Saturday. The touring screening of “The Princess Bride” with star Cary Elwes is finally coming to Denver, having been postponed from Dec. 27, 2025. The shows at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, both feature the 1987 movie and Elwes, who played the dashing Westley, on stage after the credits roll. He’ll talk about the film’s best behind-the-scenes moments — including working with director Rob Reiner, who died tragically last year along with his wife, Michele.

The “Inconceivable Evening,” as it’s called, takes place at the Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place in downtown Denver. All previously purchased tickets will be honored, and new ones are on sale for $39-$54 at .

Frozen Dead Guy Days

Various activities and entrance fees are covered with tickets starting at $55. Some events are free to attend. Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way in Estes Park. Free parking at 691 N. St. Vrain Ave. includes shuttles to the event. See the full list of bar crawls, brunches, a polar plunge and more at .

Meow Wolf’s trash-fashion

Thursday. Meow Wolf Denver is bringing back its trash-fashion show this month with “Absolute Rubbish: EXTRA Terrestrials.” The immersive-entertainment company’s alien theme fits well within the surreal sculptures at its Denver outpost as designers and models take the stage at its Perplexiplex venue for a night of beautiful and bizarre creations. Names this time range from Andrea Fischer and Autumn Olive Crochet to starrsprite and Wimsysways.

The 8 p.m., 18-and-up show on April 2 is hosted by Alisha Sweeney from Indie 102.3, with music from DJ Blaque Gurl and a show from performance artist Gale Force. 1338 First St. in Denver. Learn more and buy tickets, $44.75, at .

Denver Gay Men’s Chorus

Friday-Saturday. Last month, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus renamed its spring show from “Party in the USA” to the more civic-minded “The Pursuit of Happiness: Warding the Freedoms of America,” in response to the current national climate, producers said. “We could not move forward without embracing a new charge: to protect those who need protecting, to stand firm in the face of tyranny, and to fight, as our forefamilies have done, in our pursuit of happiness,” according to the 40-plus-year-old LGBTQ organization.

That gives its performances on Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, a bit more social urgency, though the chorus will no doubt inject the same joyous vigor and skill that it is known for. The musical showcase takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Elaine Wolf Theatre at the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center, 350 S Dahlia St. Tickets are $27-$43 via .

The Las Vegas metro area is home to 2.4 million people, with the population of the city itself close to 700,000, according to the U.S. Census. According to the , Vegas saw 38.5 million visitors in 2025, and 6 million of those were attending a conference. Although this is a 7.5% decrease from 2024, that����ap still a huge amount of tourists who are dining, gambling, taking in a show, and spending time at a resort hotel.

Founded in 1905 and incorporated in 1911, Las Vegas was meant to be a stopover for the railroad. It was the construction of the nearby Hoover Dam in the 1930s that attracted young workers who needed entertainment in their off-time. Gambling was legalized there in 1931, and the rest is history as the city became known as a glittering hub for risqué shows and gambling of all sorts.

Yet today, Sin City has more to offer its visitors than the Strip and slot machines, with one-of-a-kind natural settings and entertainment that you’ll only find in Las Vegas.

From Denver International Airport, there are nonstop, two-hour flights to Las Vegas. Otherwise, it����ap a hefty road trip of about 11 hours.

Outdoor recreation options near and in Las Vegas

The funny thing about Las Vegas is that it seems to have a border with the surrounding desert: One minute you’re driving through the neon lights, and the next you’re in what feels like the middle of nowhere.

The Emerald Cave is about an hour’s drive from the city, and it����ap an opportunity for kayakers to paddle the Colorado River. Boaters can delight in the shimmering green water on a sunny day. Unless you’ve brought your own paddleboard or kayak, you’ll need to book with a local outfitter like . Plan for a half-day outing on the water.

The cave itself is just a small part of the adventure, which typically starts at Willow Beach with a 2-mile upstream paddle to the cave. This isn’t whitewater, however; it’s more of a gentle flow that won’t require extra skills. Enjoy the canyon, wildlife and historic sites along the way, then get your waterproof camera ready for photos of the green waters when you enter the cave.

Hikers might prefer a visit to the , about a 30-minute drive from the city. One popular trail that is easy enough for children is the Lost Creek Trail, a ¾-mile, one-way hike to a hidden seasonal waterfall. Before hitting the trail, always check the local weather, take plenty of water, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

The Valley of Fire State Park is an hour’s drive from Las Vegas and offers dramatic rock formations to drive and hike through. Be aware that many of this park’s trails are closed in the summer due to extreme heat.

The Springs Preserve is actually in the city, but it����ap a hidden pocket of 180 acres of botanical gardens, trails and museums. Described as the “Central Park of Las Vegas,” this place can be an ideal stop with young children in tow. The trails are a mix of paved sidewalks or loose gravel winding through native plants and some replicas of early Las Vegas. (The preserve was the site of the original water source for the valley.)

Off-the-beaten path entertainment in Las Vegas

It����ap tough to compete with the caliber of shows in what����ap been called the Entertainment Capital of the World, but some places try. You’ll need a car to get to most of these destinations, even though they are in the city, if you are staying along the famed Strip.

