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9Things to do in Colorado this weekend: February 28-March 1

Celebrate the season this Leap Day weekend by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that makes Colorado so special.

COLORADO, USA — Happy Leap Day weekend, Colorado! 

The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are back in four Colorado cities this weekend and the 20th anniversary tour of Rent makes a stop in Denver. Coloradans will enjoy the extra day of winter with frosty festivals in Arvada, Conifer and Copper Mountain. Sports fans have a great weekend on tap with the Nuggets, Mammoth, Eagles and Raptors battling at home.

From festivals and fairs to expos and runs, there's lots to do, see and explore in Colorado this Leap Day weekend. Grab the hot cocoa and check out one of these fun events across Colorado!

> Have an event tip? Send it here.

Credit: Harlem Globetrotters

Harlem Globetrotters

DENVER, LOVELAND, BROOMFIELD, COLORADO SPRINGS — The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their family-friendly entertainment and incredible basketball skills to four Colorado cities this weekend. The Globetrotters face off against their long-time adversaries, the Washington Generals, in Loveland on Friday, Denver and Broomfield on Saturday and Colorado Springs on Sunday. The Globetrotters' star-studded roster features Big Easy Lofton, Hi-Lite Bruton, Hammer Harrison, Moose Weeks, Hops Pearce, Lights Out Lee, Jet Rivers, Money Merriweather, Speedy Artis, Scooter Christensen, and Colorado’s own TNT Lister. For more information visit HarlemGlobetrotters.com.

Credit: Amy Boyle; Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Rent

DENVER — The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent is back in Colorado on its 20th Anniversary Tour. The rock musical that changed the landscape of American theater follows a year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. The celebration of friendship, creativity, joy, hope and love, plays Denver’s Buell Theatre through Sunday. Rent 20th Anniversary Tour tickets are sold through DenverCenter.org.

RELATED: Here’s how to enter the lottery for $20 tickets to see Rent's 20th anniversary tour in Denver

Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Arvada WinterFest

ARVADA — The 3rd annual WinterFest arrives Saturday at McIlvoy Park in Old Towne Arvada. The free, family-friendly event offers games, food, vendors, performances, hot drinks, live music and more. There will be polka music, Chinese drums, Native American dancers, ice sculptors, firedancers and much more. Arvada WinterFest runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

RELATED: A closer look at the Colorado city that’s home of one of 2020’s ‘hottest neighborhoods to watch’

285 Winterfest

CONIFER — The annual 285 Winterfest runs all day Saturday at Conifer's Meyer Ranch Open Space. In addition to food and live music, the festival will offer snowman carving, snow tubing, a free screening of "Adominable" and craft brew crawl. For more information and event signup, visit GoConifer.com.

RELATED: A mountain refuge only 30 miles from Denver

Subaru WinterFest

COPPER MOUNTAIN — Subaru WinterFest is a concert and mountain lifestyle tour for skiers, snowboarders, friends and families. The free three-day festival opens Friday at Copper Mountain with campfire s’mores and live music from the Kind Hearted Strangers. The Lil Smokies and Fruition are set to perform Saturday and more events are scheduled for Sunday.

Burton US Open

VAIL — The Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships continue through Saturday at Vail Mountain. The event brings the best snowboarders in the world to compete in halfpipe and slopestyle events. The event also features free music events, Dobson Ice party, kids’ activities and Saturday night fireworks. To see the complete schedule through Saturday’s men’s and women’s halfpipe finals, visit Events.Burton.com.

> Have an event tip? Send it here.

Credit: Opera Colorado

Pagliacci

DENVER — Opera Colorado performs its newest production this Leap Day weekend. Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci marks Opera Colorado’s expansion from two to three fully-staged productions at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver. Pagliacci will be performed in Italian, with English and Spanish subtitles at every seat on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For tickets and showtimes, visit OperaColorado.org.

RELATED: Leap Day freebies, deals and events in Colorado

Credit: Colorado Symphony

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert

DENVER — Your Colorado Symphony will perform John Williams' iconic score to Star Wars: Return of the Jedi this weekend in Denver. The climatic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga will be screened with the live orchestra performing the full film score. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Boettcher Concert Hall. Reserve your seats at ColoradoSymphony.org.

