🍟 Why Golden wants to get rid of drive-thrus

🦠 The Latest on COVID

State health officials are confirming a recent increase in COVID cases. Hospitalizations have hit 112 — the highest number since May — BUT that’s nowhere near the case rates seen during peak pandemic times. For comparison, this time last year hospitalizations were at 195. The year before that, 800. December 2020 holds the all-time state high of more than 1,800 hospitalizations. Experts now are saying it is less about the spread of the virus, but rather the severity, which is quite diminished. [CO Sun]

• Want more? Here’s the latest on vaccines, boosters, and masking guidelines. [CPR]

🍟 Death to Drive-Thrus?

Officials in Golden are considering putting a limit on the number of drive-thrus allowed in the city. Proponents of the idea are citing air pollution and traffic as the primary reasons for the crackdown. As the city prepares blueprints for the redevelopment of a stretch of West Colfax, planners envision a more pedestrian-centric experience, devoid of long lines of idling cars. The city will be hosting public forums over the next few months to solicit community feedback. [BusinessDen 🔒]

🚗 How Towing Companies are Still Skirting the Law

Lawmakers are pressing pause on the implementation of the state’s new Towing Bill of Rights. The Democratic authors of the law are saying several proposed amendments undermine the original intent of the bill, adding flexibility to language that was meant to protect people from predatory towing practices. A judge with the state’s Public Utilities Commission will make the final decisions on the new towing rules later this month. [CPR]

• Hear from one of the authors: After State Senator Julie Gonzales — who helped write the Towing Bill of Rights — was towed from a parking garage last week, she came on our podcast to tell us about the experience and detail what’s next in the legislator’s fight against predatory towing. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Denver is a happenin’ place, with awesome things to do every week. We’ve combed the calendars and made some choice picks for our best bets in September — check out our list below for some curated event selections of fun stuff to do in the 303.

🎨 Art Drop Day | TODAY | All Day

This global celebration of art connects strangers through creative works — artists all over Denver “drop” or hide original pieces across the city for other art-lovers to find and collect, sharing clues on social media through the hashtags #ArtDropDenver and #ArtDropDay. [Citywide; Free]

🌶️ Westwood Chile Fest | Saturday, Sept. 9 | Noon-7 p.m.

Celebrate the vibrant culture of Denver’s Westwood neighborhood with live music, Mexican folklórico, local food vendors, and an artisan market — plus a very spicy chile-eating contest! [Westwood; Free]

🚲 ‘Pee-wee’s Big Adventure’ | Sunday, Sept. 10 | 4 p.m.

This classic ‘80s escapade follows Paul Reubens’ famous character, Pee-wee Herman, on the search for his missing bike. City Cast Denver host Bree Davies will co-host this screening with Sie FilmCenter’s artistic director Keith Garcia to honor the late Reubens, who passed away this summer. [Congress Park; $12]

🧘 CHOW in the Park | Monday, Sept. 11 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Denver community is invited to this free day of wellness in the park to raise awareness about the need for more mental and physical health support in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Enjoy free massages, substance use support, education panels, and more. [City Park; Free]

🐛 Bugs and Brews | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 5-7 p.m.

Enjoy the Butterfly Pavilion in a 21+ atmosphere — learn about what bugs and butterflies do at dusk, sip craft brews and wine, and even hold Rosie the tarantula! [Westminster; $40-$45]

🤣 High Plains Comedy Fest | Sept. 21-23 | Times Vary

Comics from all over the country will be in town to perform at this annual festival, which highlights Denver’s rich comedy scene, bringing local comics to the big stage with headliners like Matteo Lane and Beth Stelling. [South Broadway; Prices vary]

🍻 Denver Oktoberfest | Sept. 22-24 | Times Vary

Don your lederhosen and pretzel necklace for a weekend of beer drinking, stein hoisting, keg bowling, and more good-hearted tomfoolery at this annual celebration of Bavaria in the Mile High. [Ballpark; $35+]

🏮 Far East Center Mid-Autumn Festival | Saturday, Sept. 30 | 2-10 p.m.

Embrace the season with this traditional Asian cultural celebration. There will be pho-eating contests, lion dances, lantern-making, live music, and so much more at this family-friendly annual gathering. [Westwood; Free]

(Psst — looking for more info on our picks? Check out today’s podcast episode to get the deets!)

Our Best Bets for Your September

There’s no shortage of cool stuff to do in and around the Mile High City — but how do you choose which events will take up precious real estate on your packed calendar? Never fear, the City Cast Denver podcast team is here with their best bets for your September — from celebrations of all things beer and comedy to matinee movie screenings and pho-eating contests, the crew’s got you covered!