WEEKEND IN DENVER: Denver Comic Con, Capitol Hill People’s Fair

In an era when grown men play with My Little Ponies, thirtysomethings think their livers are still 18 and Facebook takes conversation’s place, we’re all just a mess of kids at heart.

While much of the population is paying bills and bettering the world, I want to go swing on swings and play video games. Being responsible is stupid.

This weekend in Denver is our chance to dress like superheroes, buy sci-fi collectibles and squeal like schoolboy bitches when we get our favorite comic artist’s autograph.

After an astonishingly epic first year, Denver Comic Con is back for its second at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver, beginning at 2 p.m. Friday and running through Sunday night.

Aside from all mediums of the nerd variety, some heavy hitters have jumped on board to visit the Mile High City for the weekend. Comic legend Stan Lee was originally slated to come, but his health issues rained on Denver’s parade. (It’s OK, Stan. You’re still rad.)

Don’t you fret, geek icons will be aplenty:

–Wil Wheaton: “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and um, helloooo, Gordie in “Stand By Me”

–George Takei: “Star Trek” (duh), a huge proponent of gay rights and a hugely popular and one funny mutha on Facebook.

–Colin Baker: “Doctor Who”

–Chris Ware: comic book artist and cartoonist who penned the “Acme Novelty Library” series among others

–William Shatner: Captain Kirk from “Star Trek” (you know this) and — among more prestigious works — Priceline commercials

The convention will also have heaps of indie artists, more than 150 exhibitors, cosplay, animae, fantasy, sci-fi, superheroes, gaming and more.

One highlight of the weekend is the film series “Mile High Horror: Best of 2012,” which showcases indie horror films from around the world (the festival takes place in October). The series is bringing last year’s greatest hits to Comic Con and will undoubtedly feature zombies, blood, camp and gore.

Nerds in Denver just got bumped up to a whole new level.

Info: denvercomiccon.com; $25; kids 10 and under are free

People’s Fair

Saturday (10 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-8 p.m.), Civic Center Park, on Broadway and Colfax in Denver, will host packs of peeps at the Capitol Hill People’s Fair.

This longstanding tradition is one giant gathering to celebrate us special people. Aw.

The fair boasts tons of local and national food vendors; artisans peddling handmade crafts; dozens of live bands on various stages; booze and more.

Listen up, Boulder: A new addition to this year’s fair is a health area with nutrition information, health screenings and yoga and Pilates demonstrations. (I’ll be gnawing on a fried turkey leg in the beer tent.)

Go lay in the grass with a beer, listen to some great local tunes and try your hardest not to laugh at that dude who has a sweater on under his tank top. (Nair, hook a brother up.)

Info: chundenver.org

Camping is better with booze

Aside from a summer camp canoeing excursion in swampy Florida and nearly tipping the wobbly wood into an alligator nest (mama woulda been piiiiiised), I always had a blast.

But now that we’re adults, we can’t really go to summer camp for three months at a time anymore.

Luckily, Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art, 1485 Delgany St., is hosting Summer Camp with Adult Drinks. Campers over 21 can hang on the rooftop deck, imbibe in delicious cocktails and listen to live campfire tunes from 5-9 p.m. tonight. (The view is fantastic.)

This series will run throughout the summer.

Info: mcadenver.org; $5