COLORADO, USA — Although spring has sprung in Colorado, there is still time to get outside and enjoy the winter snow at the annual Cardboard Classic in Steamboat. Spring festivals are beginning with the Honeybee Festival in Palisade. Celebrate the spring season this weekend by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that makes our state so special. Check out one of these fun events across Colorado:
DENVER — Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series on the planet. The series, which has been performing at stadiums across the country this winter and spring, comes to Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Saturday. Fans can see the riders, teams and bikes up close at the Monster Energy Fan Fest beginning at 11 a.m. Opening ceremonies will begin at 5 p.m. with the first heat races beginning at 5:30 p.m. The race will also air on NBC Sports Network. Tickets start at just $20 at Ticketmaster.com.
DENVER —Rodeo All-Star Weekend is the ultimate pro rodeo competition featuring the top rodeo athletes from around the world. Held at the National Western Complex on Friday and Saturday, Rodeo All-Star includes three All-Star professional rodeos, mutton bustin’, Lunch with Champions, mechanical bull and all-star concert. A ticket to Friday night's show includes a concert with rising country music star Chase Bryant. Tickets to Rodeo All-Star Weekend are available at RodeoAllStar.com, the National Western Box Office, King Soopers stores or by phone at 866-464-2626.
COLORADO — Although Easter arrives on April 21, nearly half of the 136 Easter egg hunts planned in the Centennial State actually happen this weekend. Celebrate Easter and the spring season with food, music, candy and the Easter Bunny at one of these Easter egg hunts across Colorado.
BRIGHTON — Things will be hopping in downtown Brighton with a free, family-friendly Spring Festival on Saturday. The festival in downtown Brighton will have plenty of kids’ activities, face painting, bounce house, food trucks, photos with the Easter Bunny and street fair from over 100 different businesses and vendors. Saturday’s Spring Festival takes place from noon to 4 p.m.
PALISADE — The annual Honeybee Festival is back in Palisade for a 11th year. The festival celebrates Palisade's agricultural roots and brings attention to the threatened honeybee population. Held at the Towne Plaza in downtown Palisade, the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. There will be music, live demonstrations, food vendors and kids’ activities. For more information and a complete schedule, visit PalisadeHoneybeeFest.org.
DENVER — The world’s best-selling magic show is in Denver this weekend for four performances at the Buell Theatre. The Illusionists – Live From Broadway is a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on Earth. The non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. The family-friendly show opens Friday with tickets available through DenverCenter.org.
ESTES PARK — The inaugural Estes Park Bigfoot Days celebration arrives this weekend. The main event takes place Saturday with 30 vendors and food trucks, beer garden, live music, Bigfoot calling contest, Bigfoot tours, Bigfoot obstacle course, Bigfoot Dance Off and more. A Bigfoot Dinner and Bigfoot Days 5-Mile Run are also planned this weekend. Check out the full schedule at VisitEstesPark.com.
DENVER — Our Senses: Creating Your Reality is the newest exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The exhibition for the whole family explores how and why what we perceive is not all, or exactly, what’s actually going on around us. Guests can explore a series of interactive galleries where they’ll enjoy a “sensory overload” and play with color, patterns, sounds, scents and see how there’s more to our senses than just the usual five. The Our Senses exhibit opens Friday and will be open through August 4. Museum, planetarium and IMAX tickets are available at DMNS.org.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Steamboat's traditional rite of spring, the Cardboard Classic, is back for a 39th year. This hilarious race features homemade crafts made of cardboard, glue, string, paint, duct tape, masking tape, balloons and other decorations. Competitors race down Stampede to a hysterical finish. Entries are judged at 11 a.m. Saturday with the races to begin soon after. For registration information and a complete schedule, visit Steamboat.com.
COLORADO — There are many reasons to attend a 9Health Fair this weekend. You can learn more about you, take advantage of free and low-cost health screenings, and talk to several medical professionals. Register in advance or just show up, doesn’t matter to us! We just hope to see you there. Either way, isn’t it time you make your health a priority? Find a fair near you at 9HealthFair.org.
COLORADO SPRINGS — Old Colorado City’s Historic District will be transformed on Saturday into a magical wonderland of free and interactive events for children of all ages. There will be tea parties with costumed characters, sidewalk displays, treats and more. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Old Colorado City. To RSVP for the Red Queen’s Tea Party at The Wobbly Olive, click here.
