BEST BETS: International Festival, Leadville Boom Days, “Sleeping Beauty” and more
SATURDAY» Food, dancing, art and beer will all come together in Civic Center when Denver’s third annual International Festival brings the party from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The free cultural event will host more than 25 performers, 20 food trucks, 50 vendors, a zone for the kids and beer and wine for the grownups. The day will be filled with the sounds of salsa, African drums, reggae and rock while bellies are filled with flavors from Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe. And you saved yourself the cost of a plane ticket. More information at internationalfest.org.
Party like it’s 1880. FRIDAY THROUGH
SUNDAY» Ain’t no party like an 1880s party! It’s that time again to celebrate mining heritage in the only way you can at 10,152 feet: with Burro races, mining competitions, Old West characters, a rod and gun show and more at Leadville Boom Days. The free street fair will also host more than 100 food and craft booths, live music, pancake breakfasts, pie-eating contests and an egg toss. So, a lot of things. You get the point. Sorry, furry friends, Boom Days are dog-free. Get more information and the schedule of events at leadvilleboomdays.com
Once upon a dream. THROUGH AUG.
18» Watch a classic tale come to life on stage with Miners Alley Children’s Theatre’s production of “Sleeping Beauty.” This adaptation by Alaina Beth Reel promises to be a new look at the fairy tale, filled with adventure, intrigue and audience interactivity. Yes, that means your kid may even become an unexpected star of the show. Performances are every Saturday at 1 p.m. through Aug. 4, and at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Aug. 11 and 18 at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Avenue, Golden. Tickets ($12) are available at 303-935-3044 or minersalley.com
Talent is always in fashion. THROUGH 5» This will be your last weekend AUG. to check out “Drawn to Glamour: Fashion Illustrations by Jim Howard” at the Denver Art Museum. Take a trip through fashion history with more than 100 works on paper that span Howard’s four-decade career. Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein and Yves Saint Laurent; he’s had a hand in working with them all. The exhibit is included in general museum admission. More information at denverartmuseum.org.