Ongoing. Journey to the Middle East in “Arabia,” the latest IMAX spectacle at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Opening Friday, the film explores the region’s long human history and often-harsh geography. From a Bedouin tent in the desert to the millions of Muslims on their pilgrimage to Mecca, “Arabia” shows the diverse ways people live in the Middle East. Expect to be wowed by “Arabia”’s stunning landscapes — and seascapes — on the giant IMAX screen. 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. daily, with additional 7 p.m. shows on Fridays and Saturdays. Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.; 303-322-7009. IMAX-only tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. Museum members receive a discount. For more information and to buy advance tickets, visit dmns.org.
(photo credit: Arabia – DMNS)
Ongoing. Youngsters and their parents will each have their own reasons for enjoying “Schoolhouse Rock Live!,” opening at the Arvada Center on Thursday. Grownups will get a hit of nostalgia hearing songs from the 1970s kids’ TV show of the same name — songs like “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill” and “Do the Circulation.” Meanwhile, the kids will just be enjoying a rockin’ good time while learning about music, history, math and more. The show runs through May 15. Noon Thursday. Future times and dates vary; all shows are matinees. The Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada; 720-898-7200. Weekday tickets are $8, weekend tickets are $10. Call or visit arvadacenter.org to buy tickets in advance.
Friday. Celebrate African-American History month with the Real African Music concert at Broomfield Auditorium. The RAM group performs traditional African music, dancing and drumming with a multimedia flair. The show is presented by the Kudzidza Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to send assistance to Africa, and promotes cultural exchanges between the U.S. and Zimbabwe. 7 p.m. Friday. Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Road; 303-464-5835. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For more information, visit broomfieldauditorium.com or realafricanmusic.com
Saturday. It’s not too early to plan for summer at the Colorado Parent 2010 Summer Camp Fair and Expo. Watch demonstrations and seminars about different camps and summer activities, including sports-, science- and performing-arts-themed summer camps. More than 60 exhibitors are expected to be on-site. Kids can get an early taste of the camp life, too, with arts and crafts, a climbing wall, face painting and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St.; 303-297-1166. Admission to the event is free; parking is $7 per car. For more information, visit colorado.parenthood.com.
Sunday. Bust out the poodle skirts and ponytails for the Sock Hop Band show at the Toad Tavern. This family-friendly concert features a 12-member band of local musicians playing hits from the 1950s and ‘60s. Slow-dance to songs by crooners like Dean Martin and Roy Orbison, and rock out to old-school jams from Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. A couple of Blues Brothers numbers will inject some Chicago flavor, too. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their best ‘50s gear for that authentic sock-hop feeling. 6-8 p.m. Sunday. The Toad Tavern, 5302 S. Federal Circle, Littleton; 303-795-6877. Admission is $5. For more information, visit toadtavern.com.
-Kathleen St. John
Author: Mile High Mamas
