Farmer’s Market, Flea Market and Chocolate Fest!

May 10, 2018

All kinds of markets and all kinds of tributes to women are in Denver this Mother’s Day weekend! In a browsing mood? Wander through delicious farmers markets, a chocolate festival, and the best flea market in town! Or if you’re in the mood for a little culture, there are plenty of theatre, classical music and opera offerings themed around diverse women including Queen Elizabeth, Elvira Madigan and the merry wives of Windsor! There’s even a special “moms only” comedy show on Mother’s Day Eve! 

Thursday-Saturday, May 10-12

MO AMER – A DIFFERENT KIND OF COMEDY
An antidote to “us versus them,” Mo Amer’s comedy opens up the world to hilarious new ways of seeing things. As the first and only Arab-American refugee comic to perform for U.S. and coalition troops overseas, Amer is exactly what the world needs right now.

  Amer’s comedy bring global news headlines to life. A pioneer of Arab-American stand-up, he has already cemented his stature as an original voice in comedy, opening for stand-up legend Dave Chappelle over 100 times! Through a hilarious blend of improvisation and personal storytelling, Amer reveals his curious life’s tale in stand-up. He has been interviewed by over 100 major world media publications including The New York Times and The Guardian, and was listed in Rolling Stones 2017 “Comedians You Should Know.”

Comedy Works-Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver
Thurs., 8:00 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.; Sat., 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$23
Phone: 303-595-3637

Thursday-Sunday, May 10-13

THE WHO’S TOMMY – ON STAGE!
This groundbreaking musical by the legendary rock band, The Who, forever changed musical theatre! This is the rock opera that set the stage for all the rest–Tommy tells the story of a troubled teen boy who is redeemed by pinball. The music is epic, soaring stadium rock-and-roll, and the energy is nothing short of electric as Tommy’s tumultuous journey takes him from obscurity to the dazzling heights of fame and fortune—and the perils that come with it. You won’t want to miss this chance to see the rock musical that started it all!

Stage Theatre/DCPA, 1101 13th St., Denver
Thurs., 6:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$87
Phone: 800-641-1222

Friday-Saturday, May 11-12

EARTHLINKS PLANT AND GARDEN SALE!
This plant and garden sale is just in time for Mother’s Day! Start your garden the right way with organically-grown flower, herb and vegetable seedlings! Pick out what you like from a wide variety of beautiful flowers, veggies and other plants for you garden, all grown by participants and volunteers of the EarthLinks Workshop Program.

Hand-crafted gifts, cards, candles, vases, skin care products, honey, bee boxes and much more also available!

EarthLinks, 2746 W. 13th Ave., Denver
Fri., 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.; Sat., 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-389-0085

COLORADO CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Mother’s Day is a great excuse to bring the entire family out to this delectable festival! The 11th annual Colorado Chocolate Festival was named one of the nation’s five best food fairs by Orbitz Travel and features more than 50,000 chocolate samples from regional and national chocolate companies! If you need a break from all that sweetness, you can browse the special Mother’s Day gift booths or catch one of the music acts on the festival stage. 

For the widest choice of activities, be sure to purchase plenty of Taste Tickets! Then you can try the Chocolate Happy Hour Pairing—chocolates paired with different wines and beer! Or Chocolate Dipped Whaaat?—where Denver’s wackiest chef, Andrew Novick, dares you to try his outrageous cocoa-concoctions! There’s free chocolate cake for all moms (everyone else requires a Taste Ticket), or try your luck at Name That Chocolate—identify different chocolates while tasting them blindfolded! Stick around to see who wins the coveted awards for Best Truffle, Best Fudge, Best Toffee, Best Chocolate Design and Best Open Class! 

The Denver Mart, 451 E. 58th Ave., Denver
Fri., 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.; Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5-$50
Phone: 303-347-8252

Friday-Sunday, May 11-13

MOZART’S “ELVIRA MADIGAN” PIANO CONCERTO NO. 21!
Mozart’s sweeping, romantic Piano Concerto No. 21 is best known for the use of its Andante in the classic Danish film Elvira Madigan, widely considered one of the most beautiful films ever made. 

This whimsical and romantic concert by the Colorado Symphony features the Elvira Madigan movement, as well as Mozart’s sprightly Overture to The Marriage of Figaro. Also on the program are Fauré’s stately and soothing Pavane, and Poulenc’s reverent, spirited Gloria, featuring Jessica Rivera and the Colorado Symphony Chorus. You won’t want to miss this blissful collection of symphonic music!

