SHAUN TREAT
Boy howdy, 2017 is almost officially over and it’s been a doozy. Denton is still reeling from the fire that destroyed the downtown Denton Mini-Mall just after Christmas Day, which feels like an omen of sorts for a town whose history has been written in fire and recovery. The Denton Main Street Association issued a statement rallying everyone to support local, so you can believe we’re here to keep doing just that exactly ‘cuz we are #DENTONSTRONG. Here’s our top WDDI #DEN10 events you can’t miss as we bid farewell to 2017 and welcome a new year with love & hope & #Dentoning a’plenty.
THURSDAY, December 28th
Kwanzaa Celebration | MLK Rec Center | 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Celebratory presentations from community members on the seven principles of Kwanzaa — unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, faith — are shared, along with ways to bring the principles into everyday life. There will also be vendors, crafts and refreshments.
Thin Line Charity Night | Mellow Mushroom | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
We all adore the Thin Line Film Festival, and here’s our chance to support their mission to showcase awesome documentaries, photography & music while enjoying a delicious pizza pie and draft beer! Thursdays are always poppin’ with Glitterbomb at Andy’s, a bicycle ride at Eastside, or jazz at Steve’s Wine Bar, so keep moving to stay warm.
The BoomBachs & Kind Beats | Harvest House | 8:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Our favorite outdoor music venue battles the winter cold with simmering hot tunes, and these eclectic acts are quickly becoming fan favorites.
FRIDAY, December 29th
From Parts Unknown | Andy’s Bar | 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM
End 2017 on a good note with From Parts Unknown, Despero, and the Grand Damns playing at Andy’s Bar! From Parts Unknown is a high-energy rock and roll trio. Based out of Austin, TX is Despero, a 90’s influenced punk/hardcore band, then
A Hard Days Night | Dan’s Silver Leaf | 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Heralded as the best Beatles Tribute Band in Texas by Texas Music Magazine, “All You Need is Love” sounds like just what Denton needs more of as we exit 2017.
SATURDAY, December 30th
Bike Camping | Isle Du Bois Park | 10:00 AM - Sunday
We love us some Jazz Brunch at The Chestnut Tree, but this chance to bike and overnight camp at Ray Roberts Lake sounds fun! You can bike or drive up if you want to have an unforgettable outing to ring in NYE.
Boxcar Bandits | Denton Co. Brewing Company | 11:59 AM - 2:00 PM
Enjoy the twangy tunes of these local legends as you sip on the craft beer selections! Also poke your head into Bearded Monk to see what shenanigans ensue.
SUNDAY, December 31st NEW YEAR’S EVE
Lil’d NYE | Greater Denton Arts Council | 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM
For New Year’s Eve, be transported to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties without leaving your hometown. Mix and mingle while enjoying cocktails byMetzlers Food & Beverage and delicious hors d'oeuvres by Denton's ownBarley & Board. Try your luck in the poker tournament or at the casino tables, or be a high roller in the high-limit lounge. Dance the night away to the sounds of David J. Pierce & His Swingin' Big Band and DJ Woodtronic. Toast the new year with fabulous prizes and much more! All proceeds will benefit United Way of Denton County & Greater Denton Arts Council!
New Years Eve Party | Eastside | 8:00 PM - 1:30 AM
Our beloved Bearded SuperDentonites are ringing-in 2018 with champagne, craft cocktails, probably some Elk River Sessions and shenaigans!
NYE Spectacle | Dans SilverLeaf | 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM
The darling of Denton music hosts their own NYE blowout with live tunes, balloons, a smoke machine, and heaven knows what else.
MONDAY, January 1st NEW YEARS DAY
VAST 2018 Calendar Exhibition | Point Bank Black Box Theater | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Even if New Year’s Day involves a slight hangover, a walkabout helps. Each year the Visual Arts Society of Texas produces a fundraising calendar featuring juried work by their members to be featured in a calendar, with this exhibition of the original works as a benefit to the calendar artists.
Be sure to tag your pretty Instagram pics with #WDDI so maybe you make the cut on Monday’s glorious “What We Did” review, and sound off in the comments if you have other fave events to add!