Zip off to the zoo
FESTIVAL|Music, dancing, stories, face-painting and special animal encounters are all part of Zip a De Do at the Zoo. Children also can build a Lego animal to take home and go on unlimited carousel and train rides. The event is a fundraiser for the Denver Zoo.|6:30-9 tonight |Denver Zoo, East 23rd Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and York Street; $15 and $25; 303-376-4860.
Artist’s showcase
ART|One of Denver’s most daring artists, John Edward Thompson (1882-1945), is showcased in a fascinating solo exhibition concluding today. This welcome offering, one of the most comprehensive devoted to the pioneering Colorado modernist, contains 48 drawings and paintings as well as a bounty of related artifacts and archival materials.|10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. today|Fifth floor, Denver Central Library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway; free; 720-865-1111 or www.denver.lib.co.us.
Films with a buzz
FILM|Ten of the Boulder International Film Festival’s choicest shorts screen for one night only. Not only will this year’s Oscar winning short, “Wasp,” get audiences buzzing, BIFF winner “Down Dog,” about a creepy spiritual guru, will get another close-up.|doors open at 7 tonight; films start at 8|Flatirons Theater, 1089 13th St., Boulder; $10 in advance, $12 at the door; tickets available at Wild Oats, Ideal Market and the Fox Theatre box office or online at www.foxtheatre.com
Fest marks 10 years
ARTS FESTIVAL|Art will be on view at 24 sites around Longmont as part of the town’s ArtWalk, which is marking its 10th anniversary. The festival, which takes place three times a year, also includes children’s activities, an array of music and dance offerings as well as plenty of food and refreshments.|6-9 tonight|downtown Longmont; free; www.artwalklongmont.org.
Acoustic folks
AMERICANA CONCERT|Singer-songwriter Michael Hearne calls his music Southwestern Americana, describing it as “songs about the Southwest with an acoustic feel.” He is backed by South By Southwest, which features Zeke Severenson on upright and electric bass, and Carmen Acciaioli on several instruments, including the steel guitar, fiddle and dobro.|8 p.m. Saturday|Swallow Hill, 71 E. Yale Ave. $18-$21; 303-777-1003
Get a move on
DANCE|This group concert, set to music ranging from classical to rock and featuring members of Ballet Ariel and the Ballet Arts Theatre, spotlights modern dance, improvisation, mime, contemporary and classical ballet.|8 tonight and Saturday|Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre, 119 Park Avenue West; $8-$10; 303-282-9828 or 303-825-7570.
Tchaikovsky classic
BALLET|The Denver Ballet takes on “Swan Lake,” the timeless story about a prince and his swan maiden, featuring choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and music by Peter Tchaikovsky.|7 tonight; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday|Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave.; $15-$40; Ticketmaster or 303-871-7720.
Artists’ open house
STUDIO TOUR|Nearly three dozen artists will open their workplaces to the public during the 2005 East Boulder County Studio Tour this weekend. Participants should stop at the Old Firehouse Gallery, 667 Fourth Ave., in Longmont to preview work by the artists and pick up a map to the studios.|10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday|Across eastern Boulder County; free; 303-665-6925 or www.bouldercountyartists.com.
More than beer here
FAMILY EXCURSION|Ever wondered what’s happening in Golden? The city’s chamber of commerce and economic development commission are offering a one-evening taste of the town’s many tourist and historical offerings. Events include free carriage rides along Golden’s main street.|4-7 p.m. Thursday|Historic Downtown Golden Visitors Center, 10th Street and Washington Avenue; free; 303-839-5020.
Central City preview
OPERA|Here’s a different way to learn a little more about the local opera scene and have some fun at the same time. Central City Opera is hosting a rooftop bash, which will include a performance by mezzo-soprano Margaret Lattimore, a preview of the company’s 2006 season as well as cocktails and appetizers.|6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, reservations requested by Monday|Belmar Center, 405 Teller St., Belmar shopping district, Lakewood; $15 general public and free for Central City Opera subscribers and Gold Nugget Club members; 303-292-6700.
