Upstairs Circus Lower Downtown – LoDo

I really wanted love this place. I really, really did. I ended up choosing a really hard craft and got little to no direction from the staff. The staff took forever to get our drink order and to get us started. We were there on a week night so we really wanted to get started, so we had to pester the staff to help us. Once they did, they handed me a canvas and a direction sheet and had me get started. I started painting a background that would be really hard to see my tracing over, but the staff didn’t stop me or point me in another direction, I chose a silhouette project and selected my photo. I am not an artist. They let me select a super hard photo with no direction. Once they blew the photo up, it was so awfully pixelated it was very hard to trace. Once I finally did the tracing, I realized the nightmare I had gotten into. I asked staff for help and they were worse at painting than I was. I had to white wash the canvas so I could try again later. Another downer is that I had to sit elsewhere from my friends because I was tracing an image and they were hammering all on the same table. They kept shaking the table as I was trying to draw. The set up was dumb. It would have been great to have more attentive staff that would help non-​artists go in the right direction. I talked to my friend who is an artist and she explained how I could have had a lot more success with my project by picking a side profile or a much simpler photo. Anyway, I left there with a $ 38 white washed canvas and the stencil paper. They said I could come back and use their paints, but that was not the point of the whole evening. Word to all, pick a really simple project and you’ll be happy. Don’t expect a complicated project to turn out well because there is little to no help from the staff.
Come to think of it, all my friends who did the nail/​string art left with incomplete projects as well. If they would have got them started and gave them some direction, I am sure they could have left with a finished product. We wasted time trying to mix paint (you really need to study paint mixing to actually know what you are doing). Basically this place is a great idea, but needs better staffing and if none of the staff can do the project, they should probably pull it.

So much fun! This place was crowded, at least for Mothers Day weekend. And noisy. With a bunch of people hammering at the same time, it can’t be helped. But the packed room had a terrific energy! Great variety of music and helpful staff, for both the drinks and with the craft projects. Don’t worry if you are not crafty. I am not and the staff was really helpful. And the directions for each craft project were well written and clear. With pictures. Hard to screw up, although I tried my best. (I almost put the bottle opener on the wrong side of the board until a staff member corrected me.)
Look out for all you can drink specials. We got all we could drink mimosas plus the craft project for $ 40. A really good deal. And the craft projects were super practical and well made. Things you would actually use or could give as a gift! Check this place out for sure!

My friends and I went on a Saturday afternoon to make some arts and crafts. It was fairly crowded and loud from the banging of hammers and voices. We were pretty disappointed when we found out that a lot of the products we wanted to make took at least three to four hours and we only had about three hours before our reservation ended (the string art takes a lot of time and they recommended to not do those). It was also disappointing that they stopped serving mimosas after a certain time and we only got about one round for our table. But the products were awesome and this is a place I could keep coming back to for more and more crafts. They even have a lot of gender neutral products and it was nice to see so many men there. It’s definitely a fun place to go with friends or family. I am going to try the DTC location next.

Upstairs Circus is a craft making place where you do not have to start on your project at the same time as everyone else in the room. You come at your reservation time, go to your reserved table (fully equipped with necessary tools you’ll need), put on an apron, pick a project to make and then make it (while sipping on some alcohol or eating some snacks). Right now the projects they offer for you to make for the spring collection include: jewelry, jewelry hanger, clutch, cheese board, beer caddy, wall art made with strings & nails, magnetic shelf for keys, luggage tags, flasks and much more. I chose to make a beer caddy. For the caddy I had to measure out the wood for the beer division insert. I thought I would get to drill holes and cut the wood myself with their machinery but that job is left for the employees. Outside from that, I was able to sand & paint the wood & nail the pieces together. I wished they had wood stain & not just pain but the paint I chose was thin enough to adhere & appear like a stain. For snacks they have flavored popcorn. Drinks range from $ 6 – 12 & include beer, cocktails & wine. This place played hip hop the night I came (Omarion, the Weeknd, etc.). You get a free drink if it’s your birthday. Each project comes with an instructions sheet and an estimated making-​time. Some are 1 hr, some 1.5 & others 2. It costs $ 35 per person regardless of the project you choose. The place is very trendy and fun looking. Inside, there are upside down umbrellas on the ceiling, see thru plastic chairs, a chalk board in the bathroom on which you can doodle and a photo wall where you can take a picture of your finished product. On each table there’s a caddy with tools that include: hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, pencil, marker, stamps, rulers, masking tape, and drier (for the paint). I had so much fun making my beer caddy & I found the entire process pretty therapeutic & exciting.