The is worth stopping by, day or night. There are two spaces to explore here: the Neon Boneyard and the North Gallery. I stopped by during the day and many of the vintage signs’ lights were twinkling so you don’t have to come at night to see them turned on. It����ap worth taking time to read the informational tags along the way, or schedule a guided tour here. There was a professional photo shoot in the smaller North Gallery, so it was not accessible during my stop. The 322 signs at this nonprofit are just part of the fascinating history to explore here.

Each incarnation of is unique (there are others in Denver and Santa Fe), and the Omega Mart in Las Vegas is a world unto itself. Set on the AREA15 campus, this twisted version of an otherworldly convenience store lets you shop the aisles and then disappear through unexpected portals. Its name is a spoof on Nevada’s classified U.S. Air Force facility known as Area 51, the inspiration for many conspiracy theories. Here you’ll find eclectic food and beverage options alongside various entertainment like bingo nights and live music.

Speaking of government secrets, budget some time for the , which strives to educate the public about the Nevada Test Site (now called the Nevada National Security Site). The museum is in Las Vegas, but its subject matter is all about what happened 65 miles northwest of here between 1951 and 1992, when 928 nuclear tests were conducted, leaving behind significant radioactive contamination.

The in downtown Las Vegas makes unusual use of colorfully painted shipping containers as a compact dining and shopping space. What is worth seeing here is the 40-foot-tall praying mantis sculpture at the entrance whose antennae spew fire each evening at sundown. This distinct piece was created by engineer Kirk Jellum as an anniversary gift for his wife.

, open nearly three years now, isn’t really novel anymore but it����ap also not easily replicated, so it still feels unique. This giant round LED screen hosts immersive concerts, movies and other entertainment. Make sure to have extra time before and after the events here to explore the expansive lobby. After seeing the “Wizard of Oz” here, for example, there was a mini-Emerald City live show being put on, complete with green puffs of smoke and a live actor. During the show, it felt like we were inside the tornado with wind, shaking and leaves blowing in all directions as we watched the classic movie.

It is widely documented and accepted that the mob, an organized crime syndicate, was largely responsible for building up Las Vegas. Today, that history is captured at the, believed to be the only one of its kind in the world. This place is about experiences, not just learning about the past, so visitors can plan their visit with a firearms training simulation, time with crime lab experts, or a distillery tasting.

Note: Whether you’re spending time inside or outside during a visit to Las Vegas, check ahead for seasonal or special event closures and changes.

For now, however, the amenities for his new business are limited to a steel-frame trailer behind a gutted industrial building. His custom-built, solar-powered mobile sauna, or Cobacita, fits a little over a dozen people on its wooden benches. That’s a far cry from the hundreds Orion envisions inside his $27 million Coba Bathhouse project just a few feet away.

“I’m a connoisseur of the world of bathhouses, and I love the different technologies emerging around the world for it,” said Orion, the CEO of Coba. “ is taking these traditional (forms) and updating them and bringing them to together for people who are moving away from bars and alcohol being the center of social life.”

Consisting of three buildings connected by gardens and outdoor seating areas, Coba — a combination of Colorado and bathhouse — is a concept of extreme, immersive proportions backed by veterans of the art and entertainment worlds. When it’s finished in 2027, it will sit across from the Auraria Campus on West Colfax Avenue in Denver, just south of Domo Japanese restaurant in the La Alma neighborhood.

Orion sees it employing 90 to 100 people and fitting about 400 guests at any one time. If all goes well, its founders believe it will draw roughly 300,000 people per year.

Day passes will cost $50 to $75, with $220 monthly memberships, although prices are preliminary. It’s about the cost of a casual dinner out, chief strategy officer Adam Lerner said, and arguably a value for a theme park’s-worth of wellness attractions. Lush urban gardens, tea ceremonies, wood-burning firepits, steam rituals like aufgussing (a towel-whipping, dancing group experience) and group-soaking pools are on the menu.

Coba’s buildings, including a former asphalt factory that lacks electricity or running water, are, for now, a staging area and proving ground still in need of permits, excavators and carpenters before they can match the elaborate renderings Orion and his partners have been floating to investors.

The project is slated to cost about $27 million, Orion said, with $3.5 million of that going toward the land purchase. He received , since the project will include a thermal energy network, with an 800-foot-deep geothermal well planned for underneath the parking lot. The technology will use the consistent temperature deep underground to draw and disperse heat and cold as part of Coba’s electricity-hungry infrastructure.

Orion’s confident the “landmark” bathhouse will draw Denverites who are hungry for new experiences. In this case, that’s an upscale version of downregulation, a.k.a. chilling and steaming one’s way to relaxation, happiness and social well-being.

Orion, an industrial engineering and renovation expert, is surrounded by . His co-founder in Coba, and the company’s chief commercial officer, is Jon Medina, a designer and producer who has worked with Meow Wolf, AEG Presents and Outside Magazine. Also from Meow Wolf: Coba’s chief financial officer Carl Christensen, the former co-CEO and chief financial officer of Meow Wolf. That immersive-entertainment company just happens to have an outpost about a mile away from Coba.

