Denver’s ascendant Asian food scene
Sunday-May 4. Many of the metro area’s best new restaurants offer creative takes on traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and other diverse Asian cuisines, which makes the 2nd annual Mile High Asian Food Week an idea worth bringing back.
More than 100 participating kitchens — from roving trucks and street-food vendors to upscale names such as Hop Alley and sắp sửa — will take part in the event, which is timed to May’s Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Look especially for a delectable offering of pastries, coffees, teas and other non-savory treats.
It runs Saturday, April 28, through May 4 at participating restaurants and locations, with specials menus and deals. See the full list at milehighafw.com — John Wenzel
Talia Haykin of Aurora’s Haykin Family Cidery is getting the Alcoholic Beverage Leader award at this weekend’s Big Stir Festival. (The Unfound Door/The Big Stir)
Let’s hear it for the ladies
Saturday. The food and beverage industries are often considered male-dominated, but a Denver event aims to shake that perception by highlighting female leaders in the space.
At The Big Stir Festival on Saturday, April 27, foodies can enjoy bites and sips from local makers, as well as talks led by women from wine, liquor and food businesses. Loren Matthews, owner/head distiller of Fort Collins’ Elevation 5003 Distillery, will discuss “grain to bottle” spirits, for example. There will also be a drag queen comedy set, tai chi demos and non-alcoholic beverage samplings throughout the day.
The festival runs 1-5 p.m. at Tivoli Turnhalle at the Auraria Campus (900 Auraria Parkway, Denver). Tickets cost $65 for general admission and $95 for VIP, which includes access to a leadership awards ceremony. eventbrite.com. — Tiney Ricciardi
Free Día del Niño activities
Sunday. The 22nd annual Día del Niño returns this weekend to Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Clyfford Still Museum, History Colorado Center and other locations with bilingual family fun.
Dia del Nino returns to the Denver Art Museum (pictured) and other free venues on Sunday, April 28, with live performances, artmaking activities and more bilingual family activities. (Provided by Denver Art Museum)
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At Denver Art Museum, that means free general admission, musical performances, artmaking, museum tours (including high-profile exhibitions) and more. Bilingual readings, free books, and appearances from Ballet Folklórico Sangre de México, Friendship Powwow Dancers, Celtic Steps Irish Dance, Chihera African Marimbas, Qhaswa Peru USA and many more are on tap.
Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, April 28. 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway in Denver. denverartmuseum.org — John Wenzel
Ballet Ariel celebrates 25 years this weekend with performances of “Dances from Le Corsaire” (pictured) and two other ballets at Lakewood Cultural Center. (Provided by Ballet Ariel)
Ballet Ariel’s silver anniversary
Saturday-Sunday. Making it 25 years in the nonprofit arts realm is a feat that Ilena Norton’s Ballet Ariel will celebrate this weekend with the last two performances of its season-ending program, which features “An American in Paris,” “Appalachian Spring” and “Dances from Le Corsaire.”
The shows on Saturday, April 27 (at 7:30 p.m.), and Sunday, April 28 (at 2 p.m.) will take place at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway in Lakewood. Tickets are $25-$35 with discounts for seniors, students and children. 303-945-4388 or balletariel.org — John Wenzel