Saturday. Get into the groove at “BugaRhythm,” a funky party at the Butterfly Pavilion. The day of dance and music features live performances, including a piece by Westminster’s own Ballet Nouveau Colorado, and lots of sweet tunes provided by Radio Disney. In the exhibit areas, kids can learn about the music of invertebrates: hissing cockroaches, singing crickets and dancing butterflies. Make crafts and play games, too, and don’t forget to get up close with some of the Pavilion’s creepy-crawly residents. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster; 303-469-5441. Admission is $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors age 65 and older, $5.50 for kids ages 2 to 12. For more information, including a full schedule of events, visit butterflies.org.
Saturday. Airplane fans will go sky-high at the 7th annual Rocky Mountain Aeromodeling Expo at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. The show brings together model-airplane hobbyists demonstrating the daredevil feats and craftsmanship of their mini-planes, along with other aeronautical activities—peek into the museum’s open cockpits, see a jet-engine demo and check out cool model helicopters. Kids can make a free model airplane to take home, too. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd.; 303-360-5360. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors age 65 and older, $6 for kids ages 4 through 12. Visit wingsmuseum.org to learn more.
Saturday. Garbage is great at “Trash to Treasures,” a free family day at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History. Learn how to turn ordinary, everyday rubbish into useful objects and works of art: Plastic bags, bottle caps and toilet paper tubes all get an earth-friendly makeover. While you’re at the museum, check out some of their latest exhibits, like “Modern Life: Exploration, Innovation, Pollination” and “Evolution: Here and Now.” 1-4 p.m. Saturday. University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, Henderson Building, 15th Street and Broadway, Boulder; 303-492-6892. Admission is free, but a donation is suggested: $3 for adults, $1 for seniors and kids ages 6 to 18. For more informaion, visit cumuseum.colorado.edu.
Sunday. You’re never too old for a birthday party, not when you’re Buffalo Bill Cody. Celebrate the legendary showman’s 165th birthday at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. The festivities begin when a group of Buffalo Bill lookalikes cut a cake for everyone to enjoy. Afterward, guests can roam the galleries and visit with costumed volunteers who will share stories of Bill’s life. The grand finale is the annual buffalo-chip tossing contest—as always, it’s a real competition, with kids and adult divisions chucking chips for prizes. Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, 987-1/2 Lookout Mountain Road, Golden; 303-526-0744. Admission is free. Learn more at buffalobill.org.
Through Sunday. Lace up those saddle shoes for the 4th annual Rocky Mountain Balboa Blowout, a three-day swing-dancing contest, clinic and concert. Kids are welcome to join the fun: Live music and dancing nightly, with showcase competitions and guidance from instructors. This year’s Blowout features Laura Keat and Jeremy Otth as instructors, both of whom have appeared on “Dancing with the Stars.” After the kids go to bed, night owls can keep swingin’ at late-night dances until 4 a.m. 9 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Denver Turnverein, 1570 Clarkson St. Admission is $25 for adults, free for kids age 14 and younger. Saturday’s dance is $5 for kids. 6:30 p.m. to midnight Sunday. The Rox Room, 2nd floor of Lodo’s, 1946 Market St. Admission is $15 for adults, free for kids. Find a full schedule and learn more at balboablowout.com.