This place is great and more diverse than just your typical wine and painting. Great for guys as well because they can build stuff, my husband built a six pack carrier that doubles over for our utensils.

This is a really fun experience with your friends, and the bottomless mimosas and full bar are a nice perk. Come for the experience — just don’t expect perfection from your project.
The only drawback is this — if you are an artist, or even a somewhat-​serious crafter, you’ll find the tools here a little tough to work with. Is it fun? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Yes, just this time I might bring my own scissors!
I made a piece in leather and my kit had mismatched rivets. The scissors they provided couldn’t cut through the fabric. The waxed thread frayed. The staff were accommodating and lent me a pair of sharp scissors and gave me a new rivet. I was able to twist the frayed thread and work with it.
Granted, this is a just-​for-​fun type place. To help make it better, patrons and staff could work together to treat the tools well, and recognize the old elementary-​school studio rule «You’re not finished until your tools are clean.» That means don’t be that person that lets the paint dry to the brush!
TL;DR — super fun. Tools could be a little nicer, but you’ll have a really good time and make some cool stuff.

I went here last night for my sister’s birthday. We had a large group– including some (initially)unenthusiastic husbands. There were wrap bracelets, wine bottles made into tumblers, wooden six pack caddies, leather wallets and wristlets, tons more. I made a jewelry display so I can stop untangling my necklaces constantly! The staff was very helpful, the drinks were tasty, and everyone left with a craft they were happy with. There were so many other things I want to make– I will definitely be back. The only down side? Parking. Do yourself a favor and carpool.

I’ve been here twice – once for a girl’s night and once for an afternoon date – and had a ton of fun both times. The staff is super helpful and friendly, the drinks are strong, and the crafts are actually things you will hold onto after you leave. Definitely recommend!

I’ve been here twice now and while both times were awesome, the more recent visit was definitely more fun.
The first time I came, it was just me and a single friend for the Sunday morning Making & Mimosas. We were seated at a table with 6 other women who seemed seriously annoyed that they were being asked to share space. We asked if we could move up to the bar, which was a much more friendly environment. It was a little inconvenient because the bar set up didn’t have all the tools we needed so we had to ask for a lot of missing things, but the girls working were super friendly, the mimosas were always topped off and we both left with crafts we love (the magnetic key shelf is SO useful!).
I had a larger group of friends in town this weekend so we went on Saturday afternoon as a group of 6 and then experience was MUCH better. We still shared a table with a few strangers but they were friendly. We got there a bit early and got started on our crafts right away which gave us plenty of time for paint to dry and leather stain to set. We drank beer, made some cool stuff, and just generally had an awesome time.
I do feel like it is a bit on the expensive side and I wish the crafts were priced based on what you’re making instead of a set price across the board. I’d guess the materials for the jewelry projects are much less costly than the wooden 6 pack carrier but maybe it’s too confusing to vary prices for things. I’ll still definitely be keeping an eye out for when the project menu changes to come back in to create new cool stuff for my house!

The craft projects were lots of fun, even for our husbands who joined in on the day! I made a leather dog collar that was personalized and looked great even done. We decided to do unlimited mimosas for a bit more, but they stopped serving at 1pm and we’re told when we booked that it was till 2pm. That war the only negative. Highly recommend for friends or a date night.

This place was AMAZING!
I was trying to plan a bachelorette party in CO but I live in CA. I was struggling trying to find something that was fun and just what the bride would want. From the second we walked in the bride was so happy.
We all picked our crafts, ordered our really yummy drinks, and then got to work!
We had a group of 9 and not one of us disliked our crafts. We were there until closing and the ladies that were working were so friendly and didn’t rush us out but we wanted to get out knowing nobody wants to stay at work later than needed. They took pictures of who was left in our group and we were on our way.
We did go to a bar after that «displayed» our work for us while we were there and just while we were there we had 3 different groups ask us where we did.
This is SO much better than the wine and paint places. I wish they had something like this here by me!

