Brace yourself for a ride: Denver’s downtown theme park is opening its gates. Between the adrenaline-surging drops—including the 200-foot sky-to-ground rush of the Tower of Doom or the Boomerang’s 50 mph back-and-forth twists—regroup while watching acrobatic and musical performances, magicians, and interacting with animals.

Cool off with rum 'n' cider or a chillded beer. The sleeveless ensemble is mandatory but you’ll stay plenty warm in your vest. Prizes go out to the hottest vests of the night. Don’t forget to enter the raffle drawing for a grab bag of awesome wins, which include Patagoina vests, Rockmount western wear, and Illegal Pete's or Highland Tap & Burger gift cards.

Dance to gypsy jazz music while getting amped on outdoor adventure. This evening bash—thrown by the Women’s Wilderness Institute—brings Boulder-based quartet band Sacrebleu! to the stage to perform upbeat acoustic swing music.

Peruse rows of the freshest four-wheel releases—green-energy machines, sleek-and-exotic roadsters, and specialty rides. With a showcase that displays more than 35 car lines—from the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lotus Exige S to the Toyota DUB Avalon and Kia’s Green Lantern Soul—delight in all of the new features of these vehicles. Questions? The factory reps are on hand to help out.

The 28,500 square-foot concrete and edgy Clyfford Still Museum demands attention. Learn more about how Still’s abstract expressionism inspired the architectural design of this facility—the sole Still museum in existence. The artist's will stipulates that the entirety of his work must be housed in one permanent museum.

Whip out your brimmed hat and dashing getup for the Kentucky Derby. Enjoy mint juleps, beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres as you cheer on the racers. Dance to live jazz music from Your Father's Mustache Band, applaud cancer survivors and recipients of the George Karl Awards, and bid in silent and live auctions. Sat 3-7 p.m.

Searching for the best pizza in town? Celebrate Dominican Sisters Home Health Agency’s 90th birthday party with a night of top-notch slices. Taste test pizza creations from the city’s top chefs (including Pizza Republica's George Eder and Mark Dym from Marco's Coal-Fired Pizzeria) and purchase derby dollars to place bets on the night’s number one culinary master. Can’t make the dinner date?

This trip to the chocolate factory is adults only. The whimsical party, inspired by Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is a colorful celebration for the Children's Museum's 40th anniversary. Delight in décor that imitates scenes such as the chocolate river, inventing room, everlasting gobstoppers, and becoming a blueberry.

Celebrate the symphony with the style and pageantry of a polo match. This polo-themed annual fundraiser is hosted by the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra in the beautiful Larson Barn. In addition to a champagne bar, auction items, and pony-less polo, the event will feature performances by the Steamboat String Quartet, Anna Roder, and Keri Rusthoi. Sat 6 p.m.-midnight.

Lose yourself in a weekend of St. Patrick’s Day revelry. Saturday’s warm-up events include rugby matches, and activities for kids until 4 p.m., and live music by Clancy's, Celtic Steps, and Under a Blood Red Sky. The celebration continues on Sunday with more music, food, and (of course) beer. Sat 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m.