DENVER — The Denver March Powwow is back at the Denver Coliseum, Cirque du Soleil returns to Ball Arena, and Estes Park celebrates a frozen corpse.
Colorado will go green this weekend with St. Patrick's Day celebrations planned across the Centennial State. Festivals and parades will take place in Denver, Colorado Springs, Greeley, Arvada and more.
From "Shrek the Musical" and Shen Yun to the Shamrock Stampede and St. Patrick's Day celebrations, there's lots to do, see and explore in Denver and Colorado this March weekend. Celebrate coming of spring by experiencing the unique culture, food and geography that makes our state so special.
Check out one of these fun events across Colorado this weekend and don't forget to share your photos with the Near Me feature on the 9NEWS app.
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Denver March Powwow
DENVER — A Colorado tradition returns to the Denver Coliseum this weekend. The 48th annual Denver March Powwow takes place Friday through Sunday. The general public is invited to attend the Denver March Powwow where there will be dancers, storytellers, vendors, arts, crafts, fry bread concessions and more. The modern powwow is a social gathering where Native Americans come together to sing and dance and honor their heritage. Many different tribes will attend this weekend's event in Denver. Tickets are sold at the Denver Coliseum door or in advance at AXS.com.
Frozen Dead Guy Days
ESTES PARK — One of the country’s quirkiest winter festivals is returning this weekend. Frozen Dead Guy Days will be held for a second-straight year in Estes Park. Events are planned all weekend and the main festival with live music and entertainment will be at the Estes Park Events Complex on Saturday. Festival favorites include the Blue Ball, competitive Coffin Races, polar plunge and the Bands & Bloodys Sunday Brunch.
Frozen Dead Guy Days announced its 2024 entertainment lineup will have performances from Yonder Mountain Stringband, Spafford, The Sweet Lillies, DeadPhish Orchestra, and more.
The festival pays homage to Grandpa Bredo Morstøl, a Norwegian man who was cryogenically frozen after his death and housed in a shed on dry ice above Nederland. The reborn festival moved from Nederland to Estes Park in 2023 after being canceled in 2020 and 2021.
New for 2024, Grandpa Bredo Morstøl has been moved to The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. He is now the feature exhibit of the new International Cryonics Museum, which explores the history and science of cryonics. Tickets to the museum are $20.
Cirque du Soleil Crystal
DENVER — Cirque du Soleil’s "Crystal" is in Colorado for the first time. The one-of-a-kind production brings the circus arts to the ice at Denver’s Ball Arena. The show features seven traditional circus acts adapted for Cirque du Soleil’s first foray into a new creative territory: the ice. "Crystal" takes audiences on an journey into the vivid of imagination of the show’s protagonist, Crystal, as she learns to become who she was always destined to be: herself. "Crystal" plays Ball Arena from Thursday through Saturday.
Shen Yun
COLORADO SPRINGS — Experience a lost culture through the breathtaking art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. Award-winning dance company Shen Yun returns to Colorado Springs this weekend with its unique blend of colorful costuming, high-tech backdrops and live orchestra. Shen Yun has four performances scheduled through Sunday at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts.
Coppélia
DENVER — Colorado Ballet is now staging its new production "Coppélia." The comedic ballet is based on two short stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann, author of "The Nutcracker" and "The Mouse King." Renowned for its charming blend of humor and classical sensibility, "Coppélia" is a whimsical story of love and mistaken identity. Colorado Ballet’s adaptation features original choreography set to the music of Léo Delibes. "Coppélia" is at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver through Sunday.
Shrek the Musical
DENVER — The national tour of "Shrek the Musical" will be at the Buell Theatre in Denver through Sunday. Based on the animated DreamWorks film, the musical follows Shrek and Donkey on their life-changing journey to rescue a feisty princess. "Shrek the Musical" has performance scheduled from Friday through Sunday. Thursday's performance was canceled due to snow.
Harlem Globetrotters
COLORADO SPRINGS, LOVELAND & PUEBLO — The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their family-friendly entertainment and incredible basketball skills to three Colorado cities this weekend. The Globetrotters face off against their long-time adversaries, the Washington Generals, in Colorado Springs on Saturday, Loveland on Sunday, and Pueblo on Monday.
The Globetrotters' star-studded roster features Hammer Harrison, Bulldog Mack, Thunder Law, Wham Middleton, Jet Rivers, Hot Shot Swanson, Torch George, Cheese Chisholm, X-Over Tompkins, Spider Sharpless, Too Tall Winston, Speedy Artis, Buckets Barrera, Crash McClure, and Colorado’s own TNT Lister. For more information visit HarlemGlobetrotters.com.
Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade
DENVER — The 62nd annual Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. rain or shine. The parade will begin in downtown Denver at the corner of 19th and Wynkoop, turning left on 17th Street to Blake Street, marching east on Blake and before ending at 27th and Blake at the Coors Field parking lot. Dress in layers and arrive early to get a great spot along the parade route.
Olde Town Arvada St. Patrick's Day Festival
ARVADA — Olde Town Arvada’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival is back on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The all-ages street festival offers food, vendors, beer and live performances from Centennial State Pipes and Drums, Big Paddy, The McDeviants, Juice O'The Barley, Skean Dubh and more. There will also be kids’ activities and street entertainment. Admission to the festival is free.
Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade
COLORADO SPRINGS — The 40th annual Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 12 p.m. Saturday in downtown Colorado Springs. The parade features Celtic bands, marching bands, dancing groups, schools, charities, businesses, runners, cyclists and more. This weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities also include the 5K for St. Patrick’s Day Run through downtown. Kids will enjoy the Leprechaun Fun Run at Acacia Park.
Blarney on the Block
GREELEY — Downtown Greeley’s St. Patrick’s Day Barney on the Block celebration kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday. The Blarney Parade begins at 2:30 p.m. for a short route. The festival, held on the 9th Street Plaza, features live Irish music and bagpipes, kids’ activities and more.
St. Puppies Day
GOLDEN — Here's an event to celebrate St. Patrick’s in the cutest way possible. Enjoy live music, locally sourced dog-centric vendors, food and drink specials and maybe even bring a new best friend home at St. Puppies Day at The Eddy Taproom & Hotel in Golden. The event runs 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. DMK Rehoming will be hosting an onsite dog adoption event. The event is free and proceeds from the human and canine food and drink specials will benefit DMK Rehoming.
Pet Parade and Costume Competition
DENVER — Welton Street in Denver's Historic Five Points Neighborhood is set to transform into "Green Street" in honor of St. Patrick’s Day with the first ever Pet Parade led in procession by the Denver Brass Band. Pet registration begins at 11 a.m. Saturday followed by the parade at 11:20 a.m. Throughout the day there will be live music, food, and festive green-themed drinks at various spots along Welton Street.
St. Pittie's Day Pub Crawl
DENVER — Denver Animal Shelter will hold its St. Pittie’s Day Pub Crawl on Saturday. Visitors to the Denver Animal Shelter at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. can purchase a $25 T-shirt that will grant access to discounts at 17 participating bars and restaurants, mostly along Broadway in Denver and Englewood.
In March, Denver Animal Shelter is offering pit bull or pit bull mix (over 6 months old) adoptions for $17. Pit bulls are a restricted breed in Denver. If you are a Denver resident, you will receive a required Breed-Restricted Permit free of charge. Pick out your next furry family member here.
ShamROCK Stampede
CASTLE ROCK — The 6th annual ShamROCK Stampede is Saturday. The event offers a 10K, 5K, and free 1K Kid’s Sham-Scram Family Fun Run. The event at the Douglas County Event Center will have local breweries and food, local bands and awards. A complete event schedule is viewable at ShamRockStampede.com.
War Dog Memorial Fun Run
FORT CARSON — The War Dog Memorial Fun Run will kick off at 9 a.m. March 16, at Iron Horse Park on post at Fort Carson. The event will honor K-9 veterans and their handlers and will include a 5K and one-mile course. It is open to all Department of Defense ID card holders and their guests. The race route is on asphalt and dirt terrain and stroller friendly. Registration is $20 per person with swag bag and kids under three are free.
American Raptors vs. Cobras Brasil
GLENDALE — Soak in some rugby this St. Patrick's Day. The American Raptors are back home at Infinity Park to face Cobras Brasil. The first 200 fans through the gate will get a free green American Raptors shirt. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 and kids 12 and under are free. The match will also stream on ESPN+.
Orcas: Our Shared Future
DENVER — The Denver Museum of Nature & Science welcomes its newest temporary exhibition: "Orcas: Our Share Future." The exhibition, which opens Friday, traces the evolution of our beliefs about orcas, from fear to admiration and awe, as we discover their intelligence and complex social structures. At the exhibition, visitors will see a life-sized replica of an orca family, inviting guests to witness their harmonies in an immersive underwater environment. Guests will also learn about the Indigenous peoples of North America’s Northwest Coast, whose respect for orcas is reflected in their art and traditions.
