Close your eyes and picture this: hundreds, maybe thousands, of MINI Coopers rolling down the road in caravans — from the east, from the west, the north and the south — and all converging on Denver just for the hell of it. The cross-country MINIs hit town yesterday on a national tour that occurs every other year, and their drivers will be treated to a variety of special MINI-centric events while they’re here, including a garage party and a rally to Red Rocks. But today’s main event — the MINI Takes the States Motoring Fest at Infinity Park in Glendale — is geared toward the rest of us.

Starting at 1 p.m., MINI drivers and anyone else interested and willing to pay the $25 registration fee (part of the proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) can enjoy test drives, fun-zone activities, shopping in the MINI Emporium, a BMX stunt show and a full roster of live music including, gasp, an unscheduled concert with Blues Traveler. You know, the jammy guys who sell out Red Rocks every time they come around? What a trip! For more information, go to www.minitakesthestates.com.
Sat., Aug. 14, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., 2010