Chief strategy officer Lerner formerly led the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. Meow Wolf co-founder Vince Kadlubek, architect Paul Andersen and others continue to advise on the project. The balance of art and culture veterans should ensure that Coba has a strong cultural appeal, its founders believe, with an emphasis on memorable experiences.

“We wanted to take the mundane and make it more adventurous,” Medina said, citing the “rain room,” where water follows people as they walk through it (a nicer version, perhaps, of the cartoon raincloud that follows around someone in a bad mood).

Coba’s layout is designed to circulate guests through the environments until they find their comfort zone(s). There’s a giant cold plunge pool that fits about 30 people — and one with even colder temps that fits 6 to 10. There’s the 60-seater room called the Ritual Sauna, water massages, a dark and silent sauna meant for solo introversion, floating pools, a rooftop garden and rentable “thermal suites.”

Renderings of the finished Coba look like a psychedelic hall of justice, albeit with Art Deco arches replaced by wavy roof lines. They conceal not just internal wellness features but also a café, space for musical performances and workshops, and lockers and common areas.

“Here the idea is to create something that maybe draws from history, but is not a direct reference to it,” architect Andersen said. “This is something very different, even otherworldly.”

Coba’s success may turn on how transported its guests feel, since it’s being pitched as a respite from stress and an excuse to put down your phone and bond with neighbors.

“We wanted to create a place that has this combination of feeling connected to nature but also modern life,” Lerner said. “Because this is not a retreat. This is actually a place that is integrated into your weekly routine. The kind of place you go to four times a month. Which is why a bathhouse differentiates itself from, say, a spa, which is a luxury indulgence.”

Lerner first met Orion at the ritualistic, art-driven Burning Man Festival in Nevada, and has maintained a friendship that dovetailed into the one-acre Coba project. Their connections are coming in handy as they hold small sessions and continue to raise funds for construction. They even recruited Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Zach Neumeyer, the chairman of Sage Hospitality, to make remarks on their Jan. 22 “civic preview.”

Coba has the potential to outlast fads in biohacking and contrast therapy meant to tame and train the body, said Denver journalist and author Scott Carney. He’s written extensively on how the body can be conditioned to extreme environments, and his Jan. 22 visit to Coba convinced him of its pure intentions.

“There are a few other contrast therapy spots that have popped up around Denver, from mobile saunas and river jumps at the Golden library, to the sauna/plunge combos at Nurture and Archipelago, as well as SWTHZ on Tennyson,” he wrote via email. “But they are all smaller and … more specifically health-oriented. People go there for their quick hot and cold fix and then move on.”

Coba may endure because it’s social, he said, instead of just service-oriented.

Or as Coba’s founders write in their 27-page investor pitch: “Bring a swimsuit if you’d like to participate. Dress is casual. The person next to you may be in swimwear.”

Friday. Award-winning Denver author, professor and podcaster R. Alan Brooks hosts a free screening of his new movie “Always, Most of the Time,” directed by his Atlanta buddy Victor V. Hogan II (who’s also flying in for the screening).��The sleek, , showing at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Lighthouse Writer’s Workshop (where and board member), was written by Brooks and carries his same fearless, science-driven exploration of human vulnerability, loss and hope as beloved comics series like “The Burning Metronome” and other, diverse works.

Brooks is holding a Q&A directly after the short film with director Hogan, hosted by former State Rep. Leslie Herod (also free), at Lighthouse’s Beacon Hall, 3844 York St. in Denver. RSVP at or visit for more information. — John Wenzel��

A lively Denver Arts Week

Through Sunday. The metro area cultural celebration, Denver Arts Week, which kicked off Nov. 7, continues this weekend and through Nov. 16, with participating districts like RiNo, the Art District on Santa Fe, Tennyson Berkeley Association, 40 West Arts District in Lakewood and Aurora Cultural Arts District. The diverse performances — from comedy and theater to dance and live music — complement free art walks and museum admissions, with an emphasis this year on the (clinically demonstrated) mental health and wellness benefits of engaging in arts and culture.

This year’s 19th annual offerings include the meditation-focused Mindfulness at the Gardens (Thursday, Nov. 13, ), Black Sheep Fridays: Sip and Sound (Friday, Nov. 14, ), and the Harnessing the Arts to Promote Wellness: Artful Living Workshop (, Sunday, Nov. 16), among others. Go to for more information, including times, addresses and more events. — John Wenzel

Bedtime Stories, but not for kids

Friday. Meow Wolf Denver’s top-notch stage bookings continue with the Friday, Nov. 14, show Bedtime Stories: Fireside Fluff. The mature-ages, neo-burlesque variety set at the Perplexiplex promises to heat up the Denver immersive-art institution with performances ranging “from drag to puppetry to live musical performance,” according to Meow Wolf’s website.

That includes Alpha The Musical, Bettie Belladonna, Bill D’Bare, Boujie Bitch, Gale Force, Katy Williams, Mis’Von, and X The Drag Thing. Tickets for the 8 p.m., 18-and-up show at 1338 First St. in Denver are $34.75 via tickets.meowwolf.com/events/denver. — John Wenzel

Before Apres

Saturday. Celebrate local beers and local ski mountains at Après Govnr’s Park, 400 E. 7th Ave. in Denver, which is hosting Powderpalooza from 4 to 8 p.m. The event serves as a way for Loveland Ski Area to sell season passes.

