Twisting tornadoes and flying dinos on IMAX
Opening today. Two new IMAX films premiere today at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science: “Tornado Alley” and “Flying Monsters.” “Tornado Alley” follows a group of storm chasers as they track massive storms across the Great Plains. In “Flying Monsters,” Sir Richard Attenborough narrates an exploration of giant, winged dinosaurs called pterosaurs. Computer-animated sequences show the prehistoric creatures’ behavior and environment. Both shows are in 3-D — those pterosaurs and twisters will be flying right into your lap. Multiple daily showtimes. Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.; 303-370-6000. IMAX-only tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for juniors, seniors and students.
A pirate’s life for me, in children’s musical form
Through April 14. A little boy takes to the high seas in “How I Became a Pirate,” presented by the Arvada Center. Based on the 2003 children’s book, the musical follows the adventures of Jeremy, a lad with excellent digging skills and a yearning for the pirate life. He gets recruited by Captain Braid Beard to help bury treasure — but finds that the comforts of home and family are far more valuable. 10 a.m. and noon, Tuesdays through Fridays; 11 a.m. on select Saturdays; 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 7 and 14. Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada; 720-898-7200. Tickets are $8 on weekdays, $10 on weekends.
A concert band, gratis
Sunday. The Highlands Ranch Concert Band will perform its first free concert of the year, “The Wind Band: A Growing Force in 21st Century Music.” Showcasing the sounds of brass and woodwind instruments, the program features pieces written especially for bands. Works in the lineup include Samuel R. Hazo’s “Arabesque,” Karl King’s “The Trombone King” and “San Antonio Dances” and “Vesuvius,” both by Frank Ticheli. 2 p.m. Sunday. St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 3350 White Bay Drive, Highlands Ranch. Admission is free.
Ready, set, snow sculpt!
Through Feb. 5. More than a dozen teams from around the world will gather in Breckenridge to compete in the Budweiser International Snow Sculpting Championships. Sculpting began on Tuesday and continues until Saturday’s judging — the public is invited to watch the sculptors in action. Only hand tools may be used; no artificial colors allowed. Viewers can vote for their favorites to receive prizes, and watch the awards ceremony Sunday. The sculptures will remain on display through Feb. 5, barring warm weather. Sculpting ends 10 a.m. Saturday; awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Riverwalk Center, 150 W. Adams Ave., Breckenridge. Free.
Kids kicking cabin fever, staying active in winter
Saturday. Cold weather is no excuse for getting lazy — find the best ways of “Kicking Cabin Fever” at the Children’s Museum of Denver. A team effort with Children’s Hospital, the program shows kids how to have active fun inside the house and out in the snow, and it also offers tips for nutritious wintertime eating habits. “Kicking Cabin Fever” is part of the museum’s “Health for All Seasons” series, a quarterly lifestyle tune-up just for kids. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive; 303-433-7444. Activities included with museum admission: $8 for guests ages 2 to 59, $6 for seniors and 1-year-olds.
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