LONGMONT — Colorado will celebrate Scotland’s cultural and historic contributions to the world with a celebration of family, community, nation, heritage and the human need for connection at this weekend’s Colorado Tartan Day Festival. The celebration takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The free, family-friendly event offers performances from Colorado Youth Pipe Band and Dancers, The Empire for Medieval Pursuits, The RenScots, music by Angus Mohr and more. Visit ColoradoTartanDay.com for the complete weekend schedule.
GREELEY — The 38th annual Northern Colorado Children’s Festival arrives Saturday at Island Grove Event Center. The festival features bounce houses, inflatable animals, arts and crafts, dancers, singers, puppets, an obstacle course and more. There will also be vendors, education materials and each child will receive a free book. The free, fun event aims to celebrate children, connect parents with resources and promote values in development including nutrition, literacy, safety and developmental screening.
AURORA — The 15th annual Paper Fasion Show will be held Friday night at The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. The show features haute couture fashions made entirely from paper that are showcased on the grand runway and judged by a panel of Denver-area designers and celebrities. The show also serves as a fundraiser for the non-profit Downtown Aurora Visual Arts, a local organization that provides after-school arts programs for urban youth. For ticket information and to learn more about wearable art in motion visit PaperFashionShow.com.
DENVER — The Denver Independent Comics & Art Expo is back for a fourth year at the McNichols Civic Center in downtown Denver. The two-day event showcases comic books, graphic novels, small press, zines, design and alternative art forms. Different ticket packages are available for Saturday and Sunday at DinkDenver.com.
VAIL — Spring Back to Vail is a four-day mountain celebration with free concerts, in-town and on-mountain late-season specials, après and after dark parties, lively festival village and more. Gov’t Mule wand Austin Rose are set to perform Friday at Ford Park whille Steel Pulse and Xavier Rudd will take the stage Saturday evening. The World Pond Skimming Championships begin at noon Sunday. Spring Back to Vail festivities are planned from Thursday to Sunday. Check out the full schedule at Vail.com.
DURANGO — The 25th annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown returns this Friday, Saturday and Sunday in downtown Durango. This year’s lineup features Junior Sisk and Friends, The Larry Keel Experience, Songs From the Road Band, John Reischman and the Jaybirds, Richie and Rosie, Jeff Scroggins and Colorado, FY5, Steam Machine, Masontown, and many more. Bluegrass fans can grab their tickets at DurangoMeltdown.com.
COLORADO SPRINGS — Southern Colorado’s spring train show is back on Saturday and Sunday at Colorado Springs’ Chapel Hills Mall Event Center. The show offers model train layouts, vendors, historical presentations, how-to clinics, door prizes, scavenger hunts for children of all ages, and more. Tickets are just $6 per person or $10 per family and children 12 and under are free. TECOshow.org is the place for tickets.
COLORADO SPRINGS — Saturday morning’s Trails, Tails and Ales begins with a hike with your pup through Bear Creek Regional Park and finishes with a well-deserved beer a Cerberus Brewing Company. Participants will learn about the history of IPAs from a certified beer judge and about the brewing company. Tickets are $4 and $3 for members of the Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers.
FORT COLLINS — The 27th annual Native American Powwow and Indian Art Market is set for Saturday and Sunday at Fort Collins’ Northside Aztlan Community Center. The community is invited to the gathering that celebrates Native American dancing, singing, handmade art and foods. There will also be children’s activities throughout the weekend. A Grand Entry of all dancers will take place at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and at noon Sunday.
BOULDER — The University of Colorado’s largest student-organized event on campus is the International Festival. The free event takes place Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at CU’s Glenn Miller Ballroom and is open to the public. The festival offers attendees the opportunity to share their culture, traditions and heritage while promoting and celebrating diversity. There will be booths, performances, food samples and interactive cultural activities.
DENVER — Colorado Symphony Musical Director Brett Mitchell leads this weekend’s performances of Brahms Symphony No. 4. The Brahms piece is described as having “autumnal coloring and heroic character” as well as “erupting with passionate intensity.” The Colorado Symphony’s Principal Oboist Peter Cooper will also tackle Kevin Puts’ new Oboe Concerto. Performances are planned Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Boettcher Concert Hall. For tickets, visit ColoradoSymphony.org.
GREELEY — The 5th annual Greeley Beer & Spirits festival takes place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Held in the south lot of the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, the event is a fundraiser for the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. The indoor and outdoor event promises live music, fantastic food trucks, unlimited beer tastings, a 50/50 raffle and more. You can get your Greeley Beer & Spirits Festival tickets online.
PUEBLO — The Pueblo Spring Home Show opens Friday with free admission and free parking. The show promises local and national vendors in the home, garden, patio and outdoor industry with advice and demonstrations in home improvement, design, décor, automation and more. The three-day Pueblo Spring Home Show takes place at the Pueblo Convention Center.
