Instead of spending Friday night curled up with your favorite sci-fi novel, meet the best sci-fi, mystery, and thriller writers of the Centennial State in person. Grab a glass of complimentary blood orange sangria or discounted Pinot Noir and listen to eight Colorado Book Awards finalists, including Laura Di Silverio (The Reckoning Stones) and Carter…
Erin Brockovich is more than a Julia Roberts character—she's a hard-working environmental activist and the guest speaker for this year's Chanda Plan Foundation fund-raiser. Find out more about what's happened in her life after the 1996 case that inspired the Oscar-winning film, then place your bets on a two-night stay in Keystone or a $50…
Already mapping out your summer summits? Find inspiration through the lens—and on the trails. This adventure-packed festival delivers four days of world premieres including The Coldest Crossing, the story of the first people to try to cross Iceland unsupported in winter. Away from the screens, the gatherings continue with activities such as a Roaring Fork…
Leonardo da Vinci once said that the natural desire of good men is knowledge. Feed your mind with this three-day celebration of films made to inform viewers of important causes and those working to make a positive impact. Amid this year’s slate of 16 short and feature narrative films and documentaries will be director Jeff…
If you're tired of your daily highway commute, this lecture will help you escape to thoughts of a relaxing trip by train. As you sip on a cocktail made by museum staff, Boulder-based author Erika Krouse will discuss the unforgettable people she met and the inspiration she found during her travels as an Amtrak writer-in-residence.…
Don your snazziest cocktail attire and a glitzy mask for this Mardi Gras–themed charity gala. After snapping pictures in a photo booth and snacking on hors d'oeuvre, bid on a variety of luxury items, including tickets to a Beyoncé concert and a set of K2 skis, at the silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the…
During this two-day celebration of design, expert guides—from historians to architects—will offer tours of more than 50 landmarks across the Mile High City, including Union Station, the Blair Caldwell African-American Research Library, and the Brown Palace Hotel. Between tours, rest your feet at a free performance in one of the historic venues; don't miss a…
If spring cleaning has left your home a little too un-cluttered, we suggest getting your pizzazz back with the quarterly return of Denver Flea. The artisan-garage-sale-on-steroids is back with all manner of local vendors–food, clothes, art, crafts, gear–you name it, it’s here. Make a statement with a new T-shirt from August Ink, get cozy with…
At this captivating short film screening, meet some of the pioneering minds behind the pursuit of clean energy: American soldiers. Framing our nation's dependence on fossil fuels as a national security issue, the documentary follows the military's role in researching sustainable energy sources and encouraging the more conservative members of Congress to change their stances…
Treat yourself to a few new accessories, natural remedies, and home goods at Denver-based online marketplace Salt & Blue's pop-up boutique, held in the Craftsman & Apprentice. The stylishly rustic jewelry is particularly worth browsing, and 10 percent of the proceeds from locally made William Reid candles will benefit the Gathering Place, a daytime drop-in…
If you've had separation anxiety since Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, and Tyrion Lannister went off the air, this Game of Thrones season six, episode one screening is just the cure. Costumed attendees can participate in a 10-round trivia session to win prizes like helmet replicas and a Game of Thrones-themed version of Risk. Guests receive…
Thanks to this charity show, you can kick back at a concert and take a stand against violence. With a drink from the Tracks bar in hand, enjoy a live rock performance by local singer and guitarist Sean Kelly of the Samples, then bid on unique auction offerings such as baskets full of pet care…
At this casual networking party, build business connections while enjoying your night out. Local band Mannequin will delight you with a live jazz performance as you enjoy a Denver Field House burger and mingle with local vendors, including event planner 5 Bees Events and photography studio Unfound Door. Thu 6-8 p.m.
At this colorful faire, you can pursue a new hobby and finish your Mother's Day shopping. After taking a beading 101 class with members of the Rocky Mountain Bead Society, browse creations from more than 80 jewelers, including Star Spirit Studio and Piedra Designs, to find the perfect gift for Mom. Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.;…
Whether you're in the process of remodeling or just want to admire beautiful design, this tour of Boulder's trendiest kitchens is a productive way to spend an afternoon. As you take in gorgeous countertops at more than 10 locations, snack on appetizers from the Savory Spice Shop and green chile from Casa Alvarez Foods, plus…
If you're looking to buy or remodel a home, find inspiration on this interactive tour. Visit a historic landmark (the three-story Victorian Decker-Tyler house built in 1874), and seven 1960s ranch homes in North Boulder, where you can talk to homeowners about how they renovated their mid-century properties. Proceeds benefit Historic Boulder, a nonprofit focused…
Ditch the shopping cart and the big box store this weekend: The artisans at this diverse market have (nearly) everything you'd find at Wal-Mart, with unbeatable made-in-Denver quality. Pick from 90 bespoke vendors and hobbyists, including Baba & Pop's Homemade Pierogi, Lux and Luca Jewelry Co, True and Simple Wood Stuff. Local musicians Sara Emmitt…
A water bottle is a constant accessory for Coloradans, so the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is trying to educate us on where our H2O comes from. Attend a panel discussion on the history of the Denver Water company and whether access to water is a right or a privilege, plus view a…
Celebrate Passover with an authentic Israeli meal and unique activities at this cultural festival. After enjoying spicy falafel from Saj Mediterranean Grill, learn some traditional folk dance steps while the kids find artifacts in a mock archaeological dig. Before you leave, round out your meal with desserts from Congregation B'Nai Chaim's new cookbook, Recipes For…
Spend an evening with Ron Burgundy and the inappropriate Channel 4 news team at this quote-a-long screening. With a yazz flute prop in hand and a faux mustache on your face, you'll be ready to yell out your favorite ridiculous lines and play along with Ron as he attempts to seduce news team newcomer Veronica…
Pamper your mom with an evening of beauty at this ladies-only charity gala. Sip on a signature cocktail from the Ritz-Carlton's bar as you watch a spring runway show featuring styles from local boutiques, including Cry Baby Ranch and the Goorin Bros., then treat yourselves to facials provided by Matthew Morris Salon and Skincare. Proceeds…
When it comes to the Kentucky Derby, your race day attire is as important as the race itself. At this stylish party, local hat-makers the Goorin Bros. will help you get ready for the big event. With a complimentary mint julep in hand, browse through fedoras and boaters in the shop's new Derby-inspired collection to…
Celebrate the balmy spring weather at the official opening of BookBar’s patio. Refreshing drink samples will complement the featured summer reads and the end-of-winter sale on winter tales. A pop-up art gallery featuring the work of Denver artist Erin Walrath Ralston, readings from Colorado Book Award finalists, and a coloring hour will round out this…
A film festival doesn't have to be an all-day affair; in fact, you can see seven films in less than the runtime of Star Wars: The Force Awakens at this rapidfire fest. These critically acclaimed shorts are in tall order: Opening night features flicks such as Bendito Machine V, a crowd-funded movie about man versus…
At this colorful faire brimming with handmade goods, you're sure to find a unique gift for Mother's Day. More than 100 local artisans will show off their wares, including elegant jewelry from Mercer and Jayne, fragrant natural beauty products from Remy & Rose, and illustrated cards from the Paper Home Co. After browsing the goodies,…
This Mother’s Day, create special totems—between sips—that you and your mom can wear as a daily reminder of your bond. Learn how to make a mala, a 108-bead necklace that is traditionally used by Hindus and Buddhists during prayer and meditation. As you craft, enjoy bottomless mimosas and brunch foods. Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m. —Photo…
If you've never found a fragrance that truly matches your style, this DIY workshop provides a chance to create one yourself. Experts at the Scented Studio will introduce their 22 signature scents and walk you through the process of developing your own 30-milliliter custom roll-on perfume. Bonus: Take home a sugar scrub for the perfect…
If the upcoming election has you asking yourself whether voting is really necessary, this casual debate is the place to get some answers. By the time local experts, including Denise Maes, the public policy director at the ACLU Colorado, and Candi CdeBaca, the founder of local nonprofit Project Voyce, are done arguing for or against…
Visit the local movie theater for a Mother’s Day brunchtacular featuring a movie, brunch offerings, specialty cocktails, and deals from Aspen Grove stores. Enjoy the classic film while indulging in a spread of mixed fruit, bacon, sausage, and roasted potatoes, plus a mimosa. Afterward, explore the Aspen Grove shopping center. Sun 11 a.m.
Thanks to this upbeat fund-raiser, supporting individuals suffering from mental health issues is as easy as going to a concert. Snack on appetizers from Howl at the Moon while enjoying a live rock performance by Ignatius Reilly, then catch dueling pianists on stage after 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Colorado Mental Wellness Network, a statewide…
Learn to appreciate your feminine traits and love your body at this weekend retreat. With intimate workshops, such as an exploration of plant-based healing, and empowering yoga sessions, including Kundalini yoga focused on balancing your hormones, you're sure to leave feeling strong and rejuvenated. Proceeds benefit the Samburu Girls Foundation's project to build a kitchen…
At this eclectic festival, you can travel back in time or across the globe. The lineup includes historic films, such as the 1970 slapstick short Some Days You Can't Make A Nickel and the 1912 dramatization of the life of frontier bride Clarice E. Richards, as well as films from Colorado directors. Don't miss the…
In order to make some of the best dishes in Colorado, Fruition and Mercantile Dining & Provision owner Alex Seidel uses the highest quality ingredients he can find in the state. Learn about his process and technique in a small group culinary demonstration that features Friday night reception with the chef and a Saturday field…
You and your four-legged friend can enjoy the sun at this charity event. An adorable parade will feature dozens of Corgi pups (and other breeds) strutting their stuff in costume as well as pooch-friendly vendors such as Pet Wants Denver. Proceeds benefit local charities working to educate dog owners about the breed-specific health issues, including…
Even for experienced art collectors, a live auction can be an intimidating experience. At this helpful event, Maron Hindman of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will explain the auction process, giving you all the tips you need to be a more successful buyer and seller on the floor. After her talk, sip on a complimentary Bloody Mary…
Denver's very own school of rock is having a block party to celebrate its album release—and the city's most promising young musicians need your support for their record to gain attention. This mini-festival features live performances by the music students featured on the album, Y.O.R. Sessions Vol. 1, as well as interactive studio jam sessions…
The famous Colorado Dragon Boat Festival has expanded to the silver screen. This celebration of Asian-American and Pacific-Islander heritage features everything from comedies (Awesome Asian Bad Guys) and documentaries (Changing Season: On The Masumoto Family Farm) to anime flicks (Wolf Children). Spring for the opening night VIP reception to meet the director of Uzumasa Limelight,…
In honor of Memorial Day, support local military families at this charity gala. In addition to enjoying a gourmet barbecue chicken dinner, bid to win items such as a weeklong stay at Bear Hollow Resort or a football signed by Von Miller. Proceeds benefit Project Sanctuary, an organization that provides retreats and counseling to families…
Head north of Denver for a day of sunshine and local shopping at this outdoor flea market. While the kids get their faces painted, you can check out dozens of Colorado-based vendors selling vintage and handmade goods, including accessories by Ivy Jewelry Designs, fair trade furniture from Elemental Trading Co., and spicy chai from the…
You won't be line dancing, but this lively hoedown is still a great place to learn simple new steps. Decked out in your fanciest Western attire, start the evening with a lesson from Swingin' Denver instructors, then admire the pros from local dance troupe the Ladies & Gentlemen as they take the stage for a…
Fund-raisers are as common as craft breweries in the Mile High City, but when you put the two together and add a blind taste test, your night becomes more interesting. During this charitable evening, you'll sample pours from Diebolt Brewing, Lowdown Brewery, Mockery Brewing, and Zephyr Brewing Company—without knowing which company brewed which beer. Folks…
During this innovative lecture, Michel Martin (the weekend host of NPR's All Things Considered), and seven other dynamic speakers will focus on the ethical, political, and social issues surrounding water. By discussing topics such as sustainability, agriculture, and the symbolic significance of water, the eclectic panel—including a rancher, the author of science fiction novel The…
In 2005, National Geographic sent photographer James Balog to the Arctic with one instruction—capture climate change. The one-time assignment quickly turned to obsession: His team spent years in the hellacious cold to film the Extreme Ice Survey, a dramatic, multi-year time-lapse of Arctic ice falling into the Atlantic Ocean. This Emmy Award–winning film (the Huffington…
Denver's favorite indie bookstore and wine bar turns three on Saturday, and there's no better way to celebrate than new morsels and vinos—all free of charge. Sample the freshly fermented Bookbar–Bonacquisti Wine Company blend, and nibble new garden-to-table hors d'oeuvre such as berry plates with lavender whipped cream and caprese bites. For the novelist experience,…
Join this picnic at one of Denver's newest bars for a taste of Southern hospitality. The afternoon includes freshly roasted corn and potatoes from the Way Back chefs Samuel Charles and Marcus Eng, pours of Good River Beer and Peach Street Distillers spirits, and patio games between bites. Proceeds benefit Colorado Water Trust and American…
It's said that the Front Range was settled by mountain men, but this festival sets out to prove that adage wrong. (The founders could have been mountain women.) Celebrate the spirit of alpine adventure through the female perspective with films such as Off Width Outlaw, a profile of rock climber Pamela Shanti Pack, and Resounding…
Great Divide Brewing Co. and local nonprofit SheJumps are brewing up an evening of philanthropy and fun. Sip a SheJumps Mango IPA—a special beer Great Divide created specifically for this event—while listening to Steph Davis (a professional climber, BASE jumper, wingsuit flyer, and author of the captivating memoir Learning to Fly) speak about her experiences…
Take the opportunity to glimpse the BB-8 Droid featured in the latest Star Wars saga at this meet-up for technology lovers. Ian Berstein, co-founder of Boulder-based robot manufacturer Sphero (which created the lovable droid) will speak about his entrepreneurial success. He'll be followed by Jake Boshernitzan, co-founder of Knocki, a smart device that lets you…
Ready to take advantage of the (finally) warm Colorado weather? Set up some lawn chairs and spend an evening under the stars watching an iconic Indiana Jones film. Guests can enjoy live music from local rock band Bear Antler before the film begins at dusk, so don’t feel bad arriving early to snag those front…
When comedian Adam Carolla became bored with his nightly bottle of vino, he raided his liquor cabinet—and the 20.9 percent ABV Mangria was born. The recent release of the fruity wine-liquor hybrid is the cause for this bar-crawling celebration featuring Adam's wife, Lynette, his good friend Ray Oldhafer, and the Carolla Lackeys on an expedition…
The attractions at this cultural event range from live music (by local artists Chris Daniels and the Kings and Andy Rok & the Real Deal) to children’s crafts to food trucks, ensuring that even the pickiest of people will find a way to enjoy themselves. Don’t miss two new sources of entertainment: a beer garden…
Studio Colfax is kicking off the summer season with a stylish shindig and a fashion show. Local designers Sym Perrera and Minus the Dart will preview their collections in the studio’s courtyard; also watch for pieces from Los Angeles–based Pupil Clothing and jewelry from Red Bench and Marguerite Specht on the runway. Come for drinks,…
Bet on the Shelter for Homeless Veterans to help the local homeless population at this gambling-themed fund-raiser. Try your hand at a game of blackjack, craps, poker, or roulette (the dealers will teach you to play if you're not quite a card shark yet). Then, take a break from bluffing to jam out with music…
Round up your cleverest friends and co-workers for a riveting evening of world trivia. Refuel at the event’s buffet-style dinner of build-your-own chicken and barbacoa sliders, and use your global knowledge to win prizes including tickets to a Colorado Opera performance, gift cards to Tattered Cover Book Store and Komotodo Sushi Burrito, and hotel stays…
You don't have to be a diehard Trekkie to geek out at this three-day pop culture—themed extravaganza. Enter your cleverest homemade costume into the cosplay contest and be on the lookout for special guests such as Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who has been in both Grey's Anatomy and The Walking Dead, and Games of Thrones star…
You don’t have to visit a galaxy far, far away to have a thrilling weekend. May the force be with you this at this Saturday screening of the latest addition to the Star Wars saga, which follows the next generation of jedi masters and caped villains. Snack on tasty treats from Em’s Ice Cream and…
Travel simultaneously to the past and the future by immersing yourself in Steampunk clothing, art, and music, which draws inspiration from science fiction and the Industrial Age. Take a ride on a steam locomotive and check out acrobatic stilt walkers, then reconvene for an evening concert by Colorado-based indie rock band Hydrogen Skyline. Feeling particularly…
This bike-centric, boozy block party encompasses all things Denver. Cycle through a scenic course in Washington Park, then join your fellow bikers on a bar crawl to the Pub on Pearl and the Candlelight Tavern. Don't forget to stamp your raffle card at each bar for the chance to win one of three cruiser bikes…
It's easy to get Dad out of the house when you promise him barbecue—and it's even easier if his meal comes with a screening of Indiana Jones. The menu at this feast-and-flick features a choice of a burger, cheeseburger, green chili cheeseburger, or pulled pork from Steuben's in addition to a beverage ticket for the…
After a star-filled inaugural year, this television-focused festival is back with a whole new round of pilots. Although the full schedule hasn't been announced yet, the opening night program is eough to ramp up the anticipation: Tickets will earn you a look at the North American premiere of BBC America's documentary series The Hunt, which…
Fashion fans unite: At this stylish soirée, Boulder boutique Willow will offer cocktails, clothing, and a visit from Liz Finkelstein, a stylist with Mile High Style. Consult Finkelstein for a complimentary styling session, then take advantage of the storewide 25 percent discount. Looking for a new summer ’do? Snag a raffle ticket for a chance…
Explore the beatnik lifestyle of a modern American artist at this exhibit uncovering Clyfford Still’s time in San Francisco after World War II. Mile High Soul Club co-founders DJ Tyler Jacobson and DJ DogBoy will be spinning soul, funk, and R&B tunes from the ’60s and ’70s all night, and you can snap along to…
Embark upon an empathetic journey to Ethiopia and the Dominican Republic during this immersive cross-cultural experience. Visitors take on the role of children in each developing country and experience both sadness and hope as they use audio headsets to guide them through their day-to-day activities on this tour. Proceeds benefit Compassion International's child sponsorship program,…
Explore the rich history of Scandinavia at this lively cultural celebration. After watching costumed representatives of each Scandinavian country raise the Midsummer pole to kick off the festivities, check out vintage cars at a Saab and Volvo auto show and visit the Fjelborg Viking Encampment to watch reenactors fence and glimpse an authentic sailboat. Then…
Know every Beyoncé lyric in the book? Now’s the time to put your skills to the test. Pay tribute to Queen B with a night of tunes on the big screen, from early hits like "Crazy in Love" to her recent songs on Lemonade, and grab a prop like an inflatable microphone to add extra…
Not everyone can be a Rio Olympian—but you can have just as much fun at this playfully competitive Olympic-themed tournament. Teams of four, five, or six will compete in round-robin matches of giant foosball, an adult tricycle relay, and team knockout basketball. After you've broken a sweat, cool off with a Blue Moon and see…
Help Renegade Brewing Company celebrate five years of making “offensively delicious” beer at this summery street bonanza. Live music from rock bands such as Animal Electricity and headliner Inner Oceans will have you tapping your toe all day as you sample food from Green Tree Stir Fry and Ol’ Skool Que. With a cold Renegade…
Pack your favorite sandwiches and sodas for a picnic-style get-together hosted by Warm Cookies of the Revolution, an organization that promotes civic discussion and participation within the community. In honor of the afternoon's theme of change and movement, you're encouraged to bring a set of wheels—such as a stroller or bike—to add to the collection…
Go behind the scenes of one of history’s most famous boxing matches during a screening of this 1996 Oscar-winning documentary. The film, which follows the 1974 fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, was cultivated from more than 250 hours of footage from before and after the fight, featuring appearances from director Spike Lee and…
Get to know your fellow neighbors at RiNo’s second social of the year while you munch on hors d’oeuvres from the Preservery and jam to the music of Cameron Schaefer from indie group Details. The first 300 guests will receive free beer from Epic Brewing Company, plus they can enter a raffle to win two…
At this free screening in Denver International Airport's new open-air plaza, the only checks you'll be writing are the ones your body can't cash. The night kicks off with a live rock show by ’80s tribute band New Sensation and a barbecue meal prepared by chefs from Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. After dinner, watch Maverick (Tom…
Explore the era of our Founding Fathers with horse-drawn wagon rides, a trip to the blacksmith’s shop, and old-fashioned games including sack races and tug of war. After making your way around the historic park, refuel with snacks from Kettle Head Popcorn and Em’s Ice Cream as well as craft beers from Copper Kettle Brewing…
Skip the family barbecues this Independence Day and instead indulge in old-fashioned American nostalgia at this classic car show. Check out 100 vintage and custom rides (both cars and motorcycles) before settling in on the grass for a flashy fireworks display. Mon 5-10 p.m. Visit fireworkscarshow.com.
