10 things to do for $10 this weekend, September 16-18, 2011

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​You'd think this city would be calming down after the post-holiday street-party season, but it that's certainly not the case. This weekend is looking especially awesome. Not only do we have a cat-related cupcake benefit, but also robotic dinosaurs, a pancake breakfast, a flash fiction reading and plenty more, and it's all available to you for under ten bucks.

Cupcakes 4 Cats at 16th Street Mall (Friday, $5)
You know what's more appealing than 600 cupcakes? Nothing, actually. But Cupcakes 4 Cats takes away your guilt by donating the money you spent on the sugary sweets directly to the Cat Care Society.

​Fast Forward Release Party at Mercury Café (Friday, free)
Flash fiction might not be the post popular form of literature, but it should be. The premise is simple, self-contained, very short stories that don't top a word count higher than 1,000. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you really need to pick up the new issue of Flash Forward, a literary magazine dedicated to all things flash fiction from the big to the small. Tonight will also feature plenty of readings from the authors in the collection, a contest and more.

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​Lipgloss at La Rumba (Friday, $5)
We haven't mentioned Lipgloss in a while, so consider this just a gentle reminder that it's one of the best (and cheapest) dance nights in town. If you need to shake off a rough week by swinging you booty, this is the spot to be.

T. Rex Encounter at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Friday-Sunday)
You'll need to be a student or senior to get in to the museum for under $10 on Friday or Saturday but on Sunday, museum admission is free. What is the T. Rex Encounter? It's robotic dinosaurs and an entirely interactive exhibit. Seriously, if there is anything cooler out there right now, we've never heard of it.

​Down & Derby at Exdo Event Center (Friday, $5-$10)
You'll want to RSVP ahead of time to guarantee cheap entry and skates, but once you do, there will be plenty to do at Down & Derby. It won't just be some super-fun skating around, it will also packed with a pop-up shops, food trucks, dancing and disco.