Today-Wednesday. The American Presidential Experience exhibit, a nonpartisan look at presidential history, opens to the public today, just in time for the Democratic National Convention. See what it’s like inside Air Force One, ask Abe Lincoln a question and pore over 232 years of presidential artifacts. Feel free to sit behind the desk in the Oval Office replica and bark out orders. 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. today through Wednesday, and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 29. In parking lot “D” of Invesco Field at Mile High, 1701 Bryant St; 720-258-3000. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids age 2 to 12 and seniors age 65 and older. Buy tickets online at .
Today. The Colorado State Fair starts today in Pueblo, and that means it’s time for livestock, live music and snacks on a stick. Just pick whatever pulls your rope. If it’s rodeo you’re after, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos run tonight through Tuesday, and the Professional Bull Riders Team Shootout is at 8 p.m. Thursday. Love a parade? The Colorado State Fair Parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday. Music fans can see Jason Aldean on Saturday, Colbie Caillat on Aug. 29 or Sugarland Aug. 30. This is but a dusting of the events, parades and performers at this year’s fair. Visit . for a full schedule. The fair runs through Sept. 1. Noon to midnight, Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. 1001 Beulah Ave., Pueblo; 800-876-4567. General gate admission is $5 Monday through Thursday and $8 Friday through Sunday. Kids 6 and younger get in free with adult admission. Unlimited ride wristbands are $26, individual ride tickets are $1 each. Tickets to evening shows, including rodeos, monster trucks and concerts, are available at . Prices vary.
Saturday. The Mad Hatter and March Hare weren’t known for their traditional manners, but that didn’t stop them from having a tea party. Kids can join the “Alice in Wonderland” characters and other colorful creatures at a free tea party in Cherry Creek on Saturday. The refreshments and entertainment are free, but guests will have to learn a little about etiquette before they dig in. Space is limited, so RSVP to events@cherrycreeknorth . to take this trip down the rabbit hole. 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Fillmore Plaza, East Second Avenue and Fillmore Street. Free.
Saturday. Forget Obama and McCain. At the Children’s Museum of Denver, the real race is between Rabbit and Chicken. Saturday is Election Day — watch a “debate” between the two candidates at 11 a.m., participate in activities for your favorite and cast your vote. The fun continues all week until “Inauguration Day” on Aug. 30. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive; 303-433-7444. Admission is $7.50 for visitors ages 2 to 59 and $5.50 for 1-year-olds and seniors 60 and older. Babies under age 1 are free.
Saturday-Sunday. It’s worth getting up early for the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival at Chatfield State Park this weekend. The mass ascension of the colorful balloons is a sunrise spectacular. Events continue all day Saturday too, with live music, a car show and illumination of the balloons at night. Sunday’s main event is another mass ascension at dawn, plus the “Celebrate Outdoors” area, open until noon. 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, 6 a.m. to noon Sunday. Chatfield State Park, 1 mile south of C-470 and South Wadsworth Boulevard. Park admission is $7 per car; admission to the balloon festival is free.