Travel back to the age of Hollywood before talking pictures were commonplace with this classic 1928 silent film starring Buster Keaton. As you root for the protagonist in his attempts to become an MGM cameraman and win the heart of a secretary, delight in live musical accompaniment by Denver-based pianist Hank Troy. Plus, catch Keaton…
There's no need to travel to New York or Chicago to network with innovative designers—you can find dozens of creative minds right here in the Mile High City. Kick off the city’s inaugural design week at the launch party, where you can check out an interactive art wall by local illustrator Christian Musselman with a…
Turn movie night into a drinking game at this '90s film screening. As you watch the cult classic Office Space, which follows three company workers who rebel against their stingy boss, you'll have plenty of opportunities to take a swig of your booze. The cinema recommends taking a drink when you see Bill Lumbergh carrying…
Find inspiration for your outdoor space during this family-friendly bike tour. Visit 10 colorful yards designed in a variety of landscape styles, including a cottage garden (a small space brimming with colorful, dense plant coverage) and a Southwestern garden (a yard filled with plenty of desert native plants), then relax with a glass of lemonade…
Come rain or shine, you can celebrate this brewery’s 26th year in the craft beer scene. Sip a tasty brew or sample roasted pork while you enjoy music from Colorado rock group Big Head Todd and the Monsters on the main stage, or catch other local indie bands such as Grant Farm and We Dream…
Denver Beer Co. and Outdoor Project have teamed up for this summer spectacular. Try a new petite saison brewed in collaboration with Portland brewery Base Brewing Company, and snag swag from Zeal Optics, Mile High Clothing Company, and Spyder. As you sip, musical acts such as the Dollhouse Thieves, Josh Moorehead, and the Gin Doctors…
Independence Day might be over, but that doesn't mean you have to stop celebrating revolutionary milestones. Honor France's sovereignty at this cultural festival, during which you can sample fresh French pancakes from Crepes A Go-Go and listen to a live performance by accordion player Alicia Baker and vocalist Maria Lopez. For the most authentic experience,…
Even if you couldn't get tickets to the String Cheese Incident at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, you still have a chance to glimpse their keyboard player, Kyle Hollingsworth, at this boozy festival. Sip craft beers from more than 30 local brew houses, including Odell Brewing Company and Platt Park Brewing Company, and dance along to live…
Join Women Empowering Change for a day of leading ladies inspiring each other through chats, presentations, and demonstrations. Over 100 local and global organizations will be set up around the event to get the word out about their missions to change the world, including WorldDenver, the Colorado Women’s Education Foundation, Friendship Bridge, and Threads Worldwide.…
A calming, fresh scent and picturesque purple blooms await you at this celebration of summer's most versatile plant. While you're there, browse sachets and lavender-flavored beverages from local vendors; enjoy a hay ride around the farm with the kiddos; and take a class on creating medicinal oils ($30) with local herbalist Zoë Williams, the founder…
You admired these attorneys when you saw them defending Stephen Avery in Making A Murderer—now you have the chance to swoon over their commitment to justice in person. At this intimate lecture, they'll discuss the Avery case and its broader implications for the American legal system before taking questions from the audience. Without any video…
Whether you're looking to enjoy the sun or chow down on a Deluxe patty from Park Burger, this block party is the place to do it. With an Apocalypse IPA from 10 Barrel Brewing Co. in hand, you can sway along to live performances from reggae groups the Original Wailers and the Hip Abduction. Proceeds…
It's almost election season, and there’s a new candidate coming to town. After creating a television show that considered class, race, and gender issues, beloved sitcom star Roseanne Barr offers a unique take on the political landscape. At this documentary screening, she'll be there in person to introduce the dark comedy that follows her 2012…
Follow the journey of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai and her commitment to fighting for women’s education worldwide in this portrait documentary. Guests can enjoy a patio wine reception prior to the screening, as well as an interview with financier and philanthropist David Rubenstein. The film will be shown in coordination with the opening…
During this unusual screening, glimpse the exciting start of mussel season in the Dutch province of Zeeland and marvel at how much its inhabitants love these mollusks. Start with a pre-film cocktail and snack from New World Cheese, then learn about Dutch biologists, chefs, and gynecologists, all of whom depend on this sea creature in…
The next total solar eclipse is a year away, but since a similar event hasn't happened since 1979, you should start planning your watch party now. Scott McIntosh, a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, will help you prespare at this fascinating presentation, during which he'll discuss this rare interaction between celestial bodies…
Next time you visit the airport, avoid the TSA line and celebrate Colorado's Western heritage at this lively festival instead. After you sip on whiskey from Old Town Distilling Co., visit ponies at a Colorado Horse Rescue's petting zoo, try to spend eight seconds on a mechanical bull, or take silly selfies in a cowboy-themed…
Inked Magazine named Denver the fifth most tattooed city in America, so it's no surprise this massive body art–centric convention is coming to the Mile High City. For three days, festival attendees can peruse the works of tattoo artists from 22 states as well as the United Kingdom and enjoy dance performances from Darshan Dance…
During this impactful movie night, you're sure to become more aware of your carbon footprint. The evening's lineup includes four films that will inspire you to make more sustainable choices, including Cowspiricy: The Sustainability Secret, a documentary exploring the environmental impact of animal agriculture, and Baraka, a collection of footage from around the world capturing…
At this upbeat performance, jazz musician and composer Matt Savage will delight you with his solo piano music. Though he was diagnosed with a high-functioning type of autism at a young age and couldn't tolerate a lot of sound, the 24-year-old taught himself how to play and has worked alongside jazz veterans such as trumpet…
Spend an evening remembering the legendary David Bowie at this fantastic installment of Film on the Rocks. In the classic 1986 film, teenage Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) teams up with an odd band of creatures to thwart the Goblin King (Bowie) and rescue her baby brother. Between Bowie's musical numbers, Jim Henson's elaborate puppets, and the…
In this historical documentary, the legacy of poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou has been captured on screen for the first time. During the screening, watch interviews with several iconic figures, including Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey, who will offer their take on Angelou's impact throughout history. Stick around after the film to ask…
During this food-focused block party, you can chow down on grub from Colfax restaurants, including flaky sandwiches from the Denver Biscuit Company; sweet and savory pies from the Humble Pie Store; and modern Mexican fare from Mezcal. After you've eaten your fill, dance along to live performances by local Americana band Strange Americans as well…
If you're hoping to see your newly finished manuscript on the shelves at the Tattered Cover, this intimate workshop is a smart opportunity for networking. Between attending presentations on the publishing industry and submitting the first page of your book to a panel for criticism, you can meet one-on-one with an agent to pitch your…
During this picturesque visit to the gardens, enjoy a romantic sunset view and lush blooms. Take in the serene ambiance as you admire artwork from the "Stories in Sculpture" exhibit, which features large pieces by Henry Moore, Deborah Butterfield, and George Segal. After embarking on a private rose garden tour with senior curator Panayoti Kelaidis,…
Dive into a weekly adventure with your favorite on-screen characters every Wednesday in August thanks to this outdoor screening series. Travel across the country with Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, follow the shenanigans of a fictional British metal band in the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, and join a pair of young lovers on the run…
Journey to the past at this historic festival honoring Colorado's Western roots. Glimpse covered wagons in the parade downtown, enjoy a charity pork roast dinner, and learn about Del Norte's past during a hay wagon tour. After a weekend full of activity on the frontier, refuel at an ice cream social on Saturday. Thu-Sun, times…
A night at the circus promises plenty of surprises. Watch live shows by entertainers such as Ginger Snap, a girl who shocks herself with over 500,000 volts of electricity, or check out the creepy Cabinet of Curiosities, which contains shrunken heads from Bora Bora and the reptilian Alligator Man. Afterward, enjoy classic snacks such as…
Calling all book lovers, collectors, and print junkies: This two-day festival boasts novelties including rare books, maps, posters, and historic records. In addition to exhibitors such as Fahrenheit’s Books, Jeff Jeremias Fine Arts, and the Old Map Gallery, the event welcomes speakers Thomas Haller Buchanan, author of Beauty and the Book, and Karen Jones of…
Score antique steals and deals at your favorite boutiques during this colorful street fair. Browse vintage home goods at Finders Keepers or the city's largest supply of costume jewelry at Somewhere In Time, then snag free samples at Capital Tea. Afterward, take a break from retail therapy to enjoy a live performance of blues tunes…
During this birthday shindig, sip on an Anniversary V, a chocolate coconut Graham Cracker Porter concocted to celebrate the popular watering hole's fifth year in operation. After a drink or two, take a turn on the water slide or challenge a buddy to a game of cornhole. Then local funk group SoulTyme and cover band…
Journey 21,000 years into the future during this screening of an ’80s sci-fi flick from director David Lynch. The story, which was based on a 1960 novel by Frank Herbert, follows two rival noble families on the desert planet Arrakis. As they battle to gain control of the empire, you can indulge in a dinner…
Amateur stargazers can hone their skills during this stellar educational experience. Ride a gondola to the top of Aspen Mountain, where experts from the Aspen Science Center will teach you how to use a telescope and tell you the legends behind the names of different constellations. Then astronomer David Aguilar will deliver a keynote presentation…
Embrace the lively music and delicious flavors of Brazil at this lively cultural festival. Start by taking workshops in samba dance and pagode percussion, move along to the beats of Choro Das Três, Moyseis Marques, and Ginga. To refuel after your dance floor workout, snack on feijoada, a stew of beans with beef and pork,…
Pair your most colorful lei with your favorite Hawaiian shirt at this tiki-themed celebration. Snack on lumpia and mango peach salsa from Taste of the Philippines as surf rock DJs Mario Zoots and Jeromie Dorrance spin tracks and local entrepreneurs, such as Spinster Sisters' founder Kelly Perkins and River North Workshop's owner Alicia Hendricks, give…
At this colorful extravaganza, you can take the kids on carnival rides, listen to a live performance by country singer Buckstein, and sip on a craft brew in the beer garden. Then explore the Jackalope Art & Craft fair, where you'll find a variety of homemade wares such as greeting cards from Rum Bird Studio’s…
When it comes to pairings, wine and world-class music go together perfectly. Sip on fine wines from Balistreri Vineyards as you feast on cuisine from hot spots such as Lucky Cat Denver, Little Man Ice Cream, and Jax Fish House. Jamaican native and pianist Monty Alexander, who has performed with legends like Frank Sinatra and…
Brush up on classic Star Wars lines for this rare opportunity to watch the original Star Wars trilogy on the big screen in its entirety. This movie marathon is only the second time in decades that viewers will have the chance to watch the entire trilogy outside the comfort of their homes. Start the evening…
Rendezvous for a reason at this charity gala. Indulge in blackened chicken breast, loaded mashed potatoes, and chocolate pudding from Footers Catering as you listen to jazz singer Hazel Miller croon your favorite tunes. After dinner, don't miss the live auction, where you can bid on items such as artwork from photographer John Fielder. Proceeds…
This intimate night of readings by NPR's acclaimed storytelling group, the Moth, is tailor-made for an adventurous Colorado audience. Dame Wilburn, a Detroit-based poet and Moth Grand Slam champion, will host a performance filled with true tales of adventure, discovery, and uncertainty inspired by storytellers' experiences in the wilderness and in wild cities. Don't miss…
During this intimate reading, narrative poetry lovers can get their fix. Listen as Tice, a professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University, reads from his new novella-in-poems, What the Night Numbered, which reimagines the gay rights struggle of the Stonewall period through the lens of Greek myths. Then McCord, who teaches in Des Moines, Iowa, will discuss…
Dress to the nines for an evening honoring this cultural institution. Jive to the beats of Latin funk and salsa group Barrio Funk Band, then savor a menu of Latin-inspired small bites, including empanadas and ceviche, alongside margaritas and mojitos. Before you leave, bid in the auction to score pieces from the museum's private collection,…
At this innovative workshop, learn how to use the arts to build stronger, more equal relationships and organizations. Led by the founders of local nonprofit Creative Strategies for Change, participants will use theater games, creative writing, and dance to explore their own identities and understand cross-cultural issues such as power, equality, and oppression. Between exercises,…
Animal lovers rejoice: you and your pooch have an excuse to go out on the town. At this two-day event, you can browse pet-focused vendor booths, get Fido a discounted vaccination, or learn grooming and training tips from the experts. Then you and your canine pal can meet Pit Boss star Shorty Rossi and his…
Thanks to this geeky celebration, you don't have to choose between going out to a bar and playing three hours of Settlers of Catan. At this new pub, you and your friends can check out one of 600 board games, such as Boss Monster or Istanbul, and play it while sipping on a Crazy Mountain…
Whether you're new to the practice or an avid meditator, you can benefit from expert advice on how to better overcome distractions at this informative talk. Kadampa Meditation Center Colorado teacher Lucy James will lead a 30-minute guided meditation followed by an inspirational 45-minute workshop, during which she'll offer tips and advice for finding inner…
RiNo is a hub for the cutting-edge and creative, and this second annual TEDxRiNo event delves into the roots of the community’s drive and innovation. Six neighborhood leaders will speak on the theme of "Origins," so get ready to hear nonprofit Centro Inc. founder Jamie Lick discuss how to keep evolving neighborhoods’ histories intact during…
Celebrate the National Park Service's 100th birthday by taking a behind-the-scenes look at the history of this Colorado tourist destination. In the archives, take a guided tour and examine a collection of artifacts, including 700-year-old Ancestral Puebloan relics excavated in the Wetherill Mesa in the 1960s and photographs taken by anthropologist Jesse Walter Fewkes around…
Join your favorite superheroes, sidekicks, and fantasy characters during this weekend-long extravaganza. Enter a costume contest, and meet some of your favorite stars including Dean Cain from The New Adventures of Superman, Alfonso Ribeiro from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Sons of Anarchy star Ryan Hurst. After snapping a few celebrity photos, you can…
You don’t have to sit front row at New York Fashion Week to see serious style. Dubbed the largest outdoor fashion extravaganza in Colorado, the fund-raiser highlights local designers like Andrea Li and Parasite Eve Designs on the catwalk. After the runway show, snack on hors d’oeuvres from Three Tomatoes Catering or take part in…
Classic car lovers have been flocking to this philanthropic showcase for 13 years. Check out an array of stylish and exceptionally crafted rides, including a vintage 1936 Cadillac V-16 Aerodynamic Coupe and 2008 Koenigsegg CCXR, or glimpse a North American P-51 Mustang airplane, which earned the nickname Miss America after being piloted by Allied soldiers…
It’s never too early to start celebrating Oktoberfest, and the T.E.V. Edelweiss Club invites you to kick off the festivities before the summer even ends. Snack on a bratwurst from Austrian-born chef Walter Neuhold, then learn some traditional German folk steps from the club's Volkstanzgruppe. As local bands Alpine Echo and the Austrian Connection strike…
Travel around the world in one afternoon at this delightful multicultural festival. Watch a musical performance by the Kunming Ethnic Song and Dance troupe, which will fly in from Kunming, China, and an Italian opera performance from Denver's Rebecca Koenigberg, which will consist of a series of Mozart arias as well as some Puccini favorites.…
You don't have to travel to Paris or Rome to get cultured—there are plenty of high-brow authors right here in the Mile High City. More than 30 Denver-based writers, including BK Loren, Khadijah Queen, and Manuel Ramos, will be stationed along Tennyson Street to share excerpts of their latest and greatest works. After hearing several…
At this colorful festival, glimpse more than 50 unique hot air balloons on their ascent into the morning sky—or sign up to take a ride in one yourself. After your flight, catch a thrilling aerial performance by the Wings of Blue Demonstration Team, the U.S. Air Force's skydiving stunt troupe, or rent a paddleboard and…
Start your long weekend with a day of dynamic aerobatic performances. Check out a demonstration by the seven-plane air team Rocky Mountain Renegades and professional air showman Bob Freeman in his single-seat 330SC plane. Then have your own aerial adventure by taking a ride in a T-6 Warbird. Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-7:30…
Familiar red boulders blend into the desert landscape of a faraway planet at this intergalactic installment of Film on the Rocks. Watch as heroine Rey and former Stormtrooper Finn join forces with the Resistance to topple the totalitarian First Order. Before the screening, Denver electro-pop band Rose Quartz will delight you with a stellar live…
Celebrate one of northwest Colorado's most majestic creatures during this avian-themed festival. At sunrise, take a guided bird walk to glimpse flocks of greater sandhill cranes, then learn more about the long-legged birds in talks by international bird experts, including veterinarian Barry Hartup and Mongolian conservationist Nyambayar Batbayar. If you're feeling inspired by the graceful…
At this cultural celebration, take a trip to the Emerald Isle or the Scottish Highlands without ever leaving the Centennial State. Enjoy performances by a variety of Celtic artists, including Irish singer and comedian Seamus Kennedy, Toronto-based rock group Enter the Haggis, and Scottish folk singer Ed Miller. Then competitive visitors can mount a trusty…
Even if you missed comic con, you can still geek out at Colorado's inaugural cinematic festival dedicated to Japanese cartoons. Catch 10 classic anime films, including a 10th anniversary 35mm screening of Paprika, a science-fiction story about a psychiatrist who can enter her patients' minds, and Studio Ghibli's folktale The Tale of Princess Kaguya. Plus,…
You might have to wait a month for Halloween, but you can show off your costume now, thanks to this eccentric cycling-focused festival. Burn some calories during a colorful bike parade, then dance along to a live performance by space blues band Kolars and bluegrass musician Ben Solle as you sip on a New Belgium…
At this self-guided tour, even city slickers can learn all they need to know to start an urban homestead in their own backyards. On a bike or in your car, venture to 10 urban homesteads throughout the Denver metro area, where you'll get advice on composting, gardening, and beekeeping. Then head over to the Jefferson…
Don't let the final dog days of summer slip by without spending a day with your pooch. More than 400 pets and service dogs will take part in one of three two-hour swim sessions, during which pups can try out life jackets and water toys from Outward Hounds. Be sure to snap a photo with…
This Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of 9/11, but for the Jewish community in South Metro Denver, it also calls for a long-awaited celebration. At this ceremony, an expert ritual scribe will present the authentic Torah scroll he completed after a year and a half of meticulous work, while a cantor leads a traditional memorial…
Thanks to this adventure film extravaganza, you don't have to climb a fourteener to get your adrenaline fix this weekend. During screenings of five different films, admire feats accomplished by world-class climbers, such as Ashima Shiraishi and Kai Lightner, the teenage stars of Young Guns who scale the Flatanger cave in Norway. Enjoy your adventurous…
Adrenaline junkies will enjoy a hefty dose of adventure at this climbing-focused festival. Find inspiration in a handful of action flicks, including a documentary of 15-year-old climber Ashima Shiraishi's V15 ascent of Mount Hiel in Japan, then try your luck at a climbing competition at Movement Climbing & Fitness Denver. After you've scaled a few…
This autumn-themed outdoor party returns with a handmade twist. Browse more than 120 vendors selling artisan wares, including jewelry from Alison Blair Studio and leather accessories from By Elke, while the kiddos enjoy a variety of classic carnival games. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the beer garden for a White Rascal from…
Don your cowboy hat for this Southwestern extravaganza, during which you’ll celebrate Colorado's ranching heritage. After learning how to train horses at Music Meadows Ranch and taking tours of old railroad cars at railway museum All Aboard Westcliffe, you’ll be an expert on the West. Finish the weekend with a screening of Western flick Cat…
Meet one of the most prominent voices of the American women's rights movement at this engaging talk and book signing. Listen to feminist icon Gloria Steinem discuss her recently published book, My Life on the Road, which chronicles her personal growth and travels during her life of activism, and take home a signed copy to…
Food and art collide during this interactive walking tour of 10 galleries and art-focused shops. Start by visiting Fascination St. Fine Art, where impressionist artist Michael Flohr will discuss and sign prints from his exhibition Cityscapes from Around the World. Then peruse the unique American historical prints and maps at Philadelphia Print Shop West, which…
Explore the history of the Red Rocks Territory and the longstanding Hispanic communities who lived there at this art market and cultural celebration. The family-friendly event will feature blacksmithing and rope making demonstrations, a display of santos (folk artwork inspired by saints), and a fashion show focused on buckskin attire. Attendees also have the chance…
In this unconventional ski movie, director Ben Sturgulewski juxtaposes scenes of a dystopian future with real footage of the world's top skiers. As you alternate between the story of a group of wandering children attempting to escape their sandy apocalyptic home and live shots of athletes flying down the slopes at Whistler-Blackcomb and completing jumps…
Gain unique insight into the life of cyclist Greg LeMond, a three-time Tour de France winner, at this documentary screening. The thrilling film tracks the renowned road racer's life up until his first Tour de France win in 1986. After the show, meet the 1989 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in person as he…
With both regional and U.S. premieres in the lineup, you're sure to find your new favorite movie at this massive festival. Check out more than 20 feature-length films, including the Colorado premiere of Sundance Festival favorite Certain Women, which stars Michelle Williams and Kristen Stewart and follows four Montana residents whose lives between strangely intertwined.…
Celebrate Latino filmmakers' contributions to the cinematic world at this engaging four-day festival. The event includes 15 features and documentaries, including spiritual drama The Vessel, the story of a man who rebuilds a new structure from the remains of a fire-destroyed elementary school, and documentary short Clever. In addition attendees can see free screenings of…
Don your lederhosen and snack on a salty pretzel during this massive cultural celebration. After you’ve hoisted the heaviest steins in a weight-lifting competition or challenged your friends to a game of keg bowling, fill your glass with a German brew, such as a Franziskaner Weissbier. While you sip, musical acts such as folk band…
When you fill an arena with women of all backgrounds striving to make a difference, the right guidance and motivation can spark awe-inspiring change. An impressive group of artists, authors, and leaders—including political activist Angela Davis, author Jen Hatmaker, and singer Sharon Irving—will lead this all-female event featuring educational presentations and community-building discussions. Join this…
This massive book lover's faire, which was established in India a decade ago, features 100 authors and personalities from around the globe. Guest speakers will include Viet Thanh Nguyen, author of The Sympathizer, which won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize, and Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan. Sat-Sun, times vary. —Photo courtesy of JLF@Boulder
Whether you're sporting your own impressive beard or you simply appreciate a snazzy pair of whiskers, this quirky competition is the perfect time to get your facial hair fix. This hairy showcase features gentlemen competing in more than 20 different categories, from best Dali moustache to most creative full beard. Even clean shaven attendees can…
At this charitable event, join thousands of fellow Denverites in creating a supportive community for those whose lives have been affected by suicide. Before the 2.9-mile walk around the concourse of Coors Field, stop by the resource fair to visit with organizations like the Denver Family Institute and the Second Wind Fund, which are committed…
Get hoppin’ to the steps of the jitterbug at this 40-minute swing dance lesson taught by Swingin’ Denver’s Jessica Nelson and Wiley Skewes. Then put your new moves to the test as Denver-based La Pompe Jazz plays gypsy folk tunes and Odessa Rose West performs Americana swing and jazz favorites. When you’re ready to take…
Nearly 100 artisans will show off their wares during this large independent craft fair. Browse local goods, such as Colorado-themed graphic tees from Bozz Prints or large gemstone rings from Adina Mills. After perusing a wide variety of crafts and wearable items, satisfy your sweet tooth with a puffed amaranth or espresso & sea salt…
At this charity meal, you can meet your favorite and make a difference at the same time. Savor a light lunch of salad with grilled chicken, pretzel rolls, and Parisian macarons as New York Times best-selling author Mitch Albom delivers a keynote speech on his book Tuesdays With Morrie, a story that explores the challenging,…
If your daily nine-to-five grind doesn't feel fulfilling anymore, this engaging documentary might encourage you to seek a new path in life. In the film, Academy Award–winning director Pamela Tanner Boll profiles five people who quit their conventional jobs and found happiness in new occupations, such as Blue Hill Restaurants farmer Sean Stanton and the…
Admire historical monuments and learn about some of the most famous folks from Denver's past at this guided tour around Fairmount Cemetery, the resting place of 19 governors and 11 U.S. senators. During this slightly spooky tour, guides will reveal the mysterious death of Henry Wendell, the man who designed Fairmount's Little Ivy Chapel in…
At this sustainability-focused festival, discover how to do more to conserve energy than just recycling your beer cans. This eco-friendly event features everything from films like Overview, a short about astronauts turned environmentalists, to presentations by sustainability activists. Don’t miss a panel featuring Denver-based endangered species advocate Taylor Jones. Sat 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Visit endotrend.com.
This isn't a stein-lifting competition, but there will still be enough booze to make it an Oktoberfest party. As you sip on brews from the Ginn Mill, you and you partner can take on several formidable opponents in a 64-team beer pong tournament for a chance to win the grand prize of two massive steins.…
During this charitable dinner, you can make an impact on the lives of hundreds of furry friends. Enjoy a buffet supper, then place your bets in the silent auction for items such as jewelry, wine baskets, and pet portrait sessions. Proceeds benefit Forgotten Felines, a local organization with a cat adoption program as well as…
Come dressed in your favorite Bowie or Prince attire and remember two legendary artists at this lively party. A Bowie impersonator will spin an hour of the pop kings' greatest hits, as attendees rock out on the dance floor and sample drinks such as the Purple Rain. Then sit back for a screening of fantasy…
Get some fashion inspiration at this runway show featuring local designer Salwa Owens. Set to live music from artists such as former American Idol contestant Devan Blake Jones and violinist Mia Herlinger, models will show off Owens' jewelry and luxury silk scarves as well as accessories by designers Andrea Li and Estaine. After admiring pieces…
In the first of three panel discussions hosted by Curious Theatre Company, innovative minds from the local arts scenes will share their thoughts on diversity. The panel—which includes Kevin Quinn Marchman from the Denver-based Black Actors Guild, actor and director Antonio Mercado, and the Artistic Director of Boulder's Local Theater Company Pesha Rudneck—will explore the…
At this charitable luncheon, go behind the scenes of the Brooklyn Academy’s 2014 premiere As One, a chamber opera that centers on the experiences of a transgender protagonist. As you enjoy a three-course meal, meet several members of the opera’s creative team, including composer Laura Kaminsky, librettists Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed, and conductor Andres…
During this celebration of Native American culture, learn more about indigenous communities who are rebuilding and strengthening their nations across the globe. Catch shorts as well as feature-length films, including Sumé: The Sound of A Revolution, which follows a native rock band that recorded songs in Greenlandic, and The Price of Peace, the story of…
In the first installment of The Sustainable Food Film Series, filmmaker Jeremy Seifert encourages us to question where our food comes from. Travel from Haiti to Monsanto's lobby during the documentary, which focuses on genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, and their effect on people's health as well as on the planet. After the screening, enjoy…
At this globally focused charitable dinner, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Shannon Galpin will speak about the importance of girls' education in the developing world and her personal experiences as an activist in Afghanistan. Then attendees can savor an authentic Nepali buffet before bidding on items such as a vacation in the Cascade Mountains…
This intimate documentary provides a telling look at the country's affordable housing issue and the people touched by it. The story chronicles three families, two in public housing and one in a shelter, as they try to recover from personal crises and redefine their ideas of home. After the screening, attend a Q&A panel featuring…
With representatives from more than 20 private, public, and charter schools in the area, this event offers the perfect opportunity to find the right match for your child. After meeting one-on-one with admissions directors from schools including Colorado Academy, St. Anne's Episcopal School, and Montessori Academy of Colorado, you're sure to discover the learning environment…
At this charitable red carpet gala, you can honor unconventional heroes—the heroes with four legs. After enjoying a gourmet meal, take your seats for a live auction hosted by former Broncos running back Reggie Rivers and bid on luxury items such as two VIP tickets to the NASCAR Cup Series and a one-week timeshare in…
Sway along to your favorite ’80s hits during a screening of this beloved romance film. Follow Baby as she falls for bad boy dance instructor Johnny and learns to stand up for her beliefs in this coming-of-age tale. If the Swayze-Grey chemistry isn’t enough to lure you in, come for brunch: The menu includes peanut…
Step into the nightmarish world of Edgar Allen Poe and a host of other dead Victorian authors at this haunted Capitol Hill mansion. At this environmental theater, you'll move between five third-floor rooms, hearing the horrifying stories of Poe, H.G. Wells, Gaston Leroux, Charlotte Perkins Gillman and Sarah Orne Jewitt—portrayed by notable Denver actors and…
Dive into an exploration of culture at this writing workshop with Poetry Society of Colorado member Jenna Cappleman. During the session, learn how to incorporate Native American imagery in your poetry taking inspiration from work by Native American poets such as Esther Berlin and Santee Frazier as well as Navajo mythology and stories. After the…
You might learn a thing a two at this seasonal spooktacular honoring some of Boulder's most notable residents. Tour the grounds of Columbia Cemetery as community members portray and resurrect citizens from 19th and 20th century lore, including Mary Rippon, one of the first female professors at the University of Colorado, and Dorothy Gay Howard,…
Engage with the Middle East's rich culture and everyday life through The White Helmets, the latest film screening for the University of Denver Center of Middle East Studies' film series. Keeping in tune with the series' theme of Meydan, which means square, field, plaza, or public gathering place, The White Helmets is a 41-minute documentary…
If you're still mourning the end of Breaking Bad, you're in luck—the actor that brought you Walter White is making a stop in the Mile High City. The Tony and Emmy Award winner will discuss his new memoir, My Life in Parts, which reflects on his career and his own coming-of-age. Following the talk, you'll…
This environmental documentary from director Catherine Zimmerman explains the critical role native plants play in the survival and vitality of local eco-systems, focusing portions in various locations across Colorado. After the showing, stick around for a panel discussion and Q&A with author and biologist Susan J. Tweit,, executive director of Rockies Audubon, Alison Halloran, and…
During this spellbinding garden tour, check out a variety of creative pumpkin displays, which depict scenes such as Cinderella’s carriage and dancing skeletons. Don your best disguise for the costume contest and get to know the masterminds behind the displays at a meet-and-greet with the pumpkin artists. To stay warm while you walk, be sure…
Filmed in downtown Castle Rock, this comedy-horror flick centers on Randy, a mechanic who has figured out a way to see into the future: by eating his customer’s eyeballs. Don’t get too wrapped up in the mechanic’s madness that you can’t enjoy the rocking tunes from Castle Rock’s own Over the Castle, who will be…
Celebrate the land where the buffalo roam by contributing to bison preservation efforts at this inspiring art gala and auction. Graze on hors d'oeuvre from Blackbelly Market and sip boozy offerings by Scarpetta Wines and Sanitas Brewery while taking in the stunning visual art at Rembrandt Yard. Stick around for a live auction featuring foodie…
Celebrate four decades of dedication to the rehabilitation and recovery of Denver-area addicts at this annual event. Network with over 500 attendees, including Denver Broncos alum, before you enjoy a slew of incredible appetizers and a delectable Lemon Chicken dinner provided by Serendipity Catering. Listen to Stout Street Foundation leaders discuss the work and accomplishments…
Directed by Graham Meriwether, this documentary outlines how the current industrial farm system came to be and examines feedlots and confinement houses through a pro-farmer lens. A portion of the film focuses on Virginia-based Polyface Farms, whose charimatic owner, Joel Salatin, developed an alternative agricultural model based on rotational grazing and local distribution. Chipotle will…
Start off your Halloween weekend with a film screening of the creepy cult classic Beetlejuice at Denver Deep Dish, one of the city’s most beloved pizza joints. Take your pick from any of the restaurant’s signature pies, including meat lovers, supreme, and buffalo chicken. Wash it all down with a Yeti Stout from Great Divide…
Michael Myers returns to the silver screen at this showing of the original horror thriller—the perfect shriek-fest to kick off Halloween weekend. The groundbreaking film, originally screened in October 1978, profiles a sociopath who escapes from prison and terrorizes residents of rural Illinois. This screening features an exclusive pre-recorded interview with director John Carpenter, who…
The treasure hunting archaeologist in this classic film is back like you’ve never seen, or heard, him before. Raiders of the Lost Ark will play on three screens at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, but it’ll be stripped of the score. Led by conductor Christopher Dragon, the music will instead be performed live by the…
Come together with fellow yogis for a weekend of acro yoga, which combines Thai massage yoga, acrobatics, and flow movements. The Boulder Circus Center will host more than 30 hours of classes and trainings, led by top names in the acro community, including Chad Brooks and Jessica Lindsey from Edge Movement Arts in Oregon. Staying…
All souls 21 and over are invited to honor the popular Mexican and Latin American holiday Dia de los Muertos with an evening of music, dancing, food, and remembrance. Top your food truck dinner from La Loteria and Cebiche Highlands off with some tequila, spiced rum, wine, and beer (not all at once!), before watching…
At this charity gala, meet keynote speaker and humanitarian aid worker Carl Wilkens, who will describe his stay in Rwanda, where he served as country director of Adventist Development & Relief Agency in the ’90s. Snack on samosas and plantains from Aurora-based restaurant African Grill and Bar, then bid on handmade clothing and jewelry made…
Come as the most convincing witch, goblin, or ghoul for your chance to win $1,000 in a costume contest at this supernatural bash. Crawl your way through the haunted house, which will be brimming with spooks, including zombies and the Arachnid Woman. After you grab a tasty cocktail concoction such as Zombie Punch or Witch's…
This spooky Halloween party is all about the goth garb and black lipstick. Enter the most creative costume contest with your best cyber, steampunk, glitter, Lolita, or Victorian attire to win prizes such as tickets to the Colorado Springs Haunted Mines or passes to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Then enjoy exciting live performances from aerial…
Join well-known humorist and author David Sedaris for this intimate presentation. During the hour-long talks, the New York Times–bestselling writer will read from a collection of new essays that capture his unique wit and insight. Afterward, audience members can stay for a 30-minute Q&A session and book signing. Wed-Fri 7:30 p.m. Visit davidsedarisbooks.com.
