This weekend is Father’s Day. For some reason, Dads don’t get the attention we Mamas do. So to honor Dad, I’ve included a brief list of some nice things you can do for Dad, just in case you’re stumped. You can treat Dad to:

A game of golf or miniature golf (we can’t all be Tiger Woods)

A baseball game. The Rockies take on Pittsburgh. And just because their winning streak has ended doesn’t mean they’re not still hot.

A hike or a walk

Fishing

A movie

A concert in the park

A massage—Dads need stress relief, too.

A picnic lunch under a shady tree with a bologna sandwich and a Yoo Hoo (Or an Orange Cream Soda. Either will do.)

Ok, that last one would really work better with Grandpa. But still.

Or you can take Dad and the kids to see Farmer Jason at the Mercury Café on Saturday. What? You don’t know Farmer Jason? He’s former cowpunk Jason of Jason and the Scorchers, and he’s got a couple of kid albums out. His tunes are rockin’. A great outing for the hip Dad. Probably even the not-so-hip Dad, too. Show is at 1:00 pm. Check the website for complete details.

Also, get your kiddos involved in feeding the hungry this weekend through Domino’s Pasta for Pasta food drive. All local Dominos locations are participating Saturday, June 20th and Sunday the 21st. Bring two boxes or bags of uncooked pasta and receive a certificate good for a free Domino’s BreadBowl Pasta™ with purchase. Food Bank of the Rockies will distribute the pasta to hunger relief programs throughout Metro Denver and Northern Colorado.

Wednesday the 24th is Bike to Work Day. That’s pretty easy for me, seeing as how I work at home. If you have a longer commute, check out your route: Many municipalities are offering treats and perks if you bike to work on Wednesday. I’d be willing to work up a little sweat, if someone offered me a bagel at the end of the trail.

Summer Concerts

Concerts are listed by day. Thursday seems to be especially popular.

Friday, June 19

Noon – 1:30 pm: Noon Tunes, 1300 Block of Pearl, Boulder. This series runs through August 14. This week, enjoy a long lunch with the Beloved Invaders.

Friday, June 19

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Northfield Stapleton Summer Concert Series, Main Street at Northfield Stapleton, 49th and Quebec. Catch the Northfield Stapleton Summer Concert Series on first and third Fridays, June through August. This week: Conjunto Colores.

Saturday, June 20

6:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Stapleton Summer Concert Series at Founder’s Green, 29th Avenue and Roslyn Street, Stapleton. The Hazel Miller Band entertains on Saturday at Stapleton. Wow. Stapleton sure has a lot going on. People should live there.

Sunday, June 21

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: City Park Jazz, at the Bandstand at City Park Pavilion. This popular series runs Sundays through August 9. Park for free at the Zoo or the Museum, then take the shuttle to the bandstand. Free bike parking is also available. This week’s band is Jon Romero y Amanecer.

6:30 pm: Summer Concerts in the Park, Memorial Park at 25th and Chase, Edgewater. 303-238-7803 x28. This series runs through July 6. This week: Hot Tomatoes.

Wednesday, June 24

6:30 pm: Northglenn Summer Concert Series, E.B. Rains, Jr. Memorial Park, 11701 Community Center Drive (across from City Hall), Northglenn. Northglenn’s theme this summer is “World Beat,” and they kick things off with the Pan Jumbies. This series runs through July 29. In case of inclement weather, head across the street to the D.L. Parsons theater for the performance.

6:30 pm: (doors open at 6:00 pm) Swallow Hill’s Shady Grove Picnic Series at Four Mile Historic Park, 715 Forest Street, Denver. This week: Everyone’s favorite Dead cover band, Shakedown Street, with Raina Rose. Tickets are $10/adults, $2 kids 12 and under.

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Littleton Historic Museum Concert Series, 303-795-3950, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. This week: The Golden Eagle Concert Band.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Bands on the Bricks, 1300 Block of Pearl, Boulder. This one runs through August 12—catch a different band every Wednesday night. This week it’s The Informants.

