🛫 More construction at DIA

🛫 More Construction at DIA

If you’re sick of the construction at the Denver International Airport, I’ve got bad news — DIA leaders announced more expansion plans last week in order to accommodate rapidly rising visitor traffic. So they’re looking ahead — way ahead — to the year 2045. Based on current data, the airport is on track to reach 120 million travelers in the next 22 years. New additions could include up to four new concourses and 100 new gates. [Denverite]

• What about Peña Boulevard? An increase in air traffic at DIA means an increase in vehicle traffic to DIA on an already notoriously congested Peña Boulevard, the main road in and out of DIA. So does that mean a highway expansion is also inevitable? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

📚 Why Banned Books Week Matters

Though National Banned Books Week is coming to its end, the fight for reading freedom wages on. According to data from the American Library Association, the number of books challenged in Colorado this year is up 143% compared to 2022. The ALA says the increase can be credited to conservative organizations distributing long lists of books they find concerning and encouraging mass challenges. Most of the books in question are written by or about people of color or members of the LGBTQ community. [Axios Denver]

🧳 'Sanctuary' Status Put to the Test

More than 22,000 migrants have arrived in Denver since last December, including nine busloads from Texas last Sunday alone. With the city’s shelters already at capacity, people are asking: What’s Mayor Mike Johnston’s response plan? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

⭐⭐⭐ = The official City Cast Denver ‘Maybe’ of the weekend, as in maybe you’ll see us there! Listen to Thursday’s podcast for more deets.

🐂 Rodeo All-Star | Friday-Saturday | Event Times Vary

The National Western Center is hosting a weekend full of rodeo fun, plus a live country concert. [Elyria Swansea; Prices vary]

📚 NEA Big Read | Friday | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Big Read is like a book club for the whole city. Stop by this kickoff celebration to pick up a free copy of “Postcolonial Love Poem” by Natalie Diaz. [Cheesman Park; Free]

🎃 Spooky Season Pop-Up | Friday | 6-9 p.m.

Costumes are optional at this fundraiser for PlatteForum, featuring mask-making, a photo booth, and more. [Five Points; Free to attend]

🐾 Tour de Corgi | Saturday | 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Bring your doggo out for a parade through Old Town or spectate if you’re merely corgi-curious. [Fort Collins; $5 to participate, Free to spectate]

🛩️ Lowry Art + Architecture Loop | Saturday | 10-11:30 a.m.

Join this walking tour to learn about the neighborhood’s history as the old Lowry Air Force Base. [Lowry; Free]

💪 Health and Wellness Festival | Saturday | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

This family-friendly affair at Chaffee Park promises yoga, wellness demos, vendors, and even a climbing wall. [Sunnyside; Free]

⭐⭐⭐ 🍫 Choctoberfest | Saturday | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

There’ll be chocolate beers and martinis for adults and chocolate everything else for the kiddos.  [Aurora; $10 GA, $55 VIP]

👻 La Llorona Festival | Saturday | 2-4 p.m.

Swap stories of the weeping woman and learn more about her place in Mexican folklore at this family-friendly event [West Colfax; Free]

🍂 Harvest Fest | Saturday | 2-8 p.m.

Ironton Distillery is hosting a family-friendly party, with live music, a fortune teller, and a screening of the Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus.” [Five Points; Free]

💕 More Than Pink Walk | Sunday | 7:30 a.m.-Noon

Help raise money for the fight against breast cancer. Just don’t forget to wear pink! [Civic Center Park; Donation-driven]

🥞 bRUNch Run | Sunday | 8:30 a.m.

Run your choice of a 5K, 10K, or 15K, and then party with your fellow runners brunch-style. [Central Park; $60-$80]

Last week’s answer: Mercury Cafe

• The Merc, as locals affectionately refer to it, has been an institution for artists, activists, and counterculture outsiders for more than three decades. It’s a place where unexpected community is born and inspiration is bred. When founder Marilyn Megenity decided it was time to pass the torch, she gave the honor to Danny Newman, a local businessman who’s developed a reputation for collecting and preserving Old Denver establishments. We had Newman on the podcast a few years ago to chat about the beloved Merc, and what he hoped for its next chapter.

🥳 Big claps for our correct guessers:

• Arnie S. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
• But Alicia Y., Ben C., Lisa R., Jennifer B., and Cheyenne M. weren’t far behind!

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ This one’s for my suburbanites out there. Do YOU recognize this cavernous dining hall? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

Is Denver a True Sanctuary City? Plus, DIA Construction Forever and 'Red Pant Man'

Diego Florez-Arroyo of Los Mocochetes joins us to preview his brand new play “Cuauhtémoczin” — opening this weekend at the Holiday Theater — and discuss the major uptick in migrants arriving in Denver this week. Plus, our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the week.