Weekend Update: 6/22 – 6/25
Celebrity drag queens, rad '90s dance cuts, knitting lessons, and local music — If you're looking for some weekend action, you've got options.
Whether you're on summer break or still working the week away, the weekend is a time to balance your rowdiness with relaxation. Get the best of both by discovering new music at several local venues, playing arcade games to help fund a film fest, delving into a night of drag, and/or throwing it back to the ‘90s with one radical night. Whichever event(s) you decide to partake in, you're sure to find something that'll pique your interest. Our Weekend Update highlights a few of the events taking place in the Little d Thursday–Sunday. Your weekend adventure begins now!
Thursday, June 22
Granatum Film Fest Fundraiser
Game Changers, 3 p.m.
Join Game Changers as they host their next Give Back event: a charitable series in which a portion of the day’s sales are donated to a local organization that benefits Denton’s culture. This go-round, they'll be raising funds for Granatum Film Fest, a short film and art exhibit that showcases Metroplex-based artists. Granatum will host a raffle as well as screen local short films and music videos. Bonus: Game Changers will be slinging $3 drinks all day and night. So, cocktails and air hockey for a rad organization? We’ll see you there.
Radical ‘90s Night
Andy’s Bar, 8 p.m.
In celebration of the first day of summer, Andy’s Bar is throwing it back to the ‘90s with one radical night. DJ Party McFly will be spinning the jams, so get ready to bust a move! Make sure to sport your best ‘90s garb (Girbaud Jeans, Cross Colours, slap bracelets, anyone?) as there will be a Raddest Outfit contest. Winners will receive a gift basket stocked with CDs, ‘90s-themed gear, $50 in bar cash, and more. Let's make it a gnarly night, y’all. FREE!
Friday, June 23
Westerners, Sunbuzzed, Friday Mean
The Bearded Monk, 7 p.m.
Retreat from the heat by enjoying a few cold brews and live music at The Bearded Monk. Hailing from a college town themselves, Lawrence, Kansas band Westerners are making a stop on their Recurring Dream Theme Album Release Tour to show how the Midwest does indie/psych rock. Denton’s own spooky garage-rock band Sunbuzzed and music ideas machine Friday Mean join the bill. This show is FREE!
Birds of Night, The Wheel Workers, A Sundae Drive
Harvest House, 8 p.m.
Join Houston bands The Wheel Workers, a socially conscious indie-rock band, and A Sundae Drive, a dream pop indie-rock foursome, as they take the Harvest House stage on Friday. Playing their way through parts of Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois, these two traveling bands will be joined by Denton’s own four-piece rock band Birds of Night. So, if you enjoy live music of the indie-rock persuasion and crafty cocktails/juices in a spirited setting, you may want to take advantage of this FREE event.
Trouble in the Streets
BackYard On Bell, 8 p.m.
Electro-tribe trio Trouble in the Streets travels from Austin to deliver a night of music influenced by hip hop, electronica, and R&B from all over the globe. Denton’s eclectic ska/punk/hip-hop/reggae (sometimes six-piece) Sergio Y Compadres joins the bill, along with local DJs Lofty Beats and Free Mode. Tickets are $5–$7 and are available at www.eventbrite.com. Let’s get into a little trouble, shall we?
Fun Button, TNG SXX, Madeline Crisman, Springtime
Andy’s Bar, 8 p.m.
Celebrate the release of Teenage Sexx’s (TNG SXX) latest EP, Jesus Christ, at Andy’s Bar on Friday. Deemed as a punk band for those who don’t like punk, TNG SXX will be joined by Denton’s own DIY alt-indie rock band Madeline Crisman, dreamy and screamy songbirds Springtime and the Changes, and indie/post-punk trio Fun Button. There’s an $8 cover for those 18–20 and $5 for those 21+. Did we mention there are now waffles being served in the basement? ‘Cause that’s a thing.
Saturday, June 24
Knitting Workshop
SCRAP Denton, 11 a.m.
Are you interested in learning how to knit something other than a long scarf? Perhaps you're interested in knitting in general? Join SCRAP Denton for a knitting workshop hosted by Jessica West, a knitter and yarn spinner. During this workshop, you'll learn how to knit a hat from reused materials found at SCRAP (pom-poms are optional). Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via www.scrapdenton.org. Unravel your craftiness, Dentonites.
Mini Fest!
Killer’s Tacos, 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays are best when seeking out live music and surrounding yourself with tacos. Do so at Killer’s Tacos as they host Mini Fest! Welcome Home, Weekend Classic, and Hold Close will be making the trek from the Midwest to play with Louisiana’s Five Year Plan. Gold Steps, Home Above, Vox Vocis, and NU-95 join this buzzworthy bill, along with locals that have yet to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled. Festing starts around 4:30 p.m.
We Denton Drag It with Sharon Needles
BackYard On Bell, 7 p.m.
Sashay your way into Saturday with Friends with Benefits Denton’s event, We Denton Drag It featuring Sharon Needles, the drag-queen superstar who won the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The night starts with stand-up performances by Joe Coffee, Nick Fields, Dax Bennett, Monna, and DDT. Dezi 5, winner of the Dallas Music Awards’ Best Live Act of 2016, follows, showcasing his unique dance/hip-hop style and sound. Sharon Needles takes the stage around 11 p.m., doing what she does best—comedic, campy drag. Bonus: Kind Beats will be DJing between performances. Tickets are $10 in advance via www.eventbrite.com or $15 at the door. Friends with Benefits Denton will donate 100% of the proceeds to local nonprofits and LGBTQIA individuals in need. See website for further details: www.fwbdenton.com. 18+.
Sunday, June 25
Big PRIDE in little D
Oak Street Drafthouse, 2 p.m.
It's LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Denton. Come celebrate our diverse community in a BIG way at Oak Street Drafthouse on Sunday for a family-friendly gathering of fun and fellowship. Enjoy a few tasty cocktails to keep you cool and a little food truck food to keep you full. Plus, Pan Ector will be out printing Denton, Pride, and LGBTQ+ tees on-site. This locally-sponsored event is FREE and will run until 8 p.m. Let's show our pride, Denton.
Knife in the Water, Claire Morales
Dan’s Silverleaf, 7 p.m.
After a decade-long retreat, Austin rock band Knife in the Water returns to Denton to unveil their first album in 14 years. The album, Reproduction, has been described by The Austin Chronicle as a mesh of “puzzling narratives told through multiple points of view.” Discover their complex and compelling sound this Sunday at Dan’s Silverleaf, along with Denton’s own indie/folk singer-songwriter Claire Morales. It’s only seven bucks, y’all. Music starts around 8 p.m. 21+.
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