Perhaps it was the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Or, maybe it’s the frustration that AI seems to be taking over all things human-created. Either way, third spaces are having a major moment right now. Today we’re highlighting some venues around the city that serve as hubs for creative community-building — string included!
🐈 Cat People (Washington Virginia Vale)
Cats? Crafts? Cozying up inside? Sign me up! Cat People is a community-centered cat café with games, crafts, movies, and other activities for “indoorsy folks.” If you’re feeling social, browse their events calendar and choose from options like pet portrait painting with Paint N’ Play Denver, friendship bracelet making (happening tomorrow!) and Doodle in the Daytime.
Know before you go: This café opened in late June, so cats aren’t available to adopt yet, but will be by the end of the summer — and there’s still a resident cat to pet!
✂️ Good Practice (Jefferson Park)
Upcycle old clothing into a new creative piece or find your perfect artmaking accountability buddy at Good Practice — a creative café in Denver where you order projects, rather than dinner. The philosophy behind this space is to help people experience the beauty of creating things without the pressure of a perfect end product. They even encourage you to put your phone in a box, ensuring the experience is screen-free.
Know before you go: Follow their Instagram @good.practice.denver to stay updated with monthly events.
🖌️ Moxie Social (Greenwood Village)
Bars and pubs have long served as community gathering spaces, but for people who don’t drink, Moxie Social has all the social elements without the booze. Here, order from a selection of curated meat and cheese boards, like the Savory Garden, which features semi-soft cheese, olives, and a subtle sweet heat. Moxie Social has movie and game nights, junk journaling collaging sessions, and a laid-back sketch and sip event.
Know before you go: Moxie’s mocktail menu is one of the best around, with fizzy fruit drinks, citrus and chamomile cocktails, and zesty turmeric shots.
🧶 TrashHawk (Overland)
Trash Stitch is a community cross stitching event every other Thursday at Trash Hawk tavern. Held for three hours and hosted by experienced stitchers, this is a great place to learn cross stitch or improve your skills. Use the basic supplies provided or bring your own project to this "stitch and bitch” event that’s equal parts creative outlet and social event.
Know before you go: There’s usually a food truck on Thursday nights, too, so you can plan on eating dinner there.
🪡 Denver Cozy Craft Collective (Various Locations)
Denver Cozy Craft Collective is what some are now calling a “fourth space,” which is essentially a community that people can belong to, rather than a place they can go. This inclusive craft club meets up at different places throughout the city, but their next event is a one-year anniversary party and fundraiser at MoodSwing, the social club known for its Italian brick oven pizza, pickleball, and community parties.
Know before you go: Tickets are still available for their anniversary party on Sept 13.
