TODAY
The Real Batman
Meet some of the world’s rarest bats in this unique educational presentation by conservation biologist Rob Mies. He’ll discuss the nocturnal behavior, habitats and benefits of bats, illustrating his points with some real bats. The finale features the largest known bat — Malaysia’s Gigantic Flying Fox Bat, which has a 6-foot wingspan. Learn how to help protect these extraordinary creatures.
1 p.m., Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton; 720-865-3580, botanicgardens
MORE FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
Denver Pecha Kucha Night returns for the third evening of this Japanese presentation format featuring creative work shared in a sort of PowerPoint for hipsters — 20 images, with 20 seconds’ narration per image. The eight presenters include Fabric Lab owners Tran and Josh Wills, architects Monika Wittig and Mike Moore, and sculptor Chris Weed. Suggested donation: $5.
Doors open at 8 p.m., presentations begin at 8:20, Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St., Denver; pechakuchanightdenver
THURSDAY – Oct. 5
Durango Cowboy Gathering features cowboy poets and musicians performing classic and contemporary poems and songs, and evening Western swing concerts. Some events are free; others $10 and up
5 p.m. opening reception Thursday, 6 p.m. performance Friday, 10 a.m. cowboy parade and poetry sessions Saturday, 8:30 a.m. cowboy church Sunday, most events at Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave., Durango; 970-749-2995, durangocowboy
FRIDAY
Free Day at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield offers a look at its historical farm, 19th-century one-room schoolhouse and active beehives. Free goathead stickers on the paths.
9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton; 303-973-3705, botanic gardens
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
Joe Wolter Horsemanship & Versatility clinics offers seasoned riders tips on establishing a responsive, willing relationship with their horses in the morning clinic, while the afternoon versatility workshop focuses on ranch horse training, including working cattle and cutting, trail obstacles and opening gates. $400 per person for the morning clinic, $425 for versatility clinic.
9 a.m.-noon (horsemanship), 1:30- 4:30 p.m. (versatility), Cabin Creek Stables at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, 3530 County Road 84, Tabernash; 970-726-5632
SATURDAY
La Veta Oktoberfest includes a German band in the morning, rock in the afternoon, a beer garden, and the Twin Peaks Rodders car show.
All day, Main Street, La Veta; 719-989-0890,
SATURDAY-Oct. 5
Fall Colors Sporting Clay Classic, an NSCA-registered 300 target shooting event, benefits the Stephanie L. Miner Women’s Imaging Center. Registration fee of $200 includes 200 targets, shooters’ bag and evening event. Other games available for non-registered shooters.
8 a.m., Del Monte Gun Club, 2355 W. U.S. Highway 160, Alamosa; 719-587-5707
SATURDAY-Oct. 5
33d Annual Cider Days Festival celebrates apples and cider, allowing festivalgoers to press their own. Also: craft demonstrations, free children’s activities, vintage tractors and tours of Gil & Ethel’s 1950s variety store, 1960s beauty parlor and the 1930s farmhouse. Admission: $6 adults, $3 children 12 and under.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow St. (at Wadsworth Blvd), Lakewood; 303-987-7850
