hijos del Sol market from the Latino Cultural Arts Center. Proceeds benefit Latino and Indigenous artists. [Sun Valley; Free admission]

🌿 Toke and Tie Dye | Saturday | Noon-8 p.m.

Toke up and get creative under the guidance of expert tie-dyers at one of Denver’s only licensed cannabis consumption lounges. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets include a shirt, the dye, and a swag bag. [La Alma-Lincoln Park; $25-$30]

🎤 DeadRoom Comedy at Leon Gallery | Saturday | 7-8:30 p.m.City Cast Denver podcast regular Joshua Emerson co-hosts this night of laughs from local comedy favorites! [City Park West; $15]

🌑 New Moon Magick Maker’s Market | Sunday | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrate the new moon by shopping all things magical, mysterious, and metaphysical courtesy of local artisans and vendors. [Five Points; Free; $5 donation suggested]

🍨 Sundae Social for Dogs | Sunday | Noon-4 p.m.

It’s National Ice Cream Day, and Three Dog Bakery is hosting a build-your-own doggy sundae bar for your pup! Proceeds benefit Soul Dog Rescue. [Highlands; $8]

🦁 Music at the Zoo | Sunday | 5:30-8 p.m.

Enjoy cooler temps and live music during the Denver Zoo’s “5 After 5” summer evening hours! ($5 after 5 p.m.!) Tonight’s artist will feature some toe-tappin’ folk and Americana tunes. [City Park; $5]

Last week’s answer: The Forney Museum of Transportation [4303 Brighton Boulevard]

• The friendly red face pictured above is the front of a rotary snowplow (see an image of the whole plow below) on display at the museum. It was built in 1909 for the Laramie, Hahns Peak & Pacific Railroad. According to an entry on rgusrail.com: “The rotary mechanism at the front of the plow was operated by a self-contained steam engine inside the snowplow, but the plow could not move under its own power. It had to be pushed by three or four locomotives from the rear. With this assistance, it was apparently able to clear snow drifts as high as 15 [feet].”

Big claps for our correct guessers:

• 👏 Reed R. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
• 🎉 But Leah J. and Liz W.  weren’t far behind!

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ This unassuming exterior leads to something beautiful and delicious! Do YOU know where this is? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

Who is a ‘Denver Native’? Plus, Dry Water Fountains and Swifties Takeover

Today on the City Cast Denver podcast, host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and returning guest / stand-up comic / co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission Joshua Emerson to hash out a topic of constant controversy: Who is a “Denver native”? Plus, their wins and fails of the week and our recommendations for your weekend!