What to do this weekend in Denver: Firecracker Comedy and Sun Valley night market

RiNo’s new “Friend” loves to dance

Through Sunday. Here’s an idea: a festival that combines concert dancing — that formal, and often pricey, experience at the theater — with the more approachable competitive and street-dancing styles. The result is Somebody’s Friend Movement and Music Festival, the River North Art District’s first big dance event.

Taking place Thursday, May 18, through Sunday, May 21, Somebody’s Friend unites more than 40 (!!) local companies, big and small, with progressive showcases such as Saturday’s MAYhem and Magic Ball, which celebrates Denver’s LGBTQ Ballroom scene and features guest judge Renaldo Maurice (of HBO’s “Legendary Season Three” and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater). The goal is to pay dancers what they’re worth, organizers said, while elevating the art form.

Most shows and classes will take place in and around Denver Central Market’s parking lot, 2669 Larimer St. in Denver, but free pop-up shows, DJs and other programming will be available at nearby venues. Tickets: $25 via somebodysfriend.com. — John Wenzel

Beer here

Friday-Saturday. Fresh off another award (a World Beer Cup silver medal for an Oktoberfest lager), Strange Craft Beer Co., which kicked off Denver’s taproom culture when it opened in 2010, will celebrate its 13th anniversary with a bevy of beer releases, along with live music and food trucks on both days. The beers include collaborations with Westbound & Down Brewing (a hoppy, West Coast-style pilsner) and Cannonball Creek (a hoppy pale ale).

When Strange opened, there were fewer than 10 breweries within the Denver city limits; there are now around 70. This week is also American Craft Beer Week, which many local craft breweries are celebrating with events or special tappings. — Jonathan Shikes

Some enchanted evening

Saturday. Local chefs, artisans, food trucks, entrepreneurs and entertainers will return to a space under the viaduct for the third annual Sun Valley Viaduct Night Market in the southernmost parking lots of Empower Field at Mile High. The event features beer from nearby Raices Brewing, along with 40 food and craft vendors, music from 2MX2, family-friendly games and more.