The Mile High City's premier film festival is back for the 38th year with more than 200 films plus exclusive parties. Don't miss the opening night screening of director Damien Chazelle's La La Land, a musical romance featuring Emma Stone, who will be in attendance along with Chazelle. Check the festival calendar for a full…
It's that time of year for the trunk show from designers (and sisters) Shawn Hecox and Samantha Hitchcock of The Woods Fine Jewelry. Get a glimpse of new pieces from the line, including a grey pearl bracelet and a diamond clover charm, as well as new natural elements (like enamel) the duo have added to…
In this adventure documentary, a team of investigators trek across locations such as the Andes Mountains and the Rockies in search of an ancient energy source that they believe may be the key to the future. Doors open an hour before the premiere of Ancient Tomorrow for free beer from Oskar Blues Brewing. The showing…
Meet one of the most recognizable faces of fitness at this uplifting talk-back show. Michaels' characteristic wit and pragmatism will shine as she shares tips on improving your fitness regime and answer pertinent health-related questions from the audience. She'll cover aspects of both physical and emotional health, leaving you rejuvenated to begin your own journey…
Everyone needs a wake-up call sometimes—or rather, a (verbal) smack in the face, as this intensely motivational event intends to provide. In what's been billed as a TED Talk meets Saturday Night Live skit, five local female entrepreneurs will regale the audience with stories of their career struggles while encouraging would-be lady business owners to…
Celebrate Denver-based author Emily Littlejohn’s debut novel Inherit the Bones at this book launch featuring a Q&A with the writer and a book signing. The first in Littlejohn’s Cedar Valley series, Inherit the Bones follows pregnant Colorado detective Gemma Monroe as she hunts a murderer no one seems to want found. Fri 7:30-9:30 p.m. Visit…
This two-hour workshop will offer writers of all experience levels the chance to strength their dialogue-writing skills. Award-winning author and Iowa Writers' Workshop professor Margot Livesey will teach the informative class, during which students will practice strategies for crafting conversations consistent with their narrative voices. Following the session, enjoy a reading and Q&A session with…
Don your best Catrina attire for this colorful celebration of a well-known Mexican holiday. Your entire family will enjoy getting bright face paint, decorating sugar skulls, and adding ofrendas (offerings) for those who have died to one of several community altars. Then check out a market brimming with Día de los Muertos–themed folk art, prints,…
Science has never been funnier than at this unique comedy show where the brainiacs take the mic. Local scientists in every field from microbiology to ornithology will try their hands at stand-up comedy for the first time—and they've got a lot to say about their work. Then enjoy improv and sketch comedy from local comedy…
In case you hadn’t noticed the new apartment towers, expanding light rail footprint, and increasingly common traffic jams on I-25, then newsflash: Denver has hit the bigtime. Join Governor Hickenlooper, local preservationist Dana Crawford, Denver Film Festival director Britta Erickson, and Ibotta CEO Bryan Leach for a conversation about how urban preservation, entrepreneurial vitality, and…
Get a crash course in mobile photography and Dadaism at this inaugural session of Cameras and Cocktails, an interactive event dedicated to both fun and instruction. Enjoy an avant-garde inspired cheese arrangement from The Fox & The Crow while you sip on cocktails, wine, and beer from Mulberry Max followed by a brief lecture on…
The toughest decision at this screening of Maverick, a western flick featuring Mel Gibson as a quick-witted card player with his eyes set on a high-stakes poker tournament, is whether you want your whiskey neat or on the rocks. You’ll be well served with popcorn and two drinks courtesy of Western Spirits Beverage Company, and…
Think your Instagram video skills are Oscar-worthy? Put that theory to the test at this DIY film festival, which screens three-minute mobile phone flicks from your fellow Denverites. There's no set lineup, but organizer Zac Mass says there's rumors of a music video, puppets, and a stop motion movie. Stick around after the hour-long micro-fest…
If you’ve gazed up at the stars and wondered what else was out there, this is your opportunity to (sort of) find out. Inside the planetarium at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, hop on board a virtual tour of the galaxy and check out spectacular sights like solar flares, chunks of ice found…
Join history lovers from all walks of life, including authors, genealogists, park rangers, and librarians, for the West’s first ever History Camp. More than a dozen local experts will deliver more than 24 presentations in this day-long series of educational history sessions and interactive discussions. Attendees can spend the day dipping in and out of…
Embrace both inner and outer beauty during this one-of-a-kind fashion event. After mingling with other attendees during a glamorous cocktail hour, enjoy the main program, a runway show featuring models with Down Syndrome as young as seven alongside celebrities such as former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and actor Mario Lopez. Proceeds benefit the Linda Crnic…
With a dreary setting, morally flawed characters, and a plot focused not on Frontier heroism and adventure but greed and prostitution, this classic film pioneered the anti-western genre. So don’t miss this rare chance to grab your favorite Breckenridge beer (we find the Autumn Ale really hits the spot this time of year), and enjoy…
Explore the relationship between food and cultural identity in this critically praised PBS documentary from director Grace Lee. The films explores the diversification of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the United States through the lens of their evolving cuisines. By tasting dishes and interviewing individuals from as far away as Hawaii and Wisconsin,…
Ski-film pioneer Warren Miller has once again produced his particular brand of powder-worship adventure-action. This film will have you traversing the globe (and maybe making a ski season travel wishlist) with extreme skiers Ingrid Backstrom and Wendy Fisher and touring Greenland on a dog sled with Rob Kingwell and Seth Wescott. And there's a bonus:…
Here's a rare opportunity to see Mumford & Sons up close and personal without people stepping on your toes or screaming in your ear. Presented in Ultra HD and 5.1 surround sound, this film chronicles the London foursome’s performance in South Africa during their 2015-16 Wilder Mind tour. Fans can expect to hear songs from…
Renowned activist and provocative author Dr. Cornel West will be the final speaker of 2016 to take the stage as part of Colorado State University Pueblo’s lecture series. This public talk will see the Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, spoken word artist, and author of 20 books including the bestselling Race Matters, address the hot-button…
Join the TV personality, author, and executive chef as he embarks on his second live tour, during which he shares his experiences sampling global cuisine. Fans of the Travel Channel show Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations will find themselves in familiar territory during his monologue about street cuisine, diverse cultures, and obscure places he's seen while…
Thanks to this giant holiday fair, early shoppers will be done with their gift lists by Thanksgiving. More than 400 vendors will sell their wares, including upcycled jewelry from Criffon Designs and spicy condiments from Centennial-based K-Sauce. If you get hungry while you shop, indulge in a scrumptious pastry from If God Could Bake. Fri…
Anthony Bourdain, bestselling author, star of the Emmy Award-winning CNN series “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” and bad boy reality TV star, is taking his unmistakably brash personality on the road for a series of talks across the U.S. During the 90-minute set, which will end with an open Q&A session with the audience, the renowned…
For the 40th anniversary of this festive walking tour, five historic Country Club houses will be open to the public. As you make your way to each stop, admire how local florists and designers chose to deck out each home with elaborate table settings and holiday decor. Proceeds benefit Central City Opera, the nation's fifth…
Fans of this 1970s cult classic are in for a treat. Enjoy a meal of pork belly and mashed potatoes from the Alamo Drafthouse while viewing First Blood, the initial installment of the acclaimed Rambo series starring Sylvester Stallone. The beloved action thriller tells the story of John Rambo, a Vietnam War veteran who stumbles…
Denver's botanical gardens are transformed into a crisp winter wonderland in this festive holiday lights display. Peruse the trails to see colorful light creations, and peer through a pair of HoloSpex glasses to witness points of light transformed into intricate designs. And don't forget to choose from a selection of warm beverages complete with your…
In this atmospheric French crime thriller, scheming lovers Julien and Florence engineer the perfect murder of Simon, Florence’s husband and Julien’s employer, only for their plot to unravel when their victim gets stuck in an elevator. The film, which was famed director Louis Malle’s feature debut, is considered a touchstone of the noir genre and…
Celebrate the life of this generation's singer-songwriter laureate with an inspiring documentary. Cohen himself narrates the story of his career and divulges the secrets of his songwriting prowess and process, as well as the tribulations and criticisms he received as he rose to fame. Dropped throughout the narrative are 17 songs by artists Cohen inspired…
Jermaine Archer's mother dreamed her son would go to college—until he was sentenced to 22 years to life at New York's Sing Sing Correctional Facility for second-degree murder. This compelling documentary follows Archer and his fellow inmates in their quests to earn college educations while behind bars. Ticket prices includes a cocktail and appetizer reception…
Aspiring authors can round-up favorite passages of their own writing from November’s National Novel Writing Month and share them at BookBar’s Open Mic night. Didn’t have time to pick up the pen? Then hop on-stage and read a passage from a work of literature that motivates you to write. Be sure to gain some liquid…
Get all your Christmas necessities—from art and antiques to pet products and baby supplies— at this flourishing pop-up marketplace. Now in its third year, the three-day event will kick off Friday night with a ticketed opening night party that will serve up bottomless speciality beverages like New Belgium beer, while giving you first dibs on…
Gear up for next summer’s Denver Comic Con with this all-day event featuring over 20 comic book artists. No element of the con experience goes overlooked as cosplayers, comic book fans, gamers, and comic artist aficionados all converge to celebrate the local and national fandom and comic communities. Attend panels, pick up new comics, get…
Learn how to make (and taste!) delicious, easy-to-mature cheeses like chèvre, fromage blanc, feta, ricotta, mozzarella, and queso fresco before exploring creative ways to package them for gift-giving. If you’re less into edibles, come ready to make several varieties of your own handmade, milk-based soaps and go home with a variety of three different, sample-sized…
Stop by one of the region’s most celebrated annual holiday markets for one-of-a-kind handmade gifts and treats. Styled like an outdoor European Marketplace with traditional old world European festivities centered around a town square, the event will feature hot roasted chestnuts, sausage, and pastries for purchase, horse-drawn wagon rides, sleigh rides throughout the town, and…
Enjoy a Christmas classic and grab a bite to eat at this film-screening. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, a precocious 8-year-old who must defend his home from burglars after his family forgets him on their way to France. Moviegoers will receive party favors in the form of some of Kevin McCallister’s favorite items, such…
Join author Robert Crifasi for a discussion of his 2015 book, A Land Made From Water, which explores the ways the development of water and riparian resources in Colorado changed the face of the Front Range. Discover the events of nineteenth-century Boulder that helped set the stage for water development through the American West. This…
Not quite ready for ski season? No problem. Bring your skis or snowboard into Arc’Teryx, an outdoor clothing store, for a complimentary waxing courtesy of Denver Sports Lab to ensure your gear is in top condition to hit the slopes. Proceeds benefit She Jumps, a Utah-based nonprofit which works to boost the participation of women…
Stop by Denver's most popular antiquing destination for an afternoon of holiday shopping and seasonal celebrations. Peruse the 7 blocks of shops for their specials on rugs, garden supplies, handmade picture frames, and more, enjoy caroling performances from students at Golden High School, and take a photo with Santa in his antique sleigh. You'll even…
Discover must-haves you didn’t know you needed at this weekend-long artisanal market. Over 150 indie vendors, including Boulder fashion store Rainbow Feather, Bjorn’s Colorado Honey, and Two Ravens Soap Company, will be in attendance to help you find the perfect ways to treat your friends and family (and yourself!) this holiday season. In addition to…
Leg warmers and neon are back in style at least for one night at this 1980s-themed party. Sip on a Ski Naked Saison craft beer from Alpine Dog Brewing Company while you watch the premiere of Pleasure, a ski movie from Level 1 featuring Colorado skiers including Tanner Rainville, Keegan Kilbride, and Tatum Monod. Be…
Honor Jewish Family Service’s (JFS) president and CEO Yana Vishnitsky’s 38 years of service at this evening gala. Vishnitsky, a Russian immigrant resettled by JFS in 1978, was hired first as a translator and case manager before attending Colorado State University and Smith College. She then rose through the ranks of the organization to become…
Dress up your best furry friends in seasonal costumes for a photo with the jolly man himself before uploading the best shot to Instagram with the hashtag #falalarimer. The winner, announced on the Larimer Square Facebook page on December 18, will receive a $100 gift certificate to Dog Savvy Boutique. Mon 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit…
The Solukhumbu District in Nepal is home to the Rai people in the hills, the Sherpas in the mountains, and Mount Everest itself—and now, it's also a place where girls are receiving educations. This eye-opening documentary takes viewers to the isolated region in order to uncover the school building projects and teaching initiatives that are…
Relive five of the 2016 Boulder International Film Festival's most creative and thought-provoking short films. Viewers will revisit fan favorites such as Ave Maria, the 15-minute tale of Jewish settlers who encounter five Palestinian nuns in a West Bank convent; and How I Didn't Become A Piano Player, the 17-minute story of an aggrieved piano…
At this weekend-long event, nosh on tasty treats, wrap up your holiday shopping, and support local artisans—all in one place. Attendees can enjoy a barbecue lunch from Acorn, a pop-up from art gallery and design boutique Svper Ordinary, and a photo booth with a hipster Santa. A full-fledged holiday market will round out the festivities…
Get into the giving spirit at this holiday season fun-run. Runners will follow a 5K loop through scenic City Park, but not before being serenaded by the Original Dickens Carolers at the starting line. Kids run for free in the Tiny Tim 1K, and all proceeds will benefit the Denver Children’s Home, which provides treatment…
Don’t miss this chic gift fair featuring a slew of your favorite Colorado-based artisans and family-owned businesses. Attendees will have access to two dozen local shops offering fine and handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, customized loose-leaf teas, and ethical beauty products. Attendees can sip on complimentary wine, champagne, and DRAM sparkling waters while snacking on charcuterie,…
This market makes buying last-minute gifts for your special someone a stress-free, enjoyable experience. 165 different vendors and exhibitors will be offering their finest selections of holiday-themed foods and wares, including one-of-a-kind vintage home decor items, birdhouses, fine and metal art, as well as quilts, soaps, and jewelry. Admission, parking, live music, and hot chocolate…
This safety clinic instructs female adventurers about all aspects of avalanche preparation. The three-hour class, taught by Backcountry Access’s technology services specialist Dana Cowley, will teach participants how to use a transceiver—a device that can both transmit and receive communications in the event of an avalanche—and about the four phases of avalanche search-and-rescue: signal search,…
Indulge your dramatic side with a sneak peak of next year's Academy Awards' pool (and revel in your newfound film critic status while you're at it). The high-end lineup includes films such as La la Land, a stylish musical starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, and Fences, a moving father-son tale starring Denzel Washington. Treat…
Counter the darkness of the longest night of the year by enjoying some colorful local art and music. This showcase features live performances by award-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Ivey and Denver vocalist Kayla Marque, who plays soulful music for Colorado Public Radio. Wander the Savoy's chic creative space while taking in beautiful artwork, including the nature-inspired…
Audience members at this interactive film screening are invited to cause a little mayhem of their own as they watch Buddy the Elf's Manhattan hijinks. Moviegoers receive props that relate to memorable scenes, such as white balloons to bat around when Buddy shows off his snowball fighting skills in Central Park. Use the scratch n’…
Bike through the snowy streets of Denver in commemoration of the shortest (and darkest) day of the year. Riders will depart from 303 Software in Capitol Hill and cycle nearly three miles to Ratio Beerworks in the Curtis Park neighborhood, where a well-deserved post-race beverage will be waiting. Dress up in your favorite yuletide garb…
Join the American Historical Association for a discussion on the new presidential administration and the importance of the "first one hundred days" in any new president's tenure. A panel of five historians, including Middle East expert Nathan Citino and New Republic contributing editor Sean Wilentz, will discuss current policy issues through a historical lens to…
Travel and RV aficionados alike are sure to enjoy this three-day show’s 300-plus new RV units from dealers like All Stars RV and Century RV, with 2017 models ranging from Class A motorhomes and easy-to-pull tent trailers to travel trailers and fifth-wheels. Exhibitors will be on hand to offer camping accessories, RV repair services, and…
Though the wait might feel like an eternity for those who have already tired of bundled coats and icy roads, boating season is really just around the corner. Yes, you read that right—Colorado may be landlocked but our state’s alpine lakes and plentiful reservoirs offer waters to satisfy even the snootiest skipper. So start your…
Don’t miss this nationally recognized western heritage and entertainment celebration featuring premier livestock and rodeo events. Attendees will be privy to one of the nation’s largest horse shows and Colorado’s largest western trade show in addition to a plethora of cultural and artistic events, including wood carving demonstrations and dancers performing popular styles of Mexican…
Watch one of the most acclaimed films in American cinematic history exactly as it would have appeared in 1941 at this throwback showing of The Great Dictator, a political satire of Nazi Germany starring Charlie Chaplin. Advertisements and news reels from the film's era will play before the start of the movie, so be ready…
In this eye-opening documentary, viewers follow the relationships between parents, teenagers, and technology as the rules of adolescent sociology change in unprecedented ways. Stick around for a post-screening panel discussion lead by executive producer Karin Gornick, who will talk about the hidden consequences of constant connectivity and what this means for parents of teenagers inundated…
A night of fitness, inspiration, and shopping are all on the schedule at this uplifting networking series. The evening kicks off with some after-hours shopping at Skirt Sports, a women’s sportswear store, followed by a short networking period among guests, hosts, and speakers. Sara Vaughn, a former track and field star at Colorado University Boulder,…
When 1980s ski film star Glen Plake was pulled over on his way to the mountain, he gave the officer one thing: his license to thrill (or so he tells it). This musical flick features vintage ski moves and slope antics, plus more neon jumpsuits and slow motion powder shots than you knew existed. Grab…
Established Denver potter Jessa Decker-Smith will lead this two-hour workshop and pottery session to which you'll bring your own cannabis and beer. Embrace your artistic side and decorate your very own clay ashtray creation as you receive instructional assistance from Decker-Smith. Choose from a selection of colors and glazes before firing your piece, which will…
With a Supreme Court seat currently on the line, there’s no better time to understand the role of America’s highest court. This hour-long discussion hosted by Active Minds, an organization that hosts programs to promote the lifelong learning of seniors and adults, will explore the court’s current dynamics and charged circumstances surrounding both present and…
This wintry weekend festival guarantees that safety will come first on the mountain. Festivalgoers will be taught the ins-and-outs of mountain safety—such as helmet fitting tips and how to dress for extreme conditions—by reps from companies like St. Anthony Copper Clinic and Under Armour. Participants can enter a raffle to win prizes including a two-night…
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commissions “Marade” (a combination of a march and a parade), will celebrate the life and work of one of the world’s most outstanding civil activists. Beginning in City Park, the “marade” will proceed to the State Capitol grounds before finishing in Civic Center Park. Commemorate the national…
Catch best-selling author Azar Nafisi as she reads an excerpt from her-most recent work, The Republic of Imagination: America in Three Books, which examines the importance of fiction in contemporary American culture. Stick around after the reading for a book signing and to hear Nafisi discuss both this and her previous novel, Reading Lolita in…
Filmmaker Dennis Burkhart guides this visual journey through some of our nation’s most beautiful sanctuaries and greatest treasures: the national parks. Explore these essential hubs of ecological diversity and uncover the history and efforts of the people responsible for preserving natural wonders like the Florida Everglades, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Colorado high-country. This…
You may know how to ride your two-wheeled steed, but this hands-on class will show you how to repair it. Knowledgeable bike technicians from Campus Cycles will take cyclists through the basics of bike repair, including how to fix a flat tire and how to lube the chain, plus they’ll explain the fundamental construction of…
If you’re a thrillseeker (or just looking to try something new), come to Castle Pine Library’s weekend event full of interesting and obscure activities. This convention-style gathering will see passionate local experts delivering presentations on everything from how to roll sushi to how to make your own board game. There’s even a session on the…
Experience Native American culture like nowhere else in Colorado during this three-day event featuring musicians, dancers, artists, performers, craftsmen and more. Hear music from popular Native American musical group Brulé, witness the transfixing performance of mystical dance group Ehecatl Aztec Dancers, and meet some your favorite Native American actors. The weekend will also offer a…
For the last 71 years, this Denver landmark has admitted a special guest into its luxury formal room to celebrate the National Western Stock Show: the competition’s Grand Champion Reserve Steer. So seize the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea and pose for a photo with the star of the Stock Show in a,…
2017 will be a year of American transition, and what better way to approach that transition than with love? To ring in the new presidency, this blowout will incorporate music, food, drinks, community and discussion to begin a new era with friendship and empathy. Whether you wish to discuss what's on your mind and promote…
Celebrate Denver Art Museum's Star Wars and the Power of Costume exhibit in the presence of quite a few local stars at this futuristic-themed soiree. In honor of the Denver Art Museum's young philanthropist group Culturehaus' 20th anniversary, its founder (and the Colorado governor) John Hickenlooper will give a speech to open the evening. Gallery-goers…
Learn how to build and maintain relationships with integrity, responsibility, and open communication from an author with ten years of relationship coaching under her belt. Using methods pioneered by renowned authors Gary Chapman, Steve Harvey, Harville Hendrix, and Barbara DeAngelis, this writer and relationship expert knows just what you need to craft more fulfilling connections…
At this free event, acclaimed and prolific historical fiction author Sandra Dallas will discuss both her inspiration for and the plot of her riveting murder novel, The Last Midwife. Set in the Centennial State in the late 1880s. A 5280 review described the book, set in the Centennial State in the late 1880s, as "part…
Put on your game face for a night of friendly competition with players from the Denver Nuggets basketball team. Pick from any of the Punch Bowl Social’s classic arcade games, test your ping-pong prowess, or lace up your bowling shoes for a spin on the six-lane bowling alley. All ticket sale proceeds will benefit Kroenke…
Get a bird’s eye view of bald eagles on their yearly migration from Canada. Learn from the Fort Collins’ volunteer naturalists about the natural history of bald eagles in the area, as well as migratory patterns that draw the national birds to our state each year. Birdwatchers will use spotting scopes and binoculars to see…
Spend your day engaging in titillating discussion with a diverse group of your favorite writers (and readers) during this major book event. Esteemed authors Richard Russo, Eleanor Brown, Kevin Wilson, and Brunonia Barry will be on hand to connect with readers as they discuss their books, the process of writing, and the state of the…
Westerners attempting to scale Mount Everest may not realize they're putting a Nepalese family's breadwinner in extreme peril. This gripping documentary—already shown at film festivals in New Zealand, Toronto, Telluride, and Sydney—delves deep into the lives of the Sherpas who take great risks while leading adventurers up and down the mountain. Proceeds benefit the Mighty…
Spend a civilized afternoon dipping crumpets into tea, swapping stories, and listening to harp music at this charming English tea party honoring the many achievements of the Global Village Museum. Come dressed in your fanciest hat and with your game-face on to win prizes, play “teacup pong,” and pose for Polaroid pictures in the photo…
Is there a killer in all of us? In this haunting novel by New York Times best-selling author Brunonia Barry, who hails from Salem, MA (where the book is set), the residents of the notorious town are plagued by a series of events that make them confront that very question. Listen as Barry reads an…
What if HBO's hit series Sex in the City featured more than 1 million different species of Carrie Bradshaw? That's the backdrop of author Marah J. Hardt's book, Sex in the Sea: Our Intimate Connection with Sex-Changing Fish, Romantic Lobsters, Kinky Squid, and Other Salty Erotica of the Deep, which tells the lesser known story…
Ditch the roses and candy this Valentine’s Day and pick up a handcrafted gift for your sweetheart at this colorful micro market instead. Local artisans, including Crow Jane Jewelry, Lux and Luca, and The Gold Bug will be selling their distinctive one-of-a-kind wares, and Divino Wine & Spirits, Ratio Beerworks and Bear Creek Distillery will…
Get steeped in knowledge during Active Minds’ in-depth look at the historical and cultural significance of tea. Learn about how one of the world’s oldest (traced back to the fifth-century BCE) and most-consumed beverages is grown and processed as well as its important role in building colonial empires. Fri 2 p.m. Visit denverlibrary.org.
Don’t miss this one-time screening of the award-winning documentary that examines O.J. Simpson’s 1995 trial for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The authentic scenes and cast allow for a deeper look into the tragedy, through the lens of the history of race relations in Los Angeles. Sat noon-9 p.m.
Warm up alongside your family, friends, and neighbors at this community bonfire fueled by recycled Christmas trees, with food and beverage sales benefiting the Summit Nordic Ski Club. Hundreds of donated trees will be ceremoniously burned over the course of the night. Enjoy homemade chilis and soups made by Nordic Ski Club, plus beer and…
During the 1950s, a female director was determined to show Hollywood that women deserved roles in front of and behind the camera. To prove it, Ida Lupino directed and acted in the 1953 drama noir, The Bigamist. The movie tells the story of Phyllis, the secret wife of a businessman (played by well-known character actor…
Party on with Wayne and Garth in celebration of the film’s 25th anniversary when it returns to theaters for a special screening. The showing will include an exclusive introduction by Rolling Stone’s film critic Peter Travers, plus a pre-recorded conversation between the cast members and director following the film. Tue, location and times vary.
