Snow-sports fever has gripped Denver — even more than usual — with the arrival of the SIA Snow Show and, earlier in the week, the Denver Big Air contest. It would not be terribly surprising to see someone clomping down 16th Street in snowshoes, skis strapped to their back, magically covered in snow.
Dubbed Mile High Snow Fest by the city, the congregation of powder hounds runs through Sunday, and local bars are jonesing to get in on the action. Happily, customers don’t necessarily have to be wearing a Snow Show badge to get a deal. They just have to know the right places to go.
As usual, the Lotus Clubs are seizing the opportunity to throw a party.
Tonight, Suite Two Hundred (1427 Larimer St.) hosts a party for snowboard-friendly Sinner Eyewear and Wind X-Treme headgear.
Expect giveaways from the Sinner crew, plus a DJ set by Beckley and Krootz. SIA badge holders get in free.
Lotus’ Oak Tavern (1414 Market St.) joins the fun tonight with a viewing party for Powder Magazine’s Powder Video Awards.
The broadcast begins at 8, followed by a performance by Colorado rockers Rose Hill Drive at 11. Reserve a table and learn more by calling the Tavern at 303-888-0655.
Got friends in town for the Snow Show? If they’re looking to get a break from downtown, head to Broadway for a night out at the CoClubs.
Vinyl (1082 Broadway), Bar Standard (1037 Broadway), Milk (1037 Broadway, downstairs) and The Church (1160 Lincoln St.) are all offering free entrance to SIA badge holders during the Snow Fest. There’s the typical variety of DJ sets and theme parties going on this weekend; visit for a full schedule of events.
A couple other ideas for Snow Fest celebrations:
Pop in to Baur’s Ristorante (1512 Curtis St.) and belly up to the bar to take advantage of their Snow Fest deals. In addition to an all-day happy hour, mention Snow Fest and get your second drink for free.
The Mellow Mushroom (1201 16th St.) pizza parlor throws a free Snow Fest bash on Saturday, featuring giveaways from snowboarding companies 686 and Sessions.
It’s an ’80s party too, so don’t be afraid to bust out some sweet ’80s snow gear. Shots of Svedka vodka from a giant ice luge will be $1 — and did we mention there’s pizza?
For a huge listing of Mile High Snow Fest events and activities, visit milehighsnowfest.
Further fun: Two big birthdays are on tap this weekend. Strap on a party hat, and hit the town.
J.R.’s Bar and Grill (777 E. 17th Ave.) celebrates its 10th anniversary tonight with a nifty little shindig that benefits the Denver Gay and Lesbian Flag Football League.
Guests can enter to win prizes, too, and expect a free drink or two to come their way. The fun starts at 9.
At the Boulder Theater (2032 14th St., Boulder), the Mountain Sun pubs and breweries — Mountain Sun, Southern Sun and Denver’s Vine Street Pub — throw a huge party Saturday to mark their anniversaries.
Mountain Sun, the one that started it all, is turning 17, and funkmeister Karl Denson is putting on a show to celebrate. He’ll be joined by an all-star lineup of jam-oriented friends, including keyboardist Kyle Hollingsworth of the String Cheese Incident.
Appropriately, Mountain Sun brews will be on special for $4, with suds from Boulder’s Avery Brewing Co. also available.
Tickets to the party are $25. Get them in advance by calling the Boulder Theater at 303-786-7030 or visit . The show starts at 9 p.m.
