DENVER – Colorado’s cultural calendar is vibrant this weekend, offering a diverse range of events as the Lunar New Year celebrations begin. From traditional performances and cultural festivals to sporting competitions and theatrical productions, the state presents a wide array of activities for residents and visitors alike.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
The Lunar New Year, beginning on , marks the start of the Year of the Horse, according to the Chinese zodiac. Celebrations are expected to continue for up to two weeks. The Far East Center in Denver will host a Lunar New Year celebration on and , featuring lion and dragon dances, cultural performances and a marketplace. Admission is free, but reservations are encouraged.
The Denver Botanic Gardens is also hosting a series of events throughout February, including a Lunar New Year Market on , , , and . Lion and Dragon Dance performances are scheduled on , , and . Community organizations will present curated activities, including haiku writing, origami, and Japanese New Year card making.
A larger Colorado Chinese New Year Celebration will be held at George Washington High School on , offering a cultural fair, a “Taste of China,” and an arts and crafts marketplace. A separate Celebration Show, requiring a $25 ticket, will run from .
The Asian Pacific Alliance of Longmont will also host a free Lunar New Year event at Silver Creek High School on , featuring food, live performances including a Lion Dance, cultural games, and hands-on activities.
Arts and Entertainment
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is hosting several productions this weekend. “Water for Elephants,” adapted from the best-selling novel, is playing at the Buell Theatre through . “Cowboys and East Indians,” a new comedy-drama, is being performed at the Kilstrom Theatre through . “Godspeed,” another new production, is also playing at the Kilstrom Theatre through .
Denver’s largest Lunar New Year Party will be held on at the Grand Hyatt, benefiting the Nathan Yip Foundation. The event will feature a lion dance, a silent and live auction, and a night market.
Other Weekend Events
The Colorado Garden &. Home Show continues at the Colorado Convention Center through , featuring immersive gardens, expert advice, and family-friendly activities.
The CHSAA State Wrestling Championships are taking place at Ball Arena in Denver from through .
In Frisco, the Mardi Gras 4Paws dog parade will be held on , benefiting Hope for Animals.
Ice Castles are open at locations in Silverthorne and Cripple Creek. The Cripple Creek Ice Fest continues through , featuring live ice sculpting.
The 20th annual Colorado Environmental Film Festival opens on at the Green Center at Colorado School of Mines, screening films from 13 countries.
The Kaleidoscope Gala, a fundraising event for Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation, will be held on at The Ritz-Carlton in Denver.
“Brick Planet: A magical journey made with Lego bricks” is now open at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, featuring sculptures built from over 1.5 million Lego bricks.
Box Office Releases
In cinemas, “Wuthering Heights” led the box office last weekend, followed by “GOAT.” New releases this weekend include “I Can Only Imagine 2,” “How to Make a Killing,” “Bendito Corazon,” and “Kokuho.”
