Dance, Dinos, Music and Markets!
This weekend you can enjoy strolling through the Erie Farmer’s Market, support local artists, musicians and performers while taking in their melodies and talents, and visit dinosaurs at the traveling Jurassic Park exhibit! Locations for events and activities include Erie, Denver and nearby Boulder, Lafayette and Longmont.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, June 2
ERIE FARMER’S MARKET
Erie Farmers Market seeks to support Colorado farms and businesses by providing Erie and surrounding communities with a dynamic and inviting market that is beneficial to both its vendors and customers by emphasizing the importance of buying
locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, artisan breads, honey, cheese, coffee, baked goods, natural body care, massage and much more to this wonderful community.
The farmers sell Colorado-grown organic, transitional and pesticide-free vegetables and orchard keepers bring organic and conventional fruit from Palisades, Colorado. The quality and diversity of the vendors’ produce and products promise a satisfying shopping experience in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Briggs St. – between Wells and Moffatt
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Every Week Through September 8
CULTURAL CARAVAN JUNE FESTIVAL
Voted “best Zimbabwean musician in the U.S.” in 2021 Zivanai Masango brings his flagship band, ZiMbira, back to the Cultural Caravan to kick off the Caravan’s June Festival Main Stage series! Dance at the beautiful Boulder Bandshell, located in the heart of downtown Boulder, as Zivanai mingles the traditional sounds and rhythms of his home country with his own original songs.
Says Masango, “Culture creates inroads and opportunities for people to connect. People find things that they have in common when they’re introduced to each other’s cultures. It’s a very good way to bridge any kind of perceived differences between people. I love sharing my culture because it’s a great way for people to connect with where I’m from and where I’m at the moment.”
Boulder Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Blvd., Boulder
6:00-9:00 p.m.
FREE EVENT
Thursday-Sunday, June 2-5
MAZES & BRAIN GAMES
The “Mazes & Brain Games” experience explodes with dozens of puzzles and mazes. You’ll discover surprises around every corner and new methods of problem solving through open-ended play. Make music as you navigate your way through the Junior Explorer Music Maze. Get tangled and untangled in the Web Maze. Whatever challenge tickles your fancy, get ready for a fun experience, perfect for kids in elementary school and younger and their families.
“Mazes & Brain Games” includes an exciting lineup of family-friendly adventures, 3-D puzzles and full body games to nurture your creative genius through open-ended play. Test your perceptions in a feast of visual trickery inside the giant Maze of Illusions. Wrap your head around the Puzzle Maze, put your finger on the pulse of the Finger Maze and get lost in a network of color in the Color Maze. There are off-peak times and admission tickets/reservations, as well as peak times/tickets.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission: $14.95-$19.95
Info: 303-370-6000
JURASSIC WORLD: THE EXHIBITION
The exhibition immerses audiences of all ages in interactive scenes inspired by the beloved film. Now, the park that was only a promise comes to life right before your eyes.
– Discover the science of Jurassic World
– Meet the most adorable baby dinos
– Get up-close and personal with velociraptors
– Come face to face with life-size dinosaurs
Don’t miss this awe-inspiring journey into Jurassic World: The Exhibition, for a limited time in Denver.
National Western Center, 5004 National Western Dr., Denver
Weekdays: 11:00 a.m.-6-8:00 pm.; Weekends: 10:00 a.m.-7-8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19.50-$94.50
Info: JWE@roundroomlive.com
THE SPONGE BOB MUSICAL
“Effervescent candy for the spirit!” – New York Magazine
The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world! The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Sponge Bob the Musical received 2018 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical.
“Brilliant” – The New York Times
BDT Stage, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
Thurs.-Sat., 6:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00 p.m.
Tickets: $70-$75
Information: 303-449-6000
Friday, June 3
FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT
Love dancing in the street? Head to Longmont for the free Downtown Summer Concert. Bring the whole family for live music, kids’ activities, local food trucks, craft beverages and more. This Friday’s concert features Grammy-nominated reggae legend Pato Banton who has toured the world with The English Beat, Steel Pulse, UB40 & Sting. Pato’s four-decade career has transcended music to create a positive and uplifting message of global peace and love for humanity.
Also performing: Mono Verde Collective, a group which formed to spread Latin reggae rhythms throughout North America. Band members hail from Mexico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Peru, St. Thomas and the U.S. and play “spiritual, revolutionary music with intention.”
Downtown Longmont, 4th & Kimbark
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Free Event
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD WITH TROPIDELIC
Michael Franti is an American rapper, musician, poet, activist, documentarian, and singer-songwriter, known for his participation in many musical projects, most with a political and social emphasis, including the Beatnigs and the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy.
After a tour, some humanitarian work, and time off, Franti returned to recording ALL PEOPLE was released in the summer of 2013. SOUL ROCKER, from 2016, featured more electronic music in the mix, thanks in part to producers like Stephen McGregor (son of reggae legend Freddie McGregor). 2019’s STAY HUMAN, VOL. 2 acted as both a soundtrack to his self-directed documentary, Stay Human, as well as a sequel to his 2001 album of the same title. Its themes of positivity in the face of tumult carried over onto 2020’s WORK HARD & BE NICE.
