Ambling & Rambling: What's happening in Greeley, Weld and Farther Afield in November
By Emily Kemme
The season is off to a chilly (and sparkly) start with our first fluff of snow and notable temperature drops last weekend, guaranteeing that trick-or-treaters needed to wear a coat over their Spider Man costumes.
Moving clocks back one hour Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 a.m. as Daylight Saving time ends promises more morning daylight and cozy nights by the fireplace. But there are also promises of musical celebrations, winter cocktails, craft shows and shopping opportunities to put a jingle into your days and a song in your heart.
Thursday, Nov. 2, celebrate Día De Los Muertos at LINC Library Innovation Center, 501 8th Ave., Greeley
From 5-7 p.m., live performances by the Colorado Dance Collective, musician Gil Astorga, mariachi soloist Azanet Rodriguez and La Danza Guadalupana set the scene for this free community celebration presented by the Greeley Creative District. Enjoy tasty bites, put your hand to a craft presented by the Community Grief Center and donate photos and objects to decorate a community display, known as an ofrenda, to honor lost loved ones. Please don’t contribute valuables, food or items you need returned.
At 7 p.m., take a candlelight walk to the Tointon Gallery in the Union Colony Civic Center, 651 10th Ave., Greeley, to view a fine art exhibition focused on Día de Los Meurtos and hear from the artists about their interpretations of this holiday celebrating and paying homage to the dead.
Lordy, Lordy, Kyle and Miranda, the powerhouse couple behind Wiley Roots Brewing Company, Turn 40: Party with them, 625 3rd St., Greeley, on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 6-11 p.m.
Join Kyle and Miranda Carbaugh in their Wiley Roots Brewing Company taproom, a small, artisan craft brewery. Wiley is known for its frozen fruited sour slush, A Visit From the Fruit Lady smoothie sours, lick-worthy beer ice cream, a signature Michelada lager, pucker-me-up The Briny Bois: License to Dill, barrel-aged brews and Imperial Stouts you’ll want to serve for breakfast on Christmas morning. Yes, we’re looking at you, Imperial Cinnamonstah Stout!
The November event sets the stage for Wiley’s second annual Christkindlmarket spanning two Saturdays, Nov. 18 and Dec. 2 from noon-4 p.m. During these behind-the-scenes brewery opportunities held indoors in Wiley’s Warehouse, peruse goods from local artists and check off your holiday gift list.
Friday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. enjoy a blast from the past when REO Speedwagon Live in Concert takes the stage at Blue Arena at The Ranch Events Complex, 5290 Arena Cir, Loveland, CO
Grab your number one snuggle and head to The Ranch to rock out to hits like “Keep On Loving You” performed live from 80s chart-topper REO Speedwagon the Friday before Thanksgiving. You can “Roll With the Changes” but you “Can’t Fight This Feeling” on this night hearing your favorite tunes. Tickets are still available online at Ticketmaster or in-person at the Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies Box Office at the Budweiser Events Center.
Saturday, Nov. 18 in downtown Greeley, chill-ax with cool Jazz or be mesmerized by moves (Elvis, that is):
The evening begins at Aunt Helen’s Cafe & Wine Bar, 800 8th Avenue, Suite 101, Greeley, with the Bill, Gray & Doc Trio playing sweet Jazz. Enjoy Aunt Helen’s new lineup of fall cocktails and their wine and tapas menu in what’s become more than just a coffee shop in downtown Greeley. Enjoy craft bruschetta draped with prosciutto, apples and cheese or herbed tomatoes atop mozzarella while sipping thoughtfully curated wines or craft cocktails that have Aunt Helen’s special touch.
At 7 p.m., George Gray and the Elvis Experience Band takes the stage at Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., Greeley, in this fan favorite thrill ride of excitement and high energy presenting Elvis Lives On! Now in its 14th year, Gray — who you’ll swear is the spitting image of The King of Rock and Roll — performs Elvis’ greatest hits accompanied by his 15 member band in a show suitable for all ages. Tickets are available at UCStars.
You’ve shared the turkey’s wishbone and you’re ready to shop, so get Black Friday started at 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23 at 477 Distilling, 825 9th St. Unit B, Greeley, Co:
Get your holiday shopping off to a spirited start at 477 Distilling’s annual Black Friday Sale. For two hours only, all bottles are 50% off and all merchandise is 30% off. Until midnight, the 477 bar will be open for craft cocktails to enjoy post-Thanksgiving dinner. There will also be a 5-gallon cocktail barrel giveaway chockfull of cocktails. It’s the biggest 477 sale of the year!
477 Distilling is a craft distillery in Historic Downtown Greeley producing craft whiskey, gin, vodka, liqueurs and craft cocktails.
To get an early taste, enjoy brunch at 477 on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. for brunch that partners with Golden Goodness Eats, an expanded food menu and brunch-worthy cocktails.
A Multi-Weekend WinterFest kicks off in Downtown Greeley, Saturday, Nov. 25
The Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greeley Downtown Development Authority teamed up with local partners to present WinterFest, beginning Nov. 25 with Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Greeley. The event coincides with “Shop Small Saturday,” offering opportunities to shop for the holidays and support small businesses.
That evening, join others as the sun sets at 5:30 p.m. to Light Up Lincoln, the traditional lighting of Lincoln Park, one of Greeley’s most beautiful spaces. This year promises a newly expanded lightscape in Greeley’s oldest park. Built from plans drawn by John Sanborn in April 1870, the park was established in what was then the center of town. Trees were brought from Illinois to create the leafy landscape. Stroll through the park and marvel at Pioneer Fountain, built over an artesian well in 1907. Stones in the fountain contain trinkets citizens added at the time, and even seashells from Maine.
Watch for more WinterFest events in The NoCo Optimist.
Farther Afield: Head to Denver Botanic Gardens Friday, Nov. 24 for Free Days
The Denver Botanic Gardens hosts free days throughout the year thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Round up family and friends to connect with plants in central Denver’s beautiful botanic gardens or Chatfield Farms. Register in advance for daytime tickets to visit on the Friday following Thanksgiving. Current art exhibitions at York Street include Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books, The Tropical Paintings of Manabu Saito and Tanya Marcuse: Laws of Nature. Stroll through carefully curated regional plant displays and take a deep cleansing breath to energize you for the holiday season.
For tickets, visit Denver Botanic Gardens.
For Blossoms of Lights and Trail of Lights tickets, visit the website.