Thursday, June 25

6:30 pm: Sounds of Summer, CityCenter Englewood Ampitheater, 1000 Englewood Parkway (at the base of the light rail station). This week’s performer: The Mile High Banjo Society.

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm:Highlands Ranch Summer Concert Series.Thursdays, through July (except July 2), at Highland Heritage Park, 9651 South Quebec, Highlands Ranch. Buckstein (of American Idol fame) graces the stage this week.

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Banks in Harmony Summer Concert Series, Bicentennial Park, 13655 E. Alameda Avenue, Aurora. Runs through August 6th, and concessions are available. This week, bring your dance partner and step out to the Dean Bushnell Orchestra.

7:00 pm: City of Thornton’s Summer Concert Series. Runs Thursdays in June, and then again from July 9 – August 6. This week, enjoy the rock/country/bluegrass sounds of the Western Flyers at Community Park, Thornton Parkway and York St.

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Westminster Summer Concert Series, Westminster City Park, 105th Ave. and Sheridan Boulevard, Westminster. Opie Gone Bad gets the party started (wait, that’s Pink. . .) in Northglenn this week. Series runs through August 6.

Summer Movie Programs

Still love these movie programs. A word, though, if you go to one of the weekday free/cheap movies at a theater: Arrive early. Do not be alarmed by the parking lot full of day care vans and buses. Choose the PG movie rather than the G movie, if possible. The PG movie tends to be less crowded. Just a little PSA from the Mamas to you. That is all.

Friday, June 19, dusk: Princess Bride, Movies in the Parks. This week’s screening is at Cheesman Park. Free popcorn, cotton candy, and sno-cones; other concessions available for purchase. Need I even say it? “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. . .” And then there’s “Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us togevah.” I could go on, but I’ll spare you. I. Love. This. Movie.

Saturday, June 20, 3:00 pm. Kids Saturday Nickelodeon at the Starz FilmCenter, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver This week’s feature is Veggie Tales: Abe and the Amazing Promise.

Tuesday, June 23, 10:00 am Summer Movie Clubhouse at the Century 16 in BelMar, 440 S. Teller Street, Lakewood. Tuesdays through August 4, the Century 16 in BelMar offers a different PG or G rated movie for the kids. Buy a 10-pack for all 10 movies for $5, or pay as you go for a buck a show. This week’s movie is Igor.

Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24, 10:00 am Regal Free Family Film Festival, West Village Stadium, 14225 West Colfax; Greenwood Plaza 12, 8151 E Arapahoe Road; Park Meadows 12, 9355 Park Meadows Drive; Continental 10, 3635 S Monaco Pkwy. Free movies for the family; movies vary by location, so check the website for complete listings.

Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25, 10:00 am: Kerasotes Free Summer Movie Program, Old Town 14 in Arvada, Chinese 16 at Arapahoe Crossing in Aurora, Southlands 16 in Aurora, Castle Rock 12, Cherry Creek 8, Bowles Crossing 12 in Littleton, and 20 Mile Village 10 in Parker. Doors open at 9:00 am, and seating is on a first come-first serve basis. Series runs through August 6. This week’s film: Igor.

Monday – Friday, 9:45 am: Harkins Kid Summer Movie Program, Northfield Theater, 8300 E 49th Avenue. This movie program runs through August 1st; buy a 10-pack movie pass for $5.00, or individual movie tickets for $2.00. Adults must be accompanied by a child. Check the website for complete details and movie listings specific to this program.

Happenings and Other Fun Things to Do

Oooh boy, it’s kind of a busy week for the festivals. Highly recommended: The Highlands Street Fair. Not just because it’s my old ‘hood, but because it’s the best! Large enough to have plenty to see and do, but small enough that it still feels like a neighborhood event. Live music, good food, and an entire section devoted to kids.

Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, and Sunday, June 21. 11:00 am – 8:00 pm: Greek Festival, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 4610 E. Alameda Avenue, Glendale. This is the ultimate Greek festival. Greek music and dance, authentic Greek food, beer, and wine, and Greek art and jewelry. There will also be amusements for the kids. This festival benefits the Gathering Place, which is truly a great organization. $1 admission, kids under 12 and seniors over 65 are free. Check the website for details on parking (which is free, but there’s also an option for valet), or call 303-388-9314. Opa!

Saturday, June 20, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm: Juneteenth, Five Points, Denver. Parade starts at 9:00 am, the festival begins at 10:00. A commemoration of June 19, 1865, the day the slaves in Texas learned they were free. Celebrate with live music and entertainment, food, and games. This festival has been a Denver tradition for more than 30 years.

Saturday, June 20, 10:00 am – Dusk: Highlands Street Fair, West 32nd Avenue between Irving and Perry in Northwest Denver. Food, drink, live bands, children’s area. Artisans and vendors with truly interesting stuff. I’ve already pushed it enough. Just go!

Saturday, June 20, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm and Sunday, June 21, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm: Gold Strike Festival, Olde Town Arvada, Grandview and Old Wadsworth. Celebrate Lewis Ralston’s discovery of gold in Ralston Creek (presumably it had not yet been named Ralston Creek) 158 years ago. Historical reenactments, Pet and Kid parade, and family activities.

Thursday, June 25, 10:00 am – 11:00 am: Teddy Bear Picnic, E.B. Rains, Jr. Memorial Park, 11801 Community Center Drive, Northglenn. Bring your favorite Teddy Bear and sing, dance, and play. A 17-year tradition, believe it or not. It sounds just too cute for your favorite teddy bear lover.

Saturday – Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday through July 5: Family Summer Camp at Bass Pro Shops, 7970 Northfield Blvd, Denver. Head over to the Bass Pro Shop and partake in one of several different fun, camping/outdoor-oriented crafts and activities. Check the website for complete details and times.

Saturday, June 20, 10:00 am – 11:00 am: Stories in the Park, West Side of City Park, behind the Graham-Bible House, at 21st and York. This series runs Saturdays through June 27th, and features special guests reading stories to kids. Best for ages 3 – 7. Lemonade served after.

Sundays in June, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Firehouse Kitchen at the Denver Firefighters Museum, 1325 Tremont Place, Denver. This program is designed to teach kitchen safety, but you get to enjoy firehouse treats at the same time. We all know what great chefs those firefighters are! Take your favorite fire engine fanatic for a little afternoon getaway. $5 per class, or $15 for the 4 week session. Another session runs in July.

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, now through August 28, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Tebo Train Rides on the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder. Let your little ones (10 and younger, please) hop on the train and get a little tour of the Pearl Street Mall—two whole blocks of it. Adults can ride with their child. Catch the train at the Wells Fargo Bank in the 1200 block of the Pearl Street Mall.

New Museum Exhibits and Such

Wild Ocean, Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver. Opening today, this new IMAX show takes place on the coast of South Africa, as a jillion different kinds of aquatic life migrate up the KwaZulu-Natal Coast. As with all IMAX shows, separate ticket prices apply.

Through September 7: Junior Jobsite at the Children’s Museum, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver. A construction site just for the little ones, complete with scaled-down hard hats and construction tools and materials. Let the little ones explore and learn about electricity, plumbing, and all the other intricacies that allow us to live in comfort. Regular hours and admission fees apply.

Globeology at the Wildlife Experience, 10035 South Peoria Street, Parker. 720-488-3300. This new exhibit is really cool. It definitely takes dioramas to the next level. Interactive, computerized, animatronics. . . need I say more? My kids (those who can form complete sentences, anyway) kept saying “Mom, look at this! Mom, look!” all the way through the entire 25,000 square feet of educational extravagance. Regular hours and admission fees apply.

Theater and Music

Through September 5: Annie at Boulder’s Dinner Theatre, 5501 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder. The Broadway musical you love. . . with dinner! Special matinees added for families, so you can bring the little ones and you can all leave singing “It’s a hard knock life. . .” Check the website for show times and ticket prices.

