Critics pick
Cornucopia of comedy treats on tap tonight
today. The final Friday of every month is a tough one for comedy fans. Should we catch The Grawlix, a stand-up showcase at the Avenue Theater put on by local comics Ben Roy, Adam Cayton-Holland, Greg Baumhauer and others? Or what about Mile High Sci-Fi, the movie series with live running commentary at the Starz FilmCenter that mocks all things crappy and fantastical? The choice is even tougher tonight, since Paul F. Tompkins, right, is in town. Tompkins is the impossibly urbane and talented stand-up, writer and actor who came up through HBO’s brilliant “Mr. Show” and is now a regular on the L.A. scene — with the occasional guest appearance on sitcoms like “Community” and “Raising Hope.” Be sure to check out our “Why So Serious?” Q&A with Tompkins on Reverb (). 8 p.m. doors, today, Gothic Theatre, 3263 S. Broadway in Englewood. $20-$22. 303-788-0984 or . John Wenzel
Family fun
Elitch Gardens officially opens for the summer
E through august 21. Elitch Gardens is officially open for the summer, starting today and every day, with a couple rare exceptions — through Aug. 21. Elitch’s water park opens the floodgates today, too; it’s open daily through Labor Day weekend. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends, with some exceptions. Water park: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle; 303-595-4386. Admission includes entrance to both parks: $42.99 for adults 48 inches tall and up, $29.99 for kids under 48 inches tall and for seniors age 62 and older.
Work of artists to adorn Pavilions during festival
Through Sunday. The Denver Pavilions transform into an outdoor art gallery during the Downtown Denver Arts Festival. More than 130 Colorado artists, chosen by a jury, set up booths all around the mall to exhibit their works. It’s free to attend, so take a leisurely stroll, search for inspiration and discover new talent. 4-8 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. Denver Pavilions, 16th and Glenarm Streets. Admission is free. downtowndenver
Largest shark exhibit provides interactive bite
Through Jan. 2, 2012. Jaws has got nothing on this: Meet “Megalodon: The Largest Shark That Ever Lived” at The Wildlife Experience, starting Saturday. Walk through the giant jaws of the megalodon and learn all about this prehistoric shark: its evolution, animal relatives, massive size and, most important, its diet. Interactive components, fossils, life-size models and more. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Wildlife Experience, 10035 Peoria St., Parker; 720-488-3300. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors age 65 and up, $6 for children ages 3 to 12.
Catch a flick in the great outdoors in Telluride
Through Sunday. You don’t need a festival pass to join in the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride. Every evening, the community’s invited to screen free movies at the “Base Camp” outdoor theater. Tonight’s offering, “Buck,” is a documentary about horse trainer Buck Brannaman and his nonviolent horsetraining methods. Saturday’s show is a package of rad sports docs. Also Saturday, everyone’s invited to a free ice cream social, 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. Movies: 9 . tonight through Sunday. Town Park, 500 E. Colorado Ave., Telluride. Free.
Talented critters show off their skills at zoo
Through Labor Day. The Denver Zoo’s “Animal Stars” return for the summer on Saturday. Amazing animals perform every day at the zoo’s Conoco Wildlife Theater, showing off skills with their trainers. Catch Cosmo the barn owl, Sheldon the armadillo, Bodie the Wonder Dog and other talented critters in two daily shows through Labor Day. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St.; 303-376-4800. Shows are free with zoo admission: $13 for adults, $10 for seniors age 65 and older, $8 for kids ages 3 to 11.
Kathleen St. John
Holiday music
“Red, White & Brass” salutes America’s fallen
saturday and sunday. Amid the hiking, picnics and array of other Memorial Day activities, it’s easy to forget the original reason for the holiday. In a program titled “Red, White & Brass: American Salute!” the Denver Brass honors those soldiers who died in battle and offers a patriotic tribute to America. Concerts are set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the University of Denver’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. $24-$43. 303-832-4676 or . Kyle MacMillan
Visual art
Memories and secrets inspire installation
Ongoing. Theresa Anderson explores memories and secrets in a new installation, titled “Private Listening Devices.” She describes it as a “dreamlike room with meandering paths.” The piece, along with mixed-media sculpture by Jennifer Jeannelle, went on view Thursday in an exhibition that runs through June 18 in the Ice Cube Gallery, 3320 Walnut St. Free. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Kyle MacMillan
Classical music
Marin Alsop returns for Mahler symphony
Today and Saturday. Marin Alsop, the Colorado Symphony’s ever-popular conductor laureate, returns for a presentation of one of Gustav Mahler’s most significant works: Symphony No. 9 in D minor. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday in Boettcher Concert Hall. $19-$80. 303-623-7876 or . Kyle MacMillan
Theater
Re-creating a historic day at East High School
Wednesday. “Class Day 1945” is an intriguing new play that promises to faithfully re-create an assembly at Denver East High School that was held June 1, 1945, including speeches, awards and musical performances. It’s a living-history document covering all major events from one of America’s most turbulent years. Compiled by Matthew Shorr, it’ll will be performed on the same stage as the original assembly, with current East High students cast in the roles of their peers from the past. One night only; at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 66 years to the day after the original. $12-$14. East High, 1600 City Park Esplenade. Info: . John Moore
