Posted August 20, 2026
This August, dive into “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead through a season of exhibitions, film, performance, and conversation. Throughout August and September, partnerships with the Colorado Photographic Arts Center, The Shop at MATTER, Buntport Theater, MCA Denver, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, The Word, Tattered Cover, and West Side Books bring the book’s themes to life through art-making workshops, book clubs in the park, panel discussions, and live performance. The season builds toward a special evening with author Colson Whitehead on Sept. 25 at the Holiday Theater, where he’ll discuss “The Nickel Boys” and its lasting resonance.
Calligrams: Words That Shape You
Use handwritten text, color, patterns, and collage elements to transform words and quotes into unique works that explore the connection between language, identity, and expression.
- Saturday, 19, 2-3 p.m., Ross-Phyllis Bigpond, 3570 W. First Ave., 80219
Witness, Power, Futures
This three-part series explores themes in The Nickel Boys through the legacies of influential Black American writers and thinkers. Presented in partnership with Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library and MATTER.
- Witness: Dr. Christopher Hunt on James Baldwin, Thursday, 27, 6–8 p.m., Pauline Robinson Branch, 5575 E 33rd Ave., 80207
- Power: Dr. Jasmine Harris on bell hooks, Friday, 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Shop at MATTER, 2114 Market St.
- Futures: Rick Griffith on Octavia Butler, Friday, 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bob Ragland Branch, 1900 35th St., Ste. A, 80216
Preserving Legacies: How to Explore Family House Histories
Tuesday, Aug. 25th, 6-7:30 pm, Blair-Caldwell, Wilma J. Webb Reading Room, Second Floor
In “The Nickel Boys”, the land, the buildings, the rooms where lives were shaped and sometimes erased hold memories. Learn how to research family properties, trace Colorado migrations, and uncover the stories a house can carry.
From Page to Screen: Nickel Boys with Director RaMell Ross
MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater, 2644 W 32nd Ave., 80211
Watch the film adaptation of The Nickel Boys and then continue the experience the following week as director RaMell Ross discusses the journey from novel to screen. This program is generously supported by The Denver Foundation.
- Wednesday, 2, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (film screening)
- Thursday, 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (discussion with director RaMell Ross)
The Nickel Boys and the American Juvenile Justice System
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Blair-Caldwell, 2401 Welton St., 80205
Panelists will examine the history and ongoing impact of the American juvenile justice system and sports have on the Black community.
Reflections in Motion: An Evening of Dance and Dialogue
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6-7 p.m., Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Center for the Healing Arts, 2025 N. Washington Street, 80205
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance will explore The Nickel Boys through excerpts from its own 56-year history to encourage a deeper awareness and constructive dialogue.
Protest and Power
Explore how Civil Rights-era music expressed resistance, inspired change, and built collective identity and its connections to other social movements.
- Sunday, 23, 2-3 p.m., Central Branch, 10 W. 14th Ave., 80204
- Saturday, 12, 2-3:30 p.m., Park Hill Branch, 4705 E Montview Blvd., 80207
Soundtrack of our Lives: A Listening Gathering in the Park
Sunday, Sept. 20, 6-7 p.m., Central Park, Picnic Site, 8801 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, 80238
Bring a song that has helped you through a meaningful moment or challenge and then listen with others in a relaxed outdoor setting. Hosted by Sam Gary Branch.
Meet Author Colson Whitehead
Friday, Sept. 25, 6:30-9 p.m.
MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater, 2644 W. 32nd Ave, 80211
Join Denver Public Library for a special evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead. Whitehead will speak about “The Nickel Boys”, this year’s One Book One Denver selection, and the work’s lasting resonance. Books will be available for purchase. Registration required.
One Book One Denver Book Clubs
Book Clubs in the Park
Take the conversation outside. These facilitated outdoor book clubs are inspired by The Nickel Boys and presented in partnership with The Word, A Storytelling Sanctuary.
- Wednesday, 26, 6–7 p.m., Berkeley Lake Park, Picnic Site 1, 4601 W. 46th Ave., 80212
- Saturday, 26, 3–5 p.m., Platt Park, 1500 S. Grant St., 80210
- Tattered Cover, Tuesday, 1, 6-7 p.m., 2526 E Colfax Ave., 80206
- The Shop at MATTER, Wednesday, 9, 6-7:30 p.m., 2114 Market St., 80205
- West Side Books, Saturday, 29, 7-9 p.m., 3434 W 32nd Ave., 80211
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