Cities of the Future
DENVER — “Cities of the Future” is the newest film to open at the giant screen Infinity Theater at Denver Museum of Nature & Science. “Cities of the Future” invites viewers into a new world of innovation and exploration to address the challenges of a changing planet. The film highlights technological breakthroughs such as electric autonomous vehicles and aerial highways, solar energy beamed down from space and smart buildings and greener infrastructure. Narrated by John Krasinski, “Cities of the Future” will energize kids and adults to think about engineering as a way to help the world.
Great American RV Show
DENVER — The Great American RV Show is at the Colorado Convention Center from Thursday through Saturday. Attendees can meet factory representatives, manufacturers, and dealers from across Colorado. This weekend's show will have displays inside and outside the hall, seminars, and Kids Day promotions. Since the show is hosted by a third-party vendor, it allows dealers to compete for your business.
Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry
EAGLE — CSU Extension and Eagle County 4-H volunteers will host the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry on Saturday at the Eagle River Center at the Eagle County Fairgrounds. In addition to Rocky Mountain Oysters, a beef dinner will be served with an assortment of desserts and a cash bar. The family friendly event, to benefit 4-H programs, will have a petting zoo, bounce castle, mechanical bull, shooting sports activity trailer, The Joey Rowland band, live auction, and a large silent auction.
Cebollas
DENVER — "Cebollas" plays Denver's Singleton Theatre through Sunday. Yolie, Celia, and Tere are three sisters forced to take an unexpected road trip from Albuquerque to Denver. Making their way north on I-25, they don’t travel for business or for pleasure. They just need to transport a dead body across state lines. But, then again, what are sisters for? "Cebollas" plays at the Denver Performing Arts Complex through Sunday.
Rubicon
DENVER — The Denver Center for the Performing Arts' drama "Rubicon" is at the Kilstrom Theatre through Sunday. Based on a true story, "Rubicon" tracks the career of one of history’s most effective spies, Elizabeth “Betty” Pack as she transitions from society wife and mother to steely, seductive agent for British and American Intelligence in the years leading up to World War II. "Rubicon" was an audience favorite at the 2022 Colorado New Play Summit and now has its world premiere through Sunday.
The Wizard of Oz
EVERGREEN — Ovation West Performing Arts opens its new production of "The Wizard of Oz" on Friday. A retelling of everyone's favorite classic movie, the new production is directed by Tim Kennedy and will be performed Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, April 7, at Center Stage in Evergreen. Tickets are on sale at OvationWest.org.
The Improvised Shakespeare Company
DENVER — The Improvised Shakespeare Company is back at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts' Garner Galleria Theatre. Each night, the company will create a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before the audience's eyes. The evening of hilarious off-the-cuff comedy uses the language and themes of William Shakespeare, but with no planning, rehearsal or script. Will the play turn out to be a tragedy, comedy or history? Even the actors aren't sure. Tickets for the company's engagement, which runs through Sunday, April 28, are sold at DenverCenter.org.
Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival
DENVER — The 9th annual Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival opens Thursday and continues through Sunday at the Sie FilmCenter in Denver. Founded in 2016, this year’s Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival continues its fifth-year partnership with Denver Film. The four-day all Asian and Asian American Film Festival is programmed with the theme “Connecting Through Cultures,” which honors individuals, organizations and films that highlight the rich cultures and experiences of AANHPI communities.
Denver Jewish Film Festival
DENVER — The 28th annual Denver Jewish Film Festival runs through Sunday at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center at the Staenberg – Loup Jewish Community Center (JCC). The festival features 20 films including documentaries, narratives and shorts, and highlights work by Jewish or Israeli filmmakers or actors and themes. The Denver Jewish Film Festival includes a curated selection of stories, drama and documentaries that bring to life the perspectives of Jewish and Israeli filmmakers. Tickets to films are sold individually or can be purchased as festival passes.
Movies this weekend
“Kung Fu Panda 4” topped the box office last weekend while “Dune: Part Two” continues to bring in great business.
Riding strong reviews, great word-of-mouth and plenty of sand worms, "Dune: Part Two” appears well set up for a long theatrical run. “Dune" could wind up at next year's Academy Awards.
Movies this weekend
- Arthur the King
- One Life
- Love Lies Bleeding
Last weekend's box office
- “Kung Fu Panda 4,” $58.3 million.
- “Dune: Part Two,” $46 million.
- “Imaginary,” $10 million.
- “Cabrini,” $7.6 million.
- “Bob Marley: One Love,” $4.1 million.
- “Ordinary Angels,” $2 million.
- “Madame Web,” $1.1 million.
- “Migration,” $1.1 million
- “Yolo,” $840,000
- MET Opera: “La Forza del Destino,” $768,000.
> 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.
Have a delightful weekend!
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