Winter 2019: Denver’s Best Events, Sports and Blockbuster Exhibitions

The first few months of 2019 will mark the return of Denver’s annual favorite events, like the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo and Denver Restaurant Week, as well as exciting new events, including the UIAA World Cup Ice Climbing Finals and Barbegazi winter carnival and new, world-class stage performances.

Below are just a few examples of the experiences taking place in Denver in the beginning of 2019. For a complete event calendar, including hotel information, please go to the VISIT DENVER website.

Blockbuster Exhibitions

¡CUBA! (through January 20) – ¡CUBA!, the latest major exhibition at Denver Museum of Nature & Science, explores the dynamic culture and abundant biodiversity of the Caribbean’s largest island. Although its complex politics and vibrant music have primarily attracted the attention of the world, Cuba is also home to the unexpected. It is a place of stunning contrasts: mysterious caves and bright boulevards, sweltering fields and cool forests, hard challenges and high energy. This lively experience—presented in English and Spanish—takes a look at the people, landscapes, unique species and daily life of this intriguing country.

Dior: From Paris to the World (through March 3) – Denver Art Museum is hosting the U.S. debut of the renowned exhibition, Dior: From Paris to the World. Surveying more than 70 years of the House of Dior’s legacy and influence, the exhibit features a selection of 150 haute couture dresses, accessories, photos, original sketches, and archival material. Curated by Denver Art Museum’s Florence Müller, it traces the history of the iconic haute couture fashion house, its founder – Christian Dior – and the subsequent artistic directors who carried Dior’s vision into the 21st century.

Aftereffect: Georgia O’Keeffe and Contemporary Painting (February 14 – May 26)

MCA Denver will host Aftereffect: Georgia O’Keeffe and Contemporary Painting, an exhibition that brings together a select group of artists whose work resonates with that of Georgia O’Keeffe. From her formal innovations, to her ambition to transcribe her ideas and emotions, to her distinctive approach to abstraction and the landscape of New Mexico, O’Keeffe’s legacy is identifiable in the work of several generations of painters.

Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius, (March 1 – August 25) – Although Leonardo da Vinci died in 1519, his influence has endured. His extraordinary legacy as an inventor, artist, scientist, anatomist, engineer, architect, sculptor and philosopher comes to life at Denver Museum of Nature & Science in Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius, the most comprehensive exhibition about da Vinci ever presented. Dozens of replicas of da Vinci’s machine inventions, built using his detailed codices, reveal how his fundamental scientific and artistic principles continue to impact the world today. In addition, the exhibition will feature the fascinating Secrets of the Mona Lisa exhibit, with super-magnified visual examinations and the only 360-degree replica ever made of the iconic painting.

Signature Events

Winter Park Express Ski Train (January 4 – March 31) – In January 2019, the Winter Park Express by Amtrak will return for its third year of service. The train allows people to hit the slopes during the day and return to Denver to spend their aprés ski exploring The Mile High City’s award-winning, chef driven cuisine, more than 70 local craft breweries, unique live music venues and 10,000 hotel rooms. New this year, Amtrak has added a bi-level Superliner® Sightseer Lounge Car with windows that start at the floor level and wrap into the ceiling of the railcar; service will also include food and beverages for the first time. Additionally, Amtrak has increased the round-trip service to include the first two Fridays of each month.

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo (January 12-27) – Held every January at the National Western Complex, the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo is the world’s largest stock show; and each year is bigger and better than the last, with more than 15,000 animals, rodeos, bull riders, horse shows, livestock competitions, auctions and booths selling everything from cowboy boots to Native American jewelry.

Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks (February 1) – Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre’s only winter show, Winter on the Rocks is an annual tradition featuring a blend of hip-hop and electronic music. Presented by Icelantic Ski Company, 2019 headliners include Atmosphere, De La Soul, Living Legends, Watsky, deM atlas, The Lioness, DJ Keezy and DJ Cassidy.

Denver Restaurant Week (February 22 – March 3) – The 15^th annual Denver Restaurant Week will feature multi-course menus with three price points at hundreds of Denver’s top restaurants. The three-tiered pricing structure has met with great success since 2017 and will continue again in 2019 – diners can find multi-course menus at $25, $35 and $45 price tags.

UIAA World Cup Ice Climbing Finals and Barbegazi Winter Carnival (February 22-24) – The American Alpine Club recently announced Denver as the first-ever North American tour stop for UIAA World Cup Ice Climbing; Civic Center Park will serve as the destination for the 2018/2019 World Cup Ice Climbing Finals. The world’s top men and women ice climbers will compete for glory on a 40-foot tall wall of sheer ice. Additionally, all weekend long, the park will be transformed into Barbegazi, a free winter carnival with fun for all ages, including axe throwing, a huge ice maze, a 300-foot long fat tire biking course and a snowball target range. Spectators can also enjoy food trucks, fire pits, an ice bar, a beer garden and music.