ERIE —Start spring off on the right foot and get a jump start on your home improvement projects at Saturday’s Erie Home Fair. Over 30 local businesses will be at the Erie Community Center from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with advice, support and services for your painting, flooring, lighting, plumbing, heating, cooling, remodeling or landscaping project.
GRAND JUNCTION — This weekend’s GJ Antique Show is a vintage and antique lovers’ paradise. The show features antiques, collectibles, DIY crafts, sports memorabilia, vintage items, furniture, coins, stamps, clothing and more. The show will take place Friday through Sunday at the old Sports Authority location at Mesa Mall.
BOULDER — The 71st Conference of World Affairs is now underway and continues through Saturday. The Conference of World Affairs is a week-long conference featuring speeches panel discussions and performances. The entire conference is open to the public and completely free. The conference features more than 100 speakers from 19 countries including Belarus, Denmark, Georgia, Lebanon, Portugal, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. To see list of this weekend’s attendees, visit Colorado.edu.
PUEBLO — The Sangre de Cristo Ballet journeys down the rabbit hole with their production of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Featuring original choreography and a musical score by Joby Talbot, the ballet follows classic characters like the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, Red Queen and more. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Sangre de Christo Arts and Conference Center. Find your perfect seat at SDC-Arts.org.
ARVADA —Trav’lin: The 1930s Harlem Musical is the newest production at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. The funny and heartfelt show rediscovers the music of Harlem Renaissance songwriter J.C. Johnson, whose songs were recorded by legends such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. The energetic and romantic musical plays the Arvada Center through Sunday, April 28. Tickets are sold exclusively at ArvadaCenter.org.
LAKEWOOD — The music of the Beatles comes to life this weekend at the Lakewood Cultural Center with two performances this weekend from Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience. The show faithfully recreates the music, energy and spirit of the Beatles without wigs or accents. By memorizing all 200-plus Beatles songs, audience members can request any song, making each show interactive and unique. Since debuting in 2007, the band has found that people always have a story to tell when it comes to their favorite Beatles track. Tickets for Yesterday and Today are available at Lakewood.org/LCCPresents, by phone at 303-987-7845 or at the Lakewood Cultural Center box office.
LOVELAND — The newest production from the Moon Theatre Company opens Friday at Loveland’s Rialto Theatre Center. You Can’t Take it With You features the freethinking Sycamore Family and the mayhem that ensues when their daughter’s fiancé brings his conservative, straight-laced parents to dinner on the wrong night. The Broadway classic originally opened in 1936, winning the Pultizer Prize for Drama. Performances are scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday through April 20. For tickets, visit RialtoTheaterCenter.org or call 970-962-2120.
DENVER — Celebrating the power of girls and strength of friendship, American Girl Live will be performed Saturday and Sunday at Denver’s Paramount Theatre. The new, 90-minute musical follows five spunky campers and their counselor at Camp American Girl as they learn that they can overcome anything and achieve their dreams, so long as they stay true to themselves and support one another. For American Girl Live showtimes, tickets and special offers, visit AltitudeTickets.com.
DENVER — Comedian Dane Cook’s first full-scale tour since 2013 will stop in Colorado this weekend. Cook’s “Tell It Like It Is” tour will perform at Denver’s Bellco Theatre on Saturday. Tickets are sold through AXS.com.
COLORADO SPRINGS & LOVELAND — Comedian Gabriel Iglesias will bring his “Beyond the Fluffy” world tour to Colorado Springs on Saturday and Loveland on Sunday. Known for his Netflix standup specials and TV and movie appearances, Iglesias is one of a handful of comedians to headline and sell out the Staples Center, Madison Square Garden and the Sydney Opera House. Iglesias will appear the Broadmoor World Arena Saturday and Loveland’s Budweiser Events Center on Sunday.
DENVER — Country singer Jessie James Decker returns to Colorado on Friday for a concert at Denver’s Ogden Theatre. Jessie James Decker, who operates the Erie & Jessie Decker Foundation with husband Eric Decker, will be joined Friday by The Sisterhood Band. Tickets are sold at AXS.com.
DENVER — Electric chamber ensemble Bang on a Can All-Stars make their Denver debut Friday night at the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall. The high-octane concert at the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver is called “Big Space,” with 24 local musicians from the university’s Lamont School of Music set to perform with Bang on a Can All-Stars in a “surround sound” live performance. Grab your seats at NewmanCenterPresents.com.
