It’s Memorial Day weekend at last, and Denver is officially ready to party.
The first holiday weekend of the summer is like a starter pistol for summer fun. Cookouts, patio happy hours, nights under the stars — they’re all on the way in the coming months.
And because this is the first three- day weekend of the season, the party people are going all-out. Hope you’re stocked up on bleach and holiday spirit, because the “white parties” and Sunday rave-ups are in effect this weekend.
Lotus Clubs is hosting a “Menage u Trois” of Memorial Day bashes. The fun started Thursday with the debut of 24K’s (1416 Market St.) “Socially Wanted” series. After a couple days off, the “menage” festivities resume with two white parties.
Lotus’ Suite Two Hundred (1427 Larimer St.) goes DayGlo with a “Neon and White” throwdown on Sunday. Guests are encouraged to wear white accented with neon colors — add in some fly kicks, or a sweet belt, or a funky hair-stripe, or whatever works.
DJ Spider will be in the house, manning the decks. He’s a resident DJ at Tryst nightclub at the Wynn casino in Las Vegas, so chances are he knows how to move a crowd. Local club rocker Ali Pierre will play a live set too, and dance teams will battle for the title of “Denver’s Best Dance Crew.” Doors open at 9 p.m.
A block away, Oak Tavern (1416 Market St.) throws a “Whiteout Bash,” starring Denver ska-punks Synthetic Elements.
The shindig starts early, at 4 p.m., with the band slated to start at 8 p.m. and play a hefty set. There’s a $5 cover to get in, but deals await: Pabst Blue Ribbon beers are on special for $3, and shots of Jameson will go for a respectable $5.
Elsewhere in LoDo, the Jet Hotel (1612 Wazee St.) begins the long weekend tonight with In Bloom 8.
This year’s In Bloom party has a special purpose: It’s a benefit for Japan. Proceeds from the event will go toward disaster relief efforts after March’s earthquake and tsunami.
The night’s got two big highlights: First, DJ Mada will provide the soundtrack to a fashion show, featuring threads from local designers such as Kimono Dragons and Misc Designs. Then, DJ Colette, she of the honey voice and smooth house-music hooks, plays a set starting at 11:45 p.m.
There’s no cover for In Bloom; doors open at 9 tonight.
Beta (1909 Blake St.) is getting in on the white-party action with “Imagination White: Toyland” on Saturday.
The show features a set by Manufactured Superstars, otherwise known as Beatport founders Brad Roulier and Shawn Sabo. (Roulier also owns Beta so, you know, he’s got a connection with the booker.) They’ll spin a set of their signature progressive-electro house-pop. Tickets are $10 in advance at fla.vor .
Get outside on Sunday at Vinyl.
It’s the first “Climax” party of the summer.
Every Sunday through Labor Day, Vinyl’s rooftop (1082 Broadway) hosts a GLBT-friendly afternoon jam — which then turns into a late-night dance party. Sunday’s season opener brings in DJ Kimberly S. from Los Angeles, plus Climax resident DJ Tatiana. Fun in the sun (fingers crossed) starts at 4 p.m.
Get ready for hardcore glamour.
Drag superstar and New York club legend Amanda Lepore visits Tracks (3500 Walnut St.) tonight.
She’s taking the stage as part of the new “Drag Nation” series at Tracks. Tonight’s host is Jujubee, a star of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” competition. Advance tickets are $10 at , and include a meet-and- greet and drink specials. Admission is $12 at the door.