There will be a vendor village from 4 to 6 p.m. as well as a 6 p.m. talk by meteorologist and pow-pow celebrity Joel Gratz of OpenSnow; he’ll share “mountain weather insights, tips for finding the best snow, and highlight” his app. The party has an ’80s theme and there will be specials and deals on Loveland tickets. — Jonathan Shikes

Levitt Pavilion’s��free summer concert series

If you love free summer concerts, Denver is a great city to live in — but there’s one series that stands out even among annual heavy-hitters like City Park Jazz: Levitt Pavilion’s��slate of free shows.

The nonprofit amphitheater in Ruby Hill Park will host more than 40 free, all-ages concerts and events in 2025, from Flobots to Rebirth Brass Band and Central City Opera. Bring a picnic set-up — take in your own grub or purchase from food trucks on-site — and enjoy the truly local vibes that feel especially refreshing after battling crowds of tourists at Red Rocks. — Beth Rankin

1380 W. Florida Ave., ��

Club Vinyl

One of dance promoter CoClub’s premier venues on Broadway, Club Vinyl stands out for its three floors and summertime view of the city. The rooftop has plenty of cushioned seating under misters, several bars and a hookah menu with more flavors than a Baskin-Robbins. Its dance floor, where fans blow a cool breeze and the house and disco music packs the most punch, is a joyous respite from the summer heat. — Miguel Otarola

1082 Broadway,

Wild Love Tigress

I love nothing more than a good local band that will make you dance, and Denver’s Wild Love Tigress does it every time. I first saw the nine-piece, high-energy funk band while on a date at the good ol’ on East Colfax and was hooked by the big energy, big sound and various tiger-themed costumes. The band released its second studio album this year and frequently plays at venues and festivals across the metro. — Elise Schmelzer

Look for upcoming dates and more at .

ESP

ESP was one of the first bars in Denver to take its main inspiration from the “listening bars” of Japan, named for the audiophile-quality sound of the in-house speaker system and the clientele who are there as much to listen to rare vinyl records as they are to sip whiskey and smoke cigarettes. The sound at ESP is actually more rounded the closer you are to its speaker system, and its bartenders and guest DJs are more on point than pretentious with their picks. Plus, ESP’s wine menu is one of the best in the city. — Miguel Otarola

1029 Santa Fe Drive;

The Galentines

I saw The Galentines play at The General Store in Nederland in June and then talked about them endlessly for several days straight. The all-girl rock band out of Boulder fully captured my attention with their high-energy pop punk and incredible, incredible vocals. They put out their first album, “1140,” in 2024 and continue to do shows across the state. Go see them; you won’t regret it. — Elise Schmelzer

To see a video of the group and find out where they’re playing next, go to or find them on Instagram @thegalentines.band.

Meow Wolf’s��Perplexiplex

For music fans who want a no-nonsense show with killer sound, excellent visuals and fees under $7 per ticket (which feels like a genuine miracle in Denver), don’t sleep on��The Perplexiplex.

Meow Wolf’s 500-person venue inside Convergence Station is intimate, accessible and features a sensory experience with interactive projection-mapped visuals. The venue has some limitations — security will go through your bag more thoroughly than TSA on a bad day and parking and transit aren’t always easy, especially if there’s an event happening nearby at Empower Field — but the intimate space and amazing sound system make this a worthwhile visit if an artist you love is on the bill. Chances are, you’ll be standing inches away from them. — Beth Rankin

Upcoming shows include MC Chris, Uncle Lucius and Múm. 1338 First St.;

Invincible Vinyl

The one-man establishment of owner and buyer Dave Cleland, Invincible Vinyl stays true to the name by offering unbeatable deals in town for an increasingly costly medium. The two-room shop has bins with everything from new and used jazz and electronic to rock divided by British, Irish and Scottish and Australian bands. Expect to listen in on a conversation about a beloved record or artist while browsing – or taking part in it yourself. — Miguel Otarola

99 Kalamath St., Denver; 720-645-2577. Open 12 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 12 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Look for them .

Pon Pon

A RiNo treasure that gets rowdier by the night as people keep filing in through its narrow entrance, the DJ keeps spinning rock records and the bar itself, not much longer than a dining room table, keeps the glasses overflowing. It����ap dim, has an art gallery in the back and all sorts of vintage seating and furniture. Loosening up at Pon Pon is as confident and comfortable an experience as reclining on a Barcalounger after a long day of work. — Miguel Otarola

2528 Walnut St. #104, Denver; 303-867-5309. Open 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Find them .

Dazzle Jazz

If you haven’t been to Denver’s premier jazz nightclub yet, what are you waiting for? Certainly, you should go just to support this club, a treasure that has been around since 1997 (and in its current space since 2023). But you will want to go for the cool, swinging, bluesy, sexy, jumpin’ sounds, from performers such as Monty Alexander, Purnell Steen, Keith Oxman, Nelson Rangel, Adam Bodine, Hazel Miller and many others. You can thank me later. — Barbara Ellis

1080 14th St., 303-839-5100; .��

Best venue for short people

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is iconic for so many reasons, from its illustrious history to its world-class entertainment and topography. But for folks 5’5″ and under, it’s a favorite for one very important reason: The venue boasts amazing sightlines, especially for music lovers who are short in stature.

