Weekend Update: 11/10 - 11/13
This week came with a sigh of relief—cooler weather! It’s about damn time, Texas. But really, release the stress that may have led you to have a turbulent Tuesday, or toast the success that made it a terrific one instead with an adventure or two. Either way, Denton has a bounty of events—nonprofit shows (including a festival), bike riding, the 15th Rock Lottery, and more—to get you in the right state of mind. Here are a few to get you started on your weekend of #dentoning.
Thursday, November 10th
Lecture: “Quanah Parker and Comanche Traditions”
Denton County Office of History & Culture, 6p.m.
Slip a little history lesson into your Thursday evening and join the Denton County Office of History & Culture for an evening with Lance Tahmahkera, the great-great grandson of the last Comanche Chief, Quanah Parker. The lecture will take place in the Commissioner's Courtroom on the second floor of the Courthouse on the Square, where Mr. Tahmahkera will be discussing his ancestor’s feats, as well as presenting unique artifacts and photographs. Keeping close with his Comanche traditions, Lance Tahmahkera has been sharing his wealth of knowledge and love for his tribe to schools, groups, and organizations for the past 20 years. This educational event is FREE and open to the public.
Rooftop Celebration
LSA Burger, 6:30p.m.
Maybe you've heard the news or even seen it for yourself, but LSA Burger recently expanded their rooftop space to span across the roof of the Denton Welcome Center next door. With that, they added some murals to the wall on the edge of that expanded rooftop. Join them tomorrow night to check out the murals and meet the artists responsible for them.
Midway Craft House Poetry Night
Midway Craft House, 7p.m.
If you haven't noticed, Midway Craft House has been playing host to a ton of great shows and lineups lately. Tonight, they're bringing you a night of poetry. It's FREE, there's all the craft drinks your heart desires, and some super talented folks sharing their words.
Friday, November 11th
Free Underage Cool Kids Fest
Denton, 1p.m.
Another house festival has popped up in Denton! The contrivance of Gabe Thompkins, of the band Bliss, and friends, this all-ages / DIY house festival idea was conceived following the Town Hall discussion on Denton music venues (and the supposed lack-thereof-DIY spots). Though there isn’t a schedule of bands or set times listed on the event page, the Dallas Observer confirmed that Dallas-based bands Sealion, Dead Mockingbirds, Loafers, and Moon Waves will be playing in addition to 38 local bands. 42 bands over 3 days at 1 house? Sounds legit. Festival runs Friday–Sunday. FREE!
Denton County Veterans Coalition Fundraiser
Mulberry Street Cantina, 3p.m.
Show your support this Veteran's Day by heading to Mulberry Street Cantina for live music, a raffle (lots of must-have prizes, folks), and food by Beware of Dog. Ten percent of the day’s sales will benefit the Denton County’s Veteran Coalition, a volunteer-based organization “whose mission is to build a support network for the Veterans of Denton.” Go have a margarita (or two, or three) and raffle to win one of many fantastic prizes—all for a worthy cause. This event runs from 3-11p.m.
RTB2 + Sideshow Tragedy
Harvest House, 9p.m.
Head over to Harvest House to discover the delectable dark sounds of the omnidirectional duo RTB2, a true Denton mainstay. If you haven’t had the chance to hear these guys, get out there! Accompanying them is the indie / blues-roots-rock duo Sideshow Tragedy, hailing from ATX. Nathan Singleton, half of this daring duo, has been compared by the Austin Live Weekly as having the stage presence of Iggy Pop and Keith Richards combined. We expect a lot of screaming and strutting, then. This show is FREE. 21+.
Saturday, November 12th
15th Annual Pistons and Paint Car Show
North Texas Fair & Rodeo, 8a.m.
All hail the hot rods and hogs (though, there will be more than Harleys). Set your sights on several vintage beauts, featuring hot rods, customs, and motorcycles from 1965 and earlier. There will be lots of food, various vendors, on-site screen printing, live music, and a DJ set. Tickets are $10 per person, and children 10 and under are free. Held at the North Texas Fair & Rodeo (the fairgrounds behind Kroger), this wheel-worshiping event runs from 8a.m.–6p.m.
Bicycle to Recycle ‘16
City of Denton Recycles, 9a.m.
America Recycles Day is November 15th. Celebrate a few days early with the City of Denton Recycles crew by taking a group bike ride from the Courthouse on the Square to ECO-W.E.R.C.S. Resource Recovery Park and back. This leisurely ride will take you along the trail rail to a tour of Denton’s recycling facility. The group will end back at the Courthouse, where a free lunch will be provided (location TBA), along with a few guest speakers. Do Mother Earth and yourself some good with this fun-for-the-whole-family event. FREE—just bring your bike!
Denton Rock Lottery 15
Dan’s Silver Leaf, 9p.m.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—Denton’s annual Rock Lottery. This marks year 15, with all proceeds benefiting CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate(s), of Denton County. Twenty-five artists’ names go into a hat, five bands come out. For only $20, your name will be entered into the drawing of the bands and a hearty breakfast by Chef Pam of PamFood and the Juicy Pig. If you’d like to solely spectate, tickets are $15. Doors are at 4p.m. (pre-gaming, anyone?).
Skate – Punk/Art Show – Benefit for Women's Shelter
1509 Bolivar St., 5p.m.
Set up shop on Saturday at this punk / art house show to benefit Denton County Friends of the Family, an organization that provides services for those impacted by relationship violence and sexual abuse. There will be live music from local punk bands Filthy Arsenal, Noogy, Dead Human, and more, along with featured works by local artists. Did we mention there will be skating ramps (skates probably not included)? ‘Cause there will be. There is a $3 cover charge, or if you’d like to donate items directly to Denton County Friends of the Family (in lieu of 3 bucks) there is a list of what’s needed on the event page. B.Y.O.B. Music begins around 5p.m.
Thanks for Giving Comedy Show
Taps & Caps, 8p.m.
Join Language of Laughter—a nonprofit organization comprised of comics and educators who team up to give back and make you laugh—at Taps & Caps for a night of comedy and charity. Parker Slavens will be hosting / performing the event along with six other local comics, showcasing their comedic genius in an effort to make us laugh and raise money for local school literacy programs. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at the door or via the event page.
Sunday, November 13th
West End and Third Street Vocal Jazz Ensembles
UNT Kenton Hall, 5p.m.
Having a university with a prestigious College of Music in town has a lot of advantages. One of those is that it seems as if there is always a performance going down somewhere on the UNT campus. Sunday night is no different with several options. This one features the West End and Third Street Vocal Jazz Ensembles.
Header image design by Jason Lee