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?

Yes 👍

What in the 90s is a Shrinky Dink?

Click an option to vote

🗳 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?

👉 Vote for your favorite and help crown Arvada’s best.

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

📍 Secret Level

📅 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

Family Ties: Continuing the Creative Legacy - Arvada Center, Arvada | Friday, March 06, 2026 , 10:00am-7:00pm | Ticketed

Colorado Tap House 4th Year Anniversary Party - Colorado Tap House, Arvada | Friday, March 06, 2026 , 8:30am-9:00pm | Ticketed

Denver Restaurant Week at Bad Daddy's Burger Bar - Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Arvada | Friday, March 06, 2026 , 4:00pm-10:00pm | Ticketed

Saturday, March 7

Hot Wings and Cold Beer at Odyssey Beerwerks - Odyssey Beerwerks, Arvada | Saturday, March 07, 2026 , 1:00pm | Ticketed

Juliet - Arvada Center, Arvada | Saturday, March 07, 2026 , 7:30pm-9:00pm | Ticketed

Hina Matsuri (Japanese Doll Festival) - Simpson UMC, Arvada | Saturday, March 07, 2026 , 11:30pm-4:00pm | Ticketed

Sunday, March 8

Chuck Fisher Live at Jake's Roadhouse, Arvada - Jake's Roadhouse, Arvada | Sunday, March 08, 2026 , 3:00pm-6:00pm | Ticketed

Bunny Yoga - Colorado Tap House, Arvada | Sunday, March 08, 2026 , 9:00am-10:00am | Ticketed

International Women's Day at Odyssey Beerwerks - Odyssey Beerwerks, Arvada | Sunday, March 08, 2026 , 12:00pm | Ticketed

Want more? See the full calendar → Arvada Event Calendar

Local Businesses, This One’s for You

Want to be seen by 7,500 Arvada locals?

What’s Happenin’ Arvada puts local businesses in front of residents who care about their community.

👉 Partner with What’s Happenin’ Arvada

Real Talk ☕

What’s Happenin’ is 100% free and independently run (yep, it’s just us). If this newsletter helps you discover cool things around town, your support helps keep it going and growing. We truly appreciate any and all love. Thank you for being part of the community.

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💼 Local Jobs Worth Checking Out

We believe great communities connect people to great opportunities.

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X-Ray Technologist - Arvada, CO at Soliant Health | Arvada

Surgical Technologist in Arvada, CO at Sunbelt Staffing | Arvada

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Director of Business Development, Gov at Quindar | Arvada

👉 See More Local Openings →

💘 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. 💌

👉 Vote for your favorite Arvada date spot.

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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Tiny Art, Big Nostalgia in Arvada Tonight

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