Colorado Fest of Horror
Friday-Sunday. ‘Tis the season for fright, so why not stop by the fifth annual Colorado Festival of Horror? The homegrown, deeply curated event taking place Friday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 14, is themed this year around monsters (vampires, aliens, werewolves and such). It features actors from films like “Aliens” and other celebs, authors, musicians, tattoo artists, vendors, comics creators, screenings, Q&As and panels, a costume contest and (gasp) even more dark delights.
The all-ages event is hosted by Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows, 10345 Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree. Single-day passes cost $36.39-$47.86, depending on the day, with a three-day weekend pass for $76.55. Visit or to buy or for more details. — John Wenzel
Spirit of Japan
Friday-Sunday. One of Colorado’s tastiest, most inviting new cultural festivals returns this weekend with the second annual Spirit of Japan. Following the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival in June, downtown’s Sakura Square will host a food-and-spirits-focused event from Friday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 14. Spirit of Japan is set to celebrate “the rich cultural heritage of Japan via authentic Japanese food stalls, offering everything from Yakitori and Takoyaki to sweets like shaved ice (Kakigori), ensuring a delightful culinary journey for all attendees,” organizers wrote.
The fest also will offer various sake and spirits options, organizers added. It takes place 6-10 p.m. Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday at 1255 19th St. in Denver. Tickets run $50-$108 at . — John Wenzel
Baking for justice
Sunday. Denver’s bakeries will unite at Mile High Spirits (2201 Lawrence St., Denver) on Sunday, Sept. 14, to fund legal rights for immigrants and food justice campaigns. The Cooking for Culture Community Bake Sale, launched by two Asian-American restaurant industry professionals, Patricia Kaowthumrong and Chea Franz, outgrew its initial digs to fit more than 20 bakeries and restaurants for this year’s event.
Baked goods from Leven Deli Co., Gaucha Bakery, Denver Macaron, Hops & Pie and others will be for sale. All proceeds will go to Kaizen Food Rescue, a Denver-based nonprofit, and the Rocky Mountain Immigration Advocacy Network, which offers free legal and social services for detained immigrants. Cash or Venmo are preferred for payment, with sales starting at 10 a.m. until supplies last. — Miguel Otárola
Zine Fest
Sunday. The handmade, often intensely personal nature of zines continues to distinguish them from commercial publications, and Denver Public Library Central Branch is celebrating the decades-long history of DIY, photocopied poetry, criticism, art, fiction, comics and more this weekend at the latest Denver Zine Fest.
More than 100 zine creators will be on hand at the event hosted by the city’s excellent Denver Zine Library, ranging in tone and style. The all-ages event is free and takes place 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway in Denver. or — John Wenzel
