During the 2008 Democratic National Convention, many cultural events will be taking place throughout Denver. Most of the DNC action takes place in Downtown Denver (like at Sculpture Park pictured above) and surrounding neighborhoods. All the events featured below are open to the public, and most are free or reasonably priced.
Dialog:City
Where: Neighborhoods throughout Denver
Dates: Thursday, 8/21/08 - Friday, 8/29/08
Time: Various
Dialog:City will get the conversation started through interactive, site-specific works by internationally renowned artists and designers. Throughout the week, interested Denverites are invited to participate in the free, open to the public, exhibits. Keep your eyes peeled for Political Karaoke, which will be stationed at bars and restaurants around town, where you can re-perform 2008 political addresses from candidates of both Republican and Democratic parties. The Lab of Art + Ideas at Belmar will host ‘Artificial Intelligence is Better than No Intelligence’ where you can ask IE Presidential Candidate DiNA any question you have and receive a pretty persuasive answer. For dates, times and more information about all Dialog:City events visit www.dialogcity.org.
American Presidential Experience
Where: Invesco Field
Dates: Friday. 8/22/29 - Friday 8/29/08
Time: 9:30am - 8:30 pm
The American Presidential Experience at Invesco Field at Mile High brings Washington to Downtown Denver with exhibits that include the original Declaration of Independence, life-size replicas of Air Force One and the Oval Office, actual presidential shoes and a limo, First Lady inaugural gowns and an infamous Florida voting machine from the 2000 presidential election. Tickets are $9.75 - $15 and can be purchased at www.presidentialexperience.com.
Green Frontier Fest and the New Energy Station
Where: Denver Performing Arts Complex, Sculpture Park (Intersection of Speer and Champa)
Date: Sunday, 8/24/08
Time: 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
Green Frontier Fest will feature interactive and educational exhibits, presentations, a farmers market, an eco-carnival and a spectrum of sustainable options from renewable technologies to solutions that can be implemented in the home. Sculpture Park (pictured above) will be home to the New Energy Station (runs through the 28th) and showcase Colorado's new energy innovations. Green Frontier Fest is striving to be a Zero Waste Event, so be sure to use the recycling receptacles and pack it in/pack it out. Admission is free and be sure to use a green mode of transportation to get there (consider the Freewheelin' Citywide Bike-Sharing Program - 1,000 bikes are available free of charge at various bike racks around town). For more information, visit www.greenfrontierfest.com.
Cinemocracy Rocks!
Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Date: Monday, 8/25/08
Time: 6:00 pm
How do you define Democracy? Get the perspective of others at the Cinemocracy Rocks! short film festival held at Red Rocks in Morrison. Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Secured-seating tickets can be purchased for $20 and includes a subscription to GOOD Magazine. For more information, visit www.cinemocracy.org.
2008 Rocky Mountain Roundtable
Where: Denver Performing Arts Complex
Date: Monday 8/25/08 – Wednesday 8/27/08
Time: Various
The 2008 Rocky Mountain Roundtable is a series of ten discussions on critical issues of the day, including health, education, philanthropy, retirement security, energy and climate change, international relations, transportation infrastructure, emergency preparedness and technology. Participants include former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Tom Brokaw, Ben Affleck, and former Senator Tom Daschle. The roundtable takes place at the DPAC in Downtown Denver and tickets are $12 (available starting 8/11/08.) For more ticket and schedule information, visit www.2008rmr.org.
Unconventional Women
Where: Denver Performing Arts Complex
Date: Monday, 8/25/08
Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Hosted by Ambassador Swanee Hunt, Unconventional Women features non-partisan conversations among internationally-known leaders and experts intended to encourage women into political action as candidates, supporters, and mentors. For more information, visit www.unconventionalwomen.org.
And more events...
There are many more events taking place convention week and not all have a political spin. The Denver Art Museum located in the Golden Triangle will host a free day at the museum on 8/25. The Rock The Vote Ballot Bash concert, featuring Wyclef Jean, is sure to be a good time (if you can score one of the 1,700 tickets.) Or, catch a free shuttle from downtown to Historic Highland Square in the Highlands and receive discounts at neighborhood restaurants and bars. Too learn about more events, visit www.denverconvention2008.com.
Photo courtesy of Dan Waymire.