Forget trying to weave between shoulders and other body parts to find the perfect viewing hole. Red Rocks “amps” up the concert experience by allowing shorties unfettered views of the stage. Whether you’re up close or in the higher-most sections, whether you’re on stage right or left, the world is a short king’s oyster here. — Tiney Ricciardi

South Broadway’s musical heart

The corner of in the Baker neighborhood has been central to Denver’s layout dating back to the 1880s, when Broadway first became the dividing line between east and west avenues, and Ellsworth the dividing line between north and south streets, according to . But in the 21st century, it’s also become ground zero for some of the city’s best independent music, comedy and DIY culture. That’s because the Hi-Dive and Sputnik, two side-by-side businesses, have been booking many of the best local and national independent bands, and slinging some of the best food and drinks before and after shows, respectively, since the early 2000s.

We still miss Mutiny Information Cafe, which was pushed further south in 2024 by the rising rents and gentrification that have destabilized businesses everywhere. But it remains a vital corner for Denver’s underground music and stand-up scene, given the walkable festivals that have long been anchored there. Those include the Underground Music Showcase (various venues, July 25-27) and High Plains Comedy Festival (Sept. 18-20), which both paint a colorful sidewalk scene as people laugh, hug, smoke and dance while performances go on inside (including DJ sets at Sputnik). The larger stretch of South Broadway counts a lot of vital music venues — HQ (formerly 3 Kings Tavern), the Skylark, the Roxy Broadway, Gothic Theatre, Swallow Hill Music and more — but the corner of South Broadway and Ellsworth still pulses with an energy that can’t be duplicated anywhere else. — John Wenzel

Fort Greene

Named after the hip-happening neighborhood in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Fort Greene bar has had to walk a fine balance over the years between its aesthetic desires and those of the marginalized Globeville neighborhood it calls home. It does so respectfully, maintaining quiet hours and also serving as a hub for private events and community outreach. Its interior has an instant cooling effect, the walls painted dark green and reflected in the back bar mirror. Fort Greene hosts regular DJ nights on weekends and special events featuring dancing and other entertainment. It feels like partying in your best friend’s living room. — Miguel Otarola

321 E. 45th Ave., Denver. Open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thursday, and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Pelican Bay

Looking to chill out to the oldies we know and love? Toss off your sandals and dig your toes into the sand at the Live! At the Lake summer concert series on Tiki Beach, located on the water at Pelican Bay in Cherry Creek Reservoir. Water laps at the shore and paddleboarders and kayakers pull up behind the stage to groove to the tunes.

There are chairs set up, or bring a blanket. Drinks and bar food (hot dogs, pretzels, etc.) are sold, but if you don’t like what you find there check out the food truck outside.

This year, shows are on Wednesdays during the month of August, at 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tap your feet (or even dance) to bands like Smokin’ ’70s (arena rock and Boston tribute), Those Crazy Nights (Journey and legends of the ’80s) and others.

In previous years, I saw Dolls in the Attic, an Aerosmith cover band, and Ten Years Gone, a Zeppelin cover band, there. It’s a sweet, low-key experience that will make you long for a simpler time. — Barbara Ellis

Tickets and information at , or go to .

Switchfoot

I may not be an expert on Switchfoot, an alternative rock band from San Diego with a worldwide following, because I’ve only seen them 20 times. I do know if I could only listen to one band for the rest of my life, it would be them. I know they never put on a bad show, and that frontman Jon Foreman is the kind of human I aspire to be: humble, gracious and fun to be around (as I have witnessed up close in VIP sessions). I know the group’s values spring from a Christian foundation, but its music seeks to unify and inspire. One of their slogans is “Hope needs an anthem” — and they have given their fans many. — John Meyer

Visit for tour dates and more.��

City Park

Finally, we’d be remiss to ignore those free jazz concerts from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sundays at City Park. This year, starting in June, there has been a mix of mambo, funk, soul, brass band big band and more.

Grab some food and drinks, a blanket or low-profile chair and plant yourself on some grass around the pavilion. Remaining concerts: Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra on July 20; Dzirae Gold, on July 27; and a Brass Band Extravaganza, on Aug. 3. — Barbara Ellis

For more info, go to .

“Elitch’s is an incredible business,” said Mike Neary, executive vice president of Kroenke Sports Entertainment (KSE), in an email to The Denver Post this week. “We have every incentive to not only keep Elitch’s going, but to invest in rides and attractions and overall experience.”

In fact, the park reopened two of its signature roller coasters this summer after both had been closed. Twister III: Storm Chaser is now running for the first time in 2025 after repairs, while the Sidewinder, closed for maintenance since 2023, reopened two months ago.

KSE, which owns Ball Arena, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche, Altitude Sports & Entertainment, as well as other teams, stadiums and real estate, bought out Revesco Properties’ share of a property known as the River Mile in June. River Mile is planned as a 62-acre mixed-use redevelopment that includes the land under Elitch Gardens.

