Earth Day, The Oscars and Denver Restaurant Week!

April 22, 2021

Denver and Aurora have some big plans for Earth Day! You can get away from it all nearby with a wagon ride at the Plains Conservation Center in Aurora or check out the massive new interactive art installation, Earth Illuminated, in downtown Denver. While you’re out and about, why not sample some of the exciting cuisine from one of more than 200 restaurants in the Mile High City? Denver Restaurant Week is back with fixed-price, multi-course meals, so make your reservation now!

TODAY/TONIGHT, April 22

WAGON RIDES FOR EARTH DAY!
What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with an old-fashioned wagon ride out on the prairie? Plains Conservation Center is nearby but feels miles away with its rural vibe. You can take in all the sights during the slow ride!

You’ll have a knowledgable guide on board who can answer your wildlife questions and point out the bald eagle nest and all the other beautiful plant and animal species on the property. Wagon rides are approximately one hour, and all social distancing protocols will be followed, including mask wearing.

Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora
10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10

CHINA’S INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN
Did you know that China has committed to a $1 trillion international transportation and trade infrastructure construction program known as the Belt & Road Initiative? This massive program is already underway and aims to finance and build roads, bridges, railways, seaports, and airports for over 100 countries.

The project is being promoted by Beijing as the modern equivalent of the ancient Silk Road. This Active Minds discussion will start with the history of the Silk Road and lead into how this contemporary endeavor might affect China’s place in the world in the near future.

MCA/Active Minds Online
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Register: FREE

VIRTUAL GALA HONORS FIRE FIGHTERS
The summer of 2020 was known, among other things, as a record-breaking Colorado fire season. More than 625,000 acres burned across the state, with the three largest recorded fires in Centennial State history. One of the saving graces was the teamwork of brave and committed wildfire professionals, including the aviation teams. This virtual Gala for the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum honors those firefighters and gives you the opportunity to get an inside glimpse at their operations.

Firefighting teams will be online to talk about how ground and air teams work together. Rick Crandall, a Colorado Broadcaster of the Year, will lead conversations with pilots, Incident Response Teams, and impacted communities. There will be a silent auction and a chance to find out how you can get involved in the industry.

Wings Over the Rockies Online
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Register: $25

Thursday-Sunday, April 22-25

MUSEUM FOR BLACK GIRLS
This exciting interactive art installation gives Black girls and women a chance to shine by educating new audiences and engaging with Black girls as it illustrates the Black female experience. 

Empowering and illuminating, the space celebrates “Black Girl Magic,” the essence of Black women. Everyone is welcome to learn more about the journey this group of women has embarked on. Most importantly, this museum is a love letter to Black girls everywhere!

Edens, 1439 26th St., Denver
Thurs./Fri., 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sat., 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. 
Tickets: $15-$25
Phone: 720-984-6463

EARTH ILLUMINATED
For an awe-inspiring view of the earth from air, land, and sea, this special exhibit combines digital media with images of the natural world in a whole new way! Celebrate Earth Day at this massive showcase in downtown Denver, where you can explore interactive exhibits and large-scale art installations. 

 This family-friendly attraction is cleverly divided into a series of themed sets that are designed for taking photos and videos. Put yourself in a unique perspective or interact with the props that will help you become a part of the planet in a way you never dreamed of before!

Denver Pavilions, 500 16th St., Suite 280, Denver
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$25
Phone: 720-897-3855

AURORA IN-PERSON THEATRE
If you’ve been waiting for the return of live, IN-PERSON theatre, it’s back in Aurora! Enjoy the energy and connection of live theatre with Queens Girl in the World, a sassy, smart coming-of-age story set in the 1960s.

The volatile Civil Rights movement seems far away for Jacqueline Marie Butler, who lives a protective, middle-class lifestyle in Queens. But when she’s sent to a progressive private school in Greenwich Village, comical confusion ensues. Set to an energizing Motown soundtrack, the play is one girl’s personal journey—set in the broader social movement of the time.

Aurora Fox Theatre, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$40

GET READY FOR THE OSCARS
Before the Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday night, watch some of the nominated films in the movie theatre! Harkins Theatres are running their annual Best Picture Film Fest now, so check out the line-up and grab your tickets!

Catch a screening of the big pictures everyone is talking about—Judas and the Black Messiah, Nomadland, Promising Young Woman, The Father, Mank, Minari, The Trial of The Chicago 7, and Sound of Metal.

Harkins Theatres Northfield 18, 8300 E. Northfield Blvd., Denver
Various times
Tickets: $5
Phone: 720-374-3118

Friday, April 23

PARENTS NIGHT OUT
The kids will be thrilled to have a night out on their own—meeting other kids, playing games, doing some crafts, and watching a movie! Because of COVID, no food will be served, but you can pack snacks and drinks for them.

Meanwhile, you get three hours to yourself for a well-deserved Parents’ Night Out! You can relax and enjoy some grown-up time knowing your kids will be safe with the staff of the Southlands YMCA. This event is appropriate for kids ages 3-12.

Southlands Mall, 6295 S. Main St., Unit 104, Aurora
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Register: $15

Friday-Sunday, April 23-25

DENVER RESTAURANT WEEK!
Denver Restaurant Week is back and you can enjoy it in-person, to-go, or with delivery! What a year it’s been for restaurants, and they are more than ready to come back strong, showing off their special dishes and introducing new ones! You get a chance to sample the cuisine you always wanted to try. Best of all, the three-tier “fixed price” system lets you know up front how much you’ll be spending!

Over 200 restaurants are participating, and each will be offering a multi-course dinner (usually three courses) for one fixed price. Make your reservations now and enjoy the great eateries of the Mile High City! Restaurant Week continues through May 2. 

Various Restaurants
Starting at 5:00 p.m. daily
Reserve: $25-$45 per person

Saturday, April 24

TALENT SHOW ONLINE
It’s time! The MCA Talent Showcase is ready to go, with local amateur performers waiting to show you what they’ve got! You may even know someone in the lineup! This year the event will be virtual, so it couldn’t be simpler to attend. Just tune in when it’s time to watch—no registration is required.

Be sure to cast your vote for the act you think deserves to win!

MCA Online
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
View and Vote: FREE

Sunday, April 25

CELEBRATE ANZAC DAY
If you never heard of Anzac Day, ask your Aussie or Kiwi friend. This national day of remembrance is celebrated in Australia and New Zealand, and today there’s a gathering in Aurora for citizens of these countries to get together and commemorate the day and honor all those who served and lost their lives in service.

Tents and a sound system will be set up on the lawn, and at 2:25 p.m., a short service will be held. Captain Ian Macbeth will be honored for his bravery and sacrifice fighting fires in Australia last year, and members of his family will be present. After the service, hang out and enjoy the company and the music! Wear a mask to keep everyone safe!

Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
2:00 p.m.
Information: FREE

FREE DANCE CLASS
Grab your partner and head down to LoDo for a FREE Arthur Murray Dance Class! Each 30-minute class will be taught by a professional dance instructor and will cover the basics of several dance moves—including Swing and Rumba.

Enjoy the beautiful space that includes hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and large glass doors that look out onto Dairy Block’s pedestrian alley. Treat yourself and your partner to a romantic, fun night out! The classes are FREE to join, but advanced registration is required.

The Maven Hotel, 1850 Wazee St., Denver
5:00 or 6:00 p.m.
Register: FREE

Activities Abound Near Southshore!

There’s no shortage of things to do near the master-planned community of Southshore! You get the tranquility of lakeside living with 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.