DENVER, Colo. – The tens of thousands of activists, delegates, party bigwigs and media descend upon Denver this weekend, and boy are they thirsty.

Fortunately, despite new ethics rules prohibiting certain kinds of lobbyist- and corporate-funded gifts, parties and other events, there will be plenty of opportunities for any convention-goer to slake their thirst, and their hunger, at any of the must-attend events of the week.

For those who truly want the entire convention experience, rolling out of bed in the morning at a reasonable hour will open the door to dozens of panel discussions covering every facet of policy and politics, featuring the top minds in the field and in Congress.

Once one has completed the seemingly endless drive from the Denver airport, Sunday is a perfect time to take in a game at Coors Field, where the New Democrat Coalition is hosting a party suite. Or visit Zaidy's Deli downtown, for a welcoming "nosh" with Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Susan Turnball, followed by a stop at the Grand Hyatt for a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee hospitality suite with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

But the main event Aug. 23 is the official delegate welcome, where the 4,200 delegates, their alternates and party brass will gather at the Colorado Convention Center for the opening gatherings. Though the party has been scaled back thanks to missed funding goals, convention organizers promise a bash nonetheless. State delegations will break out later for their own celebrations.

By Aug. 25, the Convention kicks off, and while the national media will be focused on major speeches from prominent supporters of Barack Obama, delegates will have more opportunity to sample Denver's gustatory delights and awe-inspiring sights. Whether it's the Ronald H. Brown Memorial Golf Tournament, named for the former DNC chairman and Commerce Secretary who died in a plane crash in Croatia, or the Comedy Kabob hosted by the Arab American Institute, delegates will have no shortage of first-day activities.

Others will choose more intellectual pursuits for their Monday, starting with any one of four symposia on philanthropy, retirement security, transportation infrastructure or immigration reform. The events feature big names from business, like CNN founder Ted Turner, and politics, including former House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and others. Caucuses geared towards African American, Hispanic, Asian American and other groups will meet for the first time Monday as well.

Monday night, though, the focus will be on the convention stage, where Michelle Obama and Pelosi will headline the evening. Expect waterworks from Democratic activists: The evening will also feature a tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy, the liberal lion whose diagnosis with a brain tumor earlier this year rocked the political world.

On Aug. 26, delegates up early can attend a symposium on energy and climate change featuring former Energy Secretary and prominent Obama backer Frederico Pena, the former Denver Mayor. Those who prefer entertainment might head to Coors Field for batting practice hosted by AT&T and U.S. Telecom.

But the big ticket will be a gala thrown by EMILY's List, a group that elects pro-choice Democratic women to office. The organization will take over the Sheraton Denver's largest ballroom for a salute to Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Pelosi. And just before the convention starts, two concerts give attendees a chance to dance.

Melissa Etheridge, Cyndi Lauper and Rufus Wainwright will face off against Willie Nelson at the competing events.

Tuesday evening speakers include Governor Janet Napolitano and a host of rising stars in the House Democratic Caucus. Clinton, who came within just a handful of delegates of winning the nomination herself, will give her highly anticipated speech, and former Virginia Governor Mark Warner will give the convention's keynote address.

By Aug. 27, reporters looking to file new stories and donors looking for new outlets for their money will spend their morning at a "Meet the Candidates" breakfast sponsored by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. As the party looks towards a five- to eight-seat pickup in the upper chamber, meeting candidates will be an attractive locale for the more politically-savvy delegates. Others may prefer to hear rosy news on the House side and head to a simultaneous political briefing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Speakers Wednesday will include some of the biggest names in Democratic politics. From Bill Clinton to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to oft-mentioned vice presidential finalists and Senators Evan Bayh and Joe Biden, the speakers warm up to the first of two main events when delegates vote to nominate a vice presidential candidate.

Well, the vice presidential nominee highlights the evening at the Pepsi Center. Afterwards, the two must-attend parties of the convention kick off, when the hip hop group the Black Eyed Peas perform at a reception hosted by the Creative Coalition. Later, rap superstar Kanye West will play at a party hosted by the ONE Campaign, the poverty-fighting organization headed by U2 frontman Bono, and the Recording Industry Association of America. Both events will draw fire marshals to keep an eye on packed houses.

By Aug. 28, bleary-eyed delegates will roll out of bed to a short day, featuring low-key film screenings, closing caucus meetings and events with celebrities backing Obama, including actors Kal Penn, Rosario Dawson and Kerry Washington.

That night, Obama will not accept his party's nomination in the 19,000-capacity Pepsi Center, but rather in front of 75,000 supporters and delegates at Invesco Field, where the Denver Broncos play football. The event, which closes the convention, is expected to generate a serious bounce for the Democratic nominee.

Delegates staying in far-flung hotels should not worry about transportation, given the plethora of transportation options in Denver. From shuttles between delegation hotels to a comprehensive light rail system running throughout the city, visitors will have plenty of chances to explore the Mile High City. More exercise-conscious visitors can also borrow a bicycle from the city to go on a sight-seeing tour.

New ethics rules, highly touted by the new Democratic congressional majority, have quietly been loosened in recent months to allow lawmakers and their staffs more access to convention parties. House staffers and members can go to any party as part of a delegation, not in an official capacity; on the Senate side, members and staff can hit events with more than 25 people, considered under ethics rules a "widely-attended event."

For delegates, the rules are simpler: Have fun, be safe and try not to get arrested.