🚫 🚗 Could you go a week without driving?

🏺 DAM Returns More Stolen Relics

The Denver Art Museum has returned five Asian artworks to their homelands. The pieces were connected to a pair of disgraced former New York gallery owners who’ve been accused of trafficking looted relics and art. This is just the latest repatriation of stolen artifacts by the museum as it reckons with shady dealings from its past. [Denver Post 🔒]

• Flashback: The suspects in this case worked closely with another infamous “collector,” Douglas Latchford, and his Colorado-based confidant (and DAM trustee), the late Emma Bunker. We had Denver Post reporter Sam Tabachnik on the podcast last winter to unpack his three-part investigation into Bunker, the DAM, and an illicit art trafficking ring. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

✊🏾 Justice for Brandon Cole

Denverites are demanding justice for Brandon Cole, a 36-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by Denver police last month. Officers fired shots after mistaking a marker in Cole’s hand for a knife. The Denver District Attorney’s Office is currently investigating the incident. Cole’s family has created a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses. [Axios Denver]

• Related: New statewide police accountability measures require a public dashboard for tracking deadly police encounters at 270 Colorado law enforcement agencies. The new transparency tool is set to debut sometime at the end of fall. [CO Sun]
• All eyes on Aurora: The calls for change are ringing especially loud right now as the first responders accused of killing Elijah McClain in 2019 prepare to stand trial. [CO Sun]

🚫 🚗 Could You Go a Week Without Driving?

Why not give it a shot? Local pedestrian-focused transit organizations are challenging Denverites to ditch their car keys for seven days from Oct. 2-8. Our friends at 5280 report, “The weeklong experiment is meant to be an empathy-building, political-action-inspiring exercise.” The hope is to confront devoted drivers with the challenges that face non-motorists everyday, like busted sidewalks, unreliable public transportation, and dangerous traffic corridors. [5280]

• Plan on participating? Let us know your thoughts, and report back on how it went for you.

This suburban enclave in southwest Denver is known for its quiet streets and proximity to the Loretto Heights campus currently under redevelopment. But did you know that Harvey Park is also home to dozens of mid-century modern homes designed by famed California architect Cliff May? The community is really worth a wander for contemporary design buffs looking to soak in those clean lines and sleek home designs — but it also offers great food, expansive greenspace, and so much more. Check it out:

🎳 Crown Lanes

This old school bowling alley is truly a neighborhood gathering place — league bowlers, kids’ birthday parties, and folks looking for a fun Friday night out are all welcome at Crown Lanes. The bar inside offers stiff drinks and go-to greasy bowling alley grub.

🌳 Harvey Park

A quintessential neighborhood park, this expansive greenspace offers a great paved walking trail, tennis courts, an outdoor pool and rec center, and of course, Harvey Park Lake, a fan-favorite for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.

🎂 San Antonio Bakery & Juice Bar

Conchas, donuts, orejas, fruit-filled empanadas, and chocolate flan (!!) — any pastry imaginable lines the shelves at this delectable, made-from-scratch bakery. Along with grab-n-go sweets, San Antonio also takes orders for everything from Rosca de Reyes cakes to multi-tiered wedding delights.

🍔 Coming soon … Harvey Park Grille

When dining staple Rosemary Cafe closed last spring after 30 years, a restaurant-shaped hole was left in the community. But some good news is on the horizon: Harvey Park Grille is moving in! This brand new concept from the folks behind beloved brunch locale Jelly Cafe promises a refreshed interior, a yet-to-be-revealed lunch and dinner menu, and if all goes well, a full bar.

🍻 GABF Events | All Week | Times Vary

Pre-grame the biggest beer event of the year with parties and specials at bars and breweries  across the city. [Various locations; Prices vary]

💼 Denver Startup Week | All Week | Times Vary

With hundreds of workshops, seminars, presentations, and networking opportunities, there is something for budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business pros alike at Denver Startup Week 2023. [Various locations; Free]

🦋 Sensory-Friendly Movie Night | Thursday | 6-7 p.m.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science welcomes anyone in search of sensory-friendly fun to this family movie night showing of “Flight of the Butterflies.” Lights will be turned up, the volume will be turned down, and wiggles are encouraged. [City Park; $5-$10]

🔥 Roast Battle | Thursday | 7:30 p.m.

Denver’s most hilarious stand-up comics will come together for a night of good-natured torment and ruthless comedy at each other’s expense. [Central Park; $10]

High Plains Comedy Turns 10, ‘Vandal Futurism,’ and Music for Beer-Drinking

Denver’s comedy scene is known nationwide for excellent open mics, underground comedic talent, and the infamous Comedy Works stage where legends come to try out their freshest material. This weekend, Denver will welcome headliners from across the country for the 10th annual High Plains Comedy Festival. So today on the City Cast Denver podcast, Native comedian (and regular guest of the show) Joshua Emerson gets on the mic to share his tips and tricks for making the most of this laugh-fest.