🌽 It’s a sweet corn emergency!

✊ Local Shelter Employees Unionize

Workers at Urban Peak, the Five Points-based homeless shelter serving Denver youth, are just the latest in a wave of local unionizations. Employees are citing heavy workloads, high staff turnover, poor training, and overall, work that is physically and emotionally draining. Some employees say shelter leadership has pushed back hard on unionizing efforts. But CEO Christina Carlson told Denverite, “We are totally supportive of our staff … and the opportunity to organize.” [Denverite]

🌽 Olathe Sweet Corn Emergency!

Sweet corn season is almost upon us, but this year’s harvest might be slim-pickin' due to a larger-than-usual infestation of corn earworms that has infiltrated nearly 40% of sweet corn farms near Olathe. Tuxedo, the state’s largest producer of the crop, is packing only a third of its normal amount of daily crates. For an industry that typically brings in $15 million in annual revenue, farmers say customers may expect to see higher price tags on corn this year. [CO Sun]

⚠️ A Reminder to Hike Safely

On Monday’s City Cast Denver episode about self-care, we recommended Alderfer Three Sisters Park as a great spot for solo hiking. In an unfortunate timing of events, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office released a warning Wednesday about an at-large sexual predator targeting women hiking alone in the Conifer and Evergreen areas, including the Alderfer Three Sisters Park. The sheriff’s office advises hikers to bring a partner, stay on trail, and be aware of your surroundings. Anyone with information should call 303-271-0211. [Jefferson County]

⭐⭐⭐ = 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.

🎶 Underground Music Showcase | Friday-Sunday | Times Vary

Arguably the most highly anticipated annual live music event in Denver, this three-day showdown takes place along South Broadway where dozens of venues play host to hundreds of national and local acts. [Baker; $65+]

• Pro-tip: Check out this UMS survival guide from our friends at CPR

📽️ ‘Coco’ at History Elitch Theatre | Friday | 6-10 p.m.

Catch a screening of Disney Pixar’s family-friendly “Coco” in the historic Elitch Theatre. Stop in early for sugar skull cookie decorating. [Berkeley; Free, $5 donation suggested]

🧘 Fitness in the Gardens | Saturday | 9-10 a.m.

Re-center your intentions for the week ahead at this all-levels, hour-long, guided yoga class in the 17th Street Gardens outside Whole Foods. [Union Station; Free]

🍻 Avery Brewing’s 30th Anniversary Party | Saturday | 1-5 p.m.

Boulder-based Avery Brewing Co. is celebrating 30 years of excellent beer brewing, and you’re invited to the party — enjoy live music, food trucks, and over 100 craft beers for sampling. [Boulder; $93]

🥃 Tequila Tasting Festival | Saturday | 2:30-6 p.m.

Bust out the lime and salt and head over to Orchid Denver’s rooftop terrace for limitless handcrafted tequila tasting.  [Union Station; $36+]

✏️ City Silhouettes | Saturday | 6 p.m.

Show your support for local artists and writers at the City Silhouettes showcase hosted by Tattered Cover on Colfax. [Congress Park; Free]

🥕 VegFest | Saturday + Sunday | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dig a little deeper into the world of plant-based living at the Colorado VegFest, a celebration of veganism and all things eco-friendly and sustainable. [Auraria; $15+]

⭐⭐⭐ Chef Speaker Series | Saturday + Sunday | 11 a.m. + 10 a.m.

Celebrate the cultural diversity of Aurora’s culinary scene with this speaker series spotlighting local chefs and their signature flavors. [Aurora; Free]

💆 Self-Care Sunday | Sunday | 3-5 p.m.

Unwind and recalibrate at this event meant to nourish your body and mind through reiki, meditation, massages, and more. [Highlands; $65]

Last week’s answer: You can find this mural in the activated alley at Dairy Block’s Milk Market!

🥳🥳 An EXTRA special shoutout to Ted L., the only reader who knew this answer!

• Ted says: “Coming up on three years in Denver on Monday, been working hard to get to know the city! It also helps that I see that mural every time I go grab a beer at the mini Westbound & Down in the alley.”

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ Do YOU know where this intricately decorated building exterior is? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

Johnston and the Sweeps, Worms in the Sweet Corn, and RTD's Fare Decrease

It’s Friday, and today on the City Cast Denver podcast, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are joined by regular fave / local comedian / co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission Joshua Emerson to talk about the news of the week, Denver’s latest wins and fails, and as always, our recommendations for your weekend fun.