No plans this weekend? No problem.

• 👋 Alayna here, with ideas for how to spend the last weekend of summer (and side note: what is time?).

🔈 Sounds like: "99 Luftballons" by Nena

Today's newsletter is 651 words — a 2.5-minute read.

The long-running Denver Oktoberfest kicks off tomorrow, bringing two weekends of Bavarian festivities to the Ballpark neighborhood.

Why it matters: Now in its 56th year, the festival bills itself as the city's oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebration.

🥨 The vibe: Expect bratwurst, soft pretzels and plenty of beer, plus live music, dancing and stein-hoisting.

• The lineup also includes Long Dog Derby wiener dog races, keg bowling, costume contests and a late-night silent disco.

When: Sept. 18–20 and Sept. 25–27

• Fridays: 3pm–midnight
• Saturdays: 11am–midnight
• Sundays: 11am–6pm

Where: Larimer Street between 20th and 22nd streets in the Ballpark neighborhood. The main entrance is at 21st and Larimer.

Cost: General admission is free.

• VIP tickets start at $116 per day or $253 for the weekend. That includes unlimited beer, wine and food, a commemorative stein, two Jägermeister shots and access to a private bar and restrooms.

This weekend's packed. Here's just a taste:

🎷 The Denver Jazz Festival brings blues, swing and (naturally) jazz to venues across the city, with performances through Sunday from national and local artists, including the Eyal Vilner Big Band and Gabriel Mervine All-Star Jazz Band. Tickets start at $35.

💎 The Colorado Minerals, Fossils, Gems & Jewelry Show at the Denver Coliseum features rare finds, eye-catching exhibits and more. The family-friendly event runs through Sunday. Free.

🎃 A fan-run horror convention and film festival at the Denver Marriott Tech Center features panels, screenings, celebrity guests, vendors and "Clowns vs. Witches" themed events tomorrow through Sunday. Tickets start at $37.

🍶 Spirit of Japan takes over Sakura Square with Japanese street food, sake and spirits, plus cultural performances including taiko drumming and live tuna-cutting demonstrations tomorrow–Sunday. Tickets start at $15 (food and drinks sold separately).

🏮 Far East Center's Mid-Autumn Festival on Saturday celebrates Asian culture with food, performances, vendors and family-friendly activities. Free.

🏈 The Broncos host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High for their first home game of the NFL regular season. Kickoff's at 2:05pm. Tickets start around $150.

We'll save you the scroll: Here are five fresh titles coming to streaming platforms this week.

"Slow Horses" — Season 6 available now on Apple TV

• The dysfunctional team of British spies — known as Slough House — is on the run, and Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) returns with plenty of witty retorts as their slovenly, cantankerous leader.

"Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story" — Season 4 available now on Netflix

• The Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan anthology series spotlights Lizzie Borden (Ella Beatty), the woman acquitted for the 1892 axe murders of her parents (played by Charlie Hunnam and Rebecca Hall).

"MobLand" — Season 2 available tomorrow on Paramount+

• The Harrigan matriarch and patriarch (Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan) are back in Guy Ritchie's crime world, as their loyal fixer (Tom Hardy) works to prevent the family from "a death spiral," as he calls it in the trailer.

"South Park" — Season 29 premiere available now on Paramount+

• After a season that skewered politics enough to get the president's attention, the satirical animated comedy returns, almost 30 years since it began.

"The Traitors: New Blood" — Series available tomorrow on Peacock

• The reality competition about deception returns to a Scottish castle, but this time the contestants aren't celebrities — a dog groomer, nurse, astrophysicist, funeral director and more make up the 22-person cast.

Go deeper: See last week's picks.

🍷 John is looking for good wineries to visit this weekend in the Palisade region.

🎨 Alayna is checking out this art festival in her neighborhood.

🪨 Esteban is headed to Boulder for a fun weekend getaway.

Thanks to our editor, Gigi Sukin.