TODAY
POETRY ROUNDUP
Winter cowpokes with no cows to wrangle/Conjure poems from lexemes they tangle/They encourage the word/That sounds most absurd/While mining the language they mangle.OK, real cowboy poetry is a lot better than that doggerel. Hear the masters, along with Western swing sweetheart Liz Masterson, in this matinee finale of the annual four- day Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Tickets: $28 1 p.m. today, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities; 720-898-7200 and online at
MORE FOR THE WEEK
TODAY
Ouray Ice Festival concludes today with climbing demonstrations and clinics for novice to experienced ice climbers. Cost: $40 per person, per clinic. Climbing in the park is free. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Ouray Ice Park, Uncompahgre Gorge, Ouray; 970-325-4288 and
TUESDAY
Author Alan Gottlieb reads from and signs his novel “Ultimate Excursions,” his first book since the droll nonfiction “Shadow of the Rockies,” about the Colorado baseball team’s first year. 7:30 p.m., Tattered Cover LoDo, 1628 16th St., Denver;
WEDNESDAY
Free Day at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science features Mr. Bones, the paleo-puppeteer, and his life-sized dinosaur puppets, lectures on the artistry behind the dioramas, and a scavenger hunt. Admission fees to the IMAX film and Gates planetarium remain in effect. The next admission-free day will be April 20. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver; 303-322-7009 and online at
WEDNESDAY
“Three Cups of Tea” book signing with author Greg Mortenson. His Wednesday evening lecture at Macky Auditorium is sold out, but determined fans still can meet the author of the blockbuster that recounts his transition from mountaineering to building schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Free tickets to the first 200 people who show up when the store opens. 12:30-3 p.m., REI Boulder store, 1789 28th St., Boulder; 303-583-9970 and online at
SATURDAY
Bugville: A Little World of Big Adventures offers visitors an insect’s perspective of the world in an immersive exhibit that scales humans down to beetle-size. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Sundays, Discovery Science Center, 703 E. Prospect Road, Fort Collins; 970-472-3990 and online at
SATURDAY
WinterFest: Winter camping and winter sports clinics at Rocky Mountain National Park. Avalanche awareness classes, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing tips, safe winter camping and more from manufacturer representatives, outdoor nonprofit organizations and others. Clinics are free, but park admission fees apply. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hidden Valley, Rocky Mountain National Park; 303-756-3100
SATURDAY
No Mercy Extreme Fighting: Annihilation VI features fellows, and some females, fighting fiercely. Avoid irritating the Super Heavy Weight fighters, who tip the scales at 275 pounds. Tickets start at $20. 6:30 p.m. (doors open) City Auditorium, 212 E. Kiowa St., Colorado Springs; 719-660-3234 and online at
SATURDAY
Salida Contra Dance welcomes singles, families and groups. The early part of the evening focuses on easier dances, with more complicated dances following the mid-dance dessert potluck break. All dances are taught, so no experience is required, Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for youth. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Salida Scout Hut, Riverside Park, downtown Salida; online at
