The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
Ephemeral Art
Opening April 27
To create each of his world-renowned sculptures, Patrick Dougherty starts by gathering a large pile of tree branches. Then, over three weeks, the North Carolina artist and a group of volunteers carefully weave the sticks into a whimsical, almost Seussian structure. Dougherty intends for each piece to serve as a reflection on the uncertain life cycle of the natural environment—which means there’s a timer on how long Coloradans will be able to view his latest installation. During Stickwork at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, one of Dougherty’s elaborate works will stand against the backdrop of the Front Range’s expansive foothills. It will live on the venue’s grounds until it falls apart organically, returning to a stack of twigs.
Workshop It
March 31, April 12–14
Since 2010, Off-Center has served as Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ test kitchen, deploying converging dramatic forms in nontraditional spaces. To broaden its imagination even further, last summer DCPA launched Powered By Off-Center, a residency program for budding creators. Out of the 56 playwrights who applied to the project’s call for submissions, two—Jessica Kahkoska and Jennifer Faletto—were chosen to workshop their plays with DCPA staff. The experience culminates when both premiere working versions of their shows at the Randy Weeks Conservatory Theatre. Kahkoska’s Untitled Crypto-Judaism Project (March 31) is an interactive oral history about the legacy of Judaism in the San Luis Valley. In Faletto’s Conspiracy Theory G (April 12 to 14), the audience participates in a tense neighborhood association meeting about crop circles in a small town. After the performances ($10), attendees can offer feedback on the DCPA’s new dramatic recipe.
Sasquatch Central
April 12–13
Should you see a furry man-ape running around Estes Park in mid-April, don’t call the National Enquirer. It’s likely a costumed reveler taking part in Bigfoot Days, the inaugural festival inspired by the many supposed Sasquatch sightings near the community. The celebration will feature a smattering of themed activities, including four-wheeler tours of Bigfoot’s favorite hangouts from Wildside 4×4 and a fete at Bond Park with music from local bands Sol Pride and, appropriately, That Damn Sasquatch.
Theme Party
Opening April 20
Ahead of debuting a space in the Mile High City in 2020, the Santa Fe arts and entertainment group Meow Wolf is introducing itself to Denverites by partnering with Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park to launch an indoor ride. Kaleidoscape will guide attendees through a series of colorful, psychedelic effects. The group is working with six Denver artists in order to create the same kind of trippy interactive experiences upon which Meow Wolf has built its celebrated reputation.
The Big Hunt
April 21
Copper Mountain will spread 65,000 candy- and prize-filled plastic eggs across 2,500 acres during the World’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt on April 21. The three hunts for younger kids vary by age, but even adults can search for the 12 golden eggs hidden on intermediate and beginner terrain that contain prizes such as a GoPro or a 2019-’20 season pass.
