BEST BETS: A puzzling new exhibit at the Museum of Nature & Science, lavender beer and more
FRIDAY» Descriptors such as OPENS wacky and quirky aren’t usually associated with science exhibits, but Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s new Mindbender Mansion cares not. Each thematic “room” in the exhibit, which opens Friday, contains dozens of puzzles and games that aim to engage the mind and body — as well as others in the museum, given the group-oriented setup. First starting out at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Ore., Mindbender Mansion includes such tantalizingly named features as Feeding Frenzy, Amazing Maze, Spelling Fever, Flying Machine and more, plus a play area, tabletop puzzles and (surely) many choice Instagram opps. The exhibit is included as part of general admission. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan. 6, except Dec. 25. 2001 Colorado Blvd. 303-370-6000 or dmns.org
Childish (and proud of it). MONDAY»
The 1996 bro-comedy “Happy Gilmore” stars Adam Sandler as a sports-loving man-baby who spouts (now-classic) catchphrases while learning the game of golf. The film will play out on the big screen as part of the Denver Film Society’s Film on the Rocks program on July 23, but the real stars of the show will be the School of Rock Allstars band that opens the night at 7 p.m. This true who’s-who lineup of young musicians was assembled from the nation’s 30,000 School of Rock students — and dispatched to entertain the masses, including high-profile gigs at Lollapalooza and L.A.’s iconic Troubador. Doors open at 6:30, 18300 West Alameda Parkway in Morrison. $15. redrocksonline.com
Stop and smell the lavender. SATURDAY» How about trading the smell of spilled beer and hot pavement for the smell of 2,000 lavender plants this weekend? That’s what’s waiting for Front Range noses this weekend at Denver Botanic Gardens’ Lavender Festival at Chatfield Farms. Close to 1,000 of those plants will be in bloom and set the scene for the family-friendly event. The event will also include live music, food, lavender beer, lavender products made by local vendors, artists, educational programs and more. The bluegrass and country jams will br brought by Follow the Fox, The Lonesome Days and That Damn Sasquatch. Tickets are $7 for non-members and $5 for members, with free admission for children 13 and younger. If you need a ride, the event is offering a discount code for first time Lyft users: LAVENDERFEST18. The Lavender Fest funs 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. with last entry 4 p.m. 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton. botanicgardens.org
A tasty trip. TUESDAY» Colfax may be known for being long, but it is also known for having some pretty rockin’ restaurants on it, too. Tasty Colfax will return to fill bellies and celebrate its 10th anniversary on July 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. How it works: Eat and drink your way through the Bluebird District while hearing some live music, checking out local shops and maybe play a game of Bingo or two. What else would you be doing on a Tuesday, anyway? Participating restaurants include Annie’s Cafe, Atomic Cowboy, Bastien’s, Humble Pie, Machete Tequila + Tacos and many more. Tickets can be purchased at The Goods, Groundswell and Snappin’ Steves, or online at tastycolfax.com.