Explore a variety of award-winning movies addressing Jewish culture and history at this nearly two-week-long festival featuring 32 films. Audiences can enjoy cinematic experiences ranging from For the Love of Spock, an analysis of Leonard Nimoy and his enduring portrayal of perhaps the most famous Star Trek character, to Atomic Falafel, a satirical tale of…
The entire family can find something to enjoy at this five-day sports event celebrating the winter season. Skiers and snowboarders of all ages can strategically navigate the grooves, bumps and troughs of a family-oriented dual mogul course, while advanced athletes can register for the mountain bike ride down Howelsen Hill or the 100-meter nordic sprint.…
Shop for a cause at this pop-up selling brands such as Kendra Scott and Scout and Molly. Artisans from local Craftbelly Paper and Pattern will be in-house, custom-creating dainty home decor, stationery, and journals just for you. A percentage of proceeds benefit Safehouse, Denver’s only emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors. Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Moth Poetic Circus incorporates the high-flying, adrenaline-pumping acts of the big top into a high-octane performance that also includes dance, art, and audience interaction. Live music, DJs, and colorful cocktails are also on hand to transport you to a raucous alternate universe straight out of a Toulouse-Lautrec painting. Sat 8 p.m. —Image courtesy of Moth…
Find out whether you’ve been harboring a rare treasure or a run-of-the-mill trinket during this informative antique roadshow. Three respected evaluation experts—including a gemologist—will determine the market value of your attic treasures. Attendees can also learn about industry trends from antique experts such as Daniel Geary, owner of Lone Tree Antiques and Fine Art in…
In our digital world, there's something especially romantic about making gifts by hand. This Valentine's Day, crafters of all skill levels can learn the ancient art form from a master calligrapher. The introductory course will cover all the basics of calligraphy: dipping the pen in ink, managing ink flow and pressure, and practicing the entire…
In this one-hour lecture, historian Priscilla Marshall will explain how the Homestead Act of 1862, which granted 160 acres of free land to anyone in exchange for an $18 filing fee, encouraged throngs of black Americans to move west during the period of Reconstruction. Learn about how this new generation of Americans staked claims to…
Is the message you’re communicating to your coworkers with your body language the same message your brain wanted you to express? Hilary Blair’s interactive presentation will provide “chiropractic communication” tips by aligning your thoughts and your actions to become clearer and more authentic. This CEO and Lead Coach has worked extensively with employees of American…
This revealing documentary from talented filmmaker Karin Muller shines a light on Egypt’s forgotten or overlooked inhabitants. Watch as Muller documents the lives of Cairo garbage collectors, Nile River fishermen, and Bedouin nomads; gains unprecedented access to a wild and remote Muslim festival; and follows an entire village living among the tombs of Cairo’s largest…
Join food writer and soul food scholar Adrian E. Miller as he and several prominent guests (including former presidential chefs) discuss the powerful history and influence of black Americans in the White House kitchen. Chat with historical reenactors, enjoy live music featuring an occasional campaign song, and sip on presidential-themed cocktails and dishes made from…
Listen to Paterson Fiction Award–winning author Erika Krouse discuss her bestselling novel Contenders during this cozy literary gathering. Nina Black isn’t just any thief and street fighter—she’s a good one. But things take a wrong turn when one of her marks, a Denver cop and MMA contender, wants what she stole back. Krouse will read…
Support The Colorado Ballet during this dressy event featuring live music, drinks, dinner and a silent auction. Start the evening with a selection of cocktails before watching a performance by The Colorado Ballet set to the overture of ARROW Electronics' Five Years Out symphony, which was commissioned by ARROW and choreographed by Colorado Ballet Mistress…
This celebration of the British Isles will feature tropical plants, live music, and hearty food including a traditional Irish stew, pork paninis, triple chocolate Guinness cookies, and drinks from Offshoots Café. Guests can dance a jig to tunes from authentic Celtic bands, search for prizes such as chocolate gold coins, candy, tea, and Denver Botanic…
Cirque de Soleil meets New York Fashion week at this posh fashion show and gala that will not only heat up the winter season, but also raise funds for HIV/AIDS education, clinical care, and advocacy. Local models will take to the runway wearing international designer fashions in a glamorous and philanthropic extravaganza you don’t want…
Fine-tune your comedy skills at the hands of Hollywood author, writer, trainer, and mentor Steve Kaplan at this intensive two-day workshop. Hone your writing skills on day one as one of Hollywood’s premier comedic writers guides your way to hilarious prose, and screenwriters, performers and filmmakers will pick up tips and tricks to get their…
Watch as a horse pulls a person on skis down snow-packed Harrison Avenue in Leadville at this unique competition. Competitors fly around turns, attempting to collect rings hanging from poles while also grasping a cord attached to their horse’s saddle. The person with the most rings at the end of the route wins a cash…
Celebrate Women’s History Month by learning about Boulder ladies who have earned a spot in the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame board member Wendy Bohling will outline the achievements and lives of remarkable local women, ranging from Native Americans to early settlers to scientists. Tue 7 p.m. Visit chautauqua.com.
Hike the Continental Divide Trail—without having to trudge 3,100 miles. All you’ll need to do is listen as partners Denali Barron and Adam McCurdy recount their epic trek from Mexico to Canada in the final installment of this speaker series that features Coloradans expounding on their international adventures. Wed 7 p.m. Visit aspenchamber.org.
This month, nearly 20,000 sandhill cranes will descend upon the San Luis Valley for their annual six-week pit stop during their northward migration. This outdoor festival allows you to glimpse the birds’ daily patterns on a free bus tour. Don’t miss the craft and nature fair, photography workshops, and field trip to Great Sand Dunes…
Embrace the early spring weather and get your hands dirty at this community event celebrating green thumbs. Attend workshops on growing mushrooms, composting, and beekeeping while learning about various types of seeds. With local food trucks, interactive stations for kids, and live music, this all-day event will be fun for the whole family.
Put down your smart phones and spend an afternoon time-traveling back to the technology-free Victorian Era at this authentically restored hotel dating back to 1892. It’s now a museum that offers guided tours, treats, and a special display of 300 historic dolls. Sat 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Visit grandlakehistory.org.
Named after a 19th-century mail carrier who skied his way to and from mining towns, this wild race sends participants traversing Mt. Crested Butte. Equipped with telemark skis, racers will scale 600 feet up the mountain before descending nearly 1,200 feet down the other side. Sore skiers can ease their aches with post-race brews from…
Have you ever wondered what Colorado’s Western Slope looked like over a billion years ago? Doctor of geology and outdoorsman Bruce Bartleson has the answers, and will unpack the region’s vast history at this educational gathering. A professor of geology at Western State Colorado University for 33 years, Bartleson uses his vast knowledge and dynamic…
Whether you are ready to finally start your homestead or want to be prepared for the zombie apocalypse, a trip to this unique event will prepare you to utilize any natural resources at hand. Over 150 booths at this practical and lively event will offer information on sustainable living and outdoor survival skills. Visitors can…
At the Preservery’s first anniversary party, celebrate the RiNo eatery with brunch and shopping. In the morning, try the Jitterbug—a boozy treat made with Blue Sparrow nitro cold brew coffee—as you chow down. Then check out the Makers Market to shop for goodies from Cultura Chocolate, Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha, and Five Points Fermentation Co.
Observe Earth Month by celebrating the wildlife that lives along the Front Range. Join the Wild Foundation, a Boulder nonprofit that works to protect wilderness areas, to learn how to document the creatures that live along the Front Range. After you snack on appetizers and watch several short nature documentaries, discover how to use the website…
At this unique fashion show, models will show off elaborate gowns and unconventional costumes crafted entirely from paper. Local design squads will face off in categories such as Star Student (for student teams) and DAVA Favorite for a chance to win paper trophies. Proceeds benefit Downtown Aurora Visual Arts, a community-based arts education program for at-risk youth.
Meet award-winning investigative journalist and Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman when she stops in the Mile High City on this fund-raising tour. After her colleague Denis Moynihan—the founder of Winter Park’s community radio station—introduces her, Goodman will give a keynote speech on the role of independent journalism during politically tense times. Then attendees can enjoy a musical performance by…
Lovers of comics, graphic novels, and 'zines will rejoice when this alternative art and comic expo comes to town to celebrate the impact of independent artists. The guests of honor, the Hernandez Brothers, are famously lauded for their diversity-packed comic book series Love and Rockets. Visit a variety of booths to meet some of your…
At this art-focused party, watch painting demonstrations by local creatives Armando Silva and Eric Corrigan as Weird Touch and DJ Musa spin a catchy set list. Before you leave, purchase a limited-edition sculpture by Denver artist Matt Scobey. Proceeds benefit CultureHaus, a Denver Art Museum support group that organizes fresh exhibitions and behind-the-scenes programs.
Show your support for Denver pups at the launch event for Underdogs Animal Rescue, a new group dedicated to saving canines and felines from overcrowded shelters. Enjoy delicious soups and sandwiches from Brider, sample beers from Crazy Mountain Brewery, and bid on a staycation at Hostel Fish or a private meal at Mercantile Dining & Provision at the silent auction. Proceeds will help the new…
This week, celebrate Easter in a more grown-up way—with a combination egg hunt and bar crawl. Visit restaurants and bars around the Mile High City, picking up eggs at each one for a chance to win growlers, T-shirts, and free booze from a variety of local establishments. Then don't miss the after-party on Saturday, during which competitors can…
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and the Clyfford Still Museum have partnered up to create this film series, which features flicks that are thematically similar to exhibits of modern art. Kick off this month's event with a screening of Medicine for Melancholy the debut film by Moonlight director Barry Jenkins, a complement to Shade:Clyfford Still/Mark Bradford. Other movies in the lineup include a May documentary about the…
Many people outside Colorado don’t realize that the Centennial State’s water crisis is actually a national problem. At this informative lecture, New Yorker staff writer and author David Owen, who devoted several years to researching the topic for his latest book, will enlighten listeners on the issue. After he traces the Colorado River on its journey across the country, attendees can stick…
Engage in conversation with nonprofits at this festival celebrating the value of human life. Films include Raving Iran, which documents Tehran’s underground techno scene, and Driving with Selvi, a moving tale of a woman who becomes India's first female taxi driver.
Learn about the importance of freedom of the press and get tips on how to spot “fake news” at this conference about responsible media consumption. Featuring a keynote session with ProPublica senior editor Joseph Sexton, the event invites the public to join the conversation about the role of news organizations in the modern political climate. After…
Meet mountaineer Hilaree O’Neill, who survived a harrowing expedition to summit Hkakabo Razi in Myanmar. She’ll speak about the challenges her group faced, including dangerous journeys by motorcycle; a dwindling food supply; and personality clashes that threatened to tear the explorers apart. Discover how O’Neill kept it together during this enlightening speaker series.
Step aside, La Dolce Vita. The foreign films in this fest come not from Italy or France but from the lesser-known cinematic talents of the Czech Republic. Five new films, including Tiger Theory (a drama about a man coping with his father-in-law's death) and The Noonday Witch (a thriller about a mother struggling to keep her…
Follow the story of passionate lawyer Steven Wise as he fights to change the judicial system’s mind about animals at this enlightening film screening. Will his argument that creatures with higher cognitive capabilities—such as dolphins, chimpanzees, and elephants—deserve limited rights prevail in court? After the film, join an audience discussion about Wise’s work led by…
Honor the sustainable spirit of the greenest holiday of the year at this community bash. Ride your bike to the festivities and drop it off with the free bike valet before picking up some cycling tips from the Lakewood Bicycle Advisory Team. Enjoy live music from local artists, a beer garden (all proceeds will go…
On November 29, 1864, one of the bloodiest incidents in the history of the Great Plains unfolded near Chivington, Colorado, during which cavalry volunteers killed more than 230 Cheyenne and Arapaho people. The epicenter of the massacre was designated a National Historic Site 10 years ago this week, and its administrators are marking the anniversary with a three-day…
This four-day conference connects cancer patients and survivors between 13 and 39 with a network of peers who share their experiences. They can come together to attend sessions about a wide variety of topics, from navigating college with cancer to fertility issues after treatment, leading up to a keynote speech from psychotherapist and cancer counselor Julie Larson. In…
Denver may be more than a thousand miles from the nearest ocean, but you can still experience the power of the sea by watching a film that chronicles the lives of water lovers around the globe. The documentary features stories from individuals such as national championship spearfisher Kimi Werner from Hawaii and world-renowned Australian surfer Dave Rastovich.…
Art lovers, musicians, and pancake enthusiasts alike are welcome at this upbeat show. Work from more than 75 local emerging artists—including Ash Sivils and Mikala M. Ford—will be on display, and visitors can snack on flapjacks and local craft brews while they browse the gallery. Afterward, jam to tunes spun by Denver DJs Drumsum and Konflict and check…
At this elegant philanthropic event, sample cocktails and enjoy a gourmet dinner crafted by the Hyatt Regency kitchen. After your meal, bid on items like a football signed by Haven Moses and an exclusive dinner with prolific Denver chef Troy Guard at the live and silent auction. Proceeds benefit Wish of A Lifetime, an organization…
This exploratory gathering honors science, technology, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Children and adults can investigate new ideas and expand their worldview by participating in numerous interactive exhibits sponsored by the Boulder Quilt Guild, Youth in Model Railroading, Cardboard Challenge, and the Boulder Public Library. From robotics to arts, this crash course in innovation will help every visitor…
Colorado natives and newcomers alike will discover something new during this city-wide tour of Denver's eclectic historic architecture. Explore 68 free open sites on a self-guided trek or take a guided tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at landmarks such as the art collection at the Crawford Hotel or Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Other events throughout the weekend will…
Celebrate Derby weekend the Denver way—with plenty of craft beer, food truck bites, and live music. At the newly repurposed former Denver Post location in Globeville, sip suds from Colorado breweries (think: Alpine Dog Brewery and Aspen Brewing Company) and chow down at one of 20-plus food trucks on site, including Arepas House and Still Smokin Fusion…
Don your brightest pastels and cutest hats for this derby celebration. Visitors can meet miniature horses and corgis—neither of which, thankfully, will have to race—before snacking on delicious barbecue catered by Rolling Smoke BBQ. Proceeds will benefit several local charities, including Kids' Compassion Project, Minds Matter Denver, CherryArts, and Equine 808.
This family-friendly day of activities begins with a 5K along the picturesque Fall River Trail and ends with a rubber duck race. Cheer on your bird as it floats toward the finish line. The owners of the three speediest ducks will win a Caribbean cruise or a trip to Napa. A portion of the proceeds…
To celebrate its grand opening in Golden, this new outdoor clothing retailer will host a city-wide scavenger hunt. Throughout the day, participants should snap photos of themselves completing tasks, such as hiking on the Clear Creek Trail or downing a beer at Cannonball Creek Brewing Company, for a chance to win raffle tickets. After finishing the hunt, head to Toad&Co's party to snack…
Put on your best seersucker attire for this elegant derby party. Get a complimentary mint julep and place your bets while listening to live tunes by Denver’s Mark Diamond Jazz Trio. Hungry guests can also visit one of chef Peter Morrison’s food stations, where they can build their own bruschetta, add their favorite toppings to a bowl of…
Fashion designers aren't the only creatives who can send models sashaying down a runway. During this competition put on by the International Interior Design Association's Rocky Mountain Chapter, 39 teams of architects and interior designers are paired with producers of industrial goods like tiles or carpet to create high-fashion looks. The completed designs will be judged by Denver's own Project…
Travel back in time and get a history lesson in old-school farm equipment at this three-day expo. Collectors and newcomers alike will enjoy viewing a range of historic engines and tractors on display and participate in a silent auction of rare machinery items. Other family-friendly activities at historic Reynolds Ranch include tractor and steam engine…
We know you don't need a reminder that Mother’s Day is Sunday—but if you are still searching for the perfect gift for Mom, you're sure to find a treasure among the 200-plus local vendors at this two-day flea market. Shop for unique home decor from Denver-based Hygge Life or cozy handmade accessories (think: scarves and socks) made…
Scientists around the world say that Earth is on the verge of a new mass extinction—and that we habitat-destroying humans are to blame. To ease a bit of that guilt (and help turn things around), join local conservationists for a week of activities dedicated to saving endangered Colorado critters such as the gray wolf and the Gunnison sage-grouse. Start with…
At nearly a mile high, Longmont's elevation is impressive by terrestrial standards—but Boulder County native Vance Brand has traveled 160 miles higher. The former NASA astronaut logged 746 hours in space during his three-decade career, and he returns home to discuss everything from his Colorado childhood to his space career and the future of aerospace science.…
Meet celebrity hounds (they once appeared on Animal Planet) at this show featuring daring feats of canine agility. Audience members will have the exciting opportunity to interact with Blazing Bentley the Border Collie and other four-legged stars while the pups weave through obstacle courses designed to show off their athleticism.
At this festival dedicated to cartoon cinema, attendees can view 30 animated short flicks shot around the world—from Germany to Israel to our own Centennial State. The evening will feature appearances from noted animators such as Bill Plympton of Guard Dog fame and Debra Solomon from Lizzie McGuire. Proceeds benefit the domestic violence victims charity…
For more than 20 years, Museo de Las Americas has brought Latin American exhibitions to the Mile High City—celebrate their contributions to the Denver art scene at this anniversary bash. Start the evening by bidding on works by local Latino artists at an auction. Then savor a delicious meal made by Globeville's Crafty Fox Taphouse & Pizzeria and practice your salsa moves…
Whether you're considering remodeling your home or just looking for a local HGTV fix, this self-guided driving tour will give you some design inspiration. On your trek, visit seven innovative modern buildings from Highland to Columbine Valley. Sat 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit http://bit.ly/moderndenver2017.
Who needs HGTV when you’ve got a self-guided tour of the most stunning homes in the Mile High City? Use the Modern Architecture & Design Society app to easily find houses that showcase current design trends, like sustainability-focused architecture. As you visit sites from Wilder Lane to University Park, chat with homeowners and specialists at…
Meet the makers behind the free flowing whiskey, rum, and vodka you’ll fill a commemorative tasting glass with at this unique festival that celebrates 15 craft distilleries such as Dry Town and Mad Rabbit. As you warm your belly with one-of-a-kind booze, you can also check out a dragonfly fire sculpture being built for Burning…
Watch your favorite moments from this ’80s-themed rom-com live and the silver screen during a two-part event. Before a screening of the film, which stars Adam Sandler as an unlucky-in-love wedding singer who falls for a woman while planning her wedding, local actors from Performance Now Theatre Company will share scenes from a musical based on the same story. A portion…
Even though Mother’s Day was last month, moms and mamas-to-be can still treat themselves at this pop-up shop party. Browse a collection of stylish maternity clothes from Kentucky-based Shop Buru, then get a trendy manicure from the professionals at Base Coat Nail Salon or a henna tattoo from Henna Luna. Tarot readings by Rory Lula of the…
Sip one of several craft cocktails while listening to an ensemble from the Colorado Symphony during this intimate performance. As the musicians will play a selection of Mozart quartets, string divertimentos, and a few popular songs arranged for string quartet, attendees can sample more than 20 spirits from Leopold Bros. distillery and light hors-d'oeuvres from Mezcla Maggie catering.
Bring the female-friendly energy you kindled at the International Women's March to this three-day fête, which marks 10 years of the MCA Feminism & Co. lecture series. Catch a scholar-led talk on the history of modern feminism on Thursday night; then check out art that focuses on issues of gender identity and politicized spaces by Jenny Morgan and Derrick Velasquez at Friday…
Check out dazzling acrobatics and daring trapeze stunts at this modern big-top performance. The fact that this decade-old Colorado circus troupe will incorporate speakers from international nonprofits like Red Noses Palestine and Project Education South Sudan into its lineup only makes its achievements even more impressive.
Honor those who are serving—and those who have sacrificed for—our country at this Memorial Day concert. Watch a ceremony in front of the Colorado Freedom Memorial monument, etched with the names of the more than 6,000 Colorado service members who were killed or are missing in action. Featuring a moving performance of patriotic songs by…
You don’t have to go all the way to the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival in New Mexico to see hot air balloons take off. After watching nearly 20 balloons from across North America launch early each morning, enjoy gourmet food and wine from the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey and hear live music from Colorado Springs–based Americana group…
Find inspiration for your next piece of body art at this three-day convention dedicated to ink. Pros from Mile High City shops the Old Larimer Street Tattoo Studio and Urban Element Tattoo will compete against artists from across the country in categories such as “most realistic” and “best colorful sleeve.” After watching the experts duke…
This year, the Tesoro Cultural Center's annual Indian Market and Spanish Colonial Art Market will be replaced with twenty themed weekends that will highlight the art, music, and traditions of different groups that have made their homes in the Southwest over the centuries. Coloradans can more about regional history and view work by local creatives, such as Cherokee…
You're going to spend Friday night out anyway—why not help raise money to fight MS at the same time? At this charity event, savor a crisp rosé from Infinite Monkey Theorem and alpine tacos from Skadi's food truck while DJ Ejay spins catchy beats. Be sure to enter a raffle for a chance to win a cruiser bike. Proceeds…
Skip the museum crowds this weekend—you can see works by more than 200 artists at this outdoor festival instead. This two-day festival features local creatives such as Stephen DeOrio and Mark Hollenbeck, all of whom have spent hours painting the streets and sidewalks around Larimer Square. While you check out their colorful artwork, enjoy live performances by…
Discover Boulder’s hidden greenery on this all-day tour of eight residential gardens, four of which have not previously been on display. Grab a map and then see a 140-year old tree, sloping terraced gardens, and Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired waterfalls on this self-guided trip through the historic Mapleton Hill neighborhood. Proceeds benefit downtown Boulder’s Whittier International…
Kick off the summer season at a block party in one of Denver’s hippest neighborhoods. Browse booths manned by local vendors (including Dragonfly Apparel and Crow Jane Jewelry), watch a bike parade, and grab a cocktail made by Backyard Soda Co. Plus, the three music stages allow you to headbang to shows by local bands,…
Dog lovers, take note: This heartwarming documentary, which follows two Centennial State Rottweilers, is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the bond you have with your four-legged friends. The film focuses on the hounds' medical journeys—Brutus is the second dog to ever receive four prosthetic legs, and Squirt gets an immunotherapy treatment to treat his bone cancer.
Between temperatures creeping into the 90s and this neighborhood carnival featuring tasty fried food and carnival rides, summer officially starts this weekend. At this family-friendly festival, indulge in guilty-pleasure treats such as turkey legs from Parker's Sweet Lorraine's Catering while the kids play in bounce houses. Then check out the Budweiser Clydesdale horses or catch a live show by rocker Bret Michaels…
Even if you’re a swing dance rookie, you can still enjoy this show featuring Big Band–era tunes. Grab a partner and start the evening with a lesson taught by instructors from the Denver Swing Project. Then show off your moves to the Flatirons Jazz Orchestra’s performance of songs made popular by jazz legends Duke Ellington,…
If you want to show off your Derby hat one more time this year, this sunny outdoor polo tournament is the perfect opportunity. During a six-game competition, watch professionals battle in six European-style, 10-goal matches, during which teams of athletes on horseback attempt to use mallets to hit balls through goals. When you're not watching the action on the…
Picture this: In the 1840s, a trading post on the Santa Fe Trail bustles with fur trappers and blacksmiths, brickmakers and Plains Indians, and...you. During this immersive history lesson, you'll meet 50 re-enactors showcasing the day-to-day activities that took place at Old Bent's Fort more than 150 years ago. While there, visitors can learn more about everyday tasks, such as skinning an animal hide…
You’ve seen tiny homes on HGTV—now find out if micro-living is a good fit for you. During this two-day expo hosted by the national Tiny House Collaborative, experts such as Alek Lisefski of the Tiny Project and B.A. Norrgard of A Bed Over My Head will lead workshops on how to make the most of…
Cat lovers, take note: This kitty-themed bar crawl is as fun as a Saturday night at home with your furry friend. After donning your most convincing cat ears, visit several bars on South Broadway—including Historians Ale House and Skylark Lounge—for drinks specials and live musical performances. Bonus: The best-dressed attendee will receive a gift card for…
Travel back in time to the era of knights and castles at this weekend festival. During the two-month-long fair, you can view jousting matches, acrobatics shows, and bagpipe performances. When hunger strikes, sip a refreshing beverage from Hard Core Cider and chow down on medieval-themed favorites such as a roast turkey leg from Joust Kitchens, a steak on a…
The constellations in our night sky are primarily named after characters from Greek and Roman myths—and those noteworthy figures were not exactly innocent. During this Pride Week planetarium show, hear scandalous stories about the relationships and daring feats that helped mythological heroes earn their place among the stars. Bonus: Togas are encouraged. —Photo courtesy of Maura O'Neal
Celebrate the Mediterranean country that brought us The Odyssey and the Olympics at this family-friendly festival. Take a tour of the ornate Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral, learn traditional dance moves, and shout Opa! as you raise a glass of the traditional Greek liquor Ouzo. In addition, more than 20 vendors, including Maria’s Jewelry and Greek Envy, will…
With temperatures topping 90 degrees, summer has officially reached the Mile High City—celebrate the season at this outdoor music festival. Between live performances by groups such as jam band Tea Leaf Green and indie ensemble Futurebirds, savor a juicy burger from Park Burger and a summery blonde from 10 Barrel Brewing Co. or watch street artists paint new murals. Proceeds…
Find inspiration for sprucing up your own backyard during this self-guided tour of downtown Loveland’s quaint cottage gardens. Attendees will meet gardeners with sustainable projects, including xeriscaped yards and organic vegetable patches, before they finish the day by bidding on lawn decor at a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Loveland Youth Gardeners, a nonprofit that works to foster environmental…
Celebrate Father’s Day by giving Dad a weekend away from the grill—treat him to hot barbecue plates, fried chicken, and cold beer at this vintage-style car show instead. While savoring lunch from the Longmont-based Post Chicken & Beer, attendees can check out more than 20 classic American cars from Boulder collector Stephen Tebo’s private collection. If your…
Even the best fall down sometimes, and now you can laugh about it with a free beer in hand. FuckUp Nights Denver has rocked the Mile High City with tales of extreme lows on a biweekly basis for one year and it's time to celebrate. Join the anti-pity party with Kiwi Schloffer of Craft Boner…
Colorado’s largest Latino culture celebration is back for its second year. The event will bring together more than 114 vendors, 100 organizations and 40 cultural acts, including headliner Son Moreno, in one of the state’s most diverse cities. In a joint venture by Barrio E' and the Latino Chamber of Commerce, the “UNITY” festival will showcase the…
Telluride is already home to a world-famous film festival, and with this three-year-old fete, the mountain town is staking the same claim for the small screen. More than 50 pilots, episodes, and digital shorts from the world of serialized entertainment will be screened throughout the festival's six days. The schedule features everything from new indie shows…
At this geeky extravaganza, visit hundreds of free educational panels on topics from gaming to film, show off your DIY costume creation on a cosplay catwalk, and meet Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown. Proceeds benefit Pop Culture Classroom, a local organization that helps educators incorporate comic books and board games into their curricula.