Collaboration Fest (March 16) – Known as America’s most creative beer festival, Collaboration Fest features brews that are a result of collaborations between two or more breweries from around Colorado, the country and the world. These individual collaborations mean that every beer tapped will be exclusive to the festival, and every beer has a unique story. This year, the festival will be at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

Denver March Powwow (March 22-24) – One of the largest events of its kind in the country, the Denver March Powwow at the Denver Coliseum is an American Indian Festival that features more than 1,600 dancers from nearly 100 tribes, representing 38 states and three Canadian provinces. Each session of the three-day event begins with the Grand Entry, a colorful spectacle featuring traditional song and dance. Throughout the weekend, there are traditional drum and dance groups, storytellers, and more than 170 tribal craft booths.

U.S. Women’s National Team vs. Australia (April 4)

US Soccer’s Women’s National Team will take on Australia at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for a match before they head to France to participate in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Monster Energy Supercross (April 13)

Experience the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship in the world. Monster Energy AMA Supercross, a FIM World Championship, is comprised of 17 heart-stopping races in North America’s premier venues – including a stop at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Every week, the greatest athletes from across the globe seek to outperform each other on the sport’s most challenging tracks as they accumulate points leading up to the world championship. Featuring tight corners, fast straightaways, challenging rhythm sections, triple jumps and whoops sections, these tracks pack excitement into every inch of dirt.

Performing Arts

A Bronx Tale (January 8-20)

Performed at the Buell Theatre, Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser takes place on the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s — where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes, A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family.

Justin Timberlake: The Man of the Woods Tour (January 28)

International superstar, Justin Timberlake, will bring his “Man of the Woods” tour to Denver’s Pepsi Center.

Colorado Ballet’s The Wizard of Oz (February 1-10)

Follow the yellow brick road to new adventures in this exciting premiere. From the creator of the huge 2014 hit Alice (in wonderland), The Wizard of Oz will delight audiences of all ages. Choreography by Septime Webre and music by Matthew Pierce, performed live at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra, combined with new sets, costumes, projections and special effects make this a spectacular new ballet that is not to be missed.

Elton John: Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour (February 6-7)

Legendary singer/songwriter, Elton John, will bring his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour to Denver’s Pepsi Center for two unforgettable nights.

Hello, Dolly! (March 27 – April 7)

Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in Hello, Dolly! – the universally acclaimed smash that NPR calls “the best show of the year!” Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this new production at Buell Theatre pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion – hailed both then and now as one of the greatest stagings in musical theater history.

Xanadu (through April 28)

Xanadu, performed at the Garner Galleria Theatre & Bar, follows the journey of a magical Greek muse, Kira, who descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first roller disco.

What to do in Denver Every Weekend in January

Denver is kicking off 2019 with several annual favorite events alongside new exhibitions, performances and more. In addition to Denver’s year-round renowned arts and cultural offerings, thriving culinary scene and urban adventure, there are hundreds of exciting events that encourage people to visit The Mile High City and reclaim the weekend.

Below are several events taking place during January weekends; for more, visit DenverWeekends.com or our event calendar.

Weekend of January 4

Colorado Avalanche vs. New York Rangers (January 4)

Denver’s own Colorado Avalanche will take on the Rangers at Pepsi Center.

Movie at the Symphony: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert (January 4-6)

The Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™. The unforgettable score will be performed by the Colorado Symphony as the film is projected simultaneously on the big screen at Boettcher Concert Hall.

Final Weekend of Rembrandt: Painter As Printmaker (through January 6)

Denver Art Museum is the sole venue for Rembrandt: Painter as Printmaker, which showcases more than 100 prints, drawings, and paintings from Rembrandt van Rijn’s career spanning from 1625 to 1665. Unforgettable images of biblical, portrait, allegory, still life, landscape and genre artworks of the time demonstrate the mastery that cemented Rembrandt as one of the greatest artists in history. The exhibition shows how Rembrandt used his view of the world around him to fuel his artistic journey and gives a deeper understanding of his working habits as an artist, and moreover, as a printmaker.

Other picks include Pride and Swagger’s Hot Mess Brunch and Brew You Yoga at Burns Family Artisan Ales.

Weekend of January 11

International Sportsmen’s Expo (January 10-13)

Several generations of outdoor enthusiasts from Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region attend this annual exposition at the Colorado Convention Center, which features product offerings, destinations, activities and more. The Youth Fair, hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, educates and inspires thousands of future outdoor enthusiasts.

Rhapsody in Brass (January 12)

Join Denver Brass at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House as they welcome New York pianist Steven Mayer and the acclaimed Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, who will bring to life the great American sounds of Gershwin, Bernstein, Copland and more.

