After eight years, 71 episodes and countless memes, HBO’s epic fantasy series “Game of Thrones” comes to a close on Sunday.
The show’s usual buzz reached a fever pitch in the last few weeks, as fans have delighted and agonized (but mostly agonized) as its writers try to put a bow on dozens of storylines in its final eight-episode run.
But that was the playoffs — Sunday is the “Game of Thrones” Super Bowl. As such, a litany of Denver bars and restaurants are hosting series finale viewing parties for its horde of fans so they can experience the ecstasy and agony of the dragon-strewn soap opera together, under one roof.
To help with that, we’ve rounded up a handful of “Game of Thrones” finale watch parties happening around Denver (and one in Colorado Springs). For those with separation anxiety, we’ve also included a few bonus events (like a Hodor DJ set at The Church) that land in Denver after the dust settles on Sunday.
Phantom Canyon: Banquet and watch party
Where: Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, Colorado Springs
When: May 19, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $50 via eventbrite.com
If you’re hungry for some Thrones verisimilitude, Colorado Springs’ Phantom Canyon Brewing Company is preparing a feast fit for Westeros royalty. For $50, you’ll get a 10-course buffet inspired by the show (smoked rattlesnake from Dorne and Sansa’s lemon cakes, for example). If you’re too worried about what might happen to Jon Snow to eat, it also includes two drink tickets. After the finale, stick around for the costume contest. Because, if you ask me, it’s not about who takes the Iron Throne; it’s who wears it best.
The Oriental Theatre: Watch party
Where: The Oriental Theatre, Denver
When: May 19, 7-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
What better place to watch the finale than a Denver venue that feels as ancient as the Seven Kingdoms themselves? Watch the finale for free at The Oriental Theatre, where you can hear dragon roars shake through its massive PA system and watch Daenerys’ incredible eyebrows furrow on a giant theatre-style screen. The doors — and bar — open up at 6 p.m., if you want the best seats in the house.
Pride & Swagger: Watch party
Where: Pride & Swagger, Denver
When: May 19, 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Scoping out an LGBTQ+ bar for your last night of GOT? Pride & Swagger has you covered, and at no cover. Try out Game of Thrones-themed drink specials, including a glass of Johnny Walkers’ special edition “White Walker” scotch. Drag queen Betty Swallows will be your host, reigning over the finale and a re-run of the penultimate episode like a much more fun and less murderous Queen Cersei.
NATIV Hotel: Yoga, trivia and watch party
Where: NATIV Hotel, Denver
When: May 19, 3-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $10-$30 via eventbrite.com
Balance your body and mind ahead of the battle-heavy show’s final scenes on Sunday with yoga and “Game of Thrones” trivia, a pairing as natural as a pan flute solo and a tray of bologna sandwiches. Head to NATIV Hotel at 3 p.m., when Nui Mana Yoga’s class kicks off. Then, get ready to stretch whatever part of your brain stores “Game of Thrones” facts and compete for prizes — like bottle service at NATIV and a football signed by a Broncos offensive lineman — at trivia, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. Or, go home and shower up so you can come back fresh for the series finale at 7 p.m., right after trivia.
Triangle Denver: Watch party
Where: Triangle Denver, 2036 N. Broadway, Denver
When: May 19, 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
If you’re simply looking for a watch party at a bar that serves food, try Triangle Denver, one of Denver’s newest gay bars. Triangle will keep your flagon and belly full — at least until 9 p.m., when its kitchen closes. Show up early if you want to make the most of the night. Before the finale, they’re screening last week’s episode at 7 p.m. If you can stomach a burger while watching Lannister soldiers catch fire for 20 minutes, more power to you.
AND MORE
Rave of Thrones
Where: The Church, 1160 Lincoln St., Denver
When: June 7, 9 p.m.
Cost: $15-$25 via nightout.com
Listen, Hodor (real name: Kristian Nairn) is DJing at The Church in a few weeks. What more do you want to know? It’s called Rave of Thrones, for the gods’ sake. See you there.
Drunk History of Westeros
Where: The Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St., Denver
When: May 24, 7:30-11 p.m.
Cost: $12.75 via eventbrite.com
Why make your SO whisper “Game of Thrones” backstory to you piecemeal between scenes when you could get it all from increasingly wasted actors? That’s the hook for Drunk History of Westeros, which will task its performers with reciting and reenacting more plot than you can shake a dragon-glass knife at while trying not to fall off the stage. Can they make The Red Wedding funny? Gallop your steed down to the Bug Theatre next week and find out.
GoT Night at Coors Field
Where: Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Denver
When: May 25, 7 p.m.
Cost: $30-$70 via mlb.com
Coors Field, a baseball stadium, is hosting a “Game of Thrones” night six days after the season finale for reasons that are unclear, but we like any excuse to prolong the fun. Buy the special “Game of Thrones” ticket package to the May 25 Rockies/Orioles game and you’ll get a “Game of Thrones”-inspired Rockies T-shirt and the opportunity to sit in special “Game of Thrones” seating area. “I’d Rather Be Jousting” pennants are fine, but leave those replica swords and crossbows at home.
