Oct. 11-31 | Crash The Party 
Until recently, all the shows coming out of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ Theatre Company had taken place in a fairly standard—albeit beautiful—arts facility (the Denver Performing Arts Complex). Things have changed, though: This month’s production of The Wild Party ($45 to $65) in the Hangar at Stanley will mark the second off-site performance by the DCPA’s avant-garde branch, Off-Center. (The first, the immersive Sweet & Lucky, took place in a 16,000-square-foot RiNo warehouse in May of last year.) The idea is to upend traditional theater conventions and bring arts to neighborhoods other than downtown. The Wild Party, Off-Center’s first musical, accomplishes both goals. Audience members, who must be 21 or older, will have a role to play in the 1920s-themed show, mingling throughout the space in their best flapper garb as a live six-piece band of local musicians creates an electric atmosphere. It’ll feel like you’ve walked in on The Great Gatsby—minus the West Egg mansion.

Oct. 14-15 | Meet Your Maker
The first maker faire, in San Francisco in 2006, had a simple goal: to gather creatives together to share how they make everything from gadgets to board games. Spurred by the growing interest in STEM skills, these giant show-and-tells have expanded to hundreds of cities across the world. Here in the Centennial State, the nonprofit Colorado Maker Hub has put on maker faires twice a year since 2013, but this month, the Mile High City will host Colorado’s first featured faire, Maker Faire Denver ($12 to $36), meaning it will take place in a venue that holds at least 5,000 people (in this case, the Denver Mart). Explore 150 to 200 hands-on stations and events, including a robotic combat competition, an autonomous car race, and a tech-infused fashion show, for doses of creativity and inspiration.

5280 October 2017
More From The Issue

Oct. 6-8 | Smashing Pumpkins
Once a year, Coloradans flock to Arapahoe Park Racetrack to watch teams launch gourds thousands of feet from “chunker” contraptions, made out of everything from box springs to air compressors. The crowds have become large enough that Punkin Chunkin Colorado, one of only five events sanctioned by the World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association, is starting a day earlier than usual; a concert by country duo the Swon Brothers should catapult the festivities to new heights. Teams will also be able to shoot at targets for the first time in recent years, adding an element of finesse to a competition that’s otherwise all about the power.

Oct. 21 | Prudent Prost-Ing
Use the dollars you saved by booking a shoulder-season deal at the Limelight Hotel Aspen ($155 per night for standard and deluxe rooms with a Colorado ID) at the lodge’s inaugural Oktoberfest. Scenic views of Aspen Mountain will play to your wanderlust, while house-made German fare, such as juicy bratwurst, and beer from Munich’s Paulaner brewery satisfies your appetite.

This article was originally published in 5280 October 2017.
Shane Monaghan
Shane Monaghan
Shane Monaghan is the former digital editor of 5280.com and teaches journalism at Regis Jesuit High School.