May 9. It’s not too early to buy tickets for the Boulder Ballet’s special Mother’s Day performance of “The Sleeping Beauty.” Set to a score by Tchaikovsky, the ballet tells the familiar story of a cursed princess waiting for her prince. Boulder Ballet artistic directors Ana Claire and Peter Davison created new choreography for the show that isn’t limited to the stage, and edited the length down to help keep younger viewers engaged. Sections of the classic ,original ballet remain, too, including the Rose Adagio and Wedding Pas de Deux. Brunch packages are available including the ballet and brunch before the show at nearby 14th Street Grill. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 9. Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder; 303-786-7030. Tickets are $15-$30. To purchase tickets, call the Boulder Theater or visit boulderballet.org.
Saturday. There is something for everyone at the Guys & Dolls Children’s Furniture’s 2nd Annual Free Kids Community Event on Saturday May 1st from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. For the kids: Activities like bounce houses and inflatable slides, cotton candy, magic shows, arts and crafts, free pizza and cake, and more. For the parents: Guys & Dolls Furniture will be running a huge 50% off sale in conjunction with the event. They will also have a raffle for some free bunk beds and nursery cribs. Guys and Dolls Furniture is located at 13280 E. Mississippi Ave. in Aurora. For additional information, please go to guysanddollsfurniture.com.
Saturday. Tie those running shoes, do some stretches and grab the leash: It’s the Furry Scurry at Washington Park. The annual fundraiser for the Denver Dumb Friends League is a 2-mile walk through the park, with dogs especially welcome. After the walk, participants can stroll through a “flealess” market, watch the Ruff Flyball Club and Colorado Disc Dogs and enjoy snacks and refreshments. There are also contests to enter: Prizes will be awarded in categories like Best Tail Wagger and Best Pet/Person Lookalike. Registration begins at 7 a.m.; walk begins at 9 a.m. Washington Park, 1000 S. Downing St. Registration is $50 per person. For more information, visit ddfl.org.
Through May 9. There are only two weekends left to catch Performance Now Theatre Company’s production of “Oklahoma!”. Presented at the Lakewood Cultural Center, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical follows the fortunes of farmers, cowboys and the ladies who love them on the plains of Oklahoma Territory. With its long list of hit songs — “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say,” “Oklahoma!” and more — the audience is practically guaranteed to leave the theater humming. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through May 9. Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood; 303-987-7845. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22.50 for seniors and students, $19 for children. To purchase advance tickets, call the Cultural Center or visit lakewood.org.
Friday. Aurora celebrates its 119th birthday with a free party at the Aurora History Museum. The family-friendly shindig features face painting and games, including Bingo with prizes. Of course, there will be plenty of birthday cake, too. Be sure to catch Connie Elstun’s “Bunny and Birdie Comedy Magic Show” at 5:15 and 6:30 for lots of laughs and cool illusions. 5-8 p.m. Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora; 303-739-6666. Admission is free. For more information, visit auroragov.org.
Friday. The kids in the Boulder Valley School District are off, and Boulder is throwing them a party. It’s Colorado Children’s Day in downtown Boulder, featuring live entertainment, free fun and a parade. The Tulip Fairy and Elf Parade starts the day, when kids can dress up in costumes to follow the Tulip Fairy around the festival. The rest of the afternoon is filled with games, hands-on activities and educational demonstrations. The parade begins at 11:45 a.m. today; gather at 11:15 a.m. Children’s Day festivities run from noon to 4 p.m. on the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Pearl Street, Boulder. Free. Learn more at boulderdowntown.com.
-Kathleen St. John
Photo credit: Catrine Turillon
Author: Mile High Mamas