What an absolutely wonderful business idea! Most cities have «paint and pours» but Upstairs Circus takes that concept further with the addition of a couple dozen crafts *and* they provide the booze.
For $ 39, my boo and I got unlimited mimosas and easy-​to-​follow instructions to make our own leather wallets. There were employees walking around the entire time in case we had questions (and to give us refills).
All the tools/​materials needed for our chosen craft were on the table. We had to do a little bit of sharing with the other couple at the table but they were friendly. The place wasn’t too crowded. We ended up using almost all the time allotted to us.
Our wallets turned out perfectly, we left plenty tipsy and we now have memorable keepsakes from our time in Denver. This is something fun-​loving people should do at least once in their life.

This place had been on my to do list for quite some time. Crafts, drinks, and fun with friends? Perfection!
In true girls’ night fashion, my lady friends and I scheduled a Wednesday night meet up so that we could craft to our hearts desire and commiserate about our weeks thus far. The only downside is the parking situation. I think a few of us found street parking, but another friend parked in a garage. I get it: it’s a great spot downtown with a lot of traffic (both in terms of cars and people), but it would be great if they had a bitty parking lot. Anyway, I digress.
We got the rundown from two ladies who were working. They have a monthly «menu» of craft options you can choose from. For $ 35 bucks, you can create anything on their menu. They have a plethora of options: lots of jewelry, cheese boards, string art, wooden six pack, aprons, painting, etc. On Wednesdays, they do half off bottles of wine. Friendsday Wednesday. I love it.
We each picked a different project – their menu was super helpful. It listed suggested difficulty levels and the approximate amount of time it would take to finish. Some projects are much more involved, and others go along quickly. I’m a slowpoke, and in the time it took me to finish my string art, another one of my girlfriends had made two necklaces. Whoops.
We ordered in from a restaurant nearby. They keep a variety of menus just for this reason. Ultimately, I loved it. The ladies were super helpful and gave us tips as we went through finishing our crafts. We had a few bottles of wine for a very decent price, and we all walked away with a unique craft that we can use in our own ways. It’s not cheap, but for what you get, I consider it worth it. We’ll be back once their menu changes again and we can do something different. Grab your girlfriends and go. You’ll enjoy!

Had my birthday party here and it was so much fun!!! All the girls, and my guy friend, had an amazing time! They have so many crafts to choose from and they’re great about helping you out. They have bite size snacks and free popcorn, and their cocktails are really good! I can’t wait to come back and craft again!

This place is fun! I mean, how can it not be? Drinking crafting and friends? C’mon! Basically you sign up for the event you want, make sure to say who you are coming with so they seat you at the same table and show up. You can pay in advance or when you arrive. My girlfriend and I signed up for the Saturday 11am session which includes bottomless mimosas! For $ 39 you get your craft supplies and bottomless mimosas. The other drinks are also available for purchase.
When we got there they gave us a menu of crafts to look over at our table. The crafting assistant came over to check and see if we had any questions and after chatting with her we went up and chose our crafts. Not being too crafty, I selected the magnetic keyholder. My friend who is more skilled, opted to make the wooden beer carrier. Making my keyholder was easy and fun and the assistants were there to help anyone who had questions.
I definitely prefer Upstairs Circus to the sip n paint places because I got to make an item I’m actually using while my knockoff paintings from those other places are still sitting in my exes basement. With that being said, if that’s your thing, there are painting options too. There’s something for everyone at Upstairs Circus and I’d definitely return for a few hours of crafting!

This is the best idea ever.
Crafts + cocktails = genius.
Make a reservation for their designated times, show up and pick out what you want to make… everything from hand dying a ‘badass leather cuff’ to creating your own nail on board old-​school-​string-​art masterpiece. All while drinking bottomless mimosas on a Sunday afternoon. GENIUS.
The girls running it were awesome, very helpful and super friendly!
Love this place and had the best time hanging out with friends. You will probably make a few friends while you’re here too as there are about 6 seats at each work table.
I’m going to spend a lot of money here. Upstairs Circus… you nailed it.

