—Film—

What: Starz Denver Film Festival: Denver Film Society’s 30th annual celebration of movie-making talent wraps up this weekend with a full schedule of films and a retrospective photo exhibit.
Why: You may not see these independent films anywhere else.
Bonus: Feel like a Hollywood bigwig by attending Saturday’s “Red Carpet Premiere” of August Rush, with Keri Russell and Robin Williams. Tickets are $20. For $45, you can snag an invite to the post-film soiree: the Last Reel Party at the ExDo Event Center on 35th and Walnut.
Details: Films run through Sunday, times and locations vary. $11. Call 303-595-3456 or visit www.denverfilm.org/festival.

—Spoken Word—

What: ACC’s Second Annual Poetry Slam 101: A gathering of minds and mouths engaged in the “competitive art of performance poetry.” This showcase of the written word emphasizing a dynamic delivery includes a 45-minute workshop, a performance by the national champion Denver Slam Team (who single handedly kicked to the curb 73 teams and 500 poets from across the country last year), and a chance to compete for the grand prize.
Why: Because you aspire to express yourself as eloquently as Mike Myers in So I Married an Axe Murderer.
Bonus: Give in to the competitive spirit without breaking a sweat and support the performers. Prize is a cash pot collected from the audience and participants.
Details: Thu 7 p.m. (6 p.m. workshop) $5. 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. Call 303-797-5815 or visit www.arapahoe.edu/press/poetry-slam.html.

—Theatre—

What: Pride and Prejudice: Denver Center Theatre Company opens its “Masterpiece Theatre” series with Jane Austen’s most popular novel.
Why: Who can resist the dashing Mr. Darcy?
Bonus: For all you Anglophiles, there’s a special matinee this Saturday followed by high tea at Prima Ristorante at the Hotel Teatro a block from the theatre. $110. Call 800-934-0524 or visit www.rmpbs.org.
Details: Fri through Dec 15. Times vary. $31–$48. Stage Theatre, 1101 13th St. Call 303-893-4100 or visit www.denvercenter.org.

—Benefit—

What: L’Esprit de Noel Holiday Home Tour and Boutique: The annual fundraiser for the Central City Opera’s Education and Community programs gives guests the chance to tour Old Cherry Hills Village estates, admire Denver’s most prestigious florists, table designers, and decorators who’ve decked the homes in elegance, and get a jumpstart on holiday shopping.
Why: Not everyone can own a $2 million home. But we can pretend—or at least drool with envy.
Bonus: Park for free at the boutique (presented by Kent Denver School’s Student Center for the Arts)—full of gourmet foods, holiday decorations, clothing, jewelry, paper goods, and gifts—and grab a shuttle bus to the house tours.
Details: Fri–Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 4000 E. Quincy Ave. $18–$20. Call 303-292-6700 or visit www.centralcityopera.org.

Tip for the week: Ski season is upon us, and avalanches kill more people in Colorado than in any other state. If you’re planning on heading out into the backcountry this winter, basic training is a must—and two free courses are happening this Thursday. Denver REI at 7 p.m., www.rei.com, or at University of Colorado, Boulder at 7 p.m., www.berthoudpass.org.