Valentine’s Day candy boxes still have a few bonbons left, but local bars are already gearing up for the next big excuse to drink: Mardi Gras.
Though the annual bacchanal is more than two weeks away, on March 8, parties are being announced and plans are being made. What is this, New Orleans?
Kevin Larson Presents and a slew of sponsors are throwing one of the biggest Mardi Gras bashes March 5.
The Marriott at the Denver Tech Center will be transformed into a Mardi Gras- themed party palace, complete with balconies overlooking the madness, “just like in New Orleans.” Expect live music, DJs and beads everywhere.
Guests are encouraged to dress up in the traditional Mardi Gras colors — purple, green and gold — and enter to be crowned the King or Queen of Mardi Gras. (Costumes aren’t mandatory, however.)
As with other hotel parties, the Marriott is offering a room discount to partygoers, $89 for the night of the festivities. This is a Mardi Gras party, after all, and excess is encouraged.
General admission is $25. VIP tickets are $49 and include a special VIP area, beads and other party favors. Buy tickets in advance and learn more at .
They love us.
The Tavern Hospitality Group recently announced that its Tavern Downtown location (1949 Market St.) was named “Sports Bar of the Year” by Nightclub and Bar magazine.
According to the news release, this wasn’t a run-of-the-mill readers poll — a panel of industry experts judged the nominees in each category. THG will be recognized at the Nightclub and Bar Convention in Las Vegas in March, at a swanky ceremony at Caesars Palace.
This news came as THG entered the final months of preparation for its latest Tavern, the Tavern Littleton at Main and Curtice streets. It’s not open yet, but on the way.
“Construction is on schedule, with the perfect opening time to enjoy its rooftop patio,” says THG director of marketing Helen Wood.
You’re famous.
Experience the flashbulb-lit life of a movie star — but have more fun — at the “Paparazzi for the People” party at Beauty Bar (608 E. 13th Ave.) on Saturday.
Photographers will roam the crowd as an all-female DJ lineup spins an eclectic blend of dance tunes. Local ladies Ginger Perry and Desire get the crowd funkin’ with hip-hop, house, dancehall, dubstep and more. Special guest Jasmine Solano, from New York, kicks it old-school: She rhymes live while she mans the decks.
There’s no cover for the event; just be age 21 and older. It’ll help to like rum, too — Sailor Jerry Rum is on special all night.
Fire it up!
Here’s one for history buffs: Have a unique happy hour at Denver’s old Engine House No. 5 (1331 19th St.) on Thursday.
Presented by the LoDo District, Historic Denver and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the soiree is part of the One Past 5 Happy Hour series. Guests can tour the former firehouse — now an architecture firm — while sipping drinks and munching snacks. Learn about the building’s history, and how its new residents are transforming the space with sustainable and green design.
Tickets to the enlightening event are $20.01 for members of LoDo District, the NTHP and supporters of Historic Denver; nonmember tickets are $25.01. Buy them at .
Five-club party.
The South of Colfax nightclub conglomerate goes groovy for Westword’s Artopia on Saturday.
The multimedia happening takes over five clubs — Bar Standard (1037 Broadway), City Hall (1144 Broadway), The Living Room (1055 Broadway), Mo’s (1037 Broadway) and Vinyl (1082 Broadway) — with a smorgasbord of local talent. Sample snacks from restaurants, see fashion shows and ponder works of art.
Live entertainment is a huge highlight, of course. Choose a genre; there’s probably someone playing it at one of the venues. The big headliners are experimental hip-hop head Prefuse 73 at City Hall, and Chicago remix masters the Hood Internet at Vinyl.
Tickets prices range from $25 to $129. Get them today at to save money compared with at-the-door prices.
