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Epicurean Weekend, February 25-28
Engage in a weekend of culinary tourism at this luxe dining event. Renowned chefs, like Native American culinary expert Loretta Oden and Jessica Sanchez of Miami’s renowned farm-to-table Loba Restaurant, meet up in the ghost town of Dolores for three nights of delicious regional meals. The property’s executive chef, Karlos Baca, curates the weekend’s culinary events, which center around wild ingredients foraged from the surrounding land. In addition to the mind blowing food offerings, guests can enjoy a selection of unique wine pairings from the expert winemakers of Hayfork Wine, Continuum, RAEN, and Sutcliffe Vineyards. Thu-Sun, times vary; Dunton Hot Springs, 52068 Country Road 38, Dolores; $1,400 per night.
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The Last Man on the Moon, February 26-27
Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon in 1969—and in 1972, Eugene Cernan was the last. His lesser-known tale of trial, failure, and ultimate success, coupled with the straining effect of astronaut life on his family, is chronicled in this riveting historical account of the Apollo 17 mission. Cernan’s friend and film interviewee Fred “Baldy” Baldwin will lead a Q&A after the Friday screening, and former astronaut Bruce McCandless will do a post-screening Q&A on Saturday. Fri-Sat 7 p.m.; Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave.; ticket prices vary.
Vertical Express for Can Do MS, February 27
From on-mountain activities to après-ski socializing, you’ll find an activity for every ability level at this multiple sclerosis benefit. Compete in two races—the Vertical Express Pro Cup or the more relaxed Beer Cup—and a photo scavenger hunt before heading to the awards party. Whatever you fundraise benefits Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, a nonprofit that supports individuals with MS through lifestyle programs. Want to donate more? Raise $150 to receive a VIP ticket, which gets you breakfast and and a pair of Swany Ski Gloves; whoever raises the most money overall will win a two-day, three-night trip to Vail during the 2016-2017 ski season. Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Vail, 1000 S. Frontage Road; ticket prices vary.
Big Band Boogie Bash, February 27
Celebrate the youthful spirit of jazz in Denver at this seven-band mini-festival. The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts’ big band will kick off the afternoon, followed by artists from the University of Denver, Colorado State University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and more local institutions. Chat with special guests Greg Gisbert and Susan Gatschet of Jazz 89.3 KUVO while sipping cocktails from the Mercury Cafe. Proceeds benefit the CCJA, but you can further support the organization’s childhood music education programs by purchasing instruments and sheet music via the on-site gift registry. Sat 1 p.m.; Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St.; ticket prices vary.
Oscars Party, February 28
Denver might be thousands of miles from Hollywood, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still walk the red carpet. At this viewing event, attendees can cheer on their favorite stars, witness the triumphs of the winners (and the steely smiles of the losers), and nosh on offerings from Comida and Mondo Market as the Academy Awards orchestra urges people to (please) keep their thank-you speeches short. To top off the night, spectators can sip on celebratory champagne—whether or not they placed the right bets this year. Sun 5-9 p.m.; the Source, 3350 Brighton Blvd.; free.