Final Weekend of Above and Beyond (through January 13)

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is hosting Above and Beyond, an exhibit that celebrates the power of innovation to make dreams take flight. This traveling aerospace exhibition features immersive simulations, interactive design challenges, iconic historical touchstones, visionary concepts for the future and inspiring stories from game-changing innovators, past and present.

Other picks include the Resolution Brew Run with Resolute Brewing and City, O’ City’s Beat Brunch with DJ Jonny D.

Weekend of January 18

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo (January 12-27)

Held every January at the National Western Complex, the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo is the world’s largest stock show; and each year is bigger and better than the last, with more than 15,000 animals, rodeos, bull riders, horse shows, livestock competitions, auctions and booths selling everything from cowboy boots to Native American jewelry.

A Bronx Tale (January 8-20)

Performed at the Buell Theatre, Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser takes audiences to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s — where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he would love to be. Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes, A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family.

Final Weekend of ¡CUBA! (through January 20)

¡CUBA!, the latest major exhibition at Denver Museum of Nature & Science, explores the dynamic culture and abundant biodiversity of the Caribbean’s largest island. Although its complex politics and vibrant music have primarily attracted the attention of the world, Cuba is also home to the unexpected. It is a place of stunning contrasts: mysterious caves and bright boulevards, sweltering fields and cool forests, hard challenges and high energy. This lively experience—presented in English and Spanish—takes a look at the people, landscapes, unique species and daily life of this intriguing country.

Other picks include Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s Dinner and a Movie, screening Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D in IMAX, Saturday’s Backstage Pass! At Black Shirt Brewing Co. and more.

Weekend of January 25

Rock of Ages (January 25-27)

Featuring the music of iconic bands such as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake among many others, this 10^th Anniversary production – performed at the Buell Theatre – features a dynamic new cast revisiting the larger than life characters and exhilarating story that turned Rock of Ages into a global phenomenon.

Denver Nuggets vs. Philadelphia 76ers (January 26)

The NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers visit Pepsi Center for a game against the Denver Nuggets.

Winter Brew Fest (January 25-26)

Established in 2004, the Denver Winter Brew Fest celebrates craft beverages from around Colorado and beyond and features live music, food, and other vendors at the beautiful and intimate Mile High Station.

WOMXN’s March on Denver 2019: What you need to know

The day after the 2016 election was memorable for many women in the world, but here in Colorado, it was especially meaningful for three community members. Karen Hinkel, Cheetah McClellan, and Jessica Rogers had begun organizing a Women’s March independently and were put in touch with each other via the Women’s March on Washington – Colorado. They joined forces roughly ten days after the 2016 election to begin planning the January 21st, 2017 Women’s March. With marches held on every continent around the world, the 2017 Women’s March was the largest global event in history.

Denver hosted approximately 180,000 marchers that year. Denver marchers came together from all over the Centennial state, as well as surrounding states such as Wyoming and Utah. Additionally, several other marches were hosted across Colorado by local community members. This year will be no different.

Schedule

The 2019 WOMXN’s March on Denver will be on Saturday, January 19th, 2019, congregating at Civic Center Park with the following schedule:

Pre-Rally – 9:00am
THEME: LISTEN to those that have been silenced.
Speakers and artists will be on stage in Civic Center Park.

The march begins! – 10:30am
THEME: UNITE Under the Banner of Anti-Oppression.
Due to crowd size, not everyone may actually start marching at the same time; this is just the beginning.

Post-Rally – 11:45am
THEME: ACT with Intention.
Speakers and artists will be on stage in Civic Center Park.

Why

March organizers say they need the support of people from all walks of life to make a big impact. Men are absolutely welcome and encouraged to join in. Children are welcome, too. This is a family-friendly event. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are also welcome.

While their alignment is with their sister marches that share the namesake of March On, organizers decided to change the name to Womxn’s March Denver, recognizing the importance of inclusion of all people experiencing sexism by using the “x” in the spelling of Womxn. As we move toward 2020, they are passionately working on creating more opportunities for future leaders and volunteers to join us in highlighting the work that is being done in our communities.

Other opportunities

Greeley – https://www.facebook.com/events/153274982286168/
Trinidad Rally – https://www.facebook.com/events/2212362525449932/
Pueblo – https://www.facebook.com/events/367341387165166/
Grand Junction – https://www.facebook.com/events/437562820111762/
Colorado Springs – https://www.facebook.com/events/389605795114273/
Gunnison – https://www.facebook.com/events/325850214872380/

Photos: Aimee Starr

Save the Date! Speak Up for Kids 2019

Do you want to make a bigger impact on the lives of Colorado children?