Revesco and KSE first bought the property together in 2015 and announced plans to scrape and redevelop it in favor of a massive residential and retail complex that would abut Ball Arena and its parking lots. At the time, the discussions involved moving Elitch Gardens out of downtown.

The original plan — which would make room for 15,000 residents, along with offices and hotels, stores and restaurants inside several 40- to 60-story towers — was approved by the city in 2018.

Nothing has gone forward, however, and although Elitch Gardens is still on shaky grounds, Kroenke’s buyout of Revesco seemed to suggest that the theme park may remain for a while.

Cindy Hann, an Elitch Gardens spokesperson, declined to comment on a potential move, but said this season’s attendance has been an “incredible” boon for the park (though she also declined to provide those attendance numbers).

“Currently, we are focused entirely on creating thrilling experiences right here in the heart of Denver, including preparing for our signature Halloween and holiday season events,” Hann said. “We were very pleased with our 2024 season and are on track for another strong year in 2025.”

Elitch Gardens, which is 135 years old, moved from its original space in northwest Denver to its current home in 1995. There, it transformed into a contemporary, thrill-ride theme park.

The sale, which was completed on Wednesday, June 11, includes Theme and Water Park, related assets and 1338 1st St., which is home to Meow Wolf and other properties.

“Realizing sole ownership of these properties will allow us to streamline our comprehensive vision for the future development encompassing The River Mile and the adjacent Ball Arena campus,” said KSE Owner and Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke.

“We are grateful to Revesco for many years of productive collaboration.”

The two parties have been partners since their joint purchase of Elitch Gardens in 2015.

Replacing or moving the 58-acre theme and water park situated along the South Platte River has been considered. However, Elitch Gardens and Meow Wolf, the immersive art experience at the juncture of Interstate 25 and Colfax Avenue, will continue to operate at their current sites.

“A day at Elitch’s is a rite of summer for more than a million visitors annually,” said Mike Neary, KSE executive vice president.

“We intend to keep it that way and better than ever.”

The River Mile project was approved in 2018 to build roughly 8,000 residential units and some of the city’s tallest buildings along the South Platte River and by Ball Arena, also owned by KSE.

The development will feature a and recreational spaces, including office, retail, hotels and residential areas across three separate neighborhoods known as The Banks, The Bend and Headwater, according to the project����ap website.

“We are incredibly proud of our work with KSE as the stewards of Elitch Gardens over the past decade, and to have been a catalyst for a re-imagining of the site known as The River Mile,” said Rhys Duggan, president and CEO of Revesco Properties.

“We believe the blueprint has been set for the future of Central Denver and that both the Park and The River Mile vision are in good hands with Mr. Kroenke and his family.”

The price of the sale has not been disclosed at this time.

KSE owns the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and the Colorado Rapids.

As it turned out, the huffing vocalization that caught my ear was only Shane Corson, field researcher at the Olympic Project, a group that explores the science behind Bigfoot. Like a birder mimicking a yellow warbler’s soft pish-pish-pish, Corson was attempting to lure a Bigfoot out of the brush while tromping through the woods with Krantz and her podcasting team.

Related: Bigfoot tourism brings cryptid-curious to Colorado

Now, I wouldn’t go so far as to say I believe in Sasquatch, but I suspect this is how any obsession starts: Reddit threads; a History Channel binge. One minute you’re innocently enjoying Krantz’s superb storytelling, and then you’re mapping out a road trip across rural Colorado.

I guess I’d always know it, but Krantz’s work illuminates a simple truth: Colorado is a hotbed of strangeness; a place where the Rocky Mountains rise to meet the unexplained. Whether you’re a skeptic or a seeker, exploring otherworldly corners of the Centennial State is a great excuse to experience beloved and overlooked destinations alike.

Sasquatch Outpost

Rumor has it Bigfoot is nocturnal, but I wouldn’t recommend a backcountry night hike unless you’re a very confident wayfarer with honed navigation skills and proper gear. For most of us, it����ap better to start in Bailey, at the Sasquatch Outpost, 149 Main St., open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Wednesdays. This fun retail shop is packed with a veritable hodgepodge of Bigfoot sundries–everything from mugs and figurines to books, postcards, and t-shirts.

Behind the store, enter the Sasquatch Encounter Discovery Museum ($8 for adults; $5 for kids), a homespun gallery housing an impressive collection of documents on Bigfoot history and research alongside items such as track casts, large-scale maps, and several sculptures and replicas. Owners Jim and Daphne Myers host regular meet-ups for enthusiasts, and they’ll also take folks out on expeditions. They’ve been putting the finishing touches on a bigfoot-themed escape room, and are hopeful it’ll be operational by June.

Where to eat: The Cutthroat Café, 157 Main St., within walking distance of the outpost, serves a pretty solid breakfast. Or you can quench your thirst at Craft Mountain Brewing, 23 Main St., or at a waterside seat at Aspen Peak Cellars, 60750 U.S. Hwy. 285, offering a perfect setting for higher-end lunch and dinner fare.

