41 MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 westword.com WESTWORD | CONTENTS | SPORTS & RECREATION | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | MUSIC & VENUES | FOOD & DRINK | Best Pro Wrestling Show Bierstadt Lagerhaus 2875 Blake Street bierstadtlager.com/events On the fi rst Friday of each month, the Bier- stadt Lagerhaus brewpub and warehouse transforms into a local WrestleMania arena. The Bierhalle Brawl features a series of professional wrestling performances, led by talent from Rocky Mountain Pro; the event is endlessly entertaining, showcas- ing over two hours of impressive stunts and spirited skits by the wrestlers. The audience really gets into it, too, dancing, cheering and screaming over body slams and chair shots. With an electric atmo- sphere and unique concept, the Bierhalle Brawl is something every Denver resident should experience at least once. Best Bar With a Mechanical Bull Belles & Boots 1930 Blake Street bellesandbootsco.com Move over, Grizzly Rose: There’s a new country bar in town. Since opening last April, Belles & Boots has quickly become the city’s go-to Western-themed bar. It offers the iconic mechanical bull and line dancing that you’d expect, but elevates the experience with its high-quality drinks, food and ambiance. The beer and barbecue are locally sourced, and the boot-shaped disco ball hanging from the ceiling sets the perfect mood. Plus, it’s situated in a prime LoDo location near plenty of other bars and entertainment options, with the rooftop lounge even featuring a view of Coors Field. Best Fancy Gym Experience Denver Athletic Club 1325 Glenarm Place denverathleticclub.cc By 2030, you’ll be able to get your taxes done and go on a date at a massive deluxe “lifestyle hub” gym on the outskirts of town. Instead of all that nonsense, give us the classic elegance at downtown’s Denver Athletic Club. Founded in 1884 and located in a historic building, the Athletic Club usu- ally costs a few hundred dollars per month, but promotions and discounts aren’t im- possible for new members. The Athletic Club has all the niceties you could want: well-furnished workout spaces, trainers and classes, a hardwood basketball court, cross-training rooms, racquetball courts, a dry sauna and steam room, and a long lineup of aftershave to leave smelling like John F. Kennedy — and that’s just the tip. Head to the restaurant, lounge or co-work- ing space after a workout, or get a drink at the Denver Press Club down the street, all while feeling fi t and dignifi ed. Best Pickleball Venue Moodswing 3625 East 48th Avenue mood-swing.com Moodswing is the new kid on the block in Denver’s pickleball community, having just opened its doors in January. But the business started off with a bang, quickly becoming a must-try venue. The massive entertain- ment hub has six indoor courts, six outdoor courts, a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, numer- ous lounge areas, television screens and the largest patio in the city. Players can order food and drinks from the court, delivered directly to the sidelines without needing to miss a serve. Whether you’re playing or watching, Moodswing provides guests with an unbeatable experience. Best Batting Cages Cornerstone Park 5098 South Windermere Street, Littleton ssprd.org/batting-cages-at- cornerstone-park Practice makes perfect, and when it comes to tuning your swing, the batting cages at Cornerstone Park are the best option. For $2, anyone can get a bat, helmet and one round of sixteen pitches. The park has nine cages, including fi ve for baseball, one for fast-pitch softball and three for slow-pitch softball, and batters can adjust the speed in each cage. Cornerstone Park also sells punch cards with ten rounds for $15 pitches or 25 rounds for $30. The batting cages close for weather, including rain, but are open year- round. Littleton residents and members of the South Suburban Parks & Rec District are eligible for discounts, as well. Batter up! Best Way to Master an Unconventional Sport Denver Parks & Recreation Alternative Sports Classes 201 West Colfax Avenue mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i =860578&p=1&view=issueViewer In addition to the many reasonably priced or free classes offered by the city’s rec cen- ters, Denver Parks & Recreation offers a variety of programs for adventure seekers. For instance, you can sign up for Begin- ner Aggressive Quad Roller Skate at Wash Park, a Belay Workshop at Carla Madison, or Mountain Biking at Ruby Hill Bike Park. There’s also Advanced Skateboarding for Youth at Denver Skate Park, or a session of music and skating with the Roller Skate Jam Series at the Lowry Sports Plex Rink. Sign up early, because classes fi ll up fast. Best Assist for Kids Denver Nuggets Youth Programs 1000 Chopper Circle nba.com/nuggets/youth-programs Denver Nuggets Youth Programs range from NuggetsFIT, which focuses on mental and physical health, to a Math Hoops ini- tiative that prepares kids for algebra with the aid of a basketball-themed board game. There’s also Nugget for a Day: Applicants between seven and seventeen are assessed for their leadership, academic achieve- ments or ability to be positive while facing adversity; those chosen meet the players, tour the locker room, watch the team warm up and get four tickets to a game. Best Adult Sports League Denver University Adult Hockey League Ritchie Center ritchiecenter.du.edu/sports/adult- hockey-leagues There’s a real love-of-the-game require- ment to keep playing continued on page 42
