Chef John Besh, February 3

The Mile High City transforms into the Gulf Coast for this charity dinner, hosted by acclaimed chef John Besh of New Orleans’ restaurant August. Attendees have the chance to taste the rich Louisiana cuisine that made chef Besh famous, listen to live jazz music from the Quincy Avenue Rhythm Band, and sip on beverages crafted by the chef himself. A silent auction rounds out the night. Proceeds benefit Breakthrough Kent Denver, an educational enrichment program for low-income students in the Denver area. Wed, 6:30–9:30 p.m.; Shaden Dining Hall at the Kent Denver School Campus, 4000 E. Quincy Ave., Englewood; ticket prices vary

Red@Rule: Love and War, February 5

Passions run high at this opening night event, which celebrates the works of seven contemporary artists. With works from Colorado-based creators such as Molly Bounds, Wilma Fiori, and Margaret Neumann, the sensual show explores the spectrum of human emotion, from love and hate to pleasure and pain. Fri, 6–9 p.m.; Rule Gallery, 2354 Walnut St., free

Loveland/LuvByrd Chairlift Speed Dating, February 6

It’s time to appreciate the ride up the mountain—and some newfound company—at Colorado’s inaugural chairlift speed dating event. Get to know a new companion each time you ride the chairlift; you can share a few runs with them or swap out for a new date on the next lap if the chemistry’s not there. You’ll want to be choosy, too: Each new lift partner earns you an additional raffle ticket to win prizes such as a Never Summer Snowboard or a set of Spy goggles, although everyone can enjoy complimentary beer from Upslope Brewing Company and energy bars from Honey Stinger. Sat, 10 a.m.; Loveland Ski Area, Exit 216 on Interstate 70, near Georgetown; $45.30

So Percussion with Shara Worden, February 6

This nationally renowned percussion quartet takes the idea of drumming on garbage cans to a whole new level. The Brooklyn-based group will tap on objects ranging from tin cans to ceramic vases to counter tops to produce a variety of pieces spanning the band’s 16-album career. Add in vocalist Shara Worden of chamber music-rock hybrid My Brightest Diamond, and this night of ear candy is not one to be missed. Sat, 7:30 p.m.; Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., ticket prices vary

Super Bowl Mardi Gras Party, February 7

You’ve bitten off most of your nails over the course of the NFL season, and now the ultimate test of your cuticles has finally come: the Denver Broncos facing off against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. As the team at Epic Brewing Company understands, though, there’s no need to miss celebrating Mardi Gras to cheer on the home team. The solution: Epic will screen the game and host an all-you-can-eat buffet that includes po’ boy sliders, jambalaya, mac and cheese grits, and more made by Creole food truck Mile High Cajun. Sun 3-9 p.m.; Epic Brewing Company, 3001 Walnut St.; ticket prices vary.