DENVER — The Colorado Mammoth continue their fight for a playoff spot when they host the Rochester Knights Friday night. The final home game of the season is a Fan Appreciation Night to celebrate the best fans in the National Lacrosse League with surprises, giveaways and more. Colorado Mammoth tickets are sold online at AltitudeTickets.com.
COMMERCE CITY — Although Wednesday night’s game was postponed due to weather, the Colorado Rapids are rested and ready to take on D.C. United this weekend in Commerce City. The Rapids welcome the United to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park at 7 p.m. Saturday night. AltitudeTickets.com is the place for Rapids tickets and Coca-Cola Fan Packs.
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Springs Switchbacks return home to Weidner Field on Saturday after two games on the road. The Colorado Springs Switchbacks of the USL host Reno 1868 FC at 5 p.m. in northeast Colorado Springs. Fans who arrive early can pick up a free poster and drawstring bag. Tickets can still be purchased at AXS.com.
LOVELAND — The final two games of the AHL season for the Colorado Eagles take place Friday and Saturday at the Budweiser Events Center. The Eagles will battle the San Jose Barracuda at 7:05 p.m. both nights. Saturday’s game is a “Fan Appreciation Night” with special giveaways planned. Tickets are available at ColoradoEagles.com or the Budweiser Events Center box office.
DENVER — Wedding season is right around the corner! If you're planning a special event in 2019, the Rocky Mountain Bridal Show could be right up your alley. The show, which takes place Sunday at the Colorado Convention Center’s Four Seasons Ballroom, offers the latest in wedding planning from florists and dresses to DJs and wedding destinations. Tickets can be purchased online.
AURORA — One of the Rocky Mountain region’s premier music collectors shows will arrive Sunday in Aurora. The Denver Record Collectors Expo, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, will have over 40 dealers selling difficult-to-find CDs, LPs, 45s, posters, memorabilia and more. The show isn’t just for hardcore collectors, but fans of music and memorabilia with nearly 100 display tables anticipated.
DENVER — Professional and amateur gemologists, rejoice! The Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show runs from Friday to Sunday at the Crowne Plaza DIA Hotel and Convention Center. There will be dozens of venders and booths, wire wrapping classes, free gold panning lessons, kids’ events and hourly giveaways. A vender list and map of the event floor are available for download at ColoradoMineralandFossilShows.com.
DENVER — The Denver Gold & Treasure Show will be held Saturday and Sunday at the National Western Complex. Celebrating the hobby of gold prospecting and treasure hunting, the show offers fun for the whole family with free gold panning, prizes, information on local chapters, vendors and daily seminars on topics such as prospecting techniques, metal detecting, fine gold recovery, gold expeditions and more. The first 250 people in line each morning will receive free gold.
DENVER — This weekend’s Just Between Friends Sale will have thousands of name-brand baby and kids' items at 50-90% off retail. Some of the items for sale include clothing, shoes, toys, books, games, nursery equipment, toys, strollers, car seats, cribs, maternity and nursery items, room décor and more. The sale runs from Thursday to Sunday at the National Western Complex. Admission is just $5 at the door.
LAFAYETTE & ERIE — Hosted by the Flatirons Food Film Festival and Erie Coffee Roasters, the 2019 Coffee Fest is devoted to all things coffee. There will be film screenings, tastings, lessons, presentations, interactive demos and coffee painting. Festivities are planned for Saturday and Sunday in Lafayette and Erie. For a schedule of events and ticket information, visit FlatironsFoodFilmFest.org.
COLORADO SPRINGS — Prom season can be expensive, but the prom dress doesn’t have to be. iHeartRadio's $10 Prom Dress Sale will take place Sunday at the Hotel Elegante Conference and Event Center in Colorado Springs. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Empty Stocking Fund.
MANITOU SPRINGS — Pikes Peak Gamers is hosting its 2nd annual Board Game Convention this weekend at Memorial Hall in Manitou Springs. Attendees will have access to over 800 board games, free tournaments, a board game flea market, adjacent outdoor areas with games, board game art exhibit, nightly raffles, silent auction, vendors and more. Visit PikesPeakGamers.com for all the details.
BOULDER —The Humane Society of Boulder Valley’s annual gala is set to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday at the CU Event Center. The Pet Gala will have food from dozens of the finest Boulder and Broomfield restaurants with wine and beer options. A silent auction will have over 400 items, plus there will be animals up for adoption and live music. Reserve your tickets at BoulderHumane.org.
