✊ Casa Bonita workers speak out

📈 Just How High Are Denver Rent Prices?

In news that likely won’t surprise anyone, Metro Denver ranks as the third most competitive large rental market in the Western U.S., according to a new report. Denver trails behind Salt Lake City and Tucson, but beats out Phoenix and Las Vegas. The same report says the average rent for an 839-square-foot apartment (the average size) in the area is $1,967. [Denver Post 🔒]

💰 Is Denver’s Universal Income Project Working?

Back in December, city officials launched the Denver Basic Income Project, a pilot program giving direct cash to people experiencing homelessness. In partnership with the University of Denver, the city has released some of the qualitative results of the trial from the last seven months, and researchers agree the outcome so far is promising. Participants used the money for everything from rent and transportation to Christmas presents and job training. A full report on the program will be released when the pilot ends in the fall. [Denverite]

✊ #TeamCasa Speaks Out

Employees at Casa Bonita have presented new owners Matt Stone and Trey Parker (of “South Park” fame) with a list of workplace demands. The move comes after management decided to eliminate tipping for service positions and instead, pay staff a flat $30/hour rate. Employees say they were given little notice of the change and no say in the matter. Now, workers are asking their new owners to go back to the compensation they were promised when hired, as well as requesting health benefits and better communication. [Denver Post 🔒]

✨ Introducing … the Colfax Hall of Fame!

If there was a Colfax Hall of Fame, who — or what — would be in it? We gathered YOUR input and then got together with some true blue Colfax experts to officially crown the people, places, and things that truly embody the magical weirdness of our favorite strip of the city. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🪩 Global Dance Festival | Friday-Saturday | 3-11 p.m.

One of Colorado’s biggest dance fests celebrates 20 years of vibes, beats, and bass at this outdoor party featuring dozens of DJs from across the world.  [Sun Valley; $99+]

🇲🇽 Taste of Mexico | Friday-Sunday | All Day

Enjoy mezcal and sotol tastings, chalk art, face painting, delicious food, and more at this 40th anniversary celebration of Denver’s relationship with our sister city, Cuernavaca, Mexico. [Larimer Square; Cost Varies by Event]

🫔 La Noche de Frida | Friday | 6-9 p.m.

Hecho en Westwood puts the spotlight on local women chefs, artists, and community leaders with this honoring of Frida Kahlo’s spirit and artwork through a celebration and fundraiser featuring food, art, and more. [Westwood; GA $35, VIP $75]

👟 RiNo 5K | Saturday | 8 a.m.

Hit the pavement in the RiNo neighborhood’s closed-off streets for this urban 5K that raises money for the Denver Rescue Mission. (Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome!) [RiNo; $54]

🛍️ Tennyson Street Fair | Saturday | 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Soak up the Northside’s good vibes with live music, art, food, beer, and so much more at this community-centered all-day party. [Berkeley; Free]

🧑‍🍳 Chef Speaker Series | Saturday | 1-2 p.m.

From Ethiopia to Hawaii, Aurora’s culinary scene is a delicious destination. Get to know the chefs behind some of the city’s best restaurants in this special summer series. [Aurora; Free]

🥘 Festival del Mole | Saturday | 2-8 p.m.

Enjoy mole from professional and community chefs at this tasting extravaganza, along with live music, cultural dance, an art show, and more. [Westwood; $3 per sample / $25 for 10]

🤼 Lucha Libre | Saturday | 4-8 p.m.

The West Colfax neighborhood comes alive with its own Lucha Libre event and gathering also featuring local vendors, music, food, drinks, and more. [West Colfax; Free]

🐲 Colorado Dragon Boat Festival | Saturday-Sunday | All Day

This multi-stage event is jam-packed with dance performances, cultural celebrations, amazing culinary offerings, and of course, dragon boat races! (See the website for important parking information.) [Sloan’s Lake; Free admission]

🎨 Cheesman Park Art Fest | Saturday-Sunday | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Take in all the local arts scene has to offer — creatives of all levels will be showcasing and selling paintings, sculptures, jewelry, furniture, and more. [Cheesman Park; Free admission]

🎷 City Park Jazz | Sunday | 6-8 p.m.

A quintessential Denver summer experience, this free live jazz show is the perfect place to meet up with friends, enjoy a picnic, and take in the scenery at one of the city’s best parks. [City Park; Free]

Last week’s answer: Domo, 1365 Osage Street

• Denver diners were devastated when Gaku Homma, the owner of Domo — a longstanding, beloved Japanese Eatery in the La Alma-Lincoln Park neighborhood — announced the restaurant would be closing for good last September. Homma made the decision following an overwhelming surge in business after a TikTok reel featuring Domo went viral. That, paired with a spike in COVID cases at the time, and Homma decided Domo was done. However, earlier this year, Homma announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page that he would be reviving a new, more simplified version of the eatery. When it will reopen is still to be determined. “Please give me some more time … For I am at the age of 73, my moves and actions are less sharp,” Homma said in the most recent Facebook post.
• Reader Mike F. says: “Most think of Domo as a restaurant next to an Aikido Dojo, but Domo is actually first an Aikido Dojo and the restaurant second. The sensei liked to cook. Students from Japan also worked the restaurant. The Dojo museum has Kamikaze pilot tea cups.”

A super special shoutout for our correct guessers:

• 🏆 Jonathan B. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
• 🎉 But Alina R., Leah J., Tom G., Kate W., Margie L., and 31 others (!) weren’t far behind! You all know your dining scene!

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ Do YOU know where to find these nosey neighbors? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

Introducing the Colfax Hall of Fame

Colfax is more than just a street — it’s a feeling, a living part of history, and a place where Denverites from all walks of life cross paths. Last night, the City Cast Denver podcast crew recorded a live show at Bruz Off Fax to celebrate this wild and wonderful street by inaugurating the first class of our “Colfax Hall of Fame.” Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by some special guests — bonafide Colfax experts — to hash it all out. (Pssst… if you sent us nominations, you might hear yours mentioned!)