🏳️‍🌈 Will Denver host the 2030 Gay Games?

💸 Local Small Businesses Receive Preservation Grants

Several businesses in Five Points, Westwood, and Aurora — including Welton Street Cafe, Kahlo’s Mexican Restaurant, and Gihon International Market — have been awarded grant money, training, and consultation support through the Colorado Community Business Preservation program. The goal of the program is to aid small businesses at risk of displacement in order to preserve local culture and promote generational wealth. [Denverite]

🏀 Nuggs Superfan Banned from Ball Arena

“Unofficial team mom” Vicki Ray has been a season ticket holder cheering on the Nuggs from a floor seat since 1992. She’s made headlines over the years for handing out candy, holiday cards, and notes of encouragement to the team. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which owns the team, said they made the “difficult decision” to ban her following repeated violations of arena and NBA codes of conduct, including allegedly “hitting a player and grabbing a ref.” [Westword]

🏳️‍🌈 Gay Games 2030 Considers Coming to Denver

After the Federation of Gay Games longlisted Denver as a potential host city for 2030, a group of local boosters announced a campaign earlier this week to vie for the honor. The week-long event, promising an abundance of “cultural and economic opportunity,” reportedly generated $52 million in economic impact for Cleveland/Akron when they hosted in 2014. What’s more, Mayor Mike Johnston and council member Darrell Watson have vowed to participate in the games should Denver be selected to host. [City of Denver]

• Denver’s queer history: Join us for a stroll through Cap Hill history as seen through a queer lens. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🌆 An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Denver

If you had only 36 hours to show someone from out of town all the best things that Denver has to offer, where would you start? From buzzy restaurants and can’t-miss attractions to deep-cut hidden Denver gems, here’s what we’d recommend. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Hey loyal readers and listeners. We love to hear from you! Got a question about something going on in the city? A spicy take on a trending topic? A dynamite food, drink, or show recommendation? We want to know 💌

🏙️ Improving Downtown

Following our episode on 12 big ideas for fixing downtown Denver, Jessica T. offers a suggestion:

• “I wish that our parks, particularly the larger ones, had a little coffee shop or restaurant. I'm thinking of Ellington in the Park in Riverside Park in Manhattan, or even just a little gazebo that serves coffee and snacks. AND some public bathrooms.”

👗 Politics and Fashion

On the podcast recently, we analyzed our local politicians’ fashion and what we think it says about Colorado. David S. says:

• “I think one of the coolest things about Denver is that you can go out to a restaurant in sneakers and not even the Governor cares. That chill, non-judgemental attitude makes me love my home.” Same, David 🙋🏻‍♀️ Rock those sneaks, Polis.

👑 Women-Owned Businesses

I spent the month of March highlighting local women-owned businesses. Here are a few more shoutout from readers:

• Patricia O. says: “Nellybelle [in Evergreen] is a florist and a gift shop. The owner is creative and customer-focused. Wonderful plants and arrangements and wreaths. Unique gifts, too.”
• Beth W. says: “Synergy Aligns Bodywork in downtown Golden — Michelle is an AMAZING massage and stretch therapist, and we all need a bit of quality self-care these days.”
• Katie W. “I want to make sure The Cake Bar doesn’t get skipped! It’s next to City O’ City and has vegan and (some) gluten-free dessert options, and they’re delicious!”

A Local’s Guide to 36 Hours in Denver

A few years ago, The New York Times published a visitor’s guide to Denver, and we found it … underwhelming. So here’s our guide to 36 hours in Denver for a true Mile High experience.