A Denver classic is marking its 27th year with a twist: The Cherry Creek Arts Festival will host an inaugural concert from the Grammy-Award winning Rebirth Brass Band in support of art education programs. The festival is sure to bring out the playful critic in you with foodie delights on “Culinary Avenue,” including Alpine Sausage…
With a mega-population of tech bros and hip breweries galore, present-day Denver doesn't exactly conjure up images of the wild, wild West—but at this immersive event, the new West collides head-on with the old. The Old West floor features a display of Buffalo Bill-themed art, drinks from High West Distillery and Stem Ciders, and two-step dance instruction,…
If you are the kind of person to spend hours browsing Wikipedia (aka, falling into a ‘wikihole’), this eclectic lecture series—which features two specialists speaking on entirely unrelated topics—is perfect for you. This year’s lineup includes ‘telekinesis & sauerkraut’ and ‘giant flutes & celestial navigation’ sure to pique the interest of any curious mind. 2017…
Held at the intimate Sie FilmCenter on Colfax, viewers will be captivated by over 30 short-animation films from local and international creators during this one-night event. Hosted by animated character Bearver C. Rogers, guests will also be joined by a variety of acclaimed animators, including Debra Solomon, the artist behind the animations in the popular,…
Calling all canines! Ink Lounge’s July First Friday is the ultimate shindig in celebration of mankind’s best friend. A pet photo booth, a pooch lounge, and a bar stocked with Greyhound cocktails made with Bear Creek vodka will accompany a series of vendors including Ivan's All Natural Doggie Delights and Smart Cookie Dog Treats. Don’t…
Thanks to this celebration of German and Austrian culture, you can take a European vacation without leaving the state. Cultural organization the T.E.V. Edelweiss Club will host three days of performances from traditional Bavarian music groups (including the Rhinelanders and Austrian Connection) as well as face-painting booths and Lederhosen vendors. When hunger strikes, snack on salty…
Honor the African diaspora's contributions to the Centennial State at this 31-year-old fest. Saturday's Boogaloo Celebration parade is the weekend's most rollicking event, featuring Boulder-based dance troupe Samba Colorado and the 80-member Nebraskan band the Marching Saints, but the action doesn't stop there. Over the course of the three-day event, visitors can peruse more than 50…
Take a step back in time during this History Colorado–sponsored canoe trip. Novice paddlers can travel 26 flat miles on the Colorado River while Fort Lewis College history professor Andy Gulliford shares tales about 19th-century settlers who had a much more difficult time braving the state’s namesake waterway.
Check out Breckenridge Brewery’s 12-acre Littleton campus while sipping a microbrew at this all-day concert and craft beer festival. Nederland folk quintet Gipsy Moon and bluegrass group the Sam Bush Band will play Americana songs on the main stage as you sample refreshing suds (we recommend the summery Agave Wheat or the hoppy Avalanche Ale).
If you don’t normally associate the Centennial State with great literature, this reading by two Colorado-based writers might make you reconsider. Colorado State University alumna and poet Claudia Savage shares poems about motherhood and creativity while Boulder novelist and poet Lisa Birman (the winner of the 2016 Colorado Book Award in Literary Fiction) reads poems about…
See this Best Picture–nominated film in the style of an Old Hollywood silent feature—with live accompaniment. Watch Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling sing and dance throughout their heartbreaking pursuit of stardom while the Colorado Symphony plays the movie’s jazzy score, which includes memorable tracks such as “Another Day of Sun” and “City of Stars.”
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the only time to embrace your Irish heritage on the Front Range. At this festival celebrating Irish and Celtic traditions, cheer on Denver Gaels Club athletes as they compete in hurling and Gaelic football matches. Then kick back a George Killian’s Irish Red while watching a traditional dance competition set to…
The Alliance Française is celebrating 120 years in Denver on Bastille Day with caricatures from French artist Fred Pichon, pinwheel making, and baguette tastings. Take in dinner and a show with performances by the French theatre troupe Alliance & Co. and DJ Titi de Nice and food from La Patisserie Francaise and La Cave. Top…
Step away from the essential oils, and come smell some actual flowers. This celebration of Bath and Body Works' favorite floral takes place at Chatfield Farm's two-year-old lavender garden, which boasts more than 800 blooming plants. Admire the blooms via hayride or self-guided tour, shop for locally made lavender products, and get up close and personal…
Bees buzzing around your can while you're drinking on the porch? Not good. Butterflies floating past while you sip brews and munch hors d'oeuvres in the middle of a replicated rain forest? Very good. This adults-only evening features Fate Brewing beers and food from A Spice of Life and Pour La France, which you can…
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the most stunning houses in Colorado Springs on this fsacinating tour. Led by guides from History Colorado Center, the all-day event includes stops such as the Victorian-era McAllister House Museum, which was owned by famed Union general Henry McAllister during the late 1800s, as well as the 1907 Versailles-inspired Trianon building…
The highlight of the summer season is back and literally bigger than ever. Under the new ownership of The Western Stock Show Association, The Denver County Fair will introduce a Beer & Wine Fest showcasing 30 regional breweries, goat yoga sessions, and two new interactive exhibits to highlight the importance of locally grown food products…
The Women's Foundation of Colorado is turning 30 this year—and for its birthday celebration, they're going all out. The former First Lady takes center stage at this event, where she will discuss community strategies for women's economic empowerment and her life pre- and post-White House with WFCO president Lauren Casteel. The schedule for the night…
Edinburgh, Orlando...Fort Collins? The quirky-but-venerable tradition of fringe festivals, which celebrate artists and performers that may be too avant-garde for the standard music or dance festival, first came to the Larimer County seat in 2013, and its fifth year promises to be better than ever. The fest's 90 performances span five venues and eight genres,…
Embrace the spirit of the Wild West at this three-day extravaganza dedicated to the life of one of Colorado’s original pioneers. To honor “Buffalo” Bill Cody, who was buried atop Golden’s Lookout Mountain 100 years ago, bearded attendees can show off their mountain-man-inspired facial hair at a beard contest while tiny cowboys try to stay…
Whether you want to redecorate your home or revitalize your wardrobe, you’re sure to find noteworthy items at this flea market of 150-plus vendors. Browse handmade jewelry from Denver’s Brazen, Western-inspired clothes from local clothing boutique Equilibrium, and quirky pottery from Fort Collins–based Seed and Stone. Admission is free, but donations benefiting ArtReach Denver (a nonprofit…
When she co-founded the Brave Coalition in March, Denverite Katica Roy’s goal was to combat negative stereotypes through books clubs, film screenings, and call-to-action sessions. Join the crusaders for a documentary about Holocaust survivor Jack Adler and the events that led to anti-Semitism in his small Illinois town during the 1970s.
Director Pedro Almodóvar is known for his colorful, irreverent films chronicling Spanish life after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. During this 20-film retrospective, view a sampling of the prolific filmmaker’s movies, including the Academy Award-winning All About My Mother and his rarely screened first cinematic effort, Pepi, Luci, Bom And Other Girls…
Bagpipers, Irish dancers and Highland athletes transform Snowmass Village into Scotland for this weekend-long festival. Adults can participate in Scotch whisky tastings, and see blacksmithing, leather working and lacemaking demonstrations at the living history museum. Little ones can get their pictures taken with the mythical Loch Ness monster, “Nessie” and even pups can play along…
Be the neighbor you’ve always wanted. Come together with fellow residents, friends, and family during Denver Days, a city-wide effort to promote community service and bonding. There’s an event for every family in nearly every neighborhood, including graffiti cleanup and coffee in Capitol Hill, a free concert on the Wewatta Street Bridge by Union Station,…
Travel back in time on Trolley Car No. 25, the last remaining, completely intact, electric railway car, which once zipped through the region on the 13-mile Denver-Lakewood-Golden line. More than 100 years after the car–which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places–was first in operation, its legacy will be celebrated with free trolley…
Celebrate womanhood at Colorado’s inaugural beauty pageant for breast cancer survivors. Contestants will model evening gowns and share stories of overcoming cancer. The participant that raises the most money from audience members will be crowned the first Living Pink Colorado Queen. Proceeds benefit the Carol Milgard Breast Center First Look Voucher Program, which provides free…
During this interactive lecture, Jason Hanson of History Colorado University of Oregon professor Doug Blandy discuss Prohibition and Bob Ross, and it’s up you to create a link between the two subjects. The two speakers have 20 minutes to discuss the seemingly unrelated topics, followed by time for audience members to ask questions and make…
Jefferson County's biggest fair is back for its second year with a whole new look, feel, and lineup. The four-day fest is chock-full of attractions, including Gladius the Show, an awe-inspiring acrobatics and equestrian performance. Alongside traditional showcases like pony rides and a petting zoo, the event will also feature special themed days, including Kids…
A boundless new motivation to change the city for the better is at the heart of this creative conference. Inspired by the Imagine 2020 Cultural Plan, this event—featuring showcases from Curious Theater and dancer Kate Speer, mini-lectures from a who's who of local arts and social justice leaders, and an attendant gallery show, Land Trust—encourages…
Check out original works of art and jam to an eclectic mix of live music at this free, family-friendly festival on the south side of Sloan’s Lake. Peruse work from local and national artists and check out members of the Wounded Warrior Music program performing your favorite Motown and soul hits, along with other local…
Transform your household into a dream dwelling with help from the home experts. Nationwide Expos will turn the Boulder County Fairgrounds into a bustling hub for Coloradans to learn about the latest in interior design, remodeling, and home automation. Local and national home improvement vendors including Fitness Gallery will showcase the newest home gadgets, cooking…
Thanks to the wide world of toys and games, "You have died of dysentery," a familiar phrase from the game The Oregon Trail, was a staple of many people's childhood. Have you ever thought about how weird that is? This presentation put on by the Denver Obscura Society explores how politics and culture have influenced…
Cultures collide over music and brews from around the world in this end-of-summer bash. Grammy Award-winning reggae artist Morgan Heritage will headline on the main stage before music performances in African, Gaelic, and Latin stylings continue into the night. After the international fashion show, chow down at vendors like Arepas House, Lady Di's Authentic Nigerian…
Pack your nuclear family into the airstream and head on down to the Denver Modernism Show. In addition to the dozens of Front Range vintage furniture dealers and antique businesses hocking their wares, enjoy a cavalcade of retro-themed events like the Miss Modernism pageant, a modernist trailer park exhibit, and a theremin performance ( an…
Walking tours: they aren't just for tourists anymore. On these mobile performance art journeys, travel just under a mile with Control Group Productions actors through the streets, parks, and rivers of downtown Denver as they use movement, poetry, sound, and the surroundings themselves to tell a story of the trials of tribulations of human migration.…
The Centennial State is famous for a certain kind of smoke, but this festival, set amid the rolling hills of the Omni Interlocken golf course, is dedicated to a more grandparent-appropriate kind of light up. Sample a variety of top-shelf cigars, including Joya de Nicaragua and Casa Magna, and mingle with cigar celebrities such as…
This film festival proves that slide reels and analog film projections didn't stop being cool in the ’70s. Boston-born production company Auspicious Phoenix brings five inventive short works—expect old school 16mm projections and slide photo carousels—to the Mile High City for this touring indie film fest. Catch movies such as Japan travelogue The Literal Lens…
For most, the rapid growth of the Mile High City just means more traffic during your evening commute. For author Tershia d'Elgin, who grew up on a farm in the Centennial State, the booming development inspired The Man Who Thought He Owned Water, an exploration of the strain Colorado's growing cities are putting on its…
Put on your dancing shoes and groove to live salsa, West African drumming, and soul music at this multicultural bash. When you need a dance break, stop by the food trucks for Colombian arepas, Middle Eastern falafel, and wood-fired pizza to fuel up before hitting the market for artisan-made goods. Proceeds support Intercambio, a nonprofit…
Take your dog for a splash at one of the best water parks in town for the ultimate pup pool party. After your furry, four-legged friend goes for a swim, they can continue to cool off with doggie ice cream treats from Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard and a Paw Pop. Proceeds support Freedom…
It is about to be award season, which means it is time to catch acclaimed movies and shorts at Nederland's first film festival. The lineup includes a dozen flicks made in Colorado or by local filmmakers, including The Trail to Kezbegi, a documentary about Boulder cyclists making their way through the Caucasus mountains in Russia,…
Jump on the modern art appreciation train in a tour of public art installations along the lightrail’s W Line. Kris Autobee, the owner of Lakewood’s Red Herring Art Supply, will serve as your guide to interpreting abstract urban art on your short, but action-packed journey from Oak to Lamar stations (both in Lakewood).
At this traveling showcase of some of Colorado’s best handmade art, designers will show off pieces made from a wide range of materials, including metal, paper, and wax. While shopping for homespun goods, visitors can also enjoy live performances from local bands, including folk singer Antonio Lopez and rock-funk group the Symbols.
Watch out, Telluride—movie buffs might just have a new favorite mountain town. With a film roster boasting 21 features (including Cannes favorite Personal Shopper and Anthony Bourdain's food-waste doc Wasted!) and an events schedule featuring an opening night bike parade and three filmmaker panels, this festival may be the most fun you can have in…
Inked Magazine ranked Denver the top tattooed city in America last year– which makes the Mile High City the perfect place for this celebration of the art of ink. In addition to live tattooing demonstrations from more than 150 artists, the exhibition will feature live graffiti and a presentation on tattoo culture in the United…
Take your photo cropping and design skills to a new level with hands-on exhibits and workshops at the ultimate scrapbooking event. Everyone from embellishment bosses to curious newbies who have never touched decorative scissors can learn from the 50 vendors that have stopped in Denver on this 19-city tour. Earn an “I Conquered” keepsake button…
Sep 30, 2017 from 10:00am-6:00pm with a Pop-up Dinner from 6:00pm-10:00pm
Oct 01, 2017 from 11:00am-5:00pm
Watch your step during this street festival; you may accidentally tread on one of the dozens of chalk art masterpieces decorating the streets of Longmont. This street fair will showcase the work of more than 40 artists, including local muralists Bryce Widom and Mario Olvera. When you’re not watching the temporary pieces come alive from…
Showcasing the lives and artistic talents of indigenous people from around the world, this cultural festival, which spans multiple venues throughout Denver, truly lives up to its theme “Celebrating the Creative Spirit.” Moderated panel discussions after film showings and artist talks during exhibit openings make the festival rich with informational opportunities, such as a conversation…
Spend your evening immersed in other-worldy education as space experts discuss NASA’s Cassini Mission. After nearly 20 years in space, including 13 years orbiting Saturn, the Cassini spacecraft ended its mission on September 15th. This month, Denver Museum scientist Steve Lee and other local experts will talk about the enormous (or, astronomical) contributions Cassini made…
Embrace the thrill of outdoor adventure without ever leaving your seat. This film festival promises three packed days of independent films that highlight tales of climbing, biking, and skiing while also addressing social issues. Along with the flicks, be sure to explore the Vendor Village market where you can enter to win up to $10,000…
Embrace femininity and nature during this night dedicated to your spiritual journey. NamasteWorks Outdoors, a local group that puts on nature-based yoga programs, aims to usher in feelings of renewal and inner peace at this women-only overnight camping event, featuring nature walks, personal storytelling, and moonlight yoga. The event also includes a community dinner prepared…
This event is focused on what makes our favorite narratives stand the test of time. In conjunction with the museum's Backstory exhibition on the context of great works of Western art, this adults-only evening features museum tours, arts and crafts, and programming from the Lighthouse Writers Workshop, all themed around what makes a good story.…
Get ready for Halloween by creating your own lucky charms at this creepy-crafty event. Participants can make rabbits feet, evil eyes, horseshoes, and clovers to ward off evil spirits and attempt to make their Fridays just a little bit luckier. Before the crafting begins, enjoy samples from Suerte Tequila to keep the creative juices flowing…
Don your creepiest costume for this spooky story time to learn why dolls and clowns make our hair stand on end. While viewing some of scariest dolls from the museum’s 20,000 object collection, you’ll learn about how your brain identifies and reacts to danger and other reasons why you find the Chucky doll hidden in…
Get your game face on with world-class eSports tournaments, cosplay demonstrations, and other digital-driven events at the last event of the year from DreamHack, a group that puts on computer-focused festivals throughout the world. Play casually with your friends (you must bring your own computer to game) or get competitive at the massive coding party.…
Movie buffs: Skip trick-or-treating and celebrate Halloween with a lineup of spooky films at this Longmont festival. From Solved, an artsy short about one man's deadly obsession made from thousands of still photographs to Arbor Demon, a feature-length horror flick about a demonic camping trip, there's a thriller for every scary-movie fan. As an added…
Throw on your favorite costume and take your spot in Denver’s first Halloween parade down Broadway. Local organizations like the Transit Alliance, a local group working to improve transportation in Colorado, and the Denver Hearse Association, a club dedicated to the funeral parlor vehicle of choice, will create floats that match the spookiness of your…
Join more than 100 authors and artists at Colorado’s largest science fiction and fantasy literary convention of the year. Cosplay contests, anime screenings, and auctions for rare autographed books and fantasy collectibles will keep your nerd side satisfied. If you’re feeling brave, sign up for a live “slush” pile where you can enter to read…
One of the Centennial State’s biggest DIY hobby events is here with the hope of turning you on to a new pleasurable pastime. Experienced hobbyists and newbies alike can take part in hands-on demonstrations of remote control cars, scale model kits, and scrapbooking. After you’ve crafted, constructed, and designed, take a stroll through the marketplace…
Travel back to 1858, the year Denver was founded, and learn about the Queen City of the Plain's secretive beginnings during this one-and-a-half mile walking tour. Guests will experience LoDo landmarks through the eyes of Ned Wynkoop, the area's first sheriff, while hoop-skirt-wearing guides from HistoriCity—a local tour company founded by Colorado natives this past…
It is always enjoyable when our favorite Internet interactions can be shared in a communal setting. In this feline film fest, you'll do basically the same thing you do every time you want to avoid work—watch funny videos of cute cats. But this experience will be on a much bigger screen, and comes with significantly…
Best known for winning the eighth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, this drag queen will leave audiences in fits of laughter with his sharp-tongued riffs on everything from race and politics to love and family. When he leaves the stage, the hilarity continues with a comedic vocal performance from Ginger Minj, another RuPaul’s Drag Race…
Animated digital shorts from international artists transform a blaringly bright LED screen, normally home to ads and event promotions, into a canvas for digital media masterpieces. As an encore presentation of the Supernova Digital Animation Festival, this event continues to mark Denver as the world city with the most extensive forum for presenting digital animation…
As the epicenter of the craft beer trend, it's no surprise that Colorado boasts more home brewers than any other state. But a barrier to entry still exists—a lack of knowledge and access to quality ingredients. EnterFall Back Brew Festin Estes Park, a one-stop shop for pro and novice brewers to interact with experts and…
Choose the weapon—a slingshot, a mallet, a bat— you think will best smash that rotting Halloween pumpkin to smithereens at this educational event. After destroying your Jack O’ Lantern, posters will explain how the remains will be composted (some will be used for the Idaho Springs Community Garden) and what benefits the process provides for…
Houdini is no match for these 10 Mile High Magicians who take the stage for an evening of magic tricks, mind reading, and comedy. Matthew Brandt returns as the emcee, world renowned magicians Joe Given and Carol Massie create reality-defying illusions, and Chad Wonder, a Nickelodeon Entertainer of the Year, will perform his award-winning act…
Go behind the scenes as theater pros teach you how to apply stage makeup, make wigs, and throw a believable (but fake) punch during stage combat. Each 10- to 12-minute workshop offers an explanation on a different trade secret. Participants will also snag an exclusive look at the backstage happenings of Opera Colorado’s current production,…
If you think weed being legal is crazy, you should have seen Denver's drug scene at the turn of the last century. At this lecture, local author Randi Samuelson-Brown—fresh off the release of her debut historical novel—will give a rundown of the brothels, drug dens, and bootleg joints that ran the Front Range during the…
Prehistoric myths will be busted and details about dinosaurs will be disputed as you delve inside the world of Jurassic Park at this educational movie screening. A paleontologist will discuss what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to Steven Spielberg’s classic film, providing factual context for the drama-filled events that go down…
Eager holiday shoppers will love how early they can check all the locally made gifts off their shopping lists at this early-season market. More than 70 vendors will sell their handcrafted wares, including Mohagen Woods, Darilyn Designs, and Spur Ranch Jewelry. Live entertainment from Fort Collins-based rock band the Symbols will also accompany the present…
Bighorn sheep clash horns and vie for dominance during their peak breeding season at this high-altitude festival. Colorado Parks & Wildlife experts will be on site to offer information about the state mammal. When the animals grow tired turn instead to free face-painting and a parade through downtown Georgetown with mascot Elbert the Bighorn Sheep…
Learn how former service members Ben and Leticia Ward found purpose on a new kind of battlefield. The veteran couple repurposes materials from military bases to use as farm equipment (think: a missile guidance system turned into a safe, short-term home for baby chicks) at their small-scale urban farm in Fountain.
