Axios Denver Weekender

August 15, 2025
It's Thursday! Esteban here, covering Denver's latest social trend.
π§ Sounds like: "No One Noticed" by The MarΓas
Today's newsletter is 673 words β a 2.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Denver embraces "soft clubbing"
More Denverites are ditching the noisy, late-night party scene for a sunnier, earlier and more demure setting dubbed "soft clubbing."
The big picture: The umbrella term applies to social outings like morning dance parties, DJs playing daylight coffee shop sets, and "thermal gatherings" such as sauna and cold plunge parties, per Eventbrite.
Why it matters: Soft clubbing encourages a more laid-back and less boozy party scene that gets you home before sunset.
State of play: Listings for morning dance parties in Denver rose by 343% between the first half of 2024 and 2025, topping the 16 cities included in Eventbrite's research, according to the online event platform.
- The Mile High City is the capital of morning social functions, ranking higher than Austin, Nashville, Boston and Los Angeles.
Context: Gen Z is driving the trend. The youth are embracing the sober curious movement, craving more real-life connections and a frugal approach to time with friends.
- Soft clubbing events offer earlier hours, easier transportation and reduced safety concerns, per Eventbrite.
What they're saying: "This movement isn't about giving something up β it's about choosing more,"Roseli Ilano, Eventbrite's head of community and trends expert, said in a release.
Here are some upcoming soft clubbing events scheduled in metro Denver, courtesy of Eventbrite:
- Daybreaker, a morning DJ set at Union Station. Aug. 16. Starting at $29
- Sip + Dip, a cold plunge experience at Upsell Studio. Aug. 23. $28
- Breathwork & Sound Journey, a breathwork class at Kalo Fitness. Aug. 27. Starting at $39
- Coffee Rave (alcohol-free) at Mint & Serif Coffee House. Sept. 20. $12
- EDM Yoga Dance Flow at Rino Yoga Social. Multiple dates. $16
2. Things to do this weekend
π The Denver Broncos will host the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday at Empower Field at Mile High in their penultimate preseason NFL game. Starting at $20
π€Έ CBS Colorado sports anchor Romi Bean will host an event encouraging girls to consider careers in sports called Girls in the Game this Saturday at the University of Denver's Hamilton Gymnasium. Free
πΊπ½ The Summer Concert Series at Orchard Town Center in Westminster will conclude with a performance of That Eighties Band on Saturday. Free
π Winged Melody Park at the Aurora Highlights will host a pop-up Market in the Park on Saturday with local artisans, food, creative workshops, a carousel and live music. Free
π Denver's historic Fairmount Cemetery will hold a car show Sunday, with food trucks and mini tours available at this family-friendly event. Free
3. "Alien: Earth" and more
Here's what's new on your favorite streamers:
What we're watching: An entry into the "Alien" franchise, a docuseries about an iconic gentleman's club and an adult animated comedy about a dog.
"Alien: Earth" available now on Hulu
State of play: This chapter of the "Alien" franchise centers around a group of tactical soldiers and their humanoid robot leader, Wendy, who crash-land on Earth and battle terrifying, mysterious life forms.
"Fixed" available now on Netflix
The big picture: Adam DeVine, Kathryn Hahn, Idris Elba, Fred Armisen and Michelle Buteau star in this adult animated movie about a dog who goes on one last adventure when he learns his owners plan to neuter him.
Fun fact: This film is directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, who produced iconic Cartoon Network shows like "Dexter's Laboratory" and "Samurai Jack."
"Magic City: An American Fantasy" available tomorrow on Starz
Zoom in: Produced by music icons Jermaine Dupri and Drake, this five-part docuseries tells the story of one of America's most influential strip clubs.
My thought bubble: This series is more than just a chronicle of a popular adult establishment; it's an Atlanta and hip-hop history lesson.
π± John is checking out the garden to-do list for August and planting fall crops.
π½οΈ Alayna is grabbing dinner with her husband at SαΊ―p Sα»a.
π€ Esteban is excited to see Banda El Recodo on Saturday at the National Western Complex.
Thanks to our editor Gigi Sukin.
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