TODAY
Just Plein Art
Watch artists at work during the High Plein Air Arts Festival that began this weekend and continues through Friday in Denver’s Golden Triangle Museum District. More than 100 artists are painting outdoors (“plein air” translates as “open air”). Results of the plein air festival will be shown at the Byers-Evans House Museum, the Art Institute of Colorado and the Denver Public Library next month. Paint Out locations include the plazas of the Denver Art Museum, (100 W. 14th Avenue Parkway) and Colorado History Museum (1300 Broadway) and the Denver Firefighters Museum (1326 Tremont Place). More information at .
MORE FOR THE WEEK
TODAY
Grand Valley Dressage Society Horse Show in the covered arena at Mesa County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 8 a.m., 2785 U.S.50, near Grand Junction.
TODAY
Prairie Dog Watching – it’s kind of like watching a crowd on pogo sticks, only with prairie dog heads. The fee covers a guided tour of a prairie dog town, with an explanation of how the little critters’ society works. Bring binoculars and wear walking shoes. 2-3:30 p.m., Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora; 303-739-6667. To learn more, visit .
WEDNESDAY THROUGH OCT. 15
John Denver Week is a Rocky Mountain high tribute to the entertainer who died when his plane crashed in 1997. Keeping his memory and music alive, ardent fans convene annually for panegyric concerts, a hay ride, Windstar events, a campfire and, this year, a wedding choreographed to his music. Events start at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Aspen Community Church, 200 E. Bleeker St., Aspen; visit . and click on “John Denver Week” under Local Events. $10.
WEDNESDAY
“Crossing Borders” film screening examines the lives of undocumented migrant workers and their struggles to educate their children. 6 p.m., UMC 457, University Memorial Center, CU-Boulder, Euclid Avenue and Broadway, Boulder. Free.
WEDNESDAY
Mountain Heart, International Bluegrass Music Association award-winning group with Grammy-nominated fiddler Jimmy Van Cleve and five-time International Mandolin Player of the Year winner Adam Steffey at Wildflower Pavilion. 8 p.m., Planet Bluegrass Ranch, 500 W. Main St., Lyons; 303-823-0848. Tickets: $20 at .
THURSDAY
“Telling Stories: Taking It Personally” is a collaboration of original works produced by writers and musicians at Denver School of the Arts. 7 p.m., Concert Hall, Denver School of the Arts, 7111 Montview Blvd., Denver. Tickets $7 ($4 for students).
THURSDAY THROUGH Oct. 14
To dream the Improv-able Dream and answer the question “Whose Line Is It, Anyway?” see the Denver Improv Festival, with showcase performances, workshops and youth showcase. Venues include the Avenue Theater (417 E. 17th Ave.), the Impulse Theater (1635 18th St.) and Bovine Metropolis (1527 Champa St.), all in Denver. For details, go online to .
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
Paint the Town in Florence or look on as visiting artists paint and sketch their interpretations of local scenes. All artists are within a six-block radius of Main Street and Pikes Peak Avenue in Florence; details at .
SATURDAY
Day of the Dead Diorama workshop for people who want to build their own memorial altars and ofrendas. Bring your own photographs and other mementos to add to materials provided by the museum. 1 to 3 p.m. at El Pueblo History Museum, 301 N. Union St., Pueblo; 719-583-0453. Fee: $15.
SATURDAY
Dress up for Phat Saturday, the Second Saturday art event in Salida that offers live music, beads and a free print to the winner of a costume contest. Most galleries open all day, with extended evening hours, near downtown Salida; visit .
SATURDAY
Canyon Colors Festival, which benefits the Western Colorado Center for the Arts, offers art classes, auctions, live music and food. Gateway Canyons Resort, 43200 Colorado 141, Gateway; 970-931-2458; . Tickets $10 (free to students 12 and under, and seniors over 65).
SATURDAY
Celebrate the combined legacy of Denver Mountain Parks and Jefferson County Open Space, and share your thoughts on proposed master plans for the parks at an open house forum featuring Peter “Dr. Banjo” Wernick of Hot Rize. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Visitor Center Terrace, top circle lot, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