Boettcher Concert Hall/DPAC, 1000 14th St. #15, Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$89
Phone: 303-623-7876

FINAL WEEKEND – THE AUDIENCE 
Don’t miss the final performances of the stage play based on Queen Elizabeth’s famous weekly audiences with each of her 12 prime ministers. Written by the same royals expert who brought a young Elizabeth to the small screen in Netflix’s The Crown, this fascinating play imagines what might have happened during those closed-door meetings between Queen Elizabeth and prime ministers from Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher to David Cameron.

Vintage Theatre Productions, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $26-$32
Phone: 303-856-7830

OPERA COLORADO PRESENTS FALSTAFF!
It’s the merry wives of Windsor who have the upper hand in this delightful, farcical opera by Verdi! Inspired by Shakespeare’s comedies, Falstaff is about an old, fat knight who contrives an elaborate scheme to acquire money from two rich married women. The women find out about Falstaff’s devious plan and concoct their own scheme to dupe Falstaff and expose him for a fool. Opera Colorado gives you the perfect opportunity to indulge in a whimsical experience of entertaining culture!

Ellie Caulkins Opera House/DPAC, 1385 Curtis St., Denver
Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$200
Phone: 303-468-2030 

Saturday, May 12

THE LEMON CLIMB DENVER
If you’re looking for a challenge and a way to help raise money for a good cause, look no further than walking or running up 43 flights of stairs to the top of the 1999 Broadway building in downtown Denver! Lemon Climbs are a series of towering events all over the country, where participants walk, run or race up the stairs of high-rise buildings to raise money for better treatments and cures for childhood cancer.

After you reach the top floor of the 1999 Broadway Building, relax at the after-party where you can enjoy light bites and sky-high views. Climbers can participate on their own or create a team to climb and fundraise together! Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $100 in pledges. All participants will receive a limited-edition Lemon Climb t-shirt. 

1999 Broadway Building, Denver
8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Register: $15-$25
Phone: 866-333-1213

SOUTHLANDS FARMER’S MARKET
You know summer is just around the corner when Southlands Farmer’s Market returns! Set your alarm to arrive early for the best pickings! Southlands is a modern Main Street in the heart of southeast Aurora that offers fashion, dining and entertainment all in one spot—and starting this Saturday morning, the best produce and Farmer’s Market fares as well!

Did you know pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites? Or that Americans are eating 900% more broccoli than we did 20 years ago? You never know what you might discover about the produce you eat when you come to the Southlands Farmer’s Market!

Southlands, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-627-5000  

LUCKY FINDS FLEA MARKET!
This is the ultimate Mother’s Day activity—to happily spend the day browsing at Denver’s Best Flea Market (Westword)! The Horseshoe Market is the favorite destination for all things handmade, vintage, artistic and designer! Vendors are a vital community of local artists, designers, hand-crafters, collectors and entrepreneurs who have curated a dazzling display of lucky finds for you! Not only do you spend the day finding inspiration and treasures, but you are also helping small businesses grow and supporting the local economy!

The Horseshoe Market, 46th and Tennyson, Denver
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Email: info@horseshoemarket.com 

UNION STATION FARMER’S MARKET
This is the Farmer’s Market brought to you by growers only! A wide selection of fresh produce, meat, eggs, flowers, cheese, breads and more—straight from the farm! Brought to you by the Boulder County Farmers Markets nonprofit organization, you don’t need to go any further than downtown Denver to get the freshest produce.

You won’t want to miss the chef demonstrations from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. for inspired cuisine ideas, followed by live music! Bring your own shopping bags and make it a day!

Denver’s Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-910-2236

MOTHER’S DAY ORIGAMI
No Mother’s Day present is sweeter than one made by your child. Bring your kids ages 8 and older to this crafty workshop where they will create original origami flowers to give to Mom, Grandma, and other special mothers in their lives!

Mission Viejo Library, 15324 E. Hampden Cir., Aurora
12:00 and 2:00 p.m.
Register: FREE
Phone: 303-326-8600

MOTHER’S DAY EVE – FOR MOMS ONLY!
Tomorrow families can treat their moms to a group brunch, but this evening is a fun night out for moms only! This adult-themed comedy act and dance party with The Pump and Dump Show has become a Denver tradition and epic yearly event for moms across Colorado. 

Featuring an after-show DJ dance party, comedy and musical guest, a photo booth and awesome prizes, content is by AwestruckTV, a community of celebrity talent and everyday moms who deliver entertainment, information and conversation tailored for today’s time-pressed mom.

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver
8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $32
Phone: 303-360-5360

Plenty to do Near Southshore!
There’s no end to your entertainment choices near the master-planned community of Southshore! If this isn’t your neighborhood, yet, stop by and see why this lakeside community is such a great place to be! You can tour the stunning models and review even more up-to-the-minute designs from Toll Brothers in Vista Point, Century Communities in The Hills, and Richmond American Homes at Lakeview. It’s life at the lake in ranch and two-story models, priced from the upper $300s to the $700s.