🏙️ Mayor unveils big goals for 2025

❓ Police Seek Info on E. Colfax Swastika Display

Denver police are looking into what happened to a smashed window on the historic Austin Building along East Colfax Avenue. Authorities were already investigating the window after a swastika symbol appeared on it last week. Police are asking anyone with information about the swastika or the subsequent vandalism to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. [Denver Post 🔒]

🏙️ Mayor Unveils 2025 Goals for the City

Fully reopening 16th Street Mall, sheltering another 2,000 unhoused individuals, and reducing gun violence by 15% are just a few of the targets Mayor Johnston hopes to hit as part of his 2025 goals for the city — which the community will be able to track via quarterly progress reports. [Axios Denver]

🚨 Aurora ICE Raids Postponed

This week federal immigration agents outfitted Aurora’s Buckley Space Force Base to act as a temporary detention center for a large-scale ICE raid that was scheduled to take place on Thursday. CPR reports that officials have postponed the planned raid after excessive publicity “compromised” the operation. [CPR]

• They’ll be back: Local officials are prepared for federal immigration crackdowns to happen eventually. Some Colorado Dems — including Attorney General Phil Weiser and Rep. Jason Crow — have vowed to take action against unlawful raids. [CO Sun]

⛺ Aurora Looks to Ramp Up Camping Ban Enforcement

Aurora law enforcement will no longer be required to give any prior notice before dismantling a homeless encampment if city council approves a new ordinance next month. The proposal passed a preliminary vote (6-3) this week. Currently, authorities must provide 72 hours notice and alternative shelter options to inhabitants before clearing the camp. [Denverite]

The month of February may be short and chilly, but there’s still plenty of local fun to be had! We’ve rounded up our top recommendations for how to make the most of this late-winter season in the Mile High, including yummy treats to eat, neat places to visit, and new things to try. Enjoy! ⛄

🎪 Save Your Spot at HEYDAY!

If you haven’t yet, now is the time to secure your spot at HEYDAY, City Cast Denver’s biggest-ever in-person event taking place on Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Join the City Cast Denver crew to celebrate life in the Mile High with a day full of classic carnival games, local entertainment, food, art, and family-friendly fun! Get all the deets and buy your tickets right now at HEYDAYDENVER.com.

🐈 Get Cozy at Teddy Cat Cafe

Looking for something cute, cuddly, and celestial to do on Valentine’s Day? Cozy up with adoptable kitties and get a tarot reading at this adorable cat cafe. Secure your snuggles by booking ahead and then come ready for a chill night of furry fun and a future forecast!

🏠 Learn Something New at the Black American West Museum

Celebrate Black History Month at this gem of a museum housed inside Dr. Justina Ford’s former home in Curtis Park (where you can also check out the brand new Dr. Justina Ford garden unveiled earlier this month). Learn all about Ford’s legacy as Denver’s first Black female doctor as well as other Black Denverites who had a hand in shaping the city we know today.

• 💡 Pro-tip: Call ahead and arrange your visit. Hours are limited and the guided tours from local experts are absolutely worth booking in advance.

🍪 Snag Your Girl Scout Cookies

It’s Girl Scout Cookie Season! The annual cookie fundraiser helps scouts across the country raise money for trips and other outings throughout the year. You can find local scouts to buy from at GirlScouts.org. You can also take your support a step further by ordering online from this list of trans and non-binary scouts!

🔥 Snuggle Up for S’mores and Beers

Calling craft brew connoisseurs and science lovers alike — New Terrain Brewing’s free monthly caramelized beer and s’mores event promises a beer-drinking experience like no other in which you’ll get the chance to DIY caramelize a New Terrain brew of your choice over an open campfire. Top it all off with free fire-roasted s’mores and you’re in for a deliciously delightful evening.

🍻 Drink for Free at The Front Porch

It’s no secret that living in this city is expensive, but The Front Porch is here to make your bar tab a little lighter. Stop by this Larimer Square mainstay on “name night” where the names of the night get to drink for free! Don’t see your name on the roster this month? Just head down on any ol’ Wednesday for “flip night” where everyone’s got a 50/50 shot of winning a free bev. Cheers!