COLORADO SPRINGS — For those looking to explore the world of holistic possibilities, this gathering in Colorado Springs is sure to please. The expo was created for like-minded individuals to come together and commune in the spirit of fun, self-exploration, self-empowerment and self-improvement. There will be over 100 exhibitors, talks and seminars, readers and healers and much more. The Body Mind Spirit Celebration runs from Friday to Sunday at Colorado Springs City Auditorium. To see the full schedule of events, visit BMSE.net.
CAÑON CITY — Running chairs, strollers and wheelchairs are encouraged at Saturday’s Run Walk Roll 5K in Fremont County. Proceeds from the race – which will begin and end at Cañon City’s Centennial Park – will go towards donating a specialized running chair to a local resident. Run Walk Roll 5K registration and donation information can be found here.
ARVADA —The annual Prairie Dog Half + 10K & 5K returns to Arvada on Sunday. All three events and kids’ dash will begin between 8 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. at the APEX Recreation Center, followed by a post-race party at Kline’s Beer Hall. Race registration can be completed at PrarieDogHalf.com.
DURANGO — Fort Lewis College aims to raise funds for Health Science students with their annual scholarship run this weekend. The Run the Rim 5K and 10K will begin at 9:45 a.m. Sunday at the Fort Lewis College Clock Tower. Afterwards there will be lawn games, kids’ obstacle course, music, raffle and more. Register now at FortLewis.edu.
BRIGHTON — To raise funds for future Barr Lake State Park projects, Friends of Barr Lake is hosting a 5K run this Saturday. The 5K run will begin at 9 a.m. and traverse through the nature preserve. Participants will receive a shirt and goody bag plus food and drinks. You can sign up for the 7th annual Barr Lake State Park Raptor Run online.
PUEBLO — Pueblo Rape Crisis Services hosts the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event this Saturday. The event will begin and end at the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an international men’s march, to raise awareness about sexual assault and its impact on women, where men are encouraged to walk one mile in high-heeled shoes. There will also be a (Em)Power 5K run to show support for everyone impacted by sexual assault. The 5K will begin at 2:45 p.m. followed by the one-mile walk at 3 p.m. Registration information is available here.
LITTLETON — The Platte River Half Marathon and Buckhorn Exchange Relay will start at 8 a.m. Saturday in downtown Littleton, south of the intersection of Prince Street and Alamo Avenue. The races will finish at the Buckhorn Exchange on Mariposa Street between 9th and 10th. Live entertainment will be provided at the finish, alone with lunch for participants. Registration can be completed at PlatteRiverHalf.com.
FORT COLLINS — The 46th annual Horsetooth Half Marathon begins at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. The 13.1-mile course travels from Hughes Stadium to New Belgium Brewing. Participants will enjoy a shirt, finisher’s medal, official pint glass, bus shuttle back to the start, a scenic race course, memories to last a lifetime, and great post-race food, beers and vendor expo. To register for the Horsetooth Half Marathon, head to Horsetooth-Half.com.
FRUITA —Fruita will be home to a weekend full of trail running events this weekend. The weekend begins with a packet pickup and dinner on Friday, followed by a trail marathon and 50K on Saturday. Sunday offers a 10K, half marathon and kids’ races. To see the Trail Running Festival courses, visit GeminiAdventures.com.
LOVELAND — Run for the Trees is a 2-mile run and festival to help Loveland Parks and Rec celebrate their 30-year Arbor Day anniversary. There will be food trucks, live music and fun run to help raise money for the tree planting fund. Each attendee with receive a race bib, Blue Spruce tree seedling and more. The Fun Run begins at 5:15 p.m. Friday. Registration can be completed online.
PUEBLO — The 2nd annual Hoofin’ it for Hope Fun Run/Walk gets underway at 8 a.m. Saturday. The event will begin and end at Hope Thru Hooves, a Pueblo County non-profit that uses the power of the horse-human connection to transform lives. After the event there will be opportunities to interact with some of the horse partners, enjoy some refreshments and learn more about Hope Thru Hooves.
COLORADO — One of the most epic movies of all time is set to return to movie theaters this weekend for its 60th anniversary. Ben-Hur will play in more than 600 theaters nationwide on Sunday and Wednesday. Starring Charlton Heston as a Jewish prince who vows revenge when he is enslaved by his Roman childhood friend, Ben-Hur won 11 Oscars - a feat matched only by The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Titanic. The William Wyler-directed 1959 classic will be digitally projected in its original super-widescreen “Ultra 65” format. Tickets will be sold at FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices.
Do you know of a fun Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert or event you think we should mention in this week's 9Things or in the future? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
Have an outstanding weekend!
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