In her recent book of poetry and criticism Citizen: An American Lyric, National Book Award–winning writer Claudia Rankine explores racial aggression and social justice issues in America. During this illuminating joint talk, Denver mayor, Michael B. Hancock, and the author will discuss ways the Mile High City can focus on building more inclusive communities to…
Gluehwein and lebkuchen (mulled wine and biscuits for us Americans) abound at the local German Christmas market. Besides the vino, gingerbread, and other authentic German food like bratwurst and baked apples, market goers can enjoy traditional live music from local bands such as Rick Borger & The Average German Band. And of course, guests can…
At Denver International Airport you don’t need to board an airplane to feel like you’re flying. Instead, rent a free pair of ice skates and jet around the newly enlarged 38 feet by 60 feet ice rink on your own two feet while planes roar overhead. Daily music and entertainment at the plaza will provide…
There are few better days than Small Business Saturday to get a head start on your holiday shopping and support local makers. At this artisan market featuring more than 50 Colorado-based vendors, you can find adorable kids' clothing from Rosebudz Attic, handmade jewelry made by Denver's Kiboko Kidogo (pictured), and tasty preservatives from Melissa Lemmons Jams.…
More than 70 local businesses will duke it out for best wassail (read: hot cider) bragging rights at this beloved Frisco event. If you taste at least 12 types of wassail (be sure to stop by perennial favorites Rivers Clothing Company and the Lost Cajun), you can exchange your completed “12 Sips” card for a…
After getting a taste of the limelight as one of the country’s favorite internet memes, former Vice President Joe Biden returns to center stage to share the trials and triumphs of his political career. In promotion of his new memoir Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose, this talk will go beyond…
Science class isn't just for the kids. And whether you have a Ph.D. or not, adults can also find out how Earth's geology impacted where humans chose to live and watch the history of human migration unfold onscreen at this two-night class taught by geologist Bob Raynolds. The first night of the program uses the…
Step into the whimsical world of of Alice’s wonderland for an evening of 21-plus fun that includes cocktails, chitchat, and the Cheshire Cat. At this event, you’ll share drinks and conversations with young professionals and mingle with Alice and other characters from Lewis Carroll’s classic novel, while treats that yell “eat me” and “drink me”…
Turning animated classics into live-action films may be the trend du jour in Hollywood, but this new fest proves you shouldn't count animation out yet. More than 30 animated shorts about topics as varied as space travel and annoying bosses will be screened over the course of the evening, with a cartoon host playing emcee…
With more than 150 artisans selling original goods, this trendy fair is your best bet for finding specialty handmade gifts that will dazzle your hippest friends. Local vendors like Colorbloom Studio and Elevation Creations offer home accessories and decorations, while K-Sauce and Nummy Nibbles have your taste buds covered with food offerings like fiery hot…
Colorado-based sculpting teams will use their hands, tools, and lots of creativity to transform huge cylinders of snow into artistic masterpieces at this snow sculpting event. Watch the masters—including last year’s winner, Team Merc—at work throughout the four-day event or view the finished products starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday when sculpting time expires. Bonus:…
The Rockies in December are always a winter wonderland, but things will become extra magical at this weekend celebration. Across Telluride's Mountain Village, you'll be able to try your hand at curling, hit the ice for open skating time, and even go sledding at the base of Chair Four. If mixing and mingling is more…
Santa isn't the only one who gets to spread some holiday cheer on December 25th. At this JewishColorado-sponsored event, volunteers (of any faith tradition) step in at area nonprofits so that those employees who do celebrate Christmas can spend the day at home with their families. Sign up for any of 13 placements, ranging from…
The Mile High City will end 2017 in style with two dazzling fireworks shows in central Denver. The identical shows run at 9 p.m. and midnight, each lighting up the night for about eight minutes. DJs sprawled across the 16th Street Mall—the ideal viewing location—will spin tunes all evening, providing bumping background music for this…
Amongst the trappings of a burgeoning city, many Denverites sometimes rebuff the city's cow-town roots. But at this event, which is returning after being cancelled for snow last year, it's being celebrated by sending 40 Longhorn cattle down 17th Street. The bovine paraders (herded by cowboys from Monument's Searle Ranch) are among more than 65…
For centuries the Norse god Ullr has blessed Breckenridge with snow; now the city pays tribute to its hero by donning horned Viking hats and celebrating all things wintry. Ullr enthusiasts can participate in a fat bike race, help break the world record for longest shot ski, or take a frigid dip during the ice…
Dust off that Nintendo 64 that's been buried in storage at your parents' house and get to practicing for this throwback competition. At this tournament, which is open to all, old-school gaming fans will face off on James Bond video games—particularly the N64 game released in conjunction with 1995's GoldenEye. If you strike out in…
Aspen’s most colorful celebration is the go-to destination for a week of slopeside parties and other kinds of snow-fueled fun. Visitors can explore four mountains worth of skiing and snowboarding terrain (via guided trips by a snow concierge, if desired), as well as trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. When the light fades,…
Avid adventurer and author Eugene Buchanan will tell the tale of his latest expedition in Peru’s backcountry at this evening talk. A quick preview: A team of Polish explorers and he embarked on a first descent down the Cruz del Condor section of Peru’s Colca Canyon—the deepest gorge in the world. Full of Incan history,…
Denver's great and all, but had Colorado's gold rush titans had their way, we'd all be living in Golden. The Jefferson County town was the capital of the Colorado Territory for a portion of the 1860s, and this lecture by Golden History Museum director Nathan Richie explores the makeup of the early mining community and…
Brush off your dancing shoes and your finest flapper gear—this fête will take you back to the underground jazz club days, with no password (or law-breaking) required. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy live tunes from La Pompe Jazz, burlesque and swing dance performances, and a gaggle of vintage vendors including Goorin Brothers Hat Shop…
Many events surrounding skate and snowboarding culture have been based around artistic endeavors such a filmmaking and photography in recent years. And at this film screening, Vans is getting in on the action. In addition to a performance from alt-rock trio Dinosaur Jr. and a DJ set from Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, attendees will enjoy…
Ski Town, U.S.A., will celebrate the city’s next generation of Olympic athletes as they head to PyeongChang on a quest for gold. This year’s batch of athletes join the ranks of more than 89 Olympians to come out of Steamboat Springs—the most produced by any town in North America—and will be sent off to South…
The oldest continuous winter carnival west of the Mississippi is back for another year of snow-filled events and ski-flipping fun. Watch children on skis and snowboards get pulled behind horses along Lincoln Avenue, learn to ski jump on Howelsen Hill, and catch Nordic jumping pros at work as you become part of a wintry tradition…
Put down that muted Patagonia and dig your old neon snow pants out of storage for this throwback party. On the eve of the Winter Olympics, this fête celebrates all things vintage snowsports. Enjoy live house music from DJ G-Moses, toss your hat in the ring for giveaways from Meier Skis and Never Summer, and,…
The roar of chainsaws will cut through the winter air as their teeth bite into giant slabs of ice during this frozen festival. Sculpting teams from Colorado, Minnesota, and Ohio will transform 300-pound ice blocks into sparkling works of art. An ice castle and dragon-shaped ice slide will keep your kids occupied, while adults can…
Your Tinder horror stories ain't got nothin' on the revelations you'll hear at this event. In this half-comedy, half-confessional production, a cast of Coloradans will read from their real-life teenage diaries, laying bare all the heartache and angst of their bygone puppy loves. Catch the format now before it gets big—Mortified moves from live engagements in…
Grab your binoculars and head for the rocks with your herd for a day of wildlife education and exploration. Use state-of-the-art telescopes to view Colorado’s state mammal from far away, or take a free shuttle to an offsite location for a closer look. Then make your way to the visitor center to play wildlife games,…
Snowmass gets spiced up with a taste of Cajun flavor and New Orleans–style fun during this slopeside Mardi Gras celebration. The festivities begin in the early morning with an uphill running race, which features a 2,072-foot vertical gain and $15,000 in prizes for categories such as best time, worst time, and best costume. The celebration…
In a #MeToo world, what do we gain when we forgive? That's the question behind this Shine Soiree, the latest in a series from sexual assault recovery specialists at Parillume. At this event, two TEDx alums—Parillume founder Lisa Foster and author/5280 contributor Megan Feldman Bettencourt—will chat about the spirit of forgiveness: when it's used to…
Tasty brews and soulful blues create the quintessential combo at this mountain music festival. Greensky Bluegrass, Elephant Revival, and Yonder Mountain String Band headline an impressive lineup of artists, but the craft brewery list is just as notable: Oskar Blues Brewery, Boulder Beer, and Aspen Brewing are just a few of the 20-plus beer makers…
Don your best bonnet and cotton apron and experience life on the prairie at this ladies-only outing. Attendees will enjoy a short wagon ride to the Sod Homestead at the Plains Conservation Center, where they’ll cook a hearty lunch consisting of soup, applesauce, and muffins on a wood burning stove. Other activities include making crafts…
Indulge in all your literary whims at this family-friendly fest. In addition to behind-the-scenes library tours and kids' reading sessions, the day features a roster of panel discussions with Colorado authors. Hear from Peter Heller, best-selling author of The Painter and The Dog Stars, in the opening keynote; learn the colonial history of the West…
This soiree proves you don't have to go to Hollywood to see a hit show where it was filmed. The 15th season of Bravo's cooking competition program was shot throughout Colorado, and its finale was recorded in Aspen—including scenes at the restaurant Little Nell. Watch finalists Adrienne Cheatham and Joseph Flamm face off on the…
Join in the history and hilarity of this icy festival that pays tribute to Norwegian outdoorsman Bredo Morstol, who has lain frozen in a shed near Nederland since 1993. Thirty bands will perform live in heated tents, and frigid events such as coffin races and a polar plunge take place throughout the weekend. Don’t forget…
More than 20,000 sandhill cranes flock to the San Luis Valley each year to spend their spring breaks resting and feeding before continuing northward. At this outdoor festival, listen to the birds’ rattling calls and watch them perform their energetic courting dance as each tries to attract a lifetime mate. After the crane viewing, head…
Avoid a pinch by throwing on your most vibrant green attire and watching (or joining) this spirited holiday parade through historic downtown Fort Collins. Parade entrants can compete to win prizes—awarded by a panel of local judges at Oak Street Plaza—by creating the most inventive and eye-catching floats. After enjoying the fanfare, head to the…
Considering how nasty mountain travel can be by car (thanks, I-70), one might think that ancient settlers traveling by foot or on horseback would have given up when they hit the Rockies. But archaeological evidence tells a different tale. In this lecture, Colorado State University professor Jason LaBelle will tell the stories of the Native…
The ski season may be nearing its end, but this spirited spring festival—featuring two weeks of mountaintop competitions and downtown concerts—proves the fun doesn’t have to let up. Watch top athletes battle it out on the slopes during the Banked Slalom snowboard race, the Colorado Collegiate Freeride Championships, and a ski and snowboard Big Air…
Discover local handcrafted treasures at this community-centered bazaar. More than 125 vendors will display and sell their high-quality wares, including original art, home goods, clothing, and jewelry. From Desert Willow Lane’s upcycled clothes and decor (think: fashionable products created from reused materials) to precious jewelry and gems from Denver entrepreneur Altas Joyas, the perfect (locally…
If your knowledge of international holidays ends at Cinco de Mayo and Bastille Day, head to this new event to add a Middle Eastern celebration to your calendar. Nawroz marks the Iranian or Persian new year and is celebrated in countries throughout Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Accordingly, this fête features Afghan folk singers, Albanian…
The incendiary architect of Brexit debating the man who told Donald Trump that Mexico was "not paying for that [bleep]ing wall"—what could go wrong? As part of the conservative Steamboat Institute's Campus Liberty Tour, Nigel Farage, a contentious British politician, will debate former Mexican president Vicente Fox in what promises to be a lively discussion…
Dine, dance, and donate in style at this elegant orchestra fundraiser. Start your evening with food from catering company Y.Lo Epicure and brews provided by Strange Craft Beer Company, followed by entertainment from the organization’s orchestra musicians and local magician Shawn Preston. Both a silent and a live auction will feature splurge-worthy items—a chocolate and…
Most people think of buttons as a means to an end, but the members of the Colorado State Button Society have been collecting the diminutive objects and sharing their finds for 50 years. The first day of this year’s anniversary Button Show and Sale, held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Park Hill, involves competitions for…
With its signature copper mug, the Moscow mule has long been the most Instagrammable of cocktails—this fête just makes it official. At this mini-golf- and mule-centric party, you'll play nine holes, watch the Masters live-streamed on the big screen, and sip on the classic cocktail in eight inventive flavors, from the Tropical (rum, passionfruit, lime)…
If climate change, pollution, and the degradation of wilderness areas has you down, head to this Patagonia-sponsored event to learn from the pros about how to stay optimistic about the future of the planet. The evening will feature a panel with activists such as Kate William, the CEO of 1% for the Planet, and Latino…
Night owls will gain loads of new wisdom about their scaly, feathered, and furry friends at this after-hours, adult lecture series. Grab a drink from the cash bar, and then sit back to listen as animal experts share insider secrets about how the Denver Zoo cares for its animals while also leading species conservation efforts…
It is estimated that bees pollinate nearly one-third of the food we eat everyday. At this informative class, Beth Conrey of Berthoud-based Bee Squared Apiaries will discuss how these important pollinators fertilize plants and the way the job they have in the breeding process is determined by social structure. Plus, members of the Northern Colorado…
Enjoy curated films, art, and performances, such as the raptor-focused film Sky Migrations, which follows hawks and golden eagles on their southbound journeys, at this outdoor-focused film festival. This year’s theme “Our Stories, Our Lands” aims to use tales of boundary-pushing exploration to enter ongoing debates about public lands by demonstrating the cultural value of…
Clothing is more than just a statement about your personal identity—it can also be a symbol of political resistance. For the Pachucas, a subculture of Chicano women who defied American beauty norms in the 1940s, fashion was a tool to fight against oppression and domestication. Inspired by the boundary-pushing style of these historic Latinas (think:…
Channel your inner Shakespeare and pen a sonnet or two in celebration of National Poetry Month. The Loveland Museum’s Foote Gallery will be transformed into a poetry cafe, where local poets Kathleen Willard and Veronica Patterson will help authors of all ages hone their writing skills. Stations will be set up around the room with…
We all know those people who enjoy retelling heroic tales of the country’s past successes during war (despite the carnage that often takes place on the battlefield). This month the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities hosts the Complexities of Commemoration, a talk that examines how our nation remembers World War I and II…
You might never get the chance to summit Mt. Everest, but at this engaging talk, you can live vicariously through author Brian Dickinson, an expert climber who reached the peak in 2011. He'll recount the story of his risky adventure on the mountain, during which he completed the descent while snow blind, and then sign…
Help propel the first all US veteran rowing team across the Atlantic Ocean at this live auction and evening of fine dining. This December, Fight Oar Die, a team of oarsmen,including Castle Rock–born Special Forces sergeant Bryant Knight, will attempt the arduous Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, Using knowledge gleaned from the University of Denver Sturm…
This enlightening event is about creating real change for women by advocating for more dollar and cents in their paychecks. A panel of accomplished women, led by Denver comedian Debbie Scheer, will discuss the issue of gender pay equity. Get perspectives from women in a variety of industries, including journalism and law, while you enjoy…
When the Wright takes place in early May, nearly 19 months will have passed since the popular event last honored innovative outdoor companies. That’s a long hiatus for the typically annual summit, but organizers had a good reason for the wait: After six years in Denver, they’re relocating to Colorado School of Mines in Golden.…
Get prepped for one of the biggest sporting and fashion events of the year by creating your very own over-the-top hat at the Molly Brown House Museum. Attendees will receive large, floppy hats; adornments such as ribbons, feathers, and flowers to decorate their fancy chapeaux; and, of course, some boozy mint juleps to get you…
Discover ways in which human beings have altered Rocky Mountain National Park’s ecological physical appearance over the last 100 years at this day-long course. Colorado State University geology professor Ellen Wohl will discuss how mining and water engineering inside the park, as well as fossil fuel emissions, have harmed the natural wonders. The talk won’t…
If you've ever wanted to learn how to knit but didn't know where to start, maybe it is best to begin with a beer in hand. Zuni Street Brewing Company will host a beginners class perfect for anyone who has never picked up a set of needles. All the needed materials will be provided by…
After a career in high-end hair salons, Josh Rosebrook went searching for natural, plant-based skincare products—but was unable to find any. So, like any great entrepreneur, he created his own. Josh will share his organic products and the philosophy behind them during this meet-and-greet at Aillea Cherry Creek. Along with a Q&A session, attendees will…
This 24-hour adventure challenge that will test everything from your endurance to level of silliness. On competition day, teams of two to six will attempt a list of quirky, outdoorsy challenges that range from hiking to the nearest waterfall to donating blood while wearing fake Dracula teeth. The event ends with an awards ceremony featuring…
Check out Denver’s hottest new hotel while browsing Colorado-made gear and watching curated adventure films at this multifaceted event. The Ramble Hotel, which opened in RiNo last Friday, is hosting a spring product launch for Topo Designs at Vauxhall, the property’s music venue, theatre, and bar. Attendees can enjoy cocktails from Death & Co. while…
Peruse more than 130 vendors at this laid-back marketplace in Berkeley. Don’t miss trendy art and handmade goods such as embellished cow skulls from Rose & Royce and assorted jewelry from Aspen-based mobile boutique Heir Vintage. Along with the primo shopping, be sure to check out the Photo Bus Denver—a photobooth in the back of…
At this leisurely event, moms can enjoy their special day by taking part in two of their favorite activities: sipping and shopping. The opportunities for hardworking mothers to relax include making bath bombs with Buff City Soap, a free massage lounge, and complimentary mimosas during a sip and paint class held by Painting With A…
If you prefer friends with four legs to those with two, this tail-wagging event—featuring a costume contest, doggie kiss photo booth, and what may be Denver's most adorable parade—is for you. Along with the active pursuits, humans can treat their pups (not just limited to corgis and labs) to wares from dog-related vendors, including custom…
In 1958, Santa's Workshop at North Pole, Colorado installed its first ride: a tiny mining cart pulled by real donkeys. Until that point, the two-year-old amusement park near Colorado Springs had enticed visitors with booths of artisans, such as glassblowers, along with appearances by Santa and his merry gnomes (yes, really, not elves). But the…
Despite its rising stock of restaurants and proximity to gorgeous trails, Boulder has lacked one crucial attraction: a visit-worthy museum. That’ll change when the Museum of Boulder reopens at Broadway and Pine Street. Formerly known as the Boulder History Museum, the institution previously had just 1,500 square feet to display its artifacts; now, it’ll have…
Temple Grandin has become a world-renowned scientist, inventor, and one of Time's 100 most influential people all while living with autism. During this hands-on signing for her newest book Calling All Minds: How to Think and Create Like an Inventor, kids can get their brains working by recreating Grandin's personal childhood projects—such as building a…
This audio walking tour with a theatrical twist is designed to help participants see the Mile High City from a new point of view. Guided by a computerized voice that comes to you through provided headphones and tracks your whereabouts in real time, the approximately two-mile journey through downtown will include realistic sound effects, music,…
In honor of National Foster Care Awareness month, local artists will use their talents to highlight the needs of kids in the child welfare system at this art and musical extravaganza. Attendees can watch painter Donté Janae as she creates a painting that will be donated to a Denver group home, along with performances from…
This acclaimed documentary film festival celebrates its 40th year with a reel of cinematic events. The weekend begins with a immigration-themed symposium featuring former UN senior advisor and immigrant advocate Sayu Bhojwani. Film screenings about other social and environmental issues follow the lecture and carry over into a weekend that includes group discussions with other…
This elegant evening is your chance to support one of Denver's preeminent institutions for children's education. A ticket to this year's Wizard of Oz–themed Birthday Bash will get you access to museum exhibits, an open bar with drinks from local distillery the Family Jones, and Occasions Catering's playful take on comfort food (think: Southwest mac…
Capitol Hill gets a bad rap for its parking woes, but there’s actually plenty to love about the eclectic neighborhood. Celebrate all that makes this storied Denver ‘hood great at this art and music festival. Be sure to snag handmade art from local makers such as Spur Ranch Jewelry and Mistura Timepieces before scoping out…
Dig up those old outlines and unfinished manuscripts for this annual celebration of the literary arts. Denver’s Lighthouse Writers Workshop hosts visiting authors such as short-story writer Steve Almond and novelist Lydia Millet for salon readings and masters workshops as well as a variety of seminars, including “Jumpstart Your Memoir.” Budding writers will even have…
New Era Colorado, a politically focused nonprofit that was founded in 2006, has been a leading force for improving civic engagement among young people in the Centennial State. At the group's annual soirée—which will bring together elected officials, community and business leaders and, of course, civically active millennials—hear about the organization's latest work, including leadership…
Get a taste of Denver’s Latin influences at this vibrant fiesta. Salsa dance groups Sabor De La Calle and Colores Conjunto will twirl on stage; if they inspire you to move your own feet, step into the dance contest hosted by the Colorado New Style Studio. And because it wouldn’t be the Taste of Puerto…
More than 500 Ford Mustangs will take over the streets of Steamboat Springs for this three day muscle car extravaganza. Auto enthusiasts can appreciate the souped-up engines and gleaming body paint during a parade through the area downtown and even ride shotgun as owners of the iconic vehicle take sharp turns in the autocross event.…
No, this event isn’t a giant gathering of Sigma Chis and Tri Delts—it’s a celebration of Greek culture in the Mile High City. Begin the weekend of cultural immersion by sampling home-cooked food, such as saganaki, gyros, and baklava. Then wash down the delicious eats with some ouzo and enjoy a wide selection of entertainment,…
Race, strut, and march with pride at this rainbow-centric festival produced by the GLBT Community Center of Colorado. The weekend kicks off with a Pride 5K (if you don’t feel like running, sashaying is welcome), but don’t miss the main event: the PrideFest Parade. David Mullins and Charlie Craig, the Colorado couple involved in the…
Whether it was Benjamin Franklin's kite-in-a-thunderstorm experiment, or Sir Alexander Fleming's accidental discovery of penicillin, the ideas and inventions that propel the world forward have often come about in unconventional ways. This all-day event will champion taking a fresh look at things as 15 speakers, ranging from spoken word artist KerrieJoy to brain scientist Dr.…
The folks from Coohills, a European-style restaurant in LoDo, will turn the Wewatta Bridge into a vibrant outdoor music venue for this summer concert series. The shows kickoff this Tuesday with Mr. Majestyk's 8 Track Revival, a group devoted to 1970s musical hits, and continue on select Tuesday nights throughout the summer with artists such…
While there are no actual cherry blossom trees in downtown Denver, the Mile High City still celebrates the pink beauties—along with Japanese culture—every year at Sakura Square. This internationally inspired event boasts a bustling marketplace brimming with wabi-sabi-themed goods like ceramics from Miya and macramé accessories from 3Fish. Along with the shopping, catch Japanese drum…
Author Gregory Crouch tells the story of forgotten American folk hero John McCay in his recently released book The Bonanza King. McCay was a penniless Irish immigrant when he moved West looking for good fortune. He arrived in the Rocky Mountain region just before the area's peak mining era, and even after amassing one of…
Here’s a healthy tradeoff: Ditch the car for a day and get free breakfast. To celebrate this statewide day of action Snooze and Serendipity Catering—in conjunction with the Alliance Center—will provide morning grub to about 200 two-wheeling commuters working to reduce their carbon footprint. Think of the vegetarian breakfast tacos, pastries, and coffee as a…
The beer and bluegrass will be flowing throughout this celebration on the banks of the Arkansas River. Now in its second year, the weekend-long party provides festival-goers with unlimited craft beer tastings from 50 breweries, such as Black Shirt Brewing Co., and tunes from 11 bluegrass bands, including Golden’s own Rapidgrass. On Sunday, set down…
Start your 4th of July celebration one day early at this bash featuring plenty of music and beer. The patio at the Terminal Bar will double in size as local bands, such as rock group New Sensations, play both old-school classics and today's hits. Avery Beer Company will also be on hand to pour plenty…
This summertime staple has transformed Denver’s chicest neighborhood into an art mecca each July for nearly 30 years. This year’s iteration will feature an eclectic array of pieces from close to 100 artists, including elegant landscape photos from Kansas City photographer Chris Dahlquist and toxin-free woven handbags made by Joan Doll of Longmont. After browsing…
Visitors travel from across the country to glimpse the golden sunflowers and periwinkle thistle that smatter the rolling mountainsides of Crested Butte each summer. At this two-week festival, dig into myriad events centered on the town’s brilliant blossoms, such as wildflower hike led by acclaimed naturalist Mel Harte. Along with the flower power, take part…
The season of kittens (yes, that's a thing) is upon us, as warm weather gives way to skyrocketing levels of cat births and shelters are flooded with new litters. In an effort to find forever homes for tabbies young and old, Dumb Friends League is celebrating CatFest, a weeklong promotion with adoption incentives. The celebration…
If summer movie screenings mean casually quoting cult film classics line for line, then this Coen brothers favorite will fit the bill. Grab your robe—and bowling ball if need be—and head to Red Rocks for a screening of “The Big Lebowski.” In true Lebowski fashion, fans can toast the film’s 20th anniversary by sipping White…
Gutsy audience members will awake from a deep trance and spontaneously forget the number four, slap themselves silly, and scream random phrases throughout this hair-raising performance by Denver comedian and hypnotist Rusty Z (a.k.a James Zingelman) Tuesday evening at Comedy Works Denver. Trance skeptics and mesmerization maniacs alike can sip on stiff drinks like a…
Sure, superheroes have been taking over the silver screen lately, but don’t forget about the real-life heroes among us. Melinda Janko’s documentary, 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight for Justice, tells the story of Elouise Cobell, who spent 15 years fighting on behalf of 300,000 Native Americans whose land was mismanaged by the federal government. While…
Much like your local thrift store, you'll find a treasure trove of goods at this Fort Collins sidewalk sale. Guests can sift through at least 200 items, such as watercolor paintings from Denver artist Dennis Pendleton and a picture from famed National Geographic photographer Paul Chesley. The sale also includes pieces from further afield, including…
Celebrate Denver’s vibrant African-American community at this dynamic cultural affair. See artwork from dozens of local and international artists, including Denver wood sculptor Oye Oginga and check out the marketplace for artifacts and goods from makers, such as Sal Attore of Mali. Along with the art, guests can try Congolese cuisine served by local chef…
The Mile High City puts a zany twist on the typical county fair at this weekend-long event. From yoga with goats to a metal mariachi band to a mullet-themed 5K, there’s no shortage of wacky activities. Take a break from the amalgam of eccentric events, to sip libations from local beermakers like Renegade Brewing Company…
The dog days of summer are the ideal time for this woof-worthy party. Get your pup involved in events, such as a peanut-butter licking contest. And even if they don’t win, every attendee is guaranteed fun doggy swag and treats from local purveyors such as Indigenous Pet Products. There will also be plenty for the…
Denver traffic is no joke, and the pollution it causes is even worse. But at this eco-friendly event the folks at EcoTech Institute want to show you how to enjoy a lifestyle that helps remedy at least one of those problems. Attendees can test drive the latest from companies such as Tesla, chat with electric…
5Point Film will gather experts and outdoor industry leaders for this screening dedicated to conserving the nation's shrinking public lands. See filmmakers present and discuss documentaries—including a special tribute to legendary environmental activist Katie Lee, who passed away in 2017—centered around the theme "Our Stories, Our Lands." The adventure-focused gathering is the only event open…
Pretend that Hogwarts acceptance letter did actually come in the mail at this Harry Potter–themed celebration. The Historic Elitch Theater will transform into the magical wizarding world from J.K. Rowling’s popular stories, giving visitors the opportunity to shop for potions, choose their wand at Ollivander’s, and wash down tasty chocolate frogs with pints of butterbeer.…
This comprehensive fest proves you don’t have to be Khaleesi from Game of Thrones to ride a dragon. At this annual celebration of the Mile High City’s Asian-American community, see crews race across Sloan’s Lake in decorative boats designed to resemble the mythical creatures. Visitors can also meander through the Asian marketplace, watch streaming anime…
Practicing photographers will come out of this three-day workshop at Rocky Mountain National Park with a plethora of new landscape shots. Photo artist Eli Vega will teach participants to view—and capture—surrounding lakes, mountains, and flora through an unconventional lens. Vega, who’s published three books featuring his own work, will help budding shutterbugs understand how to…
This geology exhibition invites geode junkies and amateurs alike to share in Colorado’s natural beauty. Admire an immense display of minerals, jewelry, fossils, and artifacts ranging from vibrant blue turquoise to small fragments of shiny black meteorites. Attendees can also check out local minerals, including pinkish-purple veined Creede Sowbelly Amethyst, along with nightly lectures on…
Bagpipes will blare as the Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers leap through the air during this weekend celebration of Scottish heritage and culture. Check out a full range of athletic contests, including caber tossing, a competition to see who can chuck a tree trunk the farthest. Less ambitious guests can enjoy the Dogs of the British…
More than 25 performers, 20 food trucks, and numerous artists representing cultures from around the world will convene for this eclectic festival. Attendees can sample international dishes from local food trucks like Mandeville Grill, a culinary crew specializing in Jamaican cuisine, as they sway to the music of El Javi, a celebrated guitarist from Mexico.…
Social justice issues—such as mass incarceration or economic inequality—are often talked about in a national context. But Five Points resident Bill Byrnes wanted to create something that helped Denverites consider such problems on a local level. Enter the tech employee's new project, GoodCinema, which will feature movie screenings such as The House I Live In,…
This therapeutic program is designed to give a much needed reprieve to two different groups: the everyday office worker looking for some time away from their desk, and shelter dogs hoping for some love. Head to the Denver Central Library this Wednesday for the opportunity to take a pup from the Denver Animal Shelter on…
More than 300 collector lowriders, hot rods, and motorcycles—all with custom paint jobs and tricked-out sound systems—will be on display at this bumper-bouncing show. During the main event, hydraulics will help the the front end of the custom cars fly up to seven feet into the air. After the automobile athletics, make sure to check…
Lensman Alex Hopes' dog photography business, which he started in Austin, Texas, first took off after he captured a short video of his pup holding a slice of pizza that went viral. The shutterbug has since brought his photo skills to Denver under the moniker CheesmanBark. And as part of his efforts to take pooch…
With 1 in 5 residents born outside the United States, the city of Aurora is a fitting place for Global Fest, a daylong celebration of the southwest suburb's citizens—both their the wide range of heritages and commonalities. Visitors can enjoy a host of vendors and multicultural events, including arepas from the Venezuelan Arepas House and…
This after hours, adults-only event is geared toward cat lovers of all sorts. Check out live tiger, lion, and hyena demonstrations before grabbing a feline-themed cocktail and a bite to eat from one of 11 local food trucks, including the Mac Shack. Afterward, groove to funk and R&B band Jakarta or dance the night away…
You don’t have to wait until the actual month of October (or even September) to break out the lederhosen and hoist a giant stein of beer, thanks to this festive affair. Enjoy a traditional German dinner presented by Walter Neuhold of Longmont-based Styria Catering and dance into the night with music by local polka specialists…
Colorado wasn’t even a state when this fair first began as a modest horse show in 1869. Fast forward 149 years and Coloradans can still appreciate the Centennial State’s Western roots as they watch deft displays of horsemanship, root on buckin’ broncos, and enjoy barrel racing contests. Don’t miss more modern additions, such as nightly…
Have a passion for awful movies? Then this live podcast taping might be the ticket for you. During each show, comedians Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas and June Diane Raphael will hilariously deconstruct absurd aspects of questionable films—ultimately asking the question how did this get made? At live tapings, audience members get to play along by…
With summer fading fast, you don't want to miss the last chance for community swing dancing in the Mile High City's historic haven for jazz. Denverites of all ages are invited to enjoy live jazz music, swing dancing, and Double Dutch and hula hoop competitions held in the historic Five Points plaza. The best part?…
The photos from these out-of-this-world lensman put all of our Instagram feeds to shame. With the help of some top-notch technology, NASA was able to capture the first clear shots of the dwarf planet Pluto. At this illuminating talk, NASA lead scientist, Alan Stern, and astrobiologist David Grinspoon will discuss their new book, Chasing New…
The mission of Givetoberfest lets attendees drink some beer and feel good about yourself the next day—even if you imbibe too much. Proceeds from the event go to Impact360, a local nonprofit that provides out-of-school resources for marginalized Denver youth. So attendees can proudly don lederhosen, sip suds from Westbound & Down Brewing Co., and…
Whether you’re a mustache man or a goatee guy, you can freshen up your facial hair when Wahl’s mobile barbershop rolls into town at Taste of Colorado. Wahl’s grooming gurus will give you a stylish cut that doesn't cost a dime, and the dude with the spiffiest scruff will represent Denver—which was recently ranked the…
As America's longest commercial street, Colfax Avenue is trafficked by everyone from hipsters to transplants. At this block party, you can celebrate the thoroughfare's eclectic character with a plethora of activities, including guided group workouts to bumping beats from local bands, such as funk outfit Los Mocochetes. Begin working your way through the myriad offerings…
If an airshow and carshow had a baby it would probably look a lot like this revved-up event. Check out souped-up hot rods, European sports cars, and motorcycles, which will join their military warbird and aeronautic exhibit comrades in the hangar. Don’t miss the airshow, which will incorporate performances by the Air Force Academy skydiving…
In 1892, Gallaudet University’s deaf quarterback Paul Hubbard and his teammates crowded around so his sign language (ASL) wouldn’t reveal their play to the opposing team. Hubbard's invention of the football huddle is just one of 20 subjects featured in this celebration of ways the deaf community has transcended stereotypes and discrimination. Check out the…
The Wire is often cited by critics as one of the greatest television shows ever made. And whether you’re a die-hard fan of the award-winning HBO show or never watched an episode, Warm Cookies of the Revolution (a local civic engagement group) wants you to watch parts of the gritty drama with them and consider…
Locavores will appreciate this creative celebration of the Colorado art scene. Peruse and purchase visual art and handicrafts, including Dominique Montano’s wildlife watercolors and Ken Pen’s handmade writing utensils, from the artists themselves. After snagging your newest decorative piece, jam to local bands such as rock group the Symbols.
