Everybody has an outfit or two they love but don’t have the occasion or courage to pull out of the closest. Celebrating style like that — and providing an opportunity to bust out these gems — is one the main reasons Denver Fashion Week has continued to grow year over year.  

“Denver Fashion Week is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone,” said Hailey Hodapp, the event’s runway director and producer. “We hope people look at the aesthetic and vibes of this year’s shows and find something that speaks to them. And then they’ll have an excuse to wear something they’d never wear otherwise.”  

Denver Fashion Week runs from Saturday, May 6 through Saturday, May 13 at The Brighton, 3403 Brighton Blvd. in Denver, in the RiNo Art District.  

This year’s event features six shows, each with an approach all their own: 

• Local Couture at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 
• Kids Couture at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 7 
• Sustainable at 5p.m. on Sunday, May 7 
• Fashion Industry Workshop at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 8 
• Ready To Wear at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9 
• Streetwear & Sneakers at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10 
• Guided By Humanity Fashion Show and Fundraiser at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 11 
• International and Local Boutiques at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 

Of note is the Sustainable show, an issue which Hodapp said has become increasingly important in the fashion world in recent years.  

“How sustainable is it to buy a $20 shirt every other month? How does that impact our world?’ she said. “We’re seeing the industry become more purposeful in its use of materials and more designers taking something old and finding ways to make it new again.”  

While many people may not think of Denver as a major fashion hub, its reputation has been growing and one of the joys of Denver Fashion Week is the way it celebrates local creatives and matches them with talents from all over the country and world. That’s what makes the Fashion Industry Workshop and International and Local Boutiques important — they’re a bridge to a wider community.  

“I hope people who attend this year are inspired and have their eyes opened to the creative industries,” Hodapp said. “It’d be great if more people understand and appreciate what goes into the clothes they wear. Because the inspiration can come from anywhere and people take that for granted. Designers put so much time and care into every stich.”  

For full details and tickets, visit www.denverfashionweek.com.  

Get lost in Benchmark’s ‘Great Wilderness’  

Samuel D. Hunter’s “A Great Wilderness” is the kind of story that shines on stages — it brings audiences in close as the characters tackle extremely complex and challenging questions about religion, identity and personal conviction.  

Directed by Marc Stith, the show runs at Benchmark Theatre, 1560 Teller St. in Lakewood, through Saturday, May 13. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. 

According to provided information, the show is about Walt, the leader of a Christian retreat that tries to “cure” gay teens. But just as he’s about to retire, a final client causes him to question the work he’s been doing.  

Get tickets for this moving show at https://www.benchmarktheatre.com/tickets-a-great-wilderness. 

Be BBQ ready this summer with Backyard Pitmasters  

We’re entering prime BBQ season, but many people (myself included) don’t know much about the delicious, delicious art of barbecuing. For the uninitiated, Backyard Pitmasters Colorado is here to provide all you need to become a legendary chef.  

The “Barbecue University” events are three-hour classes that teach “the art of smoking great meat in a non-competitive and fun environment at local breweries, distilleries, and other community-driven venues.” You can attend one at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Mad Rabbit Distillery, 10860 N. Dover St., No. 2000, in Westminster, or at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 at Mother Tucker Brewery, 2360 E. 120th Ave. in Thornton. 

Find all the details at https://colorado.brisketu.com/. 

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Lil Wayne at Fillmore Auditorium 

I don’t really have to tell you who Lil Wayne is, do I? He’s the Young Money millionaire with criteria that can’t be compared to your career because it just isn’t fair. His run as the best rapper alive in the late 2000’s was absolutely incredible and he’s still capable of effortless bars whenever he feels like it.  

Rap doesn’t have a lot of elder statesmen figures still out on the road, so the fact that Weezy is coming to the Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St. in Denver, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 7, means you should definitely take notice. Get tickets at www.livenation.com. 

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.