Thornton hosts large free altar event for Dia de los Muertos

Three hundred and fifty businesses along East Colfax Avenue will participate in the Boo and Brew Halloween Block Party this Saturday. The event marks the 20th annual crawl through the Bluebird District, signaling a return to normalcy for a corridor that endured years of disruption from bus rapid transit construction. Organizers expect costumed children and adults to walk 12 blocks between Monroe and Elizabeth streets without the obstruction of chain-link fences or missing sidewalks that previously marred the area.

The sidewalk mini-parade runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on October 31. It features 15 bands and DJs, clowns, magicians, and a photo booth. Free candy is available on a first-come, first-served basis, though early arrival is recommended to secure treats. A dog parade is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in front of the Bluebird Theater. Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at 3300 E. Colfax Ave.

Meanwhile, Thornton is preparing for one of the metro area's largest Dia de los Muertos celebrations. The free event is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, from noon to 5 p.m. at McAllister Park Center, 750 W. 96th Ave. Organizers describe the day as a way to honor the Mexican tradition of remembering deceased loved ones through art, music, dance, and food. The program includes face-painting, arts and crafts, storytelling, a market, and food trucks.

Live performances will take place on the main stage featuring Colorado Mestizo Dancers and Myriad DF. The return of Chicano Heat and Las Dahlias is also confirmed. Attendees are encouraged to bring personal photos and notes to add to the ofrenda, or altar, which will be set up for the community to view. Organizers will also broadcast the live Broncos-Chiefs football game during the event.

In Denver, Opera Colorado is staging Giuseppe Verdi's Macbeth for the first time. The production runs November 7, 10, 13, and 15 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis St. Conductor Patrick Summers makes his debut with the company for this Shakespearean adaptation. Tickets range from $39 to $299, with Pay What You Wish options available for every performance. The schedule includes various daytime and matinee slots.

The city also celebrates the return of Bob Rob Medina's book, Denvoid and the Cowtown Punks: A Collection of Stories from the '80s Denver Punk Scene. The landmark text is back in print, marking a milestone for the documentation of Denver's 1980s punk history. A release event is scheduled for November 7 at Wax Trax Records, 638 E. 13th Ave. Live performances by Hex Cassette, The Disposable Icons, and Cheap Wigs are set for 1 to 4 p.m.

A second free event related to the book's release will follow the same day from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Mutiny Comics & Coffee, 3483 S. Broadway. The venue previously helped support the second, updated edition of the book. Both locations are hosting the gatherings to acknowledge the groundwork laid by the local punk community that influenced modern acts like The Lumineers.