The snow is melting, so there's no reason not to get out and enjoy everything this city has to offer...including a free event at Red Rocks held in conjunction with PastForward, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual convention in Denver right now. And a couple of other events will convince you that this city is going to the dogs!
K9 Frisbee Worldwide Championship
Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mossbrucker Park, South Xenon Street at West Cross Avenue, Littleton
One of the largest dog sport events in the world — the Worldwide K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch Worldwide Championships — will hold its regional championship in Mossbrucker Park, with local teams vying against the times of other teams around the globe. Entries are closed, but you're free to watch the action.
Celebrate Women's History
Saturday, October 12, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
This marquee presentation on women's history is a culmination of the PastForward conference conversations about representation, visibility and inclusion. The event includes talks and performances by Native American advocate Ada Deer, historian Tiya Miles and self-described Southern Gothic singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah, as well as plenty of mixing and mingling. It's all free; find out more here.
Kodaly and Coconut Crispies
Saturday, October 12, 11 a.m.
Highland Event Center, 2945 Julian Street
The Highlands Square Ensemble is presenting a free, family-friendly chamber music concert with string trios by Zoltan Kodaly and Antonin Dvorak. But that's not all: The musicians will also offer commentary and serves treats while mingling with the audience during intermission. It's all free, and the program will be repeated (without snacks) at the Clyfford Still Museum on Sunday, October 13, at 1 and 2 p.m. (Those performances are free with paid admission to the museum.)
Barks & Brews
Saturday, October 12, noon to 3 p.m.
Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Boulevard, Castle Rock
By Saturday the snow should be gone, which means it will be a perfect time to take your pooch to the annual Barks & Brews at the Outlets at Castle Rock. There will be live entertainment, including music and face-painting, as well as a variety of pet vendors offering complimentary treats and services for canines. Meanwhile, adult humans can indulge in craft beer for a $5 donation to the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley (one brew per donation).
Bloom Benefit and Bash
Sunday, October 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mayflower Church, 3001 South Acoma Street, Englewood
This century-old church, home to a progressive, LGBTQ+ friendly congregation, will host a fundraiser concert to introduce its new art and performance space. Soul band Leon and the Revival, fresh off the vinyl release of its album Hang On Brother, will perform in the historic church's sanctuary. (The band's lead singer, Paul Leon Ramsey, is also the church's pastor.) That will be followed by an open jam session, so bring your instruments. Gora Gora Orkestar, a ten-piece New Orleans-style brass band, will perform in the church's courtyard; Gora Gora bandmember Lee Knight is Mayflower's youth minister. Prizes will be auctioned off, and there will be free hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and veggie burgers (feel free to bring something, too, since this is a potluck). Admission is free, but donations are encouraged, since this is a fundraiser to finish the performance space. Find out more at mayflowercolorado.org.
And a bonus next week:
The Fence Walking Tour
Wednesday, October 16, 5 p.m.
Cherry Creek Park, 4 South University Boulevard
The Fence is a juried, traveling outdoor photography exhibit of outstanding images by over forty photographers from around the world. The exhibit is on a tour of eight U.S. cities, and has now arrived in Denver, where it's installed at Cherry Creek Park. Take a free tour with the Colorado Photographic Arts Center; meet near the bike path behind the shopping center.
Know of a great free event that belongs on a future list? Send information to [email protected].