COLORADO, USA — Soak in the spring season this weekend by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that makes Colorado so special. The Centennial State is ready to celebrate Easter, Passover, Earth Day, 4/20 and spring this third weekend of April.
DENVER — Prepare yourself for funnel cakes and teacup rides: Colorado's largest theme park opens on Saturday for its 129th consecutive year. Elitch Gardens has prepared for summer by ordering more than 100,000 souvenir cups, 200,000 stuffed animals and planting 7,200 pansies. The 2019 season will feature the new Meow Wolf Kaleidoscape ride, plus music concerts Johnny Orlando & Mackenzie Ziegler, MattyB featuring The Haschak Sisters, Crowder, and Skillet. Season passes are $69.99 and pay for themselves after two visits and are on sale now at ElitchGardens.com.
COLORADO — Spring has arrived in Colorado with bees, robins, bunnies and baseball. The grass is turning green and trees are blooming. Easter arrives Sunday and over 151 Easter egg hunts are planned across the Centennial State, from Pueblo to Fort Collins, Grand Junction to Burlington. Celebrate Easter and the spring season with food, music, candy and the Easter Bunny at one of these Easter egg hunts across Colorado.
RELATED: 151 Easter egg hunts in Colorado
MORRISON — The Easter sunrise service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is returning for a 72nd year. Sponsored by the Colorado Council of Churches, this years’ service takes place Sunday at 6 a.m. Gates at Red Rocks open at 4:30 a.m., with music scheduled to start at 5:30 a.m. The service and parking are free of charge. Organizers encourage attendees to dress warmly and to monitor the weather before heading to the venue.
DENVER — After losing every game at Coors Field on their last homestand, the Colorado Rockies look to bounce back in front of their dedicated fans this weekend. The Rockies begin a seven-game homestand Thursday when they host Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies. The first 20,000 fans to Saturday night’s game will receive free tote bags. Head to Rockies.com for game tickets.
COLORADO SPRINGS — Garden of the Gods is hosting its 22nd annual Earth Day Celebration this weekend. On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the park will have educational booths, Air Force Academy Falconer's with live falcons, a chemical magic show, American Indian dancers and lots of free activities for the entire family. There will be free shuttle running every 15 minutes from the parking area at Rock Ledge Ranch. If you're looking to volunteer, a park clean-up will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday will also be a "Motorless Morning" at the park. All of Garden of the Gods will be closed to motor vehicles from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be a unique opportunity to connect with the sounds and feelings of nature. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site will be open and free to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with speakers, interpretive programming and more.
LONGMONT — This event at the Longmont Museum is hosted by Sustainable Resilient Longmont on Saturday. The event offers nearly two dozen education booths, a performance by Jeff & Paige and others and an arts and crafts room with earth-themed, recycled art creations. Food trucks will also be on site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event was first published by MileHighontheCheap.com. For more deals and discounts, check out MileHighontheCheap.com.
COLORADO — The U.S. Park Service is waiving entrance fees on Saturday at its 417 parks, monuments and other sites in celebration of National Park Week. Consider checking out one of Colorado's four National Parks — Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison or one of Colorado’s eight National Monuments or three National Heritage Areas.
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.
GREELEY — Baby. Animals. That's what the whole family will enjoy at the Centennial Village Museum on Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You'll be able to learn about the baby animals that have arrived for the season while meandering the grounds and gardens of the museum. The museum says the calf, baby pigs, lambs, chicks, ducks, goats and rabbits are “irresistibly adorable.” You can learn more at GreeleyMuseums.com.
DENVER — T.I. and Jermaine Dupri headline Saturday’s Mile High 420 Festival at Denver’s Civic Center Park. The festival, which aims to celebrate cannabis culture and community, is the largest free 420 event in the world. The festival opens at 10 a.m. and continues through 6 p.m. The event is open to all ages, but organizers recommend ages 18 and older due to the adult nature of the celebration.
DENVER — The Colorado Anime Fest runs Friday to Sunday at the Denver Marriott Tech Center. The festival will have a Japanese culture panel exploring the best of Japan, from history to food, live performances and more. A manga library will have nearly 600 volumes of manga and an Anime Bar will have a custom drink menu (for those 21 and older). Featured guests at Colorado Anime Fest in clude Ciaran Strange, Bryn Apprill, Daman Mills, Chuck Huber, Jason Marsden, Kirk Thornton, Terri Doty, Jad Saxton, Austin Tindle and Lauren Landa. Learn more at CoAnimeFest.com.
AURORA — Colorado’s finest artisans, makers and crafters will be showcasing their items at Saturday’s Colorado Made Artisan Showcase & Craft Fair. The free event is open to the public beginning at 9 a.m. at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Delicious treats and homemade eats will be onsite to add to the enjoyment.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will open its new Glenwood Gondola on Saturday with a Grand Opening Celebration. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 10 a.m. with music performances and cake. The new gondola replaces the park's former Iron Mountain Tramway. The new gondola will be more customer-friendly with 44 detachable cabins that move continuously, making the ride faster and smoother.
