Best Picture showcases
Now’s the time for the most celebrated films from last year — like “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” — to get the spotlight. One will be crowned the Best Picture at the 98th Oscars on March 15. Frugal film fans can check out all 10 nominees at blockbuster prices. On March 7 and 14, AMC Theatres is hosting a Best Picture Showcase Marathon with five films shown each day. Tickets are $40 for each Saturday. Regal Cinemas’ Best Picture Festival runs from March 6 to 15 with tickets for $7.99. Finally, the best deal is with Harkins Theatres’ Best Picture Film Fest through March 15 – only playing at its Arvada location. An All-Access Pass is $50 – making each flick just $5. amctheatres.com; regmovies.com; harkins.com
Handel’s Ice Cream Grand Opening
Handel’s Ice Cream is opening a new shop at the Lakeridge Shopping Center (16689 Washington St.) in Thornton. This is Handel’s second location in Colorado; the first one is at Southlands in Aurora. On March 12, starting at 11 a.m., the first 50 customers in line will receive one free small cone or dish per week for 52 weeks at the new Thornton store. You must be 18 years or older to participate. The scoop shop will also have giveaways throughout the grand opening weekend. The Thornton site will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. handelsicecream.com
Be Happy Boutique
Young men and women without the funds for formal wear for school proms or other important occasions are invited to shop regardless of budget at the Be Happy Boutique. It’s located at the Streets of Southglenn (6797 S. Vine St.), next to Staples. The shop will be open on two weekends this month – March 6-8 and March 13-15. A large variety of formal wear, including dresses and menswear (pants, shirts, jackets), is available. Styles range from long to short, from modern to vintage in every color, shape and size. Shoes, accessories and jewelry are also available. The boutique follows a pay-what-you-can model, and all are welcome. There’s no cost, no reservations required (just drop in) and no questions. The shop is open from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. ryliesark.org
Assistance League of Denver’s Thrift Shop
Love searching for antiques and vintage items? Look no further than the Assistance League of Denver’s Thrift Shop (6265 E. Evans Ave.) for lots of trinkets and treasures. The shop is holding a Vintage Sale with fashion, home goods, books and collectibles from March 9 to 14. While you’re bargain hunting, be sure to peruse the shop for other deals on contemporary clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, sporting goods, home decor and furniture. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plus, every Monday the shop’s clearance racks and Dollar Deals feature housewares and clothing (women’s and men’s) marked 50% off or just for $1 with a red stamp. assistanceleague.org/denver/thrift-mart
Jewels for Hope
Fine jewelry can be expensive, but not when you shop at Jewels for Hope. The group collects pre-owned jewelry and holds sales throughout the year with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Find plenty of bargain bling at its next sale on March 14 at its shop in Englewood (3500 S. Corona St.) The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this sale, all bracelets are buy-one-get-one free of equal or lesser value. Plus, there will be a selection of handbags for sale. Jewelry ranges from vintage to contemporary and diamonds to rhinestones, all reasonably priced. childrensdiabetesfoundation.org
Irishfest Denver
Denver’s Ballpark District goes green as Irishfest Denver takes over 21st and Blake on March 14 for a day of community celebration. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., get your fill of live music, Irish dance, cultural performances, artisans, Irish fare and libations, games and activities. Performers include Celtic Legacy, McTeggart Irish Dancers, Tonewood and a DJ. The festival is adjacent to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, so you can keep the party going after the last float goes by. Tickets are $12. Those under age 21 are admitted, but only with a parent or guardian. The event is hosted by Ballpark Collective RNO with proceeds going toward uniting and promoting community and local businesses through grants and district improvements. irishfestdenver.com
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
If you can’t make to downtown Denver for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, get your green on March 14 in Arvada or Aurora. Town Center at Aurora (14200 E. Alameda Ave.) hosts an afternoon of festive entertainment, including live performances by Celtic Steps and Queen City Rovers, free beer (21+ only), kids’ crafts and face painting. The party is from noon to 4 p.m. in the Lower Level Center Court. Olde Town Arvada’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival is also on March 14, from noon to 6 p.m., and features more than 70 vendors, food trucks, libations, two stages with live music and a kids zone. towncenterataurora.com; oldetownarvada.org
DQ Free Cone Day
Chill out this spring at Dairy Queen! DQ celebrates the start of spring with its annual Free Cone Day. All customers enjoy a free small vanilla cone on March 19. Many locations will let you dip the cone for $1. The giveaway is only available in-shop. The complimentary cone is available all day, while supplies last. There are 75 DQ shops in Colorado. dairyqueen.com
Phamaly Theatre Company
The regional premiere adaptation of “Little Women” brings Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story to life with warmth, humor and modern emotional resonance. The show is performed by Phamaly Theatre Company from March 19 to April 4 at Northglenn Arts Parsons Theatre (1 E. Memorial Parkway). Phamaly is the foremost disability-affirmative, nonprofit theatre company in the country. The company produces professional plays, musicals and original work cast entirely of performers with all nature of disabilities: physical, emotional, intellectual and cognitive. General admission tickets range from $26 to $35 and can be purchased in advance online. However, $15 rush tickets are available at the door by request one hour before each performance. phamaly.org
Denver Lyric Opera Guild Competition
No need to don a ballgown or tuxedo for this opera experience. Some of Colorado’s finest young opera singers take to the stage at the Denver Lyric Opera Guild’s 2025 final competition on March 21 at Calvary Baptist Church (6500 E. Girard Ave.) in Denver. Finalists perform before a panel of distinguished judges from 1 to 5 p.m., in hopes of singing their way to the top prize. Admission is free, with open seating. Stay for all the performances or come and go as you please between performers. Past winners have gone on to successful operatic careers at companies such as Opera Colorado, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Metropolitan Opera. denverlyricoperaguild.org
Try Hockey for free day
USA Hockey, in partnership with local associations across the country, is hosting “Try Hockey for Free Day!” Kids (ages 4 to 9) new to the sport can experience the action on the ice firsthand for free. Aspiring hockey players of all ability levels can skate, play and learn the basics of the popular sport in a fun and safe environment. No previous skating or hockey experience required. Plus, all locations will have equipment to borrow at no cost. Trained coaching staff will be on hand to assist and guide participants. Hit the ice on March 22 at the South Suburban Sports Complex (4810 E. County Line Road) in Highlands Ranch from noon to 1 p.m. Find additional participating locations and dates at tryhockeyforfree.com.
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