The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
DCPA Holiday Cabaret: If you’re not sure which show to catch at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) this month, this performance is your chance to get the best of all four. For the first time in DCPA history, cast members from all of the Center’s current productions—The Lion King, A Christmas Carol, The Santaland Diaries, and Murder for Two—will take the stage together, all for the sake of charity. Expect everything from holiday favorites and show tunes to rock-and-roll hits. Proceeds benefit DCPA’s educational initiatives and the Denver Actors Fund, which supports members of the Denver theatre community in times of medical need. Monday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Hard Rock Cafe, 500 16th St., Suite 120; $25
Dine Out to End Childhood Hunger: Don’t feel like cooking? Here’s your excuse to dine out on Tuesday night. The Colorado branch of No Kid Hungry first hosted this fundraiser last year, and it has expanded in 2015 to include more than 20 local restaurants. Between 10 and 20 percent of sales at eateries from The Corner Office to the Nickel will go directly to the charity’s Cooking Matters program, which provides cooking and nutrition education to Colorado families in need, meaning all you have to do is show up and eat. This year, sociable diners can also opt for the new “Movable Feast” version of the event and join a grestaurant crawl of participating eateries in RiNo and downtown. Tuesday all day, various locations
That's only $1 per issue!
Denver Rescue Mission Thanksgiving Turkey Drive: The Denver Rescue Mission aims to put “a turkey on every table” with this holiday food drive. Pick up an extra turkey on your shopping rounds—anything frozen and weighing in at 12 pounds or larger is welcome—and drop it off at the Lawrence Street Shelter during business hours. The Rescue Mission will donate these birds to local churches, schools, and nonprofits they’re partnering with, as well as cook up a full Thanksgiving feat for the homeless at the Lawrence Street Shelter and the Fort Collins Rescue Mission. Daily through Wednesday, November 25, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Lawrence Street Shelter, 1130 Park Ave. West
(Read 5280‘s special report on homelessness in Denver)
Mile High United Way Turkey Trot: The forecast may call for freezing temperatures and snow flurries on Thanksgiving, but this holiday tradition will keep your blood pumping and warm your heart. Take part in the 42nd annual four-mile Turkey Trot, or the half-mile Family Fun Run with your little ones, and enjoy a beer garden and a hot cup of joe after the race. Proceeds benefit the Mile High United Way‘s efforts to improve childhood literacy, high school graduation rates, and the economic self-sufficiency of Denver families. Don’t forget to bring your pup—with a small donation for a Turkey Trot doggie bandana, Fido’s welcome to run the race, too. Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon; South High School, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave; $30–$45
Operation Turkey Colorado Springs: For a more hands-on experience of giving back this Thanksgiving, try this holiday meal delivery service. Operation Turkey operates in cities around the country, preparing meals for the homeless and people in need and assembling mobile delivery units of volunteers. Bring your car and your holiday cheer to the Colorado Springs headquarters at P.F. Chang’s and organizers will give you a set of pre-packaged meals and a map of places to deliver them. The whole family is welcome to join in, too. Teens can help run meals from the kitchen to cars and younger kids can pitch in by decorating delivery boxes in the designated craft zone. Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon; P.F. Chang’s, 1725 Briargate Pkwy., Colorado Springs
To submit your event or organization for inclusion in 5280’s weekly “Get Involved” column, email getinvolved@5280.com.