Set along the edge of Riverdale Road—which is often included on lists of the most haunted places in Colorado—this interactive scream park is designed to prey on your innermost fears. Four different themed areas will make up a 40-acre corn field, including one where you can use paint ball guns to fend of zombies and…
For many women, self-care takes a backseat to kids and/or careers. But this informative event will remind ladies to keep things focused on their own wellbeing. Take advantage of the free mammograms, osteoporosis and skin cancer screenings as well as the chance to converse with women’s health experts from Lutheran Medical Center. All the advice…
Boulder-based Project VETS provides veterinarians worldwide with much-needed supplies and equipment. And at this benefit—hosted at the rustic Lone Hawk Farm—you can support that mission. Start the afternoon with delectable provisions from Jules Gourmet Catering, before participating in a live auction featuring five mini-vacations and meeting a wolf rescued by WOLF Sanctuary, a Project VETS…
From trail construction to invasive species management, there are plenty of ways Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado helped protect the Centennial State's natural resources in 2018 that are worth celebrating at this bash. Along with a nod to all the environmentally friendly work, guests can enjoy locally grown food from Footers Catering and listen to live…
Fashion events in larger coastal cities may get more love, but that doesn't mean Denver isn't home to plenty of style-forward shindigs. At this free runway show check out fall looks from Larimer Square boutiques, such as Hailee Grace, Moda Man, and Cry Baby Ranch. As the models make their way down the runway, don't…
Whether you’re welcoming your first kid or your fifth, pre-baby preparation is often overwhelming. At this expo, run your pregnancy questions by perinatal experts from practices such as NoCo Primary Care and Tendergifts Midwifery, and swing by booths from vendors like Fit4Mom and the Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado. Added bonus: Every ticket holder receives…
This Denver comedian has made a career of finding humor in both the good and bad times. To wit: His recent book, Tragedy Plus Time: A Tragi-Comic Memoir, deftly details a personal tragedy and his family life with rare empathetic levity. At this one-night Mile High City show, see the funnyman discuss material from the…
The foremost goal of most festivals is to entertain. But when David Holbrooke, who served as the director of Telluride Mountainfilm for 10 years, conceived this month's inaugural Original Thinkers film festival (weekend-long passes start at $325), he had a grander mission in mind: The event would challenge attendees to think critically. That's why each…
This event encourages Coloradans to both shop local and live in less space to best maximize urban living. In support of that mission attendees can peruse wares from Denver makers at an environmentally friendly and eclectic RiNo condo unit. Over four days, buyers can purchase goods, including Blue Sparrow Coffee's craft roasts, Carbon Knife Co's…
Pumpkin spice may be the trendy fall flavor, but don’t forget that apples are also an autumn staple. Get in swing with the season at this four-day festival, which offers fruit fresh from the town of Cedaredge’s own orchards via wines, ciders, desserts, and other treats. You can even try your hand at local brewer…
Discover ways to make your home more energy efficient during this tour of green and solar-powered homes. During the excursion, participants will visit 11 residences and one business in Arvada, Denver, Golden, and Foothills. At each stop, they'll have the opportunity to speak with owners about how they've incorporated innovative features, such as geothermal heating…
Say goodbye to your comfort zone and prepare to embrace the bizarre. This odd assemblage features everything from taxidermy to sword-swallowing demonstrations. Buy jewelry made out of bone from Fort Collins’ Darling Departed, monster-inspired artwork by local creative Robert Elrod, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous let Spellbound Hypnosis put you in a trance.
Local author Helen Thorpe's recently released book The Newcomers: Finding Refuge, Friendship and Hope in an American Classroom tells the story of immigrants and refugee teenagers as they navigate Denver's South High School. At this illuminating talk, hear Thorpe detail how the students adjusted to learning English and grew accustomed to American life. Discussion of…
Come support Rocky Mountain Wild’s efforts to protect wildlife throughout the Rocky Mountain region at this fundraiser complete with experiential activities. Animal enthusiasts can help biologists identify animals on cameras of actual habitats, and take a virtual fly over of Wolf Creek pass to see how development could destroy the migration corridor. Along with the…
Typical camping trips might include spotting an animal you've never seen before, but rarely do you glimpse a celebrity. For this advanced screening, REI has set up an indoor campground where viewers can catch a first glimpse of HBO's new show, Camping. Settle in with snacks from a build-your-own trail mix bar or food from…
Skip seeing Halloweentown for the 10th time and head instead to like this spooky film fest in a picturesque resort town. Passes to the event give you access to the premieres of dozens of indie films, as well as a pig roast and the cleverly named “Ice Scream Social.” Throughout the weekend, watch out for…
This boozy event will feature 12 Denver-area restaurants slinging their finest Bloody Mary recipes. Sip ViewHouse's take on the tomato-based cocktail, which is made with four different peppers, or Taunaz Tavern's rendition made with spicy pickle vodka. Along with the tasty drinks, be sure to vote for your favorite concoction to win the People's Choice…
At this science fair on steroids, both kids and adults can participate in activities with “makers,” including engineers, artists, scientists. Enter a pitch-black escape room, where you’ll navigate by touch to understand what it’s like to live without eyesight, or learn about robotics before you watch homemade bots clash in a sumo smackdown. Then head…
The best lensman make photography of the moon and stars look effortless. But getting the magnificent shots, isn't all art; Sometimes it requires a bit of math and science, as well. At this informative talk, guests can enjoy a brew while Boulder photographer Patrick Cullis explains how he considers the positioning and location of different…
It's time we learned how to argue. No, not how to win an argument, but how to argue respectfully and see disagreement as an opportunity for growth. Denver-area conflict management firm OvalOptions—in partnership with TEDxMileHigh—will teach you how to do just that at this evening of discussion and workshops about how to ask good questions,…
As a precursor to the November midterms, guests at this informative two-day forum will have the opportunity to reflect on America's democratic institutions and values. The inaugural event will use some of the country's founding documents, including the "Declaration of Independence," as well as contemporary pieces like author J.D. Vance's "How The White Working Class…
This furry function will get off to the cutest of starts when guests are greeted at the door by a group of kittens. When—or if—you make it past the adorable felines you can snag food from Catering by Design and suds from Ratio Beerworks before settling in for the main event: dogs sashaying down a…
Whether you’re a veteran collector or don’t know the difference between watch papers and rolling papers, this antique show has something for everyone. You’ll find everything from Chris Enbo’s Victorian jewelry to rare books from Recollections Gallery. With more than 80 vendors to choose from, you’re sure to find that rare manuscript you’ve been scouring…
In 2017, Colorado Community Media (CCM) started a wellness magazine geared toward local ladies. But the forward-thinking news organization also wanted to help Denver-area women more directly. To make that a reality, CCM is holding a free Women's Health & Beauty Expo at Belmar Shopping Center in Lakewood. The comprehensive event will include educational skincare…
Get decked out in your best Halloween duds for this themed 5K. The flat course will wind along Coal Creek Trail with views of Longs Peak and the Boulder Flatirons. After the scenic jaunt, make your way to Front Range Brewing Company to celebrate by filling up your complimentary pint glass with Fall Harvest Coffee…
The premise of this Halloween-themed event is simple: Buy a liter of beer and get a free pumpkin to carve. Rackhouse Pub bartenders will cut each gourd open before giving them to guests along with a tiny saw to craft their creation. If you're not a pro at slicing and sculpting, templates such as witches,…
Emma Crawford was buried on Manitou Springs’ Red Mountain in 1891. But when she was relocated to a loose-gravel grave a few decades later, harsh weather unearthed her coffin and sent it sliding down the mountainside. Locals commemorate this macabre incident every year when teams of five dress as Emma and her pallbearers to race…
Skip scouring Amazon for a generic holiday gift this year, and go peruse handmade items in person. Presents await, including rustic wooden decor from Mohagen Woods, candles from Twisted Beeswax, or coffee beans from Redemption Road. If you need a respite from browsing 400-plus stalls of authentic goods, catch a cooking demo with local chef…
Now that Halloween is officially over, Coloradans can get into the (other) holiday spirit with Fort Collins' annual lighting ceremony. At exactly 6:30 p.m. near the Oak Street Plaza, thousands of festive lights will illuminate a multi-block display that can be viewed through Valentine's Day. The fun begins even before the streets start to twinkle,…
Brilliant bartering skills could help you leave this bicycle bonanza with a deal on a new two-wheeler. Head to the event area labeled Swapper’s Corner to sell your old ride or salvage a metal steed in need of a new home. With more than 300 vendors in attendance, including well-known brands such a Pedego, you…
It is safe to say that the Colorado craft beer scene is no longer in the nascent stages. To wit: Upslope Brewing Company is officially turning 10 years old. And to celebrate the milestone, the Boulder brewery is throwing a party. Jam out to music from local bands, such as funk outfit the Great Salmon…
New York Fashion Week might get all the attention from the clothing/apparel industry, but Denver designers shouldn’t be ignored. At this style-forward week of events, catch the latest in everything from kids’ clothes to streetwear, as national brands are shown alongside homegrown looks like Allison Nicole’s ethereal gowns. With workshops from design expert Carol Engel-Enright…
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller knows he wouldn't be a fearsome football player or get to wear his fan-favorite, fashion-forward glasses off the field without the eye care he received as a child. And to make sure Denver-area kids have the same access to ocular care and examinations, he started the nonprofit Von's Vision in…
This comprehensive show offers jewelry in every style and price range. Find the perfect necklace to go with that a new dress or an elegant pair of cufflinks to wear to a black-tie function from an extensive list of yet-to-be-named exhibitors. You can also do more than shop: Onsite repair and cleaning booths will return…
Whether it's a story about the generational tradition of attending dances at a North Dakotan barn or six portraits that capture the journey of living in the mountains of British Columbia, this three-day cinematographic fête offers a little something for everyone. As the longest running women's film festival in North America, the event will feature…
Gather your clique and relive the ultimate angsty teenage milestone: prom. If the bedazzled gowns and tacky tuxes aren't enough to transport you back in time, then maybe the punch (spiked for this adult version) will do the trick. Once there's a healthy dose of teen spirit in the air, get out on the dance floor—no…
Fall marks the start of rutting season, so Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep vying for the best mate are going head to head—literally. During this guided trek through Arapaho National Forest, Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers will teach you how to spot the lovelorn animals. (Georgetown boasts the state’s biggest herd.) Your locating skills will come…
Get your politics with a side of humor at this civically minded event from Warm Cookies of the Revolution, a local group that's looks for ways to improve community engagement. Three influential Denverites—Mile High City mayoral candidate Kaylan Heffernan, founder of Urbanity Advisors, James Roy II, and Jamie Perkins of the Colorado Department of Health…
Earlier this year, legendary filmmaker Warren Miller died at the age of 93. But, 60 years after Miller first introduced mass audiences to ski films, the art form still thrives thanks to Warren Miller Entertainment (WME), the production company he founded. At this screening, catch the 69th installment from the WME team. Powder hounds will…
In this age of partisan squabbles, Politicon-- a large conference in Los Angeles-- is a rare event that caters to conservatives and liberals alike. The Denver stop of the on-the-road version, Politicon Live! at the Bellco Theatre will feature a debate between Hasan Piker of left-leaning the Young Turks and Charlie Kirk of conservative-minded Turning…
Learn how to deck the halls like a pro at this holiday tour. The six-home journey will weave through the historic Belcaro and Bonnie Brae neighborhoods. Each home will be decorated by premiere floral and table designers from the metro area, including Flower Power, City Floral and Dwell Antiques & Home. But it won't just be the…
Most Coloradans don't need much motivation to pick up and go skiing, but this event may give you that extra push. Vitalant Blood Center will be at Loveland Ski Area today collecting blood to help those in need, including everyone from trauma victims to cancer patients. Along with the chance to give someone a much…
Moxy Denver Cherry Creek will have the honor of being Denver's first ever BumbleSpot—a venue that's endorsed by the popular dating app as an inclusive setting to meet that digital connection in real life. At this party to celebrate the location's new status, Bumble users can mingle while enjoying complimentary Bacardi cocktails and bites from…
Dive head first (figuratively, that is) into this evening of beer, film, and discussion. Grab an Electric Silk IPA or a Hardtack Copper Ale from host Declaration Brewing Company before immersing yourself in the Sundance and Emmy Award–winning film Chasing Coral. The flim follows divers, photographers, and scientists as they capture the effects of climate…
Some people are perfectly happy with a trusty mug of Folgers in the morning. But if you’re attending this festival, you likely prefer your java a little more refined. Watch roasters, brewers, and baristas from across the country make tasty coffee as judges—anyone can have the honor of assessing the tasty drinks after going through…
When you head home after this mountain-town festival, it may take you a second to realize it’s 2018. The horse-drawn-wagon rides and choral singers in Victorian-style clothes will take you back to 1859 and the early days of Georgetown. In that setting, you’ll be able to peruse old-style booths selling antiques, Christmas ornaments, Colorado wine,…
You've almost certainly heard of the farm-to-table food movement—a campaign that encourages consumers to know where the ingredients in their meals come from, along with how it impacts the environment. This inventive show applies that same idea to the clothes you wear. See environmentally friendly apparel that uses sustainable and regenerative production methods from brands,…
The historic Governor's Residence at Boettcher Mansion—also known as "Colorado's Home"—is officially 110 years old. To celebrate that passage of time the folks from the American Society of Interior Designers have decorated many of the building's rooms in the holiday style of specific decades for free tours of the grand dwelling. To wit: Stroll through…
Every winter, pyromaniacs descend on one of Colorado's favorite mountain towns to revel in artistic inferno. During the Telluride Fire Festival, fans of flames can mingle with fire dancers and view blazing works of art, including a sculpture garden featuring a 16-foot-tall, snowflake-shaped pinwheel (on fire, of course). The currently roofless Telluride Transfer Warehouse, about…
PSA: Don’t get Mom another frumpy sweater she’s never going to wear for Christmas. Instead come to this fair to find her (and all your other loved ones) handmade, trendsetting gifts. Peruse more than 150 vendors selling all varieties of goods, such as jewelry from Criffin Designs, knit animals from Melange Collection, and bandanas for…
Feline content has long been the life force of the internet, but now the Snowcats Cat Convention will bring that digital experience to the real world at the Exdo Event Center. Begin by grabbing a Meowmosa at the bar, then head to the Kitten Lounge for cuddles or bid on a date with bachelor cat…
Get a little dose of competition with your merriment at this seasonal event. Comedian Greg Studley will kick off the night with holiday-themed trivia and send the winner home with a new set of skis. If trivia isn't your thing, bring a gift for the White Elephant Exchange. Your contribution to the giving gets you…
Don’t worry that there won’t be enough snow for all the activities at this catch-all winter fest; Berthoud plans to make piles of white flakes beforehand. The main event is the Colorado Snow Sculpting Championship, during which teams like the returning champion, High Plains Carvers, will design intricate frozen creations from piles of fresh powder.…
There is more to fear about Jack Frost's annual arrival than some slight frostbite, at least as far as the 13th Floor Haunted House is concerned. At event from the famed house of screams an icy, undead Frost has teamed up with Krampus, the clawed Christmas demon of Central European folklore, to scare away holiday…
With the many frustrating application portals used these days, it can be hard to actually connect face-to-face to sell yourself for a job. But this fair is the place to do just that with multiple potential employers. Come in your best business attire, so you can woo representatives from companies, including DeVry University, HomeAdvisor, and…
Shahira Qudrat spent the majority of her life oscillating between two cultures: Afghani and American. Her family had fled war-torn Afghanistan in the early 1980s and still hoped to adhere to a devout Muslim lifestyle even after they moved to Los Angeles and then Colorado. (Her mother established the first Afghani language school in Denver).…
This grand dome set up at the Rink at Belmar will give winter-weary Coloradans the opportunity to enjoy myriad travel experiences all in one place. Projections of tropical destinations and mountains oases will transport you to far-off locales as you sip cold suds from Crazy Mountain Brewery available in a life-size cooler car, or sample…
Sure, Coloradans mostly use skis to schuss through fresh powder, but they can also be used for another fun activity: taking shots. At this class from Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse, Kristin Heidbreder, owner of Crafty Chassis, will help attendees assemble and decorate their own shot-ski. (Supplies, including a ski, are included in the price of…
Starting this Friday, you can catch screenings of this award-winning film that took a pair of Denver-based cinematographers, Amanda and Aaron Kopp, close to a decade to make. Part of the movie functions as a documentary as the Kopps follow five orphaned schoolchildren and their South African teacher while they try to weave a compelling,…
If you’ve been working on your rap skills in the car or the shower, your time to shine has arrived. As part of this event dedicated to Nicki Minaj, you’ll be able to compete in a lip-sync contest featuring the hip-hop artist’s tongue-twisting tunes with the winner receiving free drinks for the evening. If the…
According to Breckenridge legend, the Norse god Ullr was the first to bring snow and skiing to the Colorado mountain town. This funky festival celebrates the powder maker through a wide array of events, such as an ice plunge into frigid water and a huge bonfire to burn your old Christmas trees. On Thursday, Breckenridge…
This wellness extravaganza is here to help you make 2019 the year that you finally keep your resolution to get your mind and body in shape. The intimate, half-day retreat will include opportunities to get acquainted with vinyasa yoga and chi gong, a practice that uses breathing and meditation to help you focus on body…
Deciding where to send your child to preschool is stressful for any parent—especially when factors like cost and location are part of the equation. To help guide parents through the myriad options, the Denver Preschool Program (DPP), a nonprofit that provides education resources on local early education programs as well as access to tuition assistance,…
If wedding planning has you overwhelmed, head to this one-stop bridal event to find your cake and band/DJ all in the same place. Hit up the Bed Bath & Beyond booth for all your registry needs, DJ Connection Entertainment to keep your dance floor lively, or Cakes for Karen to sample tasty pastries for the…
Based on her roller coaster ride of dating experiences in New York, Vanessa Valerio was inspired to start her podcast: a compilation of humorous and genuine stories from both singles and non-singles of all different ethnicities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. At this live iteration of the popular show, attendees can hear tales of dating travails…
Enjoy art and performances channeling both traditional and contemporary Native American and Southwestern heritage at this celebration. You’ll have lots to peruse with more than 200 fine artists and craftsmen, including acrylic painter Robert Arnold and potter Marvin Blackmore, selling wares. The artisans won’t be the only ones sharing their skills—three-time Grammy Award–winning flute player…
Revel in the majestic views of Snowmass Golf Course by the light of a full moon during this snowshoe and cross-country ski tour. The trek will be guided by a naturalist from the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies who will enlighten tour attendees about the terrain and the stages of the moon. At the halfway…
Watch teams of international artists make masterpieces out of 25-ton blocks of snow at this chilly festival. During the event's first four days, attendees can watch as competitors are given 96 hours to meticulously transform the snow-packed blocks using hand tools. Starting Friday, January 25, guests can see the finished products, including everything from astronauts…
The government shutdown and subsequent closing of national parks makes it an opportune time for these nine riveting films, which all remind us how lucky we are to have amazing outdoor spaces. From a short bit on how young activists are attempting to preserve Norway's fjords to an emotional look at the the sacred Native…
Be fancy while also showing off your Western pride at this long-running tradition in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show. While sipping tea in the ornate atrium lobby of the Brown Palace Hotel, guests will be able to admire and take photos with a special guest: the main show's Grand Champion Steer. Following the…
Some people hate the flavor of fruitcake so much, that instead of eating the controversial dessert they’ve resorted to chucking it. After donating a non-perishable food item to event sponsor the Westside Cares Food Bank, you’re free to enter any of the several competitions that involve throwing a fruitcake, including a slingshot toss. For those…
Viking attire will be the dress code for the reopening of the renovated Buffalo Rose Center in Golden. In honor of Ullr, the Norse god of winter, Coloradans can swig unlimited samples of beer from notable local breweries, including Boulder Beer Company and Crazy Mountain Brewery. While sipping the suds, be sure to enjoy live…
Event company Forlulu often puts on summer gear markets. But this is the first time they'll try their hand at a festival of the winter variety. Peruse equipment from more than 20 Colorado brands, including custom packs from Alpine Luddites, artist-sketched tees from Trail Threads, and solar-powered string lights (the ultimate glamping decor) from Revel…
This winter, the cold isn’t quite so harsh on the rooftop of the Halycon in Cherry Creek. Every Friday during the month of February, guests of the hotel can take a dip in the hot tub or warm their hands by the fire, all while enjoying a view of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. Enjoy the…
See more than 44 films that explore Jewish history at this comprehensive festival. Everything from shorts to Oscar-nominated documentaries will examine traditional and modern practices of faith and how religion helps form interpersonal relationships across generations. Take in the the award-winning stories, which represent 19 countries and include movies in Yiddish, Polish, Hebrew, French, and…
The word “carnival” may conjure images of cotton candy and bouncy houses, but this celebration is so much more. A giant parade through a snow-covered Main Street will include skijoring (think: kids on skis getting pulled by horses) and a giant three-legged race on skis. The nighttime extravaganza gets even wilder as skiers bedecked in…
This Valentine's Day celebration in downtown Loveland has something to offer the whole family. Kids can go down a massive inflatable slide, have their faces painted, and meet their favorite princesses. Adults, meanwhile, can enjoy the beer and wine garden, which will offer libations from Sweetheart City Winery, Rock Coast Brewery, and Seagrams. And everyone…
We've all been there: cursing the sluggish bartender while we wait for our coveted drink. Luckily, these masterful mixologists are anything but slow. This competition, now in its eighth year, will see the speediest female bartenders from Denver establishments like RiNo Yacht Club and Bar Helix face off in timed competitions to create the tastiest…
Have you ever secretly thought that your voice was destined for greater things than singing in the shower? Finally, you'll have the chance to use your talents on a stage bigger than your bathroom. Your vocal abilities will be adjudicated by a panel of three judges (don't worry, Simon Cowell is sitting this one out),…
Director of over eight animated films, including the Academy Award–winning Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki is back from retirement—but this time, in front of the camera. In this revealing documentary, Miyazaki stars in a behind-the-scenes look at his bold attempt to depart from his insistence on hand animation and step into the modern age of CGI.…
It's your turn to transform your complaints about local politics into actionable change. In this community-centric event, share your personal vision of Elyria-Swansea and Globeville with four mayoral candidates all vying for votes on May 7. In a conversation over coffee, contenders Lisa Calderón, Marcus Giavanni, Jamie Giellis, and Penfield Tate III will discuss their…
If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, going through the same unhealthy routine day after day, this is the event for you. Speakers like Amy Baglan, CEO of MeetMindful, and Atomic Habits author James Clear will discuss ways to start accomplishing the tasks you always put off (think: that morning run). Their tips…
If you have a few indulgences to get out of your system before the Easter season, start with a beer at Cerveceria Colorado while decorating your own Carnaval mask. The decorative visages worn during the popular celebration thrown in preparation for Ash Wednesday are meant to hide partiers' identities to lower their inhibitions (and maximize…
The legendary North American film festival will bring the industry's best adventure stories to Denver at this stop on its global tour. Expect enthralling tales of exploration and survival, such as Paul Diffley's The Ario Dream, a gripping account of cave divers pushing into the unknown for the sake of discovery. A portion of the…
Experience awe-inspiring outdoor feats from the comfort of an indoor theater at the traveling fest featuring more than 36 films.You’ll be tightly gripping your cushioned seat as you take in movies about mountain bikers attempting terrifying stunts in Kathmandu and a lensman looking for innovative ways to photograph surfers. Tickets to see the impressive exploits…
Trade bustling Bourbon Street for Main Street Breckenridge at this colorful Mardi Gras celebration. The parade through the city’s main thoroughfare, which includes lavishly decorated floats and a mish-mash of live music and dancing, may have a traditional New Orleans vibe, but that thin air and snow will remind you that you’re actually in Colorado.…
Every year this chilly festival pays tribute to Bredo Morstoel, who’s been cryogenically frozen in a shed near Nederland since 1993. The weekend includes myriad quirky contests, such as human foosball, coffin races, and frozen turkey bowling. To round out the weird, wintry fun, festival-goers can jam out to more than 30 bands performing live…
From rafting to brewing beer, water is a critical part of how Coloradans live, work, and play. At this enlightening event, learn from environmental and industry leaders—such as National Geographic Partners' chair Gary Knell and Governor Jared Polis—about water's most pressing threats and possible solutions, in fields ranging from crop sciences to adventure sports. After…
America's most stunning alpacas will gather in Denver to strike poses, win hearts, and be judged at this exciting annual show. This year features the perennial-favorite alpaca selfie booth where you can snap a pic with the furry creatures, and an obstacle course which will have the contenders weaving through cones and barrels. The must-see,…
What started as just a small gathering in a pub in 1962 has morphed into a city-wide celebration of Irish culture with over 450,000 green-clad spectators. Michael Collins Pipes & Drums sound out traditional Celtic tunes and Wick School of Irish Dance and McTeggart Irish Dancers perform lively jigs during this year’s parade. After the…
In 1969, Chicano students at West High School walked out to protest racism in the classroom, only to be met with tear gas and handcuffs from the police. At this interactive panel, listen to students present at the incident and learn about how the protest was a matchstick for reforms not only at West High,…
Muffins and mimosas, berries and brews, omelettes and OJ...this brunch extravaganza is any foodie’s dream. The debut 5280 Brunch Event, presented by Vitalant, is a celebration of 5280’s March brunch issue. Indulge in a small bites from sweet and savory menus from featured top restaurants in Denver. Guests can pair the delicious food selections with…
