Still on Cloud 9 from house-festing and marching this past weekend? So are we. Let some of those floaty, fun feelings guide you to another weekend full of Denton-centric adventures. With everything from the Denton Black Film Festival to pre-DAM Awards film screenings to cookoffs to a plethora of musical shows, we’re sure you’ll find something to suit your fancy. Let this little list help point you in the right direction.

Denton Black Film Festival
Campus Theatre
Join the Denton Black Film Festival January 25–29 in celebrating the diverse stories and culture of the black community through film, music, and art. This year’s festival will feature national and international narratives, documentaries, and shorts, along with film screenings, panels, workshops, spoken word performances, and music/comedy/art showcases. A complete list of films being screened at the fest is available via www.dentonbff.com. Single-day, three-day, and all-access passes are available via www.prekindle.com.

Thursday, January 26

Thin Skin, Acid Carousel, Cucumber and the Suntans, Antron and the Earslips
The Rabbit Hole, 7 PM
Travel down (well, maybe to) The Rabbit Hole and join them for a night of musical mayhem. Denton’s own Thin Skin shows us what their sloppy, noisy punk is all about. Joining the bill are Tulsa bands Antron and the Earslips and Cucumber and the Suntans. Dallas rock band Acid Carousel opens the show. There is a $5 suggested donation for the touring acts. Music starts at 10 PM.

DAM Awards Presents: Best Short Films of 2016
BackYard on Bell, 7 PM
The Denton community has nominated five local short films as the DAM Awards’ Best Productions of 2016. If you haven’t had a chance to see these fine films yet, or if you’d like to squeeze in an extra screening, join us—The Dentonite—at BackYard on Bell for an intimate screening and a chance to learn more about the nominated filmmakers. For a complete list of nominees, see the event page. Add a little culture to your Thursday with films, cocktails, and food. This all-ages event is free!

Young And Brave Album Release Show
Dan’s Silverleaf, 8 PM
Start your weekend a little early and load up on live local music Thursday. Denton Americana/indie rock band Young and Brave will be celebrating their album release at one of Denton’s finest establishments, Dan’s Silverleaf. Helping celebrate this musical milestone is dreamy psych-rock band Mother Tongues and Wesley Jensen. $5. 21+.

Friday, January 27

Lost Poet Lounge
Wine Squared, 7 PM
Lend your ears to the lyrical talents of local poets with Lost Poet Lounge. Featuring five spotlight performers, artists will gather to showcase their spoken word poetry at Wine Squared. For further information email: lostpoetlounge@gmail.com. Free!

Omni-Freak 5: DJ Dreamlover69
Mable Peabody’s, 9 PM
It’s the last Friday of the month, so you know what that means—Omni Freak at Mable Peabody’s Beauty Parlor & Chainsaw Repair. This fifth installment will feature DJ Dreamlover69, spinning those totally tubular 80s jams. Resident DJs Nancy and P2P will spin a few records, too. Cover before midnight is only $1; $2 after 12 AM. 21+. Time to shake what your momma gave you, Dentonites.

The Greenhour Residency with The Black Pine
Andy’s Bar, 9 PM
Inviting you to start the New Year right (it’s still January so that line works, yes?) with a great rock ‘n’ roll show is The Greenhour Residency. Featuring keyboardist Evan Jacobs and guitarists and former Dentonites Jeremy Buller and Robert Gomez, this dynamic instrumental trio will deliver their unique and dreamy melodies to the newly renovated Andy’s Bar stage. Alternative rock band The Black Pines make the trek from Los Angeles to join the bill. It’s only 8 bucks! Don’t miss out, Denton.   

Welcome Back with Masa Lopez
Hangout Bar and Dine, 10 PM
Head to Hangout Bar and Dine for Legworks Promotion Presents: Welcome Back with Masa Lopez. This hip hop extravaganza will feature performances by seven artists—Lil’ Mom, RCX, Who Said AP, and more—including headlining act Masa Lopez. DJ Ju$trill will be live in the mix. No cover for ladies before 10:30 PM. $10.

Saturday, January 28

Second Annual Chili Cookoff
Audacity Brew House, 1:30 PM
Join Saint David of Wales at Audacity Brew House for their Second Annual Chili Cookoff. Chefs will be setting up shop around 1:30 PM and tastings begin at 3 PM. Plus, there will be live music from 4 PM–6 PM. Oh, and awards for best chili will be given at 6:30 PM—so stick around! Tickets are $20 and includes 10 chili samples and 2 beer tickets. Chili + beer + music? See you there, Denton.

Dorothy’s Benefit Show
Nebulae, 8 PM
Dorothy’s Kitchen Table has recently shut its brick-and-mortar doors and is currently seeking new ways to express their vision of enjoying true food and sharing it forever. Join this share-what-you-can community restaurant at Nebulae for a benefit show in an effort to help fund final payments as they dissolve the business. With a pay-what-you-can cover, there will be performances by Crisis Actor, Slackbeat, Demandite, Zoetic Cede, and DJ Yeldarb Franklin to support this wonderful organization. Snacks will be provided by Dorothy’s Kitchen Table. B.Y.O.B.

1919 Hemphill Benefit Show
Gatsby’s Mansion, 8 PM
You may have recently caught wind that Fort Worth’s 1919 Hemphill—a DIY community space—is in need of a few building improvements to stay open. In an effort to raise funds for this beloved shared space, Gatsby’s Mansion is hosting a benefit show featuring performances by Max Creed, Better Now, Serious Shit, and Square Business. So, help out this DIY space by spending Saturday surrounded by live music. Let’s show Fort Worth some love, Denton.

Sunday, January 29

Ramen-Off
Komodo Loco, 3 PM
Komodo Loco is holding their first ever ramen eating contest. They’ll be hosting 12 people to eat as much ramen as they can in an hour and a half. We’re not sure exactly how to be a part of the lucky dozen, but our interests are piqued and our mouths are drooling. For those who come to show support, there will be a limited appetizer and drink menu available. All proceeds from this event will benefit Monsignor King Outreach Center, a local inclement weather homeless shelter. Eating ramen for a good cause? You don’t have to twist our arm.

Header Image Design by Brittany Keeton