Denver Young Artists Orchestra Spectacular: Ellis Island

DENVER —  Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO) will be joined by actors from PHAMALY Theatre Company for a performance of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: The Dream of America, and Edvard Grieg's Holberg Suite. "DYAO Spectacular: Ellis Island" begins at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Boettcher Concert Hall. For tickets, visit ColoradoSymphony.org.

Credit: PAW Patrol Live!

PAW Patrol Live!

DENVER — The action-packed, music-filled, family-friendly production PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue arrives in Denver this weekend. Teaching lessons about citizenship, social skills and problem-solving, the live stage show will have four performances at Bellco Theatre at the Colorado Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday. Performances are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. Tickets for the Denver shows are available now at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849.

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Credit: Vintage Theatre

Marvin’s Room

AURORA — Marvin's Room, the newest production from Aurora's Vintage Theatre, opens Friday. The drama tells the story of two sisters, who have not seen each other for almost two decades, thrown together after one is diagnosed with leukemia. Scott McPherson's human, hopeful, and hilarious play about being there for each other is directed by Bernie Cardell. Marvin's Room plays the Vintage Theatre through Sunday, April 5, with tickets available at VintageTheatre.org or by phone at 303-856-7830.

Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Winter Craft Beer Festival

BOULDER — CU’s Balch Fieldhouse is the location of Saturday’s 6th annual Winter Craft Beer Festival. The festival aims to support and highlight Colorado’s independent craft beer community with more than 50 breweries participating. Each ticket includes unlimited samples, souvenir pint glass, food, music and fun surprises. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday with tickets sold at WinterCraftBeerFestival.com.

Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Ultimate Indoor Garage Sale

AURORA — "The world's largest indoor garage sale and flea market" will be open this Saturday at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds in Aurora. The market features more than 150 booths filled with antiques, vintage, housewares, clothing, books, tools, toys, games, furniture, and special finds. Tickets and booth rental information for Saturday's event can be found at UltimateIndoorGarageSale.com.

Colorado Garden & Home Show

DENVER — The Rocky Mountain region’s largest, oldest and most prestigious consumer garden and home improvement show west of the Mississippi continues through Sunday at the Colorado Convention Center. With more than 1,400 booths, the 61st annual Colorado Garden & Home Show has transformed the Colorado Convention Center into a home and garden marketplace of tips, ideas and inspiration, including the latest trends and technology in landscaping, gardening, energy-efficient heating and cooling products, window treatments, siding, flooring, lighting, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, patio furniture, gutters, sound systems, storage systems, greenhouses, decks, spas and more. Tickets and more information can be found at ColoradoGardenFoundation.org.

RELATED: Colorado Garden & Home Show runs through March 1 at Colorado Convention Center

The Springs Home Show

COLORADO SPRINGS — The Springs Home Show is the perfect place to get inspired for spring cleaning. The show offers the latest in home improvement, remodeling, design, outdoor living and more. The Colorado Springs Events Center will have live demonstrations, food sampling, contests, prizes and more on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5 and parking is free this weekend!

RELATED: Colorado Garden Foundation grants and scholarships surpass $10M

Credit: Thinkstock

Rocky Mountain Horse Expo

DENVER — The 2020 Rocky Mountain Horse Expo runs from Friday to Sunday at the National Western Complex. The annual event offers a trade show expo, equine art sale, miniature horse fair, face painting, experts and clinicians, obstacle challenge and more. The Mane Event, a spectacular equine performance that showcases different breeds and equine disciplines, is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Tickets and a schedule of events are available at ColoradoHorseCouncil.com.

> Have an event tip? Send it here.

Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Jewelry Gem & Mineral Show

GOLDEN — The Jewelry, Gem & Mineral Show comes to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds this Friday to Sunday. Presented by the Denver Gem & Mineral Guild, the event offers demonstrations about gems and minerals, including cutting and polishing. Dealers will have special show-only deals on jewelry, gems and minerals including grab bags for only $1. This weekend's show is free to attend and parking is free as well. For show details, including special events for kids, visit DenverGem.org.

Credit: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

DENVER — The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, which travels around the globe screening its adventure films, will hold three screenings this weekend in downtown Denver. The mountain film festival (the largest in the world) begins its three-night stay at Paramount Theatre on Friday night. AltitudeTickets.com is the place for tickets.

