Go
Cruise this carnival
Some folks might never get a taste of the south suburbs if it weren’t for the annual Parker Days Festival, happening through Sunday at O’Brien Park around East Mainstreet in Parker. This town’s signature summer event draws thousands with rides, attractions, live music, food, horses, floats and vendors.
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Tent city
Outdoor market season is in full swing, and there’s more to buy than fresh local veggies. (But, by all means, fill up your tote with those.) The second installment of Sunday at the Streets in Commons Park at Southglenn is this weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every second Sunday through October. These vendors are selected for their artistic, handcrafted, original, local, sustainable and individually produced wares.
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Holding court
Never overlook the Colorado Renaissance Festival, starting its 35th season today, as a foodie destination. Sure, the jousting contests and strolling minstrels make for great entertainment. But festival culinary staples like the gigantic turkey legs, King’s Ice, cheesecake- on-a-stick and steak-on-stake round out the fun. Admission: $8-$18.95. 650 W. Perry Park Ave., Larkspur.
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Free spirits
West Side Books, 3434 W. 32nd Ave., hosts live jazz music at 7 p.m. Sunday featuring the Bottesini Project. These are eclectic musical improv players who never perform the same set twice.
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Sensory explosion
The work of hundreds of artists set up around the Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant St., during the annual Summer Art Market. As long as you don’t mind a crowd — organizers expect about 15,000 attendees — this event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday is tops for surveying local art and shopping for works modest to extravagant.
watch
Cinematic prose
Cerebral filmmaker Terrence Malick dishes up a visual and emotional feast in “The Tree of Life.” Starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, this family portrait won the top honor at the Cannes Film Festival in May. PG-13. Elana Ashanti Jefferson