The Fox Theatre, 1135 13th St., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$24
Friday-Saturday, June 3-4
DANSE ETOILE BALLET
Danse Etoile Ballet premiers two contemporary ballets at the Dairy Arts Center this weekend. Inspired by the relationships architects and dancers share with gravity, “In A Dialogue with Gravity” explores the connection between architecture, dance, and its people. In the second act, “Matisse’s Gardens,” the forms, colors, and space of Matisse’s famed cutouts forms the foundation for this contemporary ballet. This is a vaccinated-only event.
Gordon Gamm Theater, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$30
DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM
This water wonderland mixes family fun, a variety of exhibits, an Aquatic Carousel ride, 4-D Theater, upscale-casual dining and spectacular marine life in Denver. Explore the Aquarium Adventure exhibit with more than 1 million gallons of extraordinary exhibits.
Dine in the Aquarium Restaurant seated around a 50,000-gallon centerpiece aquarium featuring a variety of delicious menu selections.
Downtown Aquarium, 700 Water St., Denver
Fri.-Sat., 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Admission: $18.99-$24.99 (More for Exhibit – Plus passes)
Phone: 303-561-4450
Saturday, June 4
VICTOR MESTAS & FRIENDS
Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Victor Mestas has quietly been making his mark in the jazz world through an international performing career and more than 100 recordings. Since 2014, he has lived in Boulder with his wife and daughters.
While Victor is a master of Venezuelan and Brazilian jazz, his musical curiosity spans the entire globe. Join him, Gonzalo Teppa (bass), and Josh Halpern (cello) at the experimental B2 Center for Media, Arts, & Performance for an unconventional journey around the world.
“Victor brings joy and openness to everything he does. That’s why he’s such a superb musician, and so in-demand as a collaborator. This night will be a rare opportunity to hear Victor’s unfiltered musical vision, and in an intimate blackbox theater.”
-Josh Halpern, Cultural Caravan Artistic Director
THE ATLAS INSTITUTE’S B2 CENTER, 1125 18th St., Boulder
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12-$18
SECOND SATURDAY CREATIVE CRAWL
The second Saturday of every month features a “course” of events through which you proceed at your own pace. Explore the Longmont Creative District by visiting one activity or stop by all of them to discover something new and visually entertaining, fashioned by Longmont’s creative community and businesses.
This free monthly event brings creativity – anything made of the hand or mind – to take center stage, and engages the community to enjoy interactive activities, local artists and makers, craft food and beverage, live music, shopping, and much more. This month visit the Tipi to Tiny House: Hands-on Homebuilding exhibit; Artist in Action, the June Book Sale (at the Library) the Glow Dance Party, a haunted alleys tour, plus music and brunch.
Downtown Longmont – Various Locations
Morning to Evening
Information: Times, Activities
NEXT WEEK: Wednesday-Saturday, June 8-11
Wednesday, June 8
SUMMER MUSIC AT THE FARM: RIVER ARKANSAS
All of the farm activities and animals are open to explore on these Summer Music Evenings and Acoustic Jamborees – so bring your family, chairs, blankets, drinks and purchase yummy dinner from local food trucks while you watch fantastic bands perform. First up is the River Arkansas, a band comprised of some of the finest musicians on Colorado’s Front Range. Fronted by Mike Clark, the band delivers a mix of heartfelt country, blues, folk, and Americana. And new this summer, the Farm, together with Land of Bands are hosting a singer/songwriter musical showcase as well.
The Sunflower Farm, 11150 Prospect Rd., Longmont
4:00-8:00 p.m.
Reservations (Required)
Info: 303-774-8001
TIGRAN HAMASYAN PERFORMS
With pianist/composer Tigran Hamasyan, potent jazz improvisation fuses with the rich folkloric music of his native Armenia. Turning 30 in 2017, he’s one of the most remarkable and distinctive jazz-meets-rock pianists of his generation. He plays mostly original compositions, which are strongly influenced by the Armenian folk tradition, often using its scales and modalities. In addition to Tigran’s folk influence, he is influenced by American jazz traditions and to some extent, by progressive rock. Tigran has toured internationally for a fan bass that ranges from adventurous jazz aficionados to progressive hardcore metal listeners.
Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $68-$77
Phone: 303-786-7030
Friday-Saturday, June 10-11
ARTS IN THE PARK: BOULDER BALLET
The City of Boulder is proud to present the Boulder Ballet as part of it’s Arts in the Park series featuring local performances and program. Showcasing the most memorable works from the season, the ballet troupe will perform at the historic Glen Huntington Bandshell. This mixed repertoire program features a collection of short works that express the expansive range of ballet in a triumphant return to the stage.
Food will be available for purchase from local food trucks ‘King Como Quesadillas’ and ‘Scrooge Maki’. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefitting the PLAY Boulder Foundation. Guests are welcome to bring outside food into the venue, however, outside alcohol may not be brought into the venue.
Boulder Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Blvd., Boulder
7:00 p.m.
Admission: $5-$10
Info: 303-444-7328
Life in Erie, Colorado
There’s lots to do near the master-planned community of Colliers Hill, whether it’s right in Erie, or 20 minutes away in Boulder. If you don’t live here yet, check out the stunning model homes from KB Home, Richmond American Homes – and now open, Boulder Creek. Priced from the $500s, this fast-growing new home community in Northern Colorado has lots of exciting amenities to offer new home buyers, too!
