Run for you brunch!
Sunday. Our parents told us not to run on full stomachs, but Brunch Running puts the eating after the running so you don't give yourself a Blue Plate stitch. Their next free event is Sunday, July 7, at the Capitol Hill location of Syrup, 410 E. 7th Ave. in Denver. Runners — including strollers, wheelchairs, dog walkers and leisure walkers — can check in at 7:15 a.m. with a start time of 7:30 a.m., followed by a convivial meal at the restaurant of choice.
Future bRUNch Run events will take place at Fox and the Hen (July 14), Town Hall Collaborative (July 21) and Side Pony (July 28). Events are free; sign up and learn more at brunchrunning.com. Drinks are provided afterward, but it's otherwise BYOB (buy your own brunch).
Walker, Colorado ranger
Through Sunday. Former Coloradan Troy Walker, who's found success in Hollywood as a staff writer for ABC's “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and the Oscars telecasts, sure does come back to Denver a lot. That's a good thing, given his crusher status as a stand-up headliner, and his latest shows land during an otherwise quiet time for touring acts (i.e. a holiday weekend.)
Walker brings his sharp, wry, often self-deprecating humor to Comedy Works downtown, 1226 15th St., for an album taping on Friday, July 5, and Saturday, July 6 — with shows at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. each night. Tickets are $25 per person. 303-595-3637 or comedyworks.com/comedians/troy-walker
National headliner and Denverite Josh Blue also plays this weekend, with July 5 and 6 shows at Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place in Greenwood Village. Tickets are $30. Both shows are 21-and-up. 720-274-6800 or comedyworks.com/comedians/josh-blue
Arvada tastes great
Thursday. In its fifth year, Taste of Arvada will gather 50-plus Denver metro and Arvada-area restaurants, craft breweries, distillers, wineries, bakeries and even non-food vendors at the Apex Center (13150 72nd Ave.) on Thursday, July 11.
The 6-8 p.m. event — with a VIP early-tasting starting at 5 p.m. — includes a competition voted on by attendees, with all samples of food and drink included in the entry price. Restaurant and bar vendors will compete for coveted prizes in their categories, voted on by attendees, organizers said, including spots such as Chulo Tacos, Odyssey Beerwerks and Sushi Kuro.
Tickets to the event include all the samples from both food and drink vendors. Admission is $40 for adults, $20 for children aged 3-12 and free for kids under 2 (note: strollers are not allowed inside). VIP tickets cost $60. arvadachamber.org/taste
Free outdoor movies at Sunset Cinema
Tuesday. Free, outdoor movies series are great date nights or ways to keep the kids busy, as you'll be able to see at the upcoming Sunset Cinema screenings. Organized by the city's Arts & Venues arm and Denver Film, the next screening arrives on Tuesday, July 9, with 1988's “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.”
The all-ages events take place at Denver Performing Arts Complex Sculpture Park, 1736 Speer Blvd. in downtown Denver. “Every summer is dedicated to films that celebrate a particular genre, director, art form or theme, and 2024 is a celebration of animation,” organizers said, meaning future installments will include “The Triplets of Belleville” (on July 27), “The Incredibles” (Aug. 6), and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (Aug. 20), along with pre-show entertainment and rotating food trucks. artscomplex.com