COLORADO, USA — Kids being pulled on skis behind horses and stunning mountain fireworks are just a few of the events planned this weekend at the oldest-running winter carnival in the western United States.
Steamboat’s annual celebration of winter and western heritage is back this weekend along with Frisco's Spontaneous Combustion Community Bonfire.
No matter where you live in the Centennial State there is sure to be an exciting adventure awaiting you this chilly February weekend. Grab the hot cocoa and check out one of these fun events across Colorado.
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Sweetheart Festival
LOVELAND — The “Sweetheart City” gets sweeter for Valentine’s Day with the annual Sweetheart Festival. The festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. — even if it snows — in downtown Loveland with free family fun. The festival features live ice sculpting, fire and art demonstrations, musical and dance performances, including Spinphony at the Rialto Theater. For a full schedule of Sweetheart Festival events, visit VisitLoveland.org.
Monster Jam
DENVER — The "most action-packed live event on four wheels" makes its annual stop in Denver this weekend. The massive monster truck extravaganza Monster Jam will rock Ball Arena for four performances this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Trucks scheduled to appear in Denver include El Toro Loco, Megalodon, Monster Mutt Rottweiler, Velociraptor, Earth Shaker, Jurassic Attack, ThunderROARus, and the legendary Grave Digger. Get your Monster Jam tickets at MonsterJam.com.
Steamboat Winter Carnival
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Head to Steamboat Springs this weekend to experience the oldest, continuous Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi. Although the 111th annual festival has been underway since Wednesday, the highlights of the festival are on Saturday and Sunday. The street events feature kids being pulled on skis behind horses and adults being pulled on shovels through downtown Steamboat. On Saturday, Howelsen Hill will be lit up with illuminated skiers descending the mountain and a spectacular fireworks show to end the night. For a full schedule of snow sculpture judging, s’more parties, winter sports events and more, visit SteamboatChamber.com.
Spontaneous Combustion Bonfire & Fireworks
FRISCO — The Spontaneous Combustion Community Bonfire is an annual Frisco community celebration. The bonfire, fueled by the town's recycled Christmas trees, kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday, followed by a firework show at 8 p.m. The Town of Frisco will be accepting Christmas trees for the bonfire through 4 p.m. Saturday at the Frisco Bay Marina dirt lot.
Valentine's BAZAAR
LAKEWOOD & LITTLETON — Valentine’s BAZAAR returns with two locations this Saturday and Sunday. Located in downtown Lakewood and Littleton's Aspen Grove, each venue will have dozens of craft vendors, live music and pop-up bars. Entry is free to all.
Frisco Gold Rush
FRISCO — The 53rd annual Frisco Gold Rush is the longest running Nordic event in Colorado. The event consists of classic and skate races open to skiers of all ages and abilities. There will be a 20K Skate, 10K Skate, 5K Skate and 1K Kids’ Fun Ski at the event on Saturday. Gold Rush registration can be completed at FriscoGoldRush.com.
Love 'Em or Leave 'Em Valentine's Day 5K/10K
PARKER — Parker Parks and Recreation Run Series' signature run/walk arrives this Saturday at Salisbury Park. The Valentine's Day 5K or 10K is a fun, festive workout followed by a post-race pancake breakfast. A free kids' dash follows the race for children 8 and under. Runners and walkers are welcome to register at ParkerRec.com.
FRISCO — Frisco’s Mardi Gras Dog Parade will step off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The costumed canine parade and street party will benefit Hope for Animals – Clear Creek Rescue, which helps abandoned, lost and suffering animals through rescue, shelter and public education. Hosted by the Town of Frisco and Hope for Animals – Clear Creek Rescue, the costumed parade for dogs and their families is cute, adorable and inspired by the Krewe of Barkus Parade in New Orleans. For parade registration information, visit TownofFrisco.com.
Music of the Vine: A South American Excursion
DENVER — Join Augustana Arts, president of the International Guild of Wines Claude Robbins, and Venezuelan jazz pianist Victor Mestas for "Music of the Vine," a wine tasting and musical performance. Audiences will enjoy a curated selection of South American wines as they are led through a wine tasting, each wine paired with a jazz piano tune flavored with South American rhythms and styles. The event begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver.
Wings Over the Rockies free day
DENVER — Admission is free for all visitors on Sunday at both locations of Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. Bring your friends and family to share in the wonders of aviation and space exploration. Explore interactive exhibits and see rare artifacts and iconic aircraft up close. Register online for free tickets.
CSU Spur 2nd Saturday
DENVER — The next “2nd Saturday at CSU Spur” is this Saturday with a day of free, family oriented programs, activities and demonstrations centered on the campus’ core themes of food, water and health. CSU Spur’s three buildings will be open this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Greenhouse is undergoing renovation and is closed to the public; it will reopen in early March.
Jekyll & Hyde
DENVER — Colorado Ballet continues its full-length ballet "Jekyll & Hyde" this weekend at Ellie Caulkin Opera House. Choreographed by Val Caniparol and inspired by the Robert Louis Stevenson novella, "Jekyll & Hyde" features music by Frédéric Chopin, Krzysztof Penderecki, Henryk Górecki, Wojciech Kilar and Henryk Wieniawski. Due to its mature content, "Jekyll & Hyde" is recommended for those ages 13 and older. The Victorian London-set ballet plays through Sunday.
Cebollas
DENVER — "Cebollas" is a new production now playing at Denver's Singleton Theatre. Yolie, Celia, and Tere are three sisters forced to take an unexpected road trip from Albuquerque to Denver. Making their way north on I-25, they don’t travel for business or for pleasure. They just need to transport a dead body across state lines. But, then again, what are sisters for? "Cebollas" plays at the Denver Performing Arts Complex through March. 17.
Movies this weekend
Last weekend was another quiet weekend at the box office with most moviegoers checking out holdovers and awards contenders. "Poor Things," "American Fiction," and "Wonka" are continuing to perform well.
Pixar's "Turning Red" debuts in movie theaters for the first time this weekend, along with Diablo Cody's new "Lisa Frankenstein."
Opening this weekend
- Lisa Frankenstein
- Skin Deep
- Float
- Popular Theory
- Turning Red
Last weekend's box office
- "Argylle," $18 million.
- “The Chosen," $6 million.
- “The Beekeeper,” $5.3 million.
- “Wonka,” $4.8 million.
- “Migration," $4.1 million.
- “Mean Girls,” $4 million.
- “Anyone But You,” $3.5 million.
- “American Fiction,” $2.3 million.
- “Poor Things,” $2.1 million.
- “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” $2 million.
> Would you like to see your favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
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