Crafts+booze+ buds= a fun afternoon!
Such a great little place to hang out. Fun crafting projects, tasty beverages, how can you go wrong?
I’ve been here twice for happy hour (cheaper projects by $ 10 & a happy hour drink menu) and I really enjoyed the diversity of projects so far. I’ve done a bracelet and a string art project. Both are straightforward. You won’t get someone to teach you though. You get a craft packet with your materials and an instruction sheet. You will get staff occasionally to come and look at your project to give you pointers, but you won’t get an actual teacher.
I love the space, but the tables can get super cramped. Add a few more people hammering, sanding simultaneously and chaos can ensue. Also there’s not many food options, so definitely eat before you get here, especially if you intend on drinking. They used to have popcorn, but their popcorn machine apparently set on fire (yikes). Parking is also limited. Try getting in on the street parking out front… otherwise there is a pay lot across the street *next to Fogo. Lots of projects to choose from… check out their website to see the list of projects they have available, to get a jump on the decision making process. I didn’t do that on my first visit and I found that decision process very daunting/​almost overwhelming, as they have LOTS of project options.
It’s such a great way to spend a lazy afternoon with a bunch of your friends, and you’ll get something to bring home. Kind of like kindergarten, for adults… with booze.

My friend wanted to celebrate her birthday by coming here and trying our hand at a crafty project. We signed up for the bottomless mimosa ($ 35, includes price of project) Saturday. Here’s how it goes:
1) Check in as you arrive. The info says you can come within a 30 minute time frame (so, if you are reserved for 11a-​2p, you can arrive at 1130a), but if you’re indecisive or a perfectionist, you should give yourself the full time allotted. Ok, you check in (and pay if you haven’t already) and they give you a small plastic animal and a project menu.
2) Go sit down at your assigned table. Pro tip: Sit at the end (for ease of getting up for materials). Pick a project. If you don’t see EXACTLY what you want, ask them about it. I wanted to do string art, but I wanted to do the «block M» for Univ of Michigan. No problem!
3) Go stand in line, with plastic animal in hand, and tell them which project you chose. They’ll give you a set of directions and some materials.
4) Do the project. I had to mix some paint to get a blue I wanted. Meanwhile, they printed out a block M for me to use as a stencil of sorts.
They will (if it’s what you got) come around to fill your glass with delicious mimosa. Do not neglect the popcorn machine (though you might want to wait until after you’ve finished painting. Do not miss the blow dryers located at every table so you can speed up the paint drying process. Don’t be scared to ask for help!

Ohhh I loved my visit to the Upstairs Circus. While not a crafter on my own, I love crafting classes though am getting tired of having paintings sitting around my home. The UC project menu offers tons of options and I had a hard time picking what I would like to make.
A friend and I attended a Sunday morning Project Social and the Visit Denver website offers a 10% off discount. That means $ 32.50 (plus tax) for unlimited mimosas and a fun craft. I chose the USA heart string project and my friend chose the wine cork initial. We easily got our supplies and were seated at the end of the bar by the paint. That turns out to be a very handy seat as you have the bartender’s attention (for refills) plus all of your supplies right behind you.
The instructions are easy to follow and we were both able to make our crafts within the suggested time frame. There is a lot of hammering and noise from other groups if the session is full and so take note of that. Not a whisper fest. When you’re done, you can take your picture by the front door with their logo in the backdrop and you’re set!
I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this location for singles or large groups. There were lots of gentlemen attending as well and so this isn’t just for ladies. There are manly craft options too. And hammers. I had an amazing time though and look forward to returning!

I really wish we had one of these in Vegas!
It’s basically an expansion on the «Wine and Paint» places that are all over the place. Except there are somewhere around 20 crafts to choose from, and they have a full bar! Can you say AWESOME???
We decided to go on a Saturday afternoon, after brunch. I reserved tickets online for the 2:30 Social Hour that they offer on weekends. I guess it wasn’t clear on the website, but I thought that this included bottomless mimosas. Apparently that only applies to the 11am projects. :(It was probably for the best!
Now, I am not a very crafty person. I wish they would maybe have a brief explanation of what the skill levels are. I didn’t choose a project that was super difficult (supposedly), but I did struggle a bit. Luckily, the Ladies that work there are super helpful and willing to lend a hand if you are stuck on your project! In fact, one of the girls had to finish my project because I was about to flip the table and yell many curse words. Haha!
I chose to do the Hex Nut Bracelet and my friend did one of the string art projects. We both had a blast and loved our finished works of art! This would be a great place to go with a bunch of friends for a birthday, bachelorette or just on a GNO!