Where to hike: Hoping to spot a Bigfoot? The trailhead to Colorado Trail Section #6 is only 20 minutes west of Bailey, directly off Highway 285. This segment of Colorado’s epic 567-mile cross-state hiking and biking route takes outdoors enthusiasts through some premium mountain terrain. Or head to Staunton State Park, 12102 S Elk Creek Road.��The 12-mile route to Elk Falls is a personal favorite, but there’s a lot to love about the (much shorter) David Ponds Loop, measuring in at about 2.3 miles across even, easy terrain.

Nederland

Nederland may be on your weirdness radar as the birthplace of a peculiar and totally beloved festival: Frozen Dead Guy Days. The annual celebration of Grandpa Bredo (rumored to be kept frozen in a Tuff Shed) might have relocated to Estes Park, but Ned hasn’t gotten any less strange, and it boasts a strong showing in the Sasquatch department. Campers tell of shadowy shapes darting between trees and screams echoing down from the Indian Peaks. As recently as March, the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization reported a new sighting 11 miles outside Boulder.

Where to camp: Spend a night in one of 22 designated tent sites at West Magnolia Trailhead, past 45 Peak to Peak Hwy., and you might find yourself reconsidering what you thought you knew about the animal kingdom. Camping is first-come, first-served; no facilities of any kind.

Where to hike: Mud Lake Open Space, 2034 County Road 126, is an excellent choice. From the Mud Lake Trailhead, combine the forested Tungsten and Kinnickinnick loop trails, and end at the on-site lake, which is way more spectacular than the name suggests.

Where to eat: I’m partial to Crosscut Pizzeria, 4 E. 1st St., which offers wood-fired pizzas, good craft beer, and creek-view dining on the patio. Salto Coffee, 112 E. 2nd St., is another solid option.

UFO Watchtower

When it comes to alien activity, you’ll probably want to start where the skies are darkest and the stories wildest: the UFO Watchtower off Highway 117, two miles north of Hooper, (GPS sometimes gets this destination wrong, so watch for the signs and green alien sculptures).

Judy Messoline, author of the 2005 book “That Crazy Lady Down the Road,” built her 10-foot-tall watchtower on a whim in 2000. (Some uninformed travelers might call it a raised metal platform surrounded by lawn ornaments; you’ll have to see for yourself if you can feel the energy vortex.)

In 25 years, the structure has become a beloved roadside attraction that doubles as sacred ground for many sky watchers. Apparently, the UFO Watchtower has drawn more than 30,000 human visitors, many of whom have added their own small trinkets to the growing collection that����ap laid out on the pea gravel near the site’s main attraction.

Currently, guests are welcome on weekends, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but these hours extend in the spring and summer–we think. Messoline doesn’t answer her phone, but she maintains a website with updated information: theoriginalufowatchtower.com. Be ready to pay a nominal visitation fee of $5 per person; children under 6 get in free.

Where to camp: Onsite! You don’t need a reservation. It’s $20 per night per tent; BYO water, food, firewood, and trash bags. You can also pitch a tent at Piñon Flats Campground inside Great Sand Dunes National Park nearby. A moonless night is the best time to experience this International Dark Sky Park. You probably won’t see any pulsing orbs or darting shapes, but looking up at a pitch-black sky, you’ll get a real sense for the vastness of our mysterious universe.

Fiske Planetarium, Boulder

Krantz’s podcast and books are all about determining science fact from fiction. To that end, she recommends Fiske Planetarium, 2414 Regent Drive on the CU Boulder campus. The largest planetarium between Chicago and L.A., the museum functions as a project zone for CU students and faculty. When the space isn’t being used for educational pursuits, the general public is invited into the 65-foot-diameter dome for films, star talks, and even laser shows.

Where to eat: Head to Pearl Street Mall for a bite. There are dozens of restaurants, both casual and upscale, with just about any kind of cuisine.

Where to hike: On the west side of the National Center for Atmospheric Research building at 1850 Table Mesa Drive, you’ll find the Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail, a half-mile loop with informational signage. For a longer hike, follow Mesa Trail until it links with Enchanted Mesa Trail. This out-and-back hike weaves through a less-crowded segment of Chautauqua Park.

Meow Wolf

Consider traveling the stars and transcending space-time at Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station, 1338 1st St. Here’s how the story goes: When a rare cosmic glitch aligned four worlds into one, a portal opened. For $45, curious travelers can walk through an immersive, interactive science fiction exhibition. Have fun trying to solve on-site mysteries, or just enough this over-the-top intergalactic art. Purchase tickets in advance online.

Denver International Airport

It����ap impossible to write about Colorado’s strangeness without mentioning Denver International Airport, which has become a conspiracy theory theme park, complete with apocalyptic murals, a time capsule, underground tunnels, and 3the 2-foot-tall blue Mustang sculpture with the glowing red eyes. (Surely you already know that “Blucifer” killed its creator.)

While most of the weirdness is likely just eccentric art, there are some who believe the airport is a hub — or maybe a cover — for extraterrestrial activity. Keep your eyes peeled the next time your flight gets delayed. It’s okay to want to believe.

