Celebrate Black History Month and More This Weekend!

February 18, 2021

While coronavirus precautions have limited in-person activities, there are still plenty of ways that Black History Month is vibrant in Denver and Aurora. Check out award-winning documentaries online, as well as the new Black American West Museum in Denver. Winter events continue as well, including igloo dining and outdoor Winterfest activities!

TODAY/TONIGHT, February 18

DOC AND TALK
Denver Public Libraries puts the spotlight on Black History Month with their virtual weekly documentary and discussion series. This week’s film is the 2010 documentary, Thunder Soul, about a renowned Houston high school band that reunites after 35 years to play a tribute concert for their beloved band leader who turned the emerging jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s.

Watch this SXSW Film Festival submission through the FREE online link first, then join in the vibrant online discussion! 

Information: FREE
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday-Sunday, February 18-21

DR. JUSTINA FORD FILM ONLINE
As Colorado’s first licensed female African American doctor, Dr. Justina Ford paved the way to knocking down barriers and providing much-needed medical care to underserved populations in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. The documentary, Happy Birthday, Dr. Justina Ford, is a tribute to this remarkable woman and continues beyond her lifetime with interviews of the people who saved her home and legacy from demolition in the 1980s.

As part of Black History Month, the film features Denverites who physically moved her home from Arapahoe Street to its current location on California Street, now home to the Black American West Museum. Ford’s personal tale of perseverance and compassion is reenacted by local actress Adrienne Martin-Fullwood, who conveys not only the emotional impact of the many obstacles Dr. Ford faced in her career but also her joy in serving her community.

Information: FREE
Link to view film

EXPERIENCE WINTERFEST
The past week has proven that winter is still here! Get out and enjoy what Colorado has to offer in the midst of cold and snow at Aurora’s newest resort. Winterfest at Gaylord Rockies promises fun for the entire family—from ice skating and snow tubing to a snow merry-go-round and ice bumper cars, there’s something for everyone! Festive holiday attractions Glacier Point and LIGHT! remain open as well!

Gaylord Rockies, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora
Thurs./Fri., 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $5.99
Phone: 720-452-6900

LACE UP YOUR SKATES
When it’s cold outside, the best remedy is to skate right across the ice! The Pond at Southlands is the perfect spot to take the family, meet up with friends, and greet winter head-on! If you need ice skates to rent or lessons to improve your form, they can accommodate you!

The Pond at Southlands, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
Thurs., 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.; Fri., 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.; /Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12
Phone: 303-627-5000

DCPA INTERACTIVE WHISKEY THEATRE
Not only is this a chance to participate in an interactive online theatre event, better yet, there’s real-life whiskey involved! Brought to you by DCPA, you know it will be a top-notch theatrical happening.

The Whiskey Tasting is an online, immersive theatre experience where you and up to one other member of your household join two other households for an intimate whiskey tasting, exploring the history and nuanced varieties of this spirit. As your bartender guide begins to divulge details about their own life, you’ll be inspired to toast to the moments that brought you to where you are today.

DCPA/The Whiskey Tasting Online
Thurs./Fri., 5:00, 6:45 or 8:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:00, 2:45, 4:30, 6:15, 8:00, or 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $45 – $55

DINE IN AN IGLOO
The past week’s frigid temperatures and lack of full-capacity dining remind us that it will be quite a while until we’re dining outside again—unless we take advantage of the inventive and inspired heated igloos that give us the full restaurant experience while keeping us safe and warm!

Treat yourself to a night of dining out without guilt at Annette, Aurora’s award-winning eaterie in the Stanley Marketplace. Since you’re seated in a heated greenhouse with only members of your household, you are well within quarantine guidelines. For a more urban view, Cooper Under the Lights at Union Station lets you enjoy the heart of Downtown Denver. Each igloo, suitable for 2-4 people, is furnished with chic sofas and easy chairs that allow you to enjoy the retro cocktail-bar vibe. 303 Magazine has a list of many more safe outdoor restaurant spaces to check out!

Annette: 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 108, Aurora
Thurs./Fri./Sat./Sun., 4:30 – 9:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cooper Under the Lights: 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
4:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, February 19-20

VISIT THE BLACK AMERICAN WEST MUSEUM
Often overlooked, the rich culture of the Black American experience through the lens of Western history is highlighted in this new Denver museum. The mission of the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center is to promote an understanding of the role that African Americans played in the settlement and growth of the western United States.

Founder Paul Stewart was inspired to establish this important missing link in regional history when he recalled that he was told as a child, “There is no such thing as a Black cowboy.”

Black American West Museum & Heritage Center, 3091 California St., Denver
Fri./Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $7 – $10
Phone: 720-242-7428

Saturday, February 20

TAKE A LATIN DANCE CLASS
The best way to stay warm in winter weather is to dance your way through it! This sizzling Latin dance class is offered outside in a safe environment. You’ll learn some great dance moves and also get an awesome workout from this Zumba-inspired class! All ages and abilities are welcome. Afterwards, enjoy half-price beer and non-alcoholic beverages!

Cheluna Brewing Company, 2501 Dallas St., Suite 148, Aurora
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Register: $6

FLIGHT SCHOOL FOR TEENS
Now more than ever, young people need something to set their sights on. If your 8th to 12th grader has an interest in flying, sign them up for this online workshop! 

Introduction to Ground School is a five-part workshop created for teenagers to teach them the basics of pilot training, culminating in a flight in a single-engine aircraft with a certified Colorado pilot! The first four sessions are online, and the final session is in-flight (dependent on COVID requirements at the time).

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Online
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Register: $30 for five classes/FREE for members
Phone: 303-360-5360 

Sunday, February 21

SUNDAY MORNING STROLL
Look forward to a sunnier Sunday morning with an exhilarating family hike! An experienced guide will lead you across the prairie, pointing out interesting aspects of ecology, wildlife and history at the Plains Conservation Center. Hikes last approximately 90 minutes and are limited to no more than four individuals from the same household.

It will be a two-mile hike, so be sure to bring layers, hats, gloves, sunscreen, and water—and don’t forget your cameras! Binoculars will be available to borrow if you don’t have your own to bring. All ages are welcome, but please note that there are unpaved paths, uneven ground, and no shade.

Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Register: $20 per household (up to 4 individuals)

Phone: 303-326-8380

Things to Do and See Near Southshore!

There’s no shortage of things to do near the master-planned community of Southshore! Winter time lakeside living is tranquil and beautiful, and you still have easy access to your favorite urban activities. Stop by and see for yourself how great Life at the Lake can be! With beautiful model homes from Toll Brothers, Taylor Morrison, and Richmond American Homes, it’s easy to picture yourself in your own new home, priced from the upper $400s to the $700s.