RELATED: Leap Day deals and freebies: 7-Eleven, Olive Garden, Miller Lite and more

Colorado Raptors vs. Utah Warriors

GLENDALE — The Colorado Raptors are back at Glendale’s Infinity Park this weekend looking for their first victory of the 2020 season. This Major League Rugby (MLR) match on Saturday will see the Raptors hosting the Utah Warriors at 4 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. and there will be a special giveaway of neon LED Raptors bracelets. Pick out your perfect seat at ColoradoRaptors.com.

Credit: Colorado Mammoth

Colorado Mammoth vs. Philadelphia Wings

DENVER — Your Colorado Mammoth face the Philadelphia Wings this Saturday night in Denver. The Mammoth (5-6) and Wings (7-4) meet at 7:30 p.m. at Pepsi Center on Military Appreciation Night. For tickets, check out AltitudeTickets.com.

RELATED: Denver Outlaws' 2020 schedule is here

Credit: 9NEWS

Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors

DENVER — Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr, and the Denver Nuggets host Eastern Conference foe the Toronto Raptors this Sunday afternoon. The red-hot Nuggets and NBA Champion Raptors tip off at 4 p.m. at Pepsi Center. Tickets and Family Night ticket pages are available at AltitudeTickets.com.

RELATED: Nuggets, Avalanche return to KTVD Channel 20 this weekend

Credit: Colorado Eagles

Colorado Eagles vs. Milwaukee Admirals 

LOVELAND — The Colorado Eagles, the AHL-affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, welcome the Milwaukee Admirals to Budweiser Events Center for a pair of games this weekend. The puck drops between the Admirals and Eagles at 7:05 p.m. Saturday and 3:05 p.m. Sunday in Loveland. ColoradoEagles.com is the place for tickets.

Colorado College Men’s Ice Hockey vs. Minnesota Duluth

COLORADO SPRINGS — As the men’s ice hockey regular season nearly reaches its end, the Colorado College Tigers are back in Olympic City USA for a pair of games against Minnesota Duluth. The Tigers and Bulldogs meet at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday at Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs. Visit CCTigers.com for tickets and information. 

RELATED: Leap Day freebies, deals and events in Colorado

Credit: Green Events

Polar Plunge

DENVER & TRINIDAD — Embrace the winter season this weekend by jumping into brisk water in Denver and/or Trinidad. Trinidad's Polar Plunge begins Saturday at 12 p.m. at Trinidad Lake while Denver's Polar Plunge & 5K is Sunday at 9 a.m. Denver's event features a splash and a dash (participants can do one or both). Following the water activities, the After Splash Bash at Wash Park will reward participants with a free beer, games and more. Proceeds from the 5K and plunge benefit Special Olympics Colorado. Registration and donation information can be found at SpecialOlympicsCO.org.

Leap Day 5K

THORNTON — Many Coloradans will celebrate Leap Day 2020 with a 5K run at Thornton's Carpenter Park. Runners who are "Leapers" (born on Feb. 29) will be given free race entry. The Leap Day 5K begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. Registration is available online.

That Dam Run 13.1, 10K, 5K

GREENWOOD VILLAGE — The Cherry Creek Dam Road is the site of Sunday’s That Dam Run 13.1 Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. All three races begin between 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. at Cherry Creek Dam Road and Dayton Street. All participants receive an official short sleeve shirt, free photos with Justin Beaver, finisher’s medal and after-party event access. A free kids fun run for children under eight begins at 8:45 a.m. That Dam Run registration can be completed online.

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Credit: American Lung Association

Fight For Air Climb

DENVER — The 2020 Anthem Fight For Air Climb takes place Sunday in downtown Denver. Participants will climb the stairs up 56 flights up the Republic Plaza Building. By climbing the 1,098 stairs, participants aim to make a positive impact for those affected by lung disease. Funds from the stair climb support the American Lung Association. Fight For Air Climb registration information can be completed at Action.Lung.org.

Denver Restaurant Week

DENVER — Denver Restaurant Week, a week-long holiday for Mile High foodies, wraps up its 16th edition this weekend. More than 230 restaurants will take part this year, making Denver Restaurant Week one of the largest and most popular restaurant weeks in the country. Although it's called Denver Restaurant Week, there are eateries in Broomfield, Lafayette, Lakewood, Boulder, Greenwood Village, Morrison and more. To learn more about Denver Restaurant Week, click here.

RELATED: How to navigate Denver Restaurant Week

Would you like to see your favorite Colorado festival, fair, expo, concert, drama, musical, ballet, run or event listed in 9Things? Send it to alexander.kirk@9news.com.

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