Lunar New Year 2025
Saturday-Sunday. With the Lunar New Year falling on Wednesday, Jan. 29, it makes sense to kick off the parties as soon as possible. That includes the Far East Center’s multi-faceted celebration in the Little Saigon district, which runs Saturday, Feb. 1-Sunday, Feb. 2.
This 34th family-friendly event, free to attend, marks the Year of the Snake with Lion and Dragon Dances, live ice carving, cultural performances, and “a feast of delicious offerings from amazing restaurants and supporting pop-up vendors,” organizers wrote. Think diverse Asian cuisine including Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese, as well as fusion dishes.
The event is 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 375 S. Federal Blvd. in Denver. 303-936-5004 or — John Wenzel
Leo Tanguma, DIA muralist
Friday. If you’ve ever wanted to chat with Leo Tanguma, the muralist behind Denver International Airport’s sprawling “Children of the World Dream of Peace” (and many, many others), this is your chance. On Friday, Jan. 31, the influential Chicano muralist will appear with collaborator and partner Jeanne Stanford Tanguma at Denver’s Dikeou Collection for a podcast listening party and mixer.
The free, 6 p.m. is the reveal for the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art podcast episode, “Leo Tanguma: A Great Humanity,” which examines his career in depth and through his own words, at 1615 California St. in Denver. See more at . — John Wenzel
Denver Jewish Film Festival
Through Sunday. Film buffs have until Sunday, Feb. 2, to check out this year’s Denver Jewish Film Festival, which kicked off Jan. 23 and runs through this weekend with titles exploring Jewish and Israeli culture and history. “This programming allows the community the opportunity to ‘unpack’ the sometimes challenging themes that surface as part of the film viewing experience,” organizers wrote.
Among the half-dozen titles still screening this year are “Centered,” a documentary on former Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman; the WWII historical drama “Bardejov”; and the ensemble comedy “Bad Shabbos.” Elaine Wolf Theatre at the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 S Dahlia St. in Denver. Tickets: $18 per screening via — John Wenzel
A high-shakes competition
Monday. Ready to kiss Dry January goodbye? Head to Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom on Monday, Feb. 3, for Speed Rack, a bartending competition that highlights the top-shelf women of the local hospitality industry.
Cocktailers will go head-to-head in several rounds by creating a classic libation as quickly — and accurately — as possible. The local winner goes to the national Speed Rack contest in New Orleans this summer. The public is welcome to watch all the action, sample food and drinks from vendors onsite, and toast to celebrating diversity behind the bar.
Speed Rack comes to 2637 Welton St. in Denver, on at 5 pm. on Feb. 3. Tickets cost $25 at . — Tiney Ricciardi
