Pop/Pops
Sting + orchestra = Symphonicity
Wednesday-Thursday. Sting on the Rocks. If you hit Sting’s website, you’ll see a potentially historic photo gallery there at the top of the page. Click it and you’ll see pics taken in Abbey Road’s legendary Studio One of Sting rehearsing and recording with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. If Sting weren’t already a big enough deal, his Symphonicity Tour will only solidify his place in pop music. The Police frontman is touring with the Royal Phil’s Concert Orchestra to re-create his hits in truly bombastic fashion. Colorado gets Sting two dates at the one-of-a-kind Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Wednesday and Thursday. The shows start at 8 p.m. each night, and tickets cost $50.50-$180.50 at . Ricardo Baca
Brewfest
Hot chili and cool beer in the high country
Today-Saturday. Chili and beer fest. It’s an impressive recipe: 8,000 people sampling the wares of 50 microbreweries and the spicy work of dozens of chefs from the International Chili Society. Add to that a splash of live music from George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, the Wailers, the Kyle Hollingsworth Band and more, and you’ve got a dish of mountain summer bliss. The seventh annual Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brew Fest kicks off today in that high-country town, featuring over 100 varieties of microbrews, chili cook-offs and after-parties. Iron stomachs and adventurous taste buds wanted. Snowmass Mall. $25-$80. 800-766-9627 or . John Wenzel
Family fun
Party with the people of Capitol Hill
Saturday-Sunday. Fun in the city. You don’t have to live on Capitol Hill to enjoy the 39th annual People’s Fair, presented by the Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods organization. Each year, the fair draws thousands from all over Denver to Civic Center for two days of urban celebration. Live music and performances are abundant, as always, with dozens of acts performing on six stages. The variety of artists reflects the diversity of Capitol Hill itself, from the cool country of the Hollyfelds to Hazel Miller’s R&B and soul. Vendors set up throughout the festival represent local businesses and nonprofits in all their forms — arts and crafts, pet products, outdoor gear, clothing and more. Two food courts dish up tasty treats for the masses, including Mexican, Asian and barbecue delights alongside carnival favorites like funnel cakes and kettle corn. Finally, as if the kids won’t be wowed enough by all the activities, the fair promises an expanded family area. Face painting, craft projects and caricaturists await, along with plenty of colorful carnival rides. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Civic Center, Colfax Avenue and Broadway. Admission is free. Kathleen St. John
Beat a trail to Arvada
Saturday. Suburban fest. Saturday is National Trails Day, and Arvada is marking the occasion with its ninth annual Trails Day Festival. Set in two nearby locations, Majestic View Nature Center and Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge, the fest celebrates all the different ways people use hiking trails. Go on a naturalist-guided 5K walk between the two locations, take a 20-mile guided bike ride, or just relax and take in a demonstration or two. Presenters include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, HawkQuest and the Colorado Department of Wildlife. A free shuttle transports festivalgoers between the two locations. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada, and Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge, W. 80th Ave., Arvada. Admission is free. Learn more at . Kathleen St. John
Concrete canvases
Saturday-Sunday. Chalking it up. More than 200 sidewalk scribblers descend on Larimer Square for the Denver Chalk Art Festival. The public is welcome to stroll the streets and take in the temporary works of art — and maybe give it a try themselves. Six madonnari, professional chalk artists, will showcase their skills, too. Grown-ups can sample Italian wines and taste beers as they peruse the drawings, while kids create their own pieces at the Kids’ Corner. Stop by on Sunday at 6 p.m. to see the festival’s awards ceremony. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Larimer Square, Larimer Street between Speer Boulevard and 15th Street, and 14th Street from Market to Lawrence streets. Admission is free. Kathleen St. John
Calling all gearheads
Today-Sunday. For the automotive set. Follow the sound of revving engines to the Goodguys 13th Colorado Nationals in Loveland. The huge car show features more than 2,000 cool cars — hot rods, customs, muscle cars and more, all made before 1972. It’s a classic-car lover’s dream, with plenty to keep gearheads’ minds turning including a swap meet for used auto parts, vendors and cars for sale. Take a break from touring souped-up sedans with live music by Kenny Cordova and the Olde Rock Band. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The Ranch, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland; 970-619-4000. Tickets are $18 for adults, $6 for kids ages 7 to 12. Kids age 6 and younger are admitted free. Visit for more information. Kathleen St. John
Art
Ed Sandoval paintings at Crown Hill
Saturday. Taos talent. New Mexican artist Ed Sandoval will show some of his latest paintings at an exhibition to be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday in the Pavilion at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery. Sandoval’s works will be available for purchase at a 20-40 percent discount and he will also unveil a painting to be donated to the Hospice of Saint John. The event is free; 7777 W. 29th Ave., Wheat Ridge. Suzanne S. Brown
