Tiny Art, Big Nostalgia in Arvada Tonight
Retro Cartoons + Shrinky Dinks Tonight in Arvada
Happy Friday, Arvada 💕
Remember Shrinky Dinks? Those plastic sheets you colored as a kid that magically shrank into tiny art in the oven. Well… they’re back, and tonight you can make your own.
A local spot in Arvada is hosting a First Friday crafting night where you can turn retro cartoon nostalgia into pocket-sized artwork.
Have you ever made Shrinky Dinks before?
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🗳 Arvada’s Best Pastries 🥐
It’s pastry time.
We’re spotlighting the Arvada bakeries and cafés serving up flaky croissants, buttery bites, and desserts worth the detour. From Olde Town staples to neighborhood gems, it’s all about the treats you actually crave.
Got a go-to croissant or cookie you can’t skip?
Need a brain break?
Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.
Cravings: Rheinlander Bakery 🇩🇪🍰
A true Olde Town classic, Rheinlander Bakery has been serving Arvada for over 60 years with traditional German pastries and an impressively inclusive dessert lineup. Think apple and cherry strudels, poppyseed rolls, streusel cakes, and seven overflowing display cases that make choosing just one thing nearly impossible. Bonus points: their gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and sugar-free options are just as tempting as the originals—and yes, there’s espresso too.
📍 Olde Town Arvada | 💸 $1–10 | ⏰ Opens at 8 AM | 🍰 German pastries • Cakes • Gluten-free & vegan goodies
First Friday Shrinky Dink Crafting Night
📅 Friday, March 6
⏰ 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
🎟️ Free | All ages welcome
Tonight at Secret Level, you can design your own mini masterpieces inspired by classic retro cartoons. Think basket-snatching bears, meddling mystery kids, prehistoric families, and futuristic sitcom crews.
If you’ve never made Shrinky Dinks before, the process is oddly satisfying.
You color designs onto thin plastic sheets. Then they get heated and shrink down into sturdy little pieces of art you can turn into keychains, pins, or keepsakes.
No experience is needed. Just show up and get creative.
Bringing kids? They can trace designs and color them in with colored pencils, and the staff will handle the heating process. It’s simple, fun, and surprisingly addictive once you see the plastic shrink in the oven.
It’s also a perfect low-key First Friday hangout if you’re looking for something different than the usual bar night.
What's Happenin' Arvada: Event Listings
Friday, March 6
Saturday, March 7
Sunday, March 8
Want more? See the full calendar → Arvada Event Calendar
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💘 Date Spot in Arvada
Arvada dates are all about small-town charm with local flavor. Olde Town Arvada is a go-to for strolling, cozy dinners, and dessert stops, while the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities adds a culture-forward twist with shows, exhibits, and open-air vibes. If you’re leaning outdoorsy, sunset views and picnic potential at Majestic View Park never miss.
👉 Vote and we’ll share the top picks—chosen by locals—in a future issue. 💌
A Nostalgic Way to Start the Weekend
First Fridays are always a good excuse to get out, and this one leans into pure nostalgia. It’s creative, casual, and a little chaotic in the best way.
If you’re in the mood to make something tiny, weird, and memorable tonight, this might be the most fun you’ll have with a sheet of plastic all week.
💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Arvada even better?
I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply — I read every message and always respond when I can.
See you Monday!
— Ben
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