Friday.��The��Colorado Rockies are back in Denver for the team’s opening weekend, Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6. That means there will be plenty of purple-themed festivities, drinks and food. Here are some of the places you can go to participate on Friday:
— The Cherry Cricket, 2220 Blake St., will have a drink called the Rockies Smash, a blend of Fireside Whiskey, lemon and blackberry syrup.
— Los Chingones, 2463 Larimer St., hosts an all-day rooftop party featuring the Dingerita, a purple Milagro coin-style margarita ($11) and a salsa trio served in a Rockies helmet ($5).
– Wonderyard Garden & Table, 2200 Larimer St., hosts a pre-game celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday with Rockies-themed cocktails, cotton candy, a DJ, photo activities with baseball props and cornhole.
– ��Ajax Restaurant, 1899 16th St., ��throws an opening day picnic in the Limelight Denver from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday with dry-aged hotdogs, beers and purple margaritas (each is $5).
– McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee St., will be partying before, during and after the game on Friday with a DJ and drink specials at Milepost Zero (including the Line Drive Cocktail, a purple vodka sipper). — Jonathan Shikes

Tools of the trade

Friday.��One of Denver’s handiest nonprofits celebrates its 10th anniversary during the monthly First Friday events in the Art District on Santa Fe on Friday, April 4. The Denver Tool Library, which loans out tools and specialized equipment, shares skills, and provides knowledge, will welcome people in from 5 to 9 p.m. at its home at 555 Santa Fe Drive.

“DTL has enabled countless Denver residents to tackle home improvement projects, pursue creative endeavors, and learn valuable skills without the burden of costly tool purchases,” the organization said.

There will be beverages from New Belgium Brewery; a market featuring the wares of DTL’s skilled staff and teachers; tool demonstrations; and a raffle. The event is free and open to the public. Get more information at . — Jonathan Shikes

A cosmic yoga experience

Tuesday. What could be more fitting than doing cat pose and downward-facing dog at a place called Meow Wolf? On Tuesday, April 8, the Denver immersive art exhibit hosts a special “cosmic yoga experience” backed by live music performed by members of the Colorado Symphony. Attendees are expected to bring their own mat and water, and after class, they have the option to explore the six floors of art that make up the Convergence Station installation (extra fee required).

Flexi-verse: Music Moves with the Colorado Symphony comes to Meow Wolf Denver, 1338 1st St, Denver, on April 8 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $42.75, and access to the exhibit costs an extra $25, at . — Tiney Ricciardi

Ski boots and beats

Friday-Sunday. Skiers itching to get in a few more turns before the end of the season can enjoy the slopes alongside a stellar lineup of live entertainment this weekend in Vail. The 3rd annual Après at The Amp Festival comes to Vail’s Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Friday, April 4-6, bringing world-renowned DJs and bands, plus après sets and after parties at local venues.

Notable performers include British act Jungle (DJ set) and French pop duo ��’������é�����ٰ�������, which play Friday night; and indie rockers Goth Babe and DJ Sammy Virji, which play Saturday night.

Buy tickets, $142.04-$199.90, and see the full schedule at . — Tiney Ricciardi

That����ap part of the intention of these so-called “immersive” art installations – to transport guests to another world using all the senses. But Meow Wolf management is keenly aware that some guests may feel overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and tactile sensations.

In 2023, the company achieved Certified Autism Center status at each of its locations by completing a certification process and training with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (). Meow Wolf sought this certification to ensure the exhibits are welcoming and accessible to everyone, said Melissa Gassien, director of operations for Denver’s Convergence Station.

“As we learn and grow and understand more about the accessibility needs of travelers, we keep adapting and growing to make sure we’re providing the best experience possible,” she said. “There’s so much new technology and unique apps and things just that make it easy to provide that experience to everyone.”

Part of the process involved training Meow Wolf employees on how to identify and interact with autistic individuals and other guests who may be experiencing overstimulation. Techniques include watching for people covering their ears, finding spaces to talk where no one is shouting over the house audio, letting visitors drive conversations about their comfort levels, and accommodating guests with tools like noise reduction headphones, sunglasses and sensory toys.

The training was geared toward individuals with intellectual disabilities, though some of the skills would apply to working with folks who may be intoxicated and overstimulated. It����ap no secret that Meow Wolf is one of the trippiest places in Denver, and it hosts numerous psychedelic events, including the upcoming acid-inspired Bicycle Day celebration in April.

The company doesn’t condone drug use at its facilities, but security teams are prepared to de-escalate situations where people might be overwhelmed, Gassien said.

“This is absolutely where our security team would come in and just have conversations. Just kind of say, ‘Where are you at? How can we help make sure you have water, that you have a place to sit down? … How can we help facilitate that you’re comfortable?’” she said.

There are also specific rooms within Meow Wolf’s exhibits that offer calmer and quieter environments, some with no background noise at all. In Denver’s Convergence Station, Gassien points to the in the , which features blue tile from floor to ceiling and a soothing audio soundtrack. There is also a guest services lounge on the first floor where staff can escort people who need to decompress (it doubles as a room for breastfeeding).

Expect “white walls, some plants in there, a couch, kind of more of a calming space that just is like, OK, this is going to remind you of your living room,” Gassien said.

Convergence Station inhabits a massive 90,000 square feet across multiple floors. So if someone needs a break from the stimuli quickly, they can find a stairwell as a last resort.

“If you need an instant kind of take out of world, the stairwells are a little more of a visually muted space, but there is still light audio in there,” Gassien said.