DENVER – Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some fun events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area and beyond this weekend.
1. Savor some of the city’s exotic dishes during Denver Restaurant Week
What: Foodies, food junkies, culinary connoisseurs and everyone else who basically loves food: You still have a few days left to enjoy one of Denver’s top culinary events of the year. Over 250 restaurants are participating this year.
Where: Various locations across Denver
When: Now through Sunday, March 1
Admission: $25, $35, $45; check the menus here.
More info: https://www.denver.org/denver-restaurant-week/
2. Go look at old rocks – including meteorites – at the Jewelry, Gem and Mineral Show
What: If you’re into rocks, gems, and minerals, then you’ll want to go to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds for the DGMG Jewelry, Gem and Mineral Show. You’ll have the chance to check out ancient fossils, meteorites, geodes, rocks that glow in the dark, gem cutting demonstrations, free activities for kids including digging for crystals, a magic mineral show and much more.
Where: Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 W. 6th Ave. in Golden, Colo.
When: Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, Feb. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: http://denvergem.org/Shows.html
3. Challenge your friends during the 8th Annual 285 Winterfest in Conifer
What: If you’re down for some challenging – but fun – getaway adventure this weekend, head to Conifer for the 285 Winterfest! There will be a luge (snow tubing) competition (if on a group, a minimum of 4 people are required per team), a snow carving competition, a craft beer crawl and a free family movie experience. Other activities for all ages will be planned at Aspen Park Village following the competitions earlier in the day.
Where: Meyer Ranch Park Open Space, 10490 S. Turkey Creek Road in Morrison, Colo.; and Aspen Park Village.
When: Saturday, Feb. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $5-$40
More info: https://www.goconifer.com/285-winterfest
4. Take the kiddos to Paw Patrol Live! at Denver’s Bellco Theatre
What: “PAW Patrol Live! Race to the rescue’ promises an action-packed, music-filled production for the whole family! Presented by Pedigree, the interactive performance will have the pups come to the rescue of Mayor Goodway to show “no job is too big, no pup too small” in order to help him to the finish line by working together while sharing lessons for all ages about citizenship, social skills and problem-solving as they make several heroic rescues.
Where: Bellco Theatre at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14 St in Denver
When: Saturday, Feb. 29 and Sunday, March 1 at 10 a.m. and 2 pm.
Admission: $29 and up; buy tickets here.
More info: https://www.thedenverchannel.com/entertainment/paw-patrol-live-race-to-the-rescue-is-coming-to-denver-feb-29-and-march-1
5. Celebrate culture during WinterFest in Olde Town Arvada
What: Leap into WinterFest, an outdoor multi-cultural celebration, on February 29th, 2020 at McIlvoy Park in Olde Town Arvada. Come experience live cultural performances, art demonstrations, craft vendors and winter-themed attractions at this free family-friendly event.
Where: McIlvoy Park, 5750 Upham St. in Arvada, Colo.
When: Saturday, Feb. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://arvadafestivals.com/winterfest
6. Discover a new IPA, lager or ale during the Winter Craft Beer Festival
What: Disrupt. Drink. Discover. That’s what the organizers of the Winter Craft Beer Festival are urging you to do this weekend. With over 50 craft breweries on site, the festival promises some of the best beers from around the world, hoping you try something you’ve never seen or heard of before. Admission gets you unlimited samples, a souvenir pint glass, food, music, silent disco and other fun surprises.
Where: Balch Fieldhouse at Folsom Field in Boulder
When: Saturday, Feb. 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $5-$65; buy tickets here.
More info: https://www.wintercraftbeerfestival.com/details
7. The Colorado Mammoth will take on the Philadelphia Wings at the Loud House
What: It’s not just the Denver Broncos we root for! The Colorado Mammoth, the state’s indoor pro lacrosse team, are playing the Philadelphia Wings this Saturday at the Loud House! The fans will get crazy, the music will get loud, and the Mammoth will show off! You don’t want to miss it.
Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver
When: Saturday, Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $15-$55
More info: https://www.altitudetickets.com/events/detail/colorado-mammoth-philadelphia-wings-feb-29
Looking for more? Check out these other fun events:
Get inspired during the Colorado Garden & Home Show
What: If you’re getting into gardening or are an old-time garden savant, you’ll still want to attend the Rocky Mountain’s largest, oldest, and most prestigious garden and home show in Colorado! Find inspiration from the latest ideas and trends in landscaping, gardening and home improvement.
Where: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St. in Denver
When: Friday, Feb. 28 from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 29 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: $10; buy tickets here.
More info: https://www.coloradogardenfoundation.org/colorado-garden-home-show/
In the mood for getting in a Victorian-era costume? Head to Whimsycon
What: For those of you who love to dress up, listen up: Denver’s Steampunk and Costuming convention is happening this weekend. Whimsycon is a celebration of Steampunk (a retro-futuristic subgenre of science fiction that features a historical setting that features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology). It also celebrates costuming! So bring out your best Steampunk costume and meet new people!
Where: Radisson Hotel Denver – Aurora, 3155 S. Vaughn Way in Aurora, Colo.
When: Friday, Feb. 28 from 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Feb. 29 from 9 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission: $15-$25
More info: https://www.whimsycon.org/
Experience the music of John Williams during Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
What: Love Star Wars and the music composed by John Williams? If you want to experience the magic of cinema and the power of music, head to Denver’s Boettcher Hall as the Colorado Symphony performs music from the sixth episode of the saga – while the movie plays in the background.
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. in Denver
When: Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 29 at 2 p.m.
Admission: $25-$99
More info: https://tickets.coloradosymphony.org/5442/5445
See RENT on stage this weekend before it leaves town
What: Taking inspiration from Giacomo Puccini’s opera La bohème, RENT follows the lives of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive in the thriving days of the Bohemian Alphabet City, while living in the the shadow of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Lower Manhattan’s East Village.
Where: Buell Theater (inside the Denver Performing Arts Complex), 1350 Curtis St. in Denver
When: Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 29 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $35-$125; buy tickets here.
More info: https://www.denvercenter.org/tickets-events/rent/
Love building stuff with LEGOs? Head to the History Colorado Center this weekend
What: Who doesn’t love the challenge of LEGO building? Take the kiddos to the Colorado History Center this weekend to build – and keep – your own Colorado-style LEGO set; then, take a special guided museum tour based on your creation.
Where: History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway in Denver
When: Saturday, Feb. 29 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: $30-$35
More info: https://www.denver.org/event/lego-building-workshop/76402/
Children on the spectrum can enjoy a low-sensory morning at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
What: The Discovery Zone is bursting with activity, which can be overwhelming for some children. By limiting attendance and by turning down some of the ambient noise, the DMNS is excited to offer an enjoyable low-sensory morning for neuro-diverse children to play with their families. This event is free, but registration is required.
Where: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. in Denver.
When: Sunday, March 1 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Admission: Free, but registration is required.
More info: https://www.dmns.org/visit/events-and-activities/discovery-zone-low-sensory-morning/
Help Denver7 feed hundreds of thousands of seniors and families in the state
What: Denver7 and Arc Thrift Stores are partnering up on a food drive with a goal of collecting 60 tons of food that will be donated to Volunteers of America and their programs (e.g. Meals on Wheels). If you'd like to help, call (303) 238-5263 to schedule an at-home-pick-up of donated clothes, toys, small appliances, etc. Donations are accepted at all 30 Arc Thrift Stores across the Front Range.
Where: At-home pick-up or at any of all 30 Arc Thrift Stores across the Front Range.
When: Sunday, March 1
More info: www.arcfeedcolorado.com
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com at least a week ahead of the event and make sure to title it "7 best things to do" so he can put your event on the list.