Cupid’s Undie Run
Saturday. Even if it’s not cold Saturday (and it’s not predicted to be) it takes more than a bit of courage to run around in public in your underwear. The annual, Valentine’s Day-themed event known as Cupid’s Undie Run — “the nation’s largest pantless party and mileish run for charity,” as organizers called it — is the perfect excuse.
It raises funds to research and combat neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, they said. The event begins at noon on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Stoney’s Bar and Grill, 1111 Lincoln St. in Denver.
The race, at 2 p.m., is bookended by drinks and dancing. Register, for $50 per person (21-and-up only), or donate at cupids.org/cupids-undie-run
Comic Reggie Watts will headline the Saturday, Feb. 24, show for Aspen Laugh Festival. (Provided by Aspen Laugh Festival)
Comedy royalty graces Colorado
Through Sunday. Despite our geographic isolation, Colorado is a tour-routing mecca and a favored destination of stand-up headliner. That’s hardly more true this weekend as Aspen Laugh Festival barrels forward, following sets from Patton Oswalt and Beth Stelling (who’s also at Comedy Works at Larimer Square in Denver, Friday, Feb. 23-Sunday, Feb. 25).
The Feb. 23 festival set at Wheeler Opera House has fast-rising star Patti Harrison (“I Think You Should Leave”), with Feb. 24 show from improv-music genius Reggie Watts (also bandleader on “The Late Show with James Corden”). Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. shows at 320 E. Hyman Ave. in Aspen are $52-$92. Call 970-920-5770 or visit wheeleroperahouse.com for more.
A pet parade and an ugly sweater contest are part of this year’s activities at the annual Arvada WinterFest. (Provided by Arvada WinterFest)
Arvada WinterFest
Saturday. Colorado’s false-spring days are starting to arrive, with warm temps belying the potential for massive snow dumps through late April. The return of Arvada WinterFest is a good reminder of that, celebrating the (sorta) chilly pleasures of winter with free, family-friendly events in Olde Town Arvada on Saturday, Feb. 24.
The festival this year features a pet parade, ugly sweater contest, live mariachi music and dragon dances, ice sculpting, carriage rides, local vendors and food trucks, a beer garden, and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McIlvoy Park, 5750 Upham St. arvadafestivals.com/winterfest
Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman”
Opens Saturday. If you’re already spending $100-plus on Red Rocks tickets and other night-out activities, why not consider a visit to Opera Colorado’s “The Flying Dutchman.” The show opens Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, with additional performances on Feb. 27, March 1, and March 3.
It’s Opera Colorado’s first Wagnerian production in 15 years, and it arrives in all its fully-produced glory, leaders there said. Featuring brand new sets from Emmy-nominated designer Alan E. Muraoka and direction from Kathleen Smith Belcher, it’s the tale of a ghost ship come ashore, turned into a sensory theatrical delight.
Tickets are $39-$219 for the p.m. show at 1385 Curtis St. in Denver. Visit operacolorado.org for more.