Weekend things to do around Denver and beyond: Lunar New Year celebrations and more
Each Thursday, explore Denver’s essential weekend events curated by The Denver Gazette. Dive into cultural experiences and entertainment delights across the city. Whether you enjoy art galleries, pottery, or outdoor sports, there’s something for everyone in Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. To submit an event for consideration, email listings@gazette.com.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
Colorful Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) celebrations for weeks all around the area and one of the largest for 34 years is this weekend at Far East Center, 333 S. Federal Blvd., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Little Saigon Denver treats guests to traditional Lion and Dragon dances, cultural experiences, ice carving, a kids’ cultural fashion show and an amazing offering of food treats from restaurants and pop-up vendors. Free but reservations requested for timed planning: bit.ly/FEC2025ticket; facebook.com/fareastcenter
FEBRUARY
A Black History Month tribute to the many Black Olympic and Paralympic medalists begins during noon hours all month at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs. Learn their histories, barriers and their athletic achievements and see their medals during the 60 minutes. Book one of the special tours with Annie Rosack, arosack@usopm.org, 719-497-1234 ext 12368.
FRIDAY
An opportunity to hear one of the most incredible operatic voices, soprano Renée Fleming performs “Voice of Nature” in CU Presents. The concert is inspired by the 2023 album, “Voice of Nature: the Anthropocene.” Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St., Boulder, Friday at 7:30 p.m. Limited tickets available: tinyurl.com/2p9ndpcx; cupresents@colorado.edu
ONGOING
Iconic Ruby Hill Park off South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue in Denver is filled with urban terrain activities for the public, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and routinely named first as the best area sledding hill. Now open for the season, with free skiing and snowboarding, is the Ruby Hill Rail Yard, a partnership between Denver Parks & Recreation and Winter Park Resort. Rails, boxes and configurations for all skill levels. Free rental equipment including snowboards, boots, helmets and snow tubes 4-9 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until March. A special event Burton Mystery Series is Feb. 8 and more to follow. denvergov.org/OutdoorRec
SATURDAY
Youngsters up to age 12 have an opportunity to experience Music of the World from inside an orchestra with professional musicians, Saturday at 10 a.m. at The People’s Building in Aurora, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. The youngsters and their adults will sit on the floor, “encircled by a 16+ piece professional orchestra.” An interactive concert and opportunity to meet the musicians. Reservations $11. tinyurl.com/mr3mch3w
SUNDAY
Runners are encouraged to wear crazy-football-fan attire for the Super Bowl 5K Sunday in Washington Park, South Downing and East Louisiana Avenue. Registration at 8 a.m. followed by a Kids Fun Run, 5K Walk, Costume Contest, 40-yard dash and a not-the-Broncos-this-time Super Bowl Prediction Contest. rundenverseries.com/event-info
SATURDAY
A beautiful time to be in Rocky Mountain National Park and an opportunity to participate in ranger-led activities including snowshoeing. On the Estes Park side, learn the basics of snowshoeing Saturdays at 2 p.m. To register: rmconservancy.org/rmnpsnowshoe For more advanced hikes, 2 hours, at 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other ranger activities on the Grand Lake side of the park.
SATURDAY
You can climb or just watch at the Lake City Ice Festival at the Ice Park, Saturday. Climbers register for $35 starting at 9:30 a.m. and competition begins at 11 a.m. Awards dinner, 6:30 p.m. Not climbing? There’s skiing and snowboarding and ice skating. And a beer garden. lakecityice.com/festival
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
Lots of cheers will be emanating out of Colorado Convention Center during The Denver Royal Weekend, a two-day cheerleading competition Saturday and Sunday. 5678royal.com
SUNDAY
The Downtown Denver Rink closes its ice skating season Sunday, 1601 Arapahoe St. Skate Rentals $12 and $9 for kids 12 and under. Bring your skates and it’s a free day, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. winterindenver.com/rink