In light of the upcoming measure to decriminalize psilocybin (aka "magic") mushrooms, local nonprofit GoodCinema will put on this documentary film screening to help Denverites decide how to cast their votes. Attendees will get a mind-bending look at the drug's history, research, and medical applications, but if you find your psychic queries are still unanswered,…
Car fanatics catch sneak peeks of more than 500 of the newest 2020 vehicles from brands such as Jeep and BMW at this comprehensive auto show. The look into the future is accompanied by some history: retired and restored military vehicles and one-of-a-kind antique automobiles from Forney Museum of Transportation will be on display. If…
Celebrate the Denver Nuggets' first playoff appearance in six years by hitting some of the Mile High City's favorite watering holes. With a choice of two different routes, don your loudest blue-and-gold attire and hop between spots like Wynkoop Brewery and Viewhouse, accumulating more team swag at each stop. Afterward, everyone will converge at Blake…
Rainbow flags and bright parkas will add splashes of color to the snowy slopes during this multi-day Pride celebration. Members and friends of the LGBTQIA+ community can enjoy programs such as "Ride with Pride," where participants will get lift line priority and the chance to ski with Breckenridge Ski Resort instructors, plus fun aprés-ski festivities…
If today's throwback styles make you wish you hadn't tossed your old clothes, you'll find your fix at this retro marketplace full of vinyl, fashion, and furniture from the 1940s to the 2000s. Snag an old-school fit from over 20 clothes and accessory vendors such as Denver Rummage Shop, or add some flare to your…
Take a break from screens and bust out your stationary at this celebration of National Letter Writing month. At this special open session, join members of the Colorado Correspondence Coalition, where you'll check out a collection of historical letters before spending the afternoon crafting handwritten notes to friends and family. But, since it's 2019, you…
Since 1982, Denver-based nonprofit Colorado UpLift has been helping urban youth build brighter futures through programs like mentoring and career counseling. Now, this event offers the public a chance to get involved and help underserved communities through a massive volunteer effort: about 500 people will come together to work on projects like prepping new classrooms…
This six-day femme festival features more than 20 films about and by women. From the short, While I Yet Live, about African American quilters fighting in the civil rights movement in Alabama, to the feature-length To the Stars, that examines the struggles a woman encounters when reentering the modern workplace, these films will leave audience…
Summer is beckoning, so welcome the warmer weather with this end-of-season shindig. Local talents such as rockers Gov’t Mule will provide the tunes at free après-ski and after-dark parties Friday and Saturday, but the highlight of the shoulder season celebration is the World Pond Skimming Championship on Sunday. In this wacky tradition, costumed competitors try…
Amateur jewelry makers and fossil enthusiasts will thrive at this whole different kind of rock show. An array dealers—from the Rocky Mountains all the way to France—will be on hand to sell their wares including aquamarine, amethysts, and diamonds, with prices starting as low as $1. After filling a bag with your favorites, learn how…
Instead of wasting days at dozens of dress and flower stores, brides and grooms to be can make this bustling convention their one-stop shop for wedding planning. With over 30 exhibitors, couples can peruse aromatic arrangements from Boulder Garden Florists, see snaps from Elevate Photography, and scope out delicious desserts from Makery Cake Company. Then,…
Even the most die-hard fans of the Japan’s signature animation style will find plenty to be excited about at this smorgsaboard of anime culture. Grab a manga from the 600-volume strong library, or watch your favorite dubbed and subtitled shows on the big screen in the video room. Between showings, grab a custom drink designed…
To mark the advent of Rhino Week (which honors its endangered African namesake through a series of art installations and special events), local artists, Global Conservation Corps (GCC) founder Matt Lindenberg, and Colorado animal lovers will gather in RiNo for this feel-good bash. Sample libations from Great Divide Brewing Co. as you check out the…
In a time where climate change news is filled with doom and gloom, this uplifting event takes a lighter stance. To celebrate Earth Day, take a salsa lesson taught by local instructors, then continue your practice to Latin tunes while munching on Colombian cuisine from the La Chiva food truck. Still, this lighthearted event isn't…
The tiny Eastern Plains town of Karval may not have many hotels and gas stations, but each year it manages to welcome plenty of visitors: plovers. This three-day birding fest to celebrate the town's top feathered attraction will offer city slickers a dose of the country—they'll participate in ranch homestays with local families, indulge in…
Before Al Gore and Leonardo DiCaprio, there was Wendell Berry. The legendary environmental activist, writer, and farmer grew up in Henry County, Kentucky, a quiet agrarian locale now under siege by a wave of industrialization. This tender film tracks Berry’s journey through provincial life to becoming the voice of resistance to the profit-motivated upheaval of…
The goal of this planet-focused festival is to teach you how to better care for Mother Earth. After arriving in sustainable style and parking your ride with the bike valet, head to a hands-on demonstration on composting or learn how to create your own eco-backyard. In between green-themed activities, get moving with a Zumba class…
If you're unsure about your side in Denver's upcoming ballot initiative to decriminalize psilocybin—aka magic—mushrooms, this informative event can help you decide how to cast your vote. At the movie's world premiere, follow the story of a young suicidal woman, who turns to shrooms after years of prescription meds fail to treat her mental health…
This bestselling author of Atonement and On Chesil Beach will treat fans to a discussion about his latest storytelling endeavor, Machines Like Me, and this session for literary lovers. McEwan's newest book broaches the topic of machines and love, asking questions such as whether robots understand the human heart even better than we do, through…
Now, you don't need to be a contestant on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy to make over your life. In celebration of National Home Improvement month, the show's interior design expert Bobby Berk has teamed up with financial tech company Figure to offer a clinic in home equity and home improvement tricks. The discussion…
Cross over to the dark side at this after-hours celebration of George Lucas’ hit film series. Adults can socialize with characters like Lord Vader and Chewbacca portrayed in replica costumes by Rocky Mountain Fan Force, while sipping on Star Wars–themed cocktails from the Mos Eisley spaceport-themed cantina. Take photos in scenes such as Jabba’s throne…
This Mexican Independence Day fiesta will have Civic Center Park teeming with the sights and sounds of our southern neighbor. The colorful, high-energy fun starts with Fiesta Colorado performers dancing the flamenco, performances by Metropolitan State University’s Mariachi Los Correcaminos, and a low-rider car show. After getting your share of culture, partake in some absurd…
Want to support your local radio station, but can't donate your car? KGNU is keeping their fundraising fresh and fun with a benefit screening of the 2001 cult classic Wet Hot American Summer. The nostalgic indie comedy—starring now-big-name stars like Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper—might just make you long for the carefree whimsy of adolescent…
Summer will come a bit early for Summit County visitors when skiers and riders in swim trunks, Hawaiian shirts, and floaties take over the slopes at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area. The wacky attire isn’t just for fun—it earns them an entry into a raffle drawing for a Never Summer snowboard. Mid-morning, slide over to the…
Juliet Wittman may be a theater critic by trade, but her debut novel takes an entirely different tack: food. The fictional tale follows a foul-mouthed, rough-and-tumble New York City chef and the troubled cast of characters that surround him, including a newfound love who proves herself his equal. At this intimate reading, Wittman, alongside local…
The world's climate emergency is a hot topic, and web series turned three-part documentary puts a human face on the issue. Produced by University of Colorado graduate student Carley Rutledge and Boulder-based filmmaker Mike Gough, the film's premiere short follows chef Teri Rippeto, who is credited with bringing the farm-to-table movement to Denver via her…
Instead of playing another scratch-off or Powerball, test your luck at this lively fundraiser. Similar to Bingo—but with colorful pictograms and humorous riddles—the beloved Mexican game of chance will inspire an evening full of cultural flair like street tacos from Comal Heritage Food Incubator. Lucky winners will take home prizes such as a $100 gift…
All-mountain athletes can kickstart their summer training with the pros at this enlightening event. Get your blood pumping with a three-mile run around Berkeley before finishing up at BookBar, where mountaineer Steve House and his coach Scott Johnson will discuss their new book, Training for the Uphill Athlete. Covering how to write individualized training plans…
Dive into the wacky world of retro gaming at this arcade extravaganza. Attendees can try their hand at more than 200 themed pinball machines, such as Guardians of the Galaxy and the Wizard of Oz, including some rare, privately owned sets. Hardcore gamers can attend seminars on topics like machine maintenance, while novices can test…
If you're struggling to decide whether to spend your long weekend at a concert, a food fair, or a brewfest, this creekside celebration has you covered. The five-block-long span will host performers like Boulder's soul-reggae band Green Buddha and Hamsa Arts Persian Dance group, along with fitness classes such as yoga. After working up a…
Each year, Lyons hosts its own rendition of the Olympics, centered around its plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities. Watch exciting competitions in sports like freestyle dirt jumping and whitewater kayaking, or participate yourself in races such as the beer relay, where teams of 2 to 4 will down a brew before completing 5K laps. After…
Voted best summer festival by Vail Daily, this kickoff party boasts three stages of electrifying music. Catch acts like New Jersey bluegrass outfit Railroad Earth, a plethora of local food trucks such as Rocky Mountain Tacos, and debut, limited-time brews from Eagle-based Bonfire Brewing Company. This year’s festivities also come with two new features: reusable…
Colorado may not have an ocean—but with 27 miles of sandy shore, the 3,300-acre Dillon Reservoir might just be the next best thing. At this lakeside celebration, kickoff summer in true beach-bum fashion: Right on the sand, enjoy a six dollar burger and beer combo from Island Grill, original tunes from local jazz and rock…
This cultural bash harnesses the sights, sounds, and tastes of Israel to celebrate the vibrant Jewish community on the Front Range. Brush up on your Hebrew with harmonies from local bands like Or Zimrah (who will also sing in English) and visiting Israeli musician Eliyahu, as he strums solos on the kamancheh, a Byzantine-era string…
At the premiere of this new documentary feature, uncover the little known cross-cultural connections between Jewish, Latino, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern people that transcend borders and span centuries. Director Joseph Lovett criss-crosses continents alongside characters like New York Times journalist Doreen Carvajal and neuroscientist Leonel Antonio Chevez to track their ancestry back to the 15th-century…
When best friends Erin Dooley and Shaye Moessner moved to Denver from the east coast, they struggled to find a women's organization that appealed to their variety of interests—so they created their own. Moxie Collective hosts monthly events to connect and support women. During their two-year birthday party at Peak to Peak Tap & Brew,…
At this bygone fest, costumed knights, princesses, and fairies will recreate the myth and legend of the 16th century—complete with all the age’s favorite revelries. Try to hit a bullseye with Jack’s Axe Throwing or take a seat to watch live jousting from professionals certified by Historical Europen Martial Arts Alliance. That is, if you…
Come meet the mastermind behind some of Denver's favorite eateries, including Root Down, Linger, and El Five, and this delectable event. Chef and restaurateur Justin Cucci will be hosting a Q&A and signing session to celebrate the release of his recent cookbook-magazine hybrid, the Edible Beat, and speak about Denver's food community. Of course, a…
The 1940s were not only defined by their infamous war, but iconic art, fashion, and music. At this period ball, get acquainted with the sights and sounds of the Greatest Generation, with jazz and swing-dance performers such as the Fort Collins–based Flatiron Jazz Orchestra and a replica drive-in movie theater complete with vintage cars and…
You're not alone when you jump at the audible 'zzz of a bee—but the insects are friends to both the environment and our food system. Celebrate them with a series of bee-focused events for National Pollinator Week, with deals like a Bee My Honey Spa Treatment from the Oxford Spa (a portion of proceeds will…
Rather than struggle to score tickets to the Outdoor Retailer Show or the Great American Beer Festival, head to this market that’s the ultimate mashup of the two. Gearheads can shop for the season’s newest items (including some not yet on the market) while chatting with the founders of more than 20 emerging brands, such…
In between crushing 100-mile courses, esteemed ultrarunner Katie Arnold managed to find time to write a book about her personal journey to the top of the sport. Join the 2018 Leadville 100 women's champion and author for a reading and Q&A session about her new memoir, Running Home, but not before joining her for a…
If you like large parties—like Daisy Buchanan—you'll love this night reminiscent of the 1920s Jazz Age. You'll get to throw down like Gatsby, with flowing libations and performers such as Denver-based theatre troupe Phantom Circus, whose show includes dangling from a giant chandelier. Following the show, you'll get to dance to the tunes of DJ-fusion…
Welcome in the weekend with this eclectic outdoor market, which hosts more than 35 booths of locally-made goods, including the Wilde Merrion boutique, cocktails courtesy of Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse, and wood-fired pizza from Mountain Crust Catering to fuel your shopping spree. Local DJs will provide lively beats which, with no work tomorrow, you can…
All five of your senses will be singing at this patriotic and musically-minded bash. Start with your tastebuds in the beer garden, where in addition to brews from Great Divide Brewing, you can purchase fare from food trucks like Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs and Arepas House. Once the sun sets, a spectacular fireworks and laser…
Directly or indirectly, most Coloradans—and humans—have been affected by cancer. This fundraising fest aims to lessen the disease's impact, and entertain people in the process. Founded by Dallas Symphony Orchestra trumpeter and cancer survivor Ryan Anthony, the charity event has already raised millions of dollars and spread awareness of blood cancers and multiple myelomas. This…
If you love the smell of lavender, prepare to breathe in deep at this purple-flower-packed fest. The flower-centric celebration includes tons of booths selling hand-crafted artisan wares, tasty flora-forward treats, and an opportunity to stroll through the farm and pick your own bouquet. If you really want to immerse yourself in the stress-relieving scent, make…
If you still can’t get “Despacito” out of your head, lean in to the latin beat at these weekly, high-energy dance classes. Each Thursday, veteran Denver dancer Nicolas Martinez and classically trained Nina Born will lead 45-minute classes that are fine-tuned for novices, and followed up by a dance party soundtracked by reggaeton canción tunes…
Get ready to get lost in nostalgia with other gearheads at Mecum Auctions’ collector and vintage car auction. Meander through rows of 600 historic cars, from Corvettes to trucks, which date back to 1926. After, shift gears and head toward the high-energy auction block for bidding on high-prize vehicles (be quick: most cars are gone…
Biking and carpooling are both good ways to reduce your carbon footprint, but this playful parody sets the bar in sustainable commuting. Turn out your business best (atop a wetsuit) for a run down Boulder Creek in a faux ride to work. Shoreside bluegrass outfit the River Arkansas will provide the soundtrack for tubers bobbing…
If the summer heat has you searching for fun indoors, this (air-conditioned) ping-pong fundraiser has got you covered. Grab your paddles and prepare for some friendly competition that will benefit ACE Mentor Colorado, a nonprofit aimed at aiding high school students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering. Tables will be open to practice your serve…
At this throwback bash, the Molly Brown House Museum will honor the famed Denver philanthropist and Titanic survivor’s birthday exactly as she would have: with an early-20th century garden party. Guests are encouraged to arrive in their Edwardian-era best, such as petticoats and brimmed hats, and try their hand at lawn games like croquet. Then,…
Take a stroll through the tiny town of Frederick and you’ll notice intricate wood carvings on each park corner. The piney masterpieces are a result of this four-day, audience-judged competition, where woodworkers from throughout the West use chainsaws, chisels, and paint to create the town’s newest public art pieces. Don’t miss the quick carve competition…
A part of Denver's annual county fair, this show-stopping sideshow features tiny dogs, tasty drinks, and female string quartet Spinphony. Yes, you read correctly: small Dachshunds will be present, and will be the stars of a Fido-friendly fashion show. While watching, sip your choice from over 100 wines and whiskies, or, if you'd like to…
You've probably been acquainted with Denver's food truck scene, but did you know that fashion has gone mobile in the Mile High City, too? This market, which features everything from natural pet food to artisan candles all sold by local women, brings the best products to you with more than a dozen vendors converging on…
This five-day celebration brings the south up to the Mile High, with plenty of Chicano music and art for everyone. For a laid-back cultural experience, check out the film about Costa Rican-born singer Chavela Vargas, or attend the wall-to-wall Mariachi performance. If you like to be a part of the action, pick up your string…
Time flies when you're on the tracks. This summer marks the five-year anniversary of Union Station's re-opening, and to celebrate, the station is hosting a VIP party complete with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from Mercantile Dining & Provision and Stoic & Genuine's James Beard-award-winning chefs, interactive art exhibits, and live music from Denver's Brothers of Brass.…
With 55 competing teams, Denver’s vibrant Asian American community has transformed this cultural celebration into the largest dragon boat event in the United States. A Chinese tradition, up to 20 paddlers in elaborate crafts modeled after the fire-breathing beasts will sprint to the finish, rowing in unison to the beat of a drummer. After you…
Drink Liberati's luscious wine alongside a mini charcuterie board as you watch Hannah B. give out her final rose at this finale bash. If you're not in love with that $25 combo, there will also be complimentary popcorn (think: caramel and spicy-flavored) and specialty cocktails and oenobeer (a beer and wine hybrid) flights inspired by…
Feast your eyes as you feed your stomach at this art and music experience. While you peruse the sculptures crafted by artists Matthew Smith and Carissa Samaniego at their Union Hall exhibition, The Spirit in the Flame, savor cocktails and Italian bites prepared by Tavernetta. Look forward to appetizers like burrata with prosciutto and other…
This sweet soiree dates back to the 1800s—making it almost as old as the 138-year-old town itself. The classic gathering will have live reenactments of events from the mountain getaway’s past, music from local jazz students, and, of course, scoops from goodies purveyor Paradise Bakery. For a hunger-quelling history lesson, don’t miss the boozy “Aspen…
Whether you're a 90s kid, or just an admirer of the decade, get ready to watch one of the era's iconic films at this luxurious rooftop bash. Settle in with one of the bar's signature martinis and get ready for a screening of 10 Things I Hate About You, starring Health Ledger and Julia Stiles.…
This year marks Boulder County Fair's 150th anniversary, and to celebrate, it's highlighting the area's bountiful, wholesome harvest at this locally-sourced meal. Enjoy drinks from Dry Land Distillers and Settembre Cellars Winery while Colorado band Engraved performs table-side. For the main event, Sean Gafner of The Roost will fill your plates with flatbread hors d'oeuvres, cucumber…
This events-packed yoga festival strikes the perfect balance between high-energy exercise and zen peacefulness. Aside from the familiar yogi regimen of stretching and meditation, you’ll be able to run a mindfulness-focused 5K, hula-hoop, and hear from speakers such as Denver’s Nadia Bolz-Weber on honesty and transformation. If adrenaline-inducing events—like Beyonce-inspired yoga flow and belly-dancing classes—aren’t…
Resident Today Show nutritionist Joy Bauer is just one of many celebrity experts you can learn from at this three-day-long health-focused fest. You'll also find The Biggest Loser veteran Jillian Michaels leading an hour-long HIIT (high interval intensity training) workout, Grammy Award-nominated singer and festival co-founder Jewel giving a talk on mindfulness, and singer Rachel…
Started by councilwoman Kendra Black at the behest of her constituents, this community-led festival is 100-percent Coloradan. You’ll party our state’s way with Denver-based rock outfit the Bourbonites, a beer garden featuring brews from Wits End Brewery, and a parade featuring community kids on their decorated bicycles. The three-year-old event is certified green, and has…
This journey around the world requires no lengthy layovers or uncomfortable airport accommodations. Aurora’s celebration of international heritage will have a bevy of continental attractions, including a fashion show featuring garments from places like Korea, Mexico, and Ethiopia, performances by community choirs and traditional folk singers, and a World Beer Market for global brew enthusiasts.…
By day, CB2 is your go-to store for modern design and home decor. By night, this Crate and Barrel sister brand turns into an intimate jazz club during its After Hours series. This week, the lights will be dimmed and furnishings pushed aside for the Denver location's first late night show featuring Grammy award-winner Kimbra.…
That sweet Monday evening transition from work to happy hour will be made even sweeter with the addition of pups at this feel-good event. The guests of honor (of all ages and breeds) will come from the Denver Animal Shelter for snuggles and the chance at a new home. If you've already got a fur-baby…
Most adrenaline junkies would agree that the worst part of amusement parks is the lengthy pre-ride lines. Skip the queue, and pack in as much thrills as possible, at this exclusive fundraiser for the Denver Film Society that will shut down the park. Guests can gather some liquid courage from the open bar, stocked by…
Labor Day weekend means cookouts full of scrumptious barbecued meats, ice cream, and beer, so if you're looking for a way to counteract the calories, roll to Fort Collins for this whacky, whimsical bike parade. For two decades, New Belgium Brewing Company has hosted this bazaar, during which thousands of costumed cyclists descend on downtown…
Saddle up for a professional rodeo nestled in this mountain-town. You’ll watch cowboys and girls attempt to wrangle cows in breakaway, junior, and team roping. Afterwards, shop for (or just browse) the locale’s best crop of cows, pigs, sheep and chickens at the 4-H livestock show. Not only will you have yourself a grand old…
In honor of its grand opening, this new North Denver bike and repair shop is hosting a fun-filled day of cycling events for you and the family. Kids can improve their biking skills as they weave their way through a bike rodeo complete with cones, puddles, and (gasp!) even alligators and hot lava. You can…
There are tons of ways to pass this time this Labor Day, but the boozy kick-off party for Denver's CRUSH Walls tops the list. The weeklong street art festival—among the largest in the world—turns 10 this year, and to celebrate, it's beginning with a bash. You'll be able to taste libations from tons of local…
Denver is practically overflowing with dogs, but most of them can’t take commands let alone wrangle a herd of sheep. Watch over 170 of the continent’s best sheepdogs round up a flock of lambs through a obstacle-ridden course at this mountain-town festival. Aside from the lively competition, visitors can also play with sheep, goats, and…
This fast-paced contest assesses stunning speed and attention to detail. Competitors from around the Rocky Mountains will stack and mortar as many bricks as they can in one hour—but not just any way. Contestants must build an over-500-brick wall stretching at least 26 feet and eight inches wide. The bricklayer with the most bricks and…
For the sixth year, the Dairy Arts Center will honor Boulder community members who've contributed to the city’s artistic culture in this Academy Awards-like ceremony. Nominated by the public, five local recipients, including local jazz singer Hazel Miller, will be recognized for their visual art, music, humanitarian, theatre, and literary contributions. In addition, two surprise…
After seven years touring the East Coast, American Field is making its first stop in Denver. The U.S.-companies-only pop-up market will introduce Mile High shoppers to artisan brands from around the country, such as Abbott, a nature-inspired perfumery from New York City, and Minneapolis’ Mill City Fineries, which specializes in luxurious bow ties.
This week, fans of Bachelor in Paradise will see an end to the most dramatic season of the show yet. If you're in search of an antidote to the show's drama and tension, this watch party starts with a calming yoga session to soothe the nerves. After aligning your chakras—and getting a complimentary drink courtesy…
There are Colorado breweries for dog lovers, board game enthusiasts, and admirers of the granny aesthetic, but when Tamil Maldonado and Jose Beteta examined the scene, they felt Latino brewmasters weren’t getting enough attention. This Caribbean- and Latin-focused affair aims to fix that, with suds from nine Latino-owned breweries, including Denver’s Dos Luces, Aurora’s Cheluna…
Help kick off Denver's weeklong celebration of all things entrepreneurial with this presentation featuring several motivators whose hard work has definitely paid off. You'll get to see the adventurous entrepreneurs speak, including the co-founders of theSkimm, Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin, and the co-founders of DazBog Coffee, Anatoly and Leonid Yuffa. Expect to be excited…
You don't have to travel to Munich to partake in this perennial fall tradition. For Denver's 50th year hosting the two-weekend-long celebration, the city's sparing no effort. Revelers can watch wiener dogs race at the Long Dog Derby, dance at a silent disco, and—of course—sip on a selection of beers including Breckenridge Brewery's Oktoberfest Lager.…
Nine years ago, this sprawling summit was created with the aim of connecting leaders from across the western hemisphere and promoting cross-cultural exchange. In line with year's theme, which is "Empathy in Action," visitors can hear from lecturers such as Colorado Poet Laureate Bobby LeFebre about the transformative power of art, and from Sir Richard…
No need to go to a museum to see swaths of ancient artifacts when the world’s largest showcase of prehistoric relics is in your backyard. This 85-year-old festival will sport hundreds of over-10,000-year-old objects from museums and personal collections, including spears and pottery, and even stone points used to hunt mammoth, mastodon, cave bears, and…
The Bachelorette isn’t the only way to watch eligible singles mingle. This fall festival celebrates elk’s rut (mating) season, during which male elk compete for the affection of their female counterparts. Human onlookers can practice their mating calls in the bugling contest, sling arrows on the archery range, and admire ATA Antler Work’s elk-inspired arts…
Harken back to the days of Wild West campfire stories with this event preserving the literary tradition of cowboys. More than 40 performers, including Durango-based poet Sam Noble and Arizona-based storyteller Chris Isaacs, will recite original and traditional poems based on poetry written by cowboys. Aside from the book-based activities, the five-day festival will also…
Whether you’re preparing for a weekslong wilderness expedition or just a weekend fishing excursion, this 50-vendor-strong event has the supplies you require. Outdoor outfitters—more than half of which are based in Colorado—will display their newest wares, from ENO hammocks to tiny travel trailers from Arvada’s Into The Wild Overland. After you’ve stocked up on adventure…
Unlike other Oktoberfest celebrations, this fall-themed fest takes place aboard a historic train, rolling full-speed through the Rockies. The convoy departs from Alamosa and winds through stunning valleys of cottonwood, aspen, and spruce trees. On board, choose between a selection of beers, including the Oktoberfest Lager from Alamosa’s San Luis Valley Brewing Company. The five-hour…
University of Colorado Boulder instructors Matt Bethancourt and Danny Rankin started the Whaaat!? Festival for Games and Experimental Interaction in 2018 because they wanted to nerd out with a handful of likeminded developers over odd projects. Then the event drew hundreds more than the duo anticipated. The Roser Atlas Center in Boulder will once again…
The Great Gatsby fanatics can dance like it’s 1920 at this swinging dance party celebrating the era’s Balboa dance. Learn about the old-fashioned moves, which incorporate a closer embrace than traditional swing, from world-renowned instructors such as National Swing Dance Hall of Famer Sylvia Sykes and European Balboa champion David Rehm. Soundtracked by the Parisian-jazz…
Before the namesake of this festival died in 1891, she requested to be buried at the top of Manitou Springs’ Red Mountain. Decades later, her coffin was displaced by rainfall, sliding into the canyon below. Now, the city celebrates the oddity with these races, where teams of three ghoulishly-dressed participants push a coffin—stuffed with a…
