Saturday-Sunday. Denver’s tall skyscrapers, historic mansions and hidden gems are on display during the sixth annual Doors Open Denver event. During DOD, buildings all over town, including ones not normally open to the public, will be open for visitors to explore. More than 80 sites are on this year’s roster — pick up a map or sign up for guided tours at Union Station. Kids are invited to help build a mini-city of their own at “Box City for Kids” at the Wellington Webb Building, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Valley Trolley will be running both days, too, offering a short tour along the South Platte River — hitch a ride behind REI at (1416 Platte St.). 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Event headquarters is at Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St. Admission is free. Learn more at denvergov.org/doorsopendenver.
Sunday. Test your mettle on the streets of Capitol Hill at the Mile High Mile race. Open to everyone, the 1-mile race is designed for runners of all ages to push themselves a bit. The day starts with an untimed “family wave” of runners, and moves through age divisions from kindergarteners to adults. An awards ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. The race also helps raise money for SPREE, the South Platte River Environmental Education program. 8-10:30 a.m. Sunday. The race starts and ends at the Colorado State Capitol, 14th Avenue and Grant Street. Advance registration at milehighmile.com is $25 for adults, $20 for kids. Add $5 for day-of-race registration. Registration and packet pickup begins at 6:30 a.m. Sunday.
Saturday-Sunday. The colorful Shen Yun Show swirls into the Buell Theater for a weekend of performances. Inspired by the ancient traditions of China, Shen Yun features carefully choreographed dancers, drummers and musicians performing in ornate costumes, with elaborate sets as backdrop. A live orchestra will accompany the action on stage, as well. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. The Buell Theater at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th and Curtis Streets. Tickets are $35-$100. Buy tickets online at ticketswest.com, or call 866-464-2626.
Friday-Sunday. Not for the faint of heart: Death-defying stunts abound at the El Jebel Shrine Circus at the National Western Complex. The main event is Cannonball Smith, who will attempt to beat the world record for longest indoor human cannonball flight at each show. When Smith isn’t getting shot skyward, the three-ring circus will be filled with performing animals, daring acrobats, silly clowns and more. 7:30 p.m. tonight; 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. National Western Complex Events Center, 4655 Humboldt St.; 303-297-1166. Tickets are $12-$18, kids under age 5 are free with a paid adult. Visit denvercircus.com for more information.
Saturday. Rock to the sounds of highlife at a 10th anniversary celebration concert for the University of Colorado Highlife Ensemble. Born in Ghana, highlife is an upbeat fusion of Western sounds and African traditional music. CU’s Highlife Ensemble performs all sorts of West African dance music, too — expect a fun blend at the show. A group of chiefs and queenmothers from Ghana will be at the show, as well, sharing music traditions from the Asante Kingdom. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Macky Auditorium, 17th Street and University Avenue on the University of Colorado campus, Boulder; 303-492-6309. Tickets are $10-$35. Buy tickets online at cupresents.com or call the box office at 303-492-8008.
-Kathleen St. John
Author: Mile High Mamas
