TODAY
Rise and shine
Get the family up and moving this a.m., and head to Castlewood Canyon State Park for a 2-mile hike. Participants will travel through four ecosystems on the way to the remains of the historic Castlewood Canyon Dam. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the Event Facility Shelters for the free hike. 2989 S. Colorado 83 in Franktown. Call 303-688-5242 for reservations. All vehicles without an annual state parks pass must purchase a $6 daily pass. Note: the trail is too rocky for strollers.
TODAY
More than 450 extraordinary cars, ranging from classic automobiles to modern sports cars, are showcased at the 27th Annual Exotic Sports Car Show & Concours D’Elegance. Live music, children’s activities and refreshments also included. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Arapahoe Community College, 5900 South Santa Fe Drive in Littleton, $10 adults, free children under 12, proceeds benefit United Cerebral Palsy Colorado. Discount tickets available at participating Circle K Stores. (This show was rescheduled because of weather; all tickets will be honored).
ONGOING
Gunnison Valley Observatory, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area offer a variety of stargazing activities, including workshops, programs and “star parties” for all ages. The largest public telescope in Colorado resides in the Gunnison Valley Observatory (gunnisonobservatory ). Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is hosting an astronomy festival Wednesday through Friday. Curecanti National Recreation Area offers guided night hikes along the Dillon Pinnacles Trail (). Visit the websites for information on these and other activities.
FRIDAY
Calling all wannabe Sherlock Holmeses to participate in the third annual History Mystery Challenge at the Boulder History Museum. Registered teams of four to six adults will compete for the “History Mystery Trophy. Teams will compete to solve riddles about University Hill’s buildings and locations. Participants are also invited to dress in costume for the best- dressed prize. The annual fundraiser benefits the museum’s children and education programs. The event begins and ends at the Boulder History Museum, 1206 Euclid Ave. in Boulder; cost is $45 per person,and registration deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday; 303-449-3464
SATURDAY
Paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, mixed-media and more by local, national and international artists are for sale at Anderson Ranch Art Center’s 30th annual Art Auction. All artwork in the live and silent auctions can be previewed this week. Registration begins at 11 a.m. Saturday. The silent auction, a picnic and live auction preview begin at 11:30 a.m. The Live Auction is at 1:30 p.m. Anderson Ranch Arts Center, 5263 Owl Creek Road in Snowmass Village, call 970-923-3181 or visit for more information.
SATURDAY and AUG. 15
There will be “Kilts galore and more” at the 47th annual Colorado Scottish Festival and Rocky Mountain Highland Games. All ages are invited to experience Scottish and Celtic heritage through music, dance, food, history and athletics. Seven Nations, a Celtic rock band, performs each day. For the first time, the Colorado Scottish Festival will host the 10th anniversary Masters World Championships featuring 114 athletes from seven countries. Festivities start at 9 a.m. each day at Highlands Heritage Park in Highlands Ranch. Tickets, available at the main entrance, are $17 per day for adults, $12 per day for children ages 7-11, seniors over 60, and active military personnel. Free parking and shuttles available.