Through June 28: Mouse Tales at the Denver Puppet Theater, 3156 West 38th Avenue, Denver. 303-458-6446

Show Times: Thursdays and Fridays, 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 1:00 pm Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. Tickets are $6.00. Group discounts and discounted ticket packs available.

Shows at the Denver Puppet Theater are appropriate for children ages 3 and older.

*Please note: Times change during the summer months. Check before you go!

The Denver Puppet Theater is a funky little hidden gem in North Denver. Puppets truly are art, and take on a life of their own (but not in a creepy, Poltergeisty way). Definitely worth a visit.

Thursday, June 18 (and every Thursday night during the summer) Music on the Streets in Old Town Arvada, Old Wadsworth and Grandview Avenue. Stroll through Old Town Arvada as live music plays. A lovely way to spend a warm spring evening.

Farmers’ (and other) Markets

The Farmers’ Markets have been rearranged by region, to improve your shopping experience. Additional markets are opening constantly!

Central:

Saturday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Cherry Creek Fresh Market, 1st Avenue and University (in the Bed, Bath, and Beyond parking lot), Denver. www.coloradofreshmarkets.com

Sunday, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm: Stapleton, 29th and Roslyn, Denver. www.coloradofreshmarkets.com.

Sunday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Old South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market, 1500 Block of South Pearl Street, Denver. This market makes its debut this weekend. Check it out!

Sunday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. City Park Esplanade Fresh Market, East Colfax Avenue and Columbine Street, Denver. www.coloradofreshmarkets.com.

Tuesday, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Denver Civic Center Outdoor Market and Café, Colfax and Broadway, Denver. www.coloradofreshmarkets.com.

Wednesday, 9:00 am – 1:00. Cherry Creek Fresh Market, 1st Avenue and University (in the Bed, Bath, and Beyond parking lot), Denver. www.coloradofreshmarkets.com.

South:

Saturday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Highlands Ranch Farmers’ Market, Highlands Ranch Town Center, 9288 Dorchester Street, Highlands Ranch. www.denverfarmersmarket.com

Monday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Tamarac Square, Tamarac and Hampden, Denver. www.denverfarmersmarket.com.

North:

Saturday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Northfield Stapelton, Northfield Stapleton Shopping Center, I-70 and Quebec. www.laughingdogfarms.net

Saturday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Boulder Farmer’s Market, Downtown Boulder on 13th Street between Canyon and Arapahoe 303-910-2236.

Sunday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Orchards Farmers’ Market, 144th Avenue and I-25. www.laughingdogfarms.net

Northwest:

Thursday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. 4260 Wadsworth Boulevard, Wheat Ridge. www.denverfarmersmarket.com.

Southwest:

Saturday, 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. Metro Denver Farmers’ Market, Southwest Plaza SE Parking Lot, Wadsworth and Bowles, Littleton. www.denverfarmersmarket.com

Wednesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Aspen Grove, 7301 South Santa Fe, Littleton.www.denverfarmersmarket.com

East:

Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Aurora Farmers’ Market, 333 N. Havana, in the Maya Sports Bar and Grill parking lot. www.denverfarmersmarket.com

Southeast:

Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Lone Tree, Yosemite and Maximus. www.laughingdogfarms.net.

Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Southlands, E-470 and Smoky Hill Road, in the Southlands Shopping Center, Aurora. www.laughingdogfarms.net. This market opens this weekend, and will then be open Saturdays, 9:00 – 1:00 and Thursdays, 10:00 – 1:00.

Sunday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Parker Farmer’s Market, Northwest corner of Parker and Main Street, in the Crossroads Shopping Center. www.laughingdogfarms.net. Runs through October.

Thursday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Southlands, E-470 and Smoky Hill Road, in the Southlands Shopping Center, Aurora. www.laughingdogfarms.net.

To be considered for inclusion in our weekly event picks, be sure to email Jennifer at

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