FORT COLLINS — Broadway’s razzle dazzle smash-hit musical Chicago visits the Fort Collins Lincoln Center this April weekend. The winner of six Tony Awards, Chicago is now the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. Chicago opens Thursday night and will hold four performances through Saturday. For tickets, visit LCtix.com.
DENVER — The Beth Hard Band and Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band are hitting the road for a co-headling tour this spring. The bands will stop at Denver’s Paramount Theatre on Saturday night. Tickets are sold through AltitudeTickets.com.
GREELEY — The University of Northern Colorado’s School of Theatre Arts and Dance opens its newest production this weekend. The production of Molière’s comedy masterpiece The Imaginary Invalid opens Thursday at the Langworthy Theatre. Featuring a madcap scheme to save true love, The Imaginary Invalid will have four performances through Sunday. For tickets, visit Tickets.UNCO.edu.
LAKEWOOD — Grammy Award-winning string quartet Takács Quartet returns to the Lakewood Cultural Center this weekend. Now in the group’s 44th year, the quartet includes violinists Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes, Geraldine Walther on viola and cellist András Fejér. On Saturday the ensemble will perform Haydn’s String Quartet Op. 76 No. 1, Bartók’s String Quartet No. 3 and Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 135. For tickets, visit Lakewood.Showare.com.
DENVER — If you’re a 21-and-older whiskey enthusiast, you’ll want to join others in an exploration of the most prestigious single malt, premium Scotch and other unique whiskeys from around the world at The Whiskey Extravaganza this weekend. Held Friday night at the Four Seasons Hotel in Denver, guests will take a dive into whisky distilling, flavor profiles, history, tradition and brand portfolios. The Whiskey Extravaganza tickets are sold online.
DENVER — One of the original blue-collar comedy guys makes his Centennial State return this weekend with a performance in the Mile High City. Bill Engvall will take to the stage of downtown Denver’s Paramount Theatre this Friday at 8 p.m. Get your tickets today at AltitudeTickets.com.
DENVER — Actor and comedian Dax Shepard will visit the Mile High City this weekend. “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard – Live!” will be at Denver’s Buell Theatre at 8 p.m. Friday. All ages are welcome, but the content will be mature. Tickets are sold through AXS.com.
ESTES PARK — Craig Robinson will bring his unique take on stand-up to The Stanley Hotel for two performances on Saturday. The comedian is known for his many television roles including appearances on The Office, Ghosted and Brooklyn Nine-Nine and movie appearances in Knocked Up, This is the End and Hot Tub Time Machine. StanleyLive.com is the place for tickets to see Craig Robinson & The Nasty Delicious.
DENVER — Denver Botanic Gardens will offers a unique musical experience on Saturday perfect for children ages 0 to 12 and their parents. Bumblebee Jamboree will let children dress as a pollinator such as a bee, butterfly or bird and dance and sing along with the musical guests. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the York St. location. Grab your tickets at BotanicGardens.org.
GOLDEN — Hop onboard the Bunny Express Train at the Colorado Railroad Museum this Saturday. The annual tradition, which features an 1880s vintage passenger coach, includes the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and Spike the Railroad Dog. Saturday's event includes egg rolling, bean bag toss, coloring zone, ladder golf, balloon twisters, face painters, stilt walkers, jugglers and turntable demonstrations. Infinitus Pie, Bob's Roasted Nuts and Kona Shaved Ice will be providing tasty and healthy food at the museum. For tickets and information, visit ColoradoRailroadMuseum.org.
DENVER — The 8th annual Bunny Bolt comes to City Park in Denver this Saturday. The event offers a 5K, 10K and a kid’s run. The morning of feel-good fun, exercise, entertainment and prizes will begin at 9 a.m. Kids’ activities planned include the 1K Rabbit Rush, a massive Easter egg hunt, face painting, balloon artist and photos with the Easter Bunny. Event registration can be completed online.
DENVER — The 5th annual Hoppin' Half returns to Denver’s Central Park in Stapleton on Saturday. The event consists of a 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, 10M and Half Marathon as well as a Kid's Cottontail Fun Run. The fun begins at 7 a.m. Saturday morning so be sure to register for the perfect race length online.
PUEBLO — The 1st annual Rise and Shine 5K Fun Run/Walk will wind its way through Pueblo City Park, offering a unique trail run experience. Along the course, runners will find eggs stuffed with goodies. Proceeds from the event will support Backpacks for Love – a Family Worship Center ministry. The fun run will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by a free children’s egg hunt at 10 a.m.
BRIGHTON — Adams 12 Five Star Schools hosts Saturday’s Five Star Fun Run and 5K event at the Adams County Regional Park. The event aims to bring the Five Star District together and celebrate the commitment to overall well-being. The one-mile Fun Run (for those 12 and younger) and 5K Run/Walk/Roll both begin after 8:30 a.m. Registration and donation information can be found at RunSignUp.com.
DENVER — This weekend’s The Mile High 4.20K aims to raise awareness and promote a healthy lifestyle with cannabis for medicinal purposes. The run will begin after 8 a.m. Saturday at Sloan Lake Park. Registration for the “Mile Higher, A Mile Healthier” event can be completed online.
Do you know of a neat Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert or event you think we ought to mention in this week's 9Things or in the future? Please send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.
Have a monumental weekend!
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