Become a stronger advocate in 2019 by attending the annual Speak Up for Kids Day at the Capitol on March 19, 2019. A joint effort of Clayton Early Learning, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and the Colorado Children’s Campaign, Speak Up for Kids Day at the Capitol is a free event that offers new and emerging child advocates an insider’s perspective on the policy making process. Participants get the training and support needed to speak up effectively on the issues that matter most to Colorado kids.

What is on the Speak Up for Kids agenda?

The morning portion of Speak Up for Kids includes a visit from state legislators, in 2018 Representative Lois Landgraf, R-El Paso County and Representative James Coleman, D-Denver, tips for effectively communicating with legislators, an overview of some of the key bills we are tracking and time for honing and practicing your message. After the instructive portion of the day, participants divide into small groups and head to the Capitol to observe the legislative process in action and speak with the legislators who represent them. Following our time at the Capitol, we reconvene as a group for lunch, debrief, skills building workshops, reflection and inspiration to continue to speak up for kids.

I know very little about the legislature. Should I still attend?

Yes, please! The primary purpose of this event is to help people with no legislative experience learn that they really do have the power to make a difference. We will provide training materials before you arriveand offer teaching and practice sessions on the morning of Speak Up for Kids, so you’ll feel well equipped to speak with your legislators. We also match participants with an Advocacy Coach to help navigate the Capitol and their conversation with elected officials.

What if I don’t agree with all of the policy positions that Speak Up promotes?

Part of what makes democracy work so well is the wide array of viewpoints we collectively bring to the table. We recognize that while we all want what is best for kids, we may not agree 100% of the time on the best approach. If you come to Speak Up for Kids but do not agree with all of our policy positions, we ask that you speak up for the cause you believe in but do not speak out against our initiatives.

How should I prepare for Speak Up for Kids?

Know who your legislators are and what they stand for. We will give yousome of this information to before the event, along with tips for effectively communicating with legislators and an overview of current legislation that affected kids.You can start researching your elected officials now to get a head startGreat resources for this are www.votesmart.org and leg.colorado.gov/. The more you know about your legislators, the easier it will be to establish a relationship with them when you meet face to face.

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If you care about kids’ issues but are uncertain how to make your voice heard on policy issues, this is the event for you! If you are a more experienced advocate or have attended Speak Up multiple times in the past, we encourage you to participate as an advocacy coach or assistant advocacy coach. Save the date on your calendar and stay tuned to KidsFlash for registration information. Learn more on our website, and contact Jacy Montoya Price with questions, or to sign up as a partner organization.

25 family events in Denver this week

The big news this week is the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo is kicking off! Also, don’t miss the Denver International Sportsmen’s Exposition, free days and the Lafayette Oatmeal Festival. See our event calendar for more information.

Free Day at the Denver Zoo
Jan 10, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Gates open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Grounds close at 5 p.m.

Denver International Sportsmen’s Exposition at the Colorado Convention Center
Jan 10 –13
Colorado offers an unprecedented number of outdoor pursuits and matching consumer participants. This is why ISE’s longest-running expo continues to expand—product offerings, destinations, activities, number of attendees. Hunting and fishing remain core. Several generations of outdoor enthusiasts from Colorado and the seven bordering states attend, while the expo’s Youth Fair, hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, educates and inspires thousands of future outdoor enthusiasts. See website for time and pricing.

Four Mile Free Day at Four Mile Historic Park
Jan 11, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Travel back to 1859… for free! Enjoy historic demonstrations, take a tour of the Four Mile House Museum—a Denver landmark!—and meet our many farm animals. We will also offer our Hay Bales & Tall Tales story time from noon to 1 pm.

23rd Annual Lafayette Oatmeal Festival at Pioneer Elementary School
Jan 12, 7:30 am – 12:00 pm
23rd Annual Lafayette Oatmeal Festival is a popular family event focusing on healthy lifestyle. A unique festival including an Oatmeal Breakfast and 5K Walk/Run. Tickets can be purchase in advance at the Lafayette Chamber (starting in November) or at the door .
Cost: Adults $8, Youth 3-12/Senior 60+ $6, Under 2 Free

7th annual Preschool Showcase at the Denver Zoo – Norgren Hall
Jan 12, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Showcase is a valuable opportunity for families to FIND and compare quality preschool options for their child, DISCOVER the dollar amount they can get in tuition support from DPP and APPLY for tuition support. Spanish translators will also be on-site to help communicate these benefits.

FAC Museum Free Day at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
Jan 12, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The goal of Museum Free Days is to provide access to the FAC’s general admission offerings to the widest possible audiences in the Pikes Peak region. Museum Free Days, as a part of the FAC’s other free and reduced-fee programs (such as scholarship programs at Bemis, and special military discounts through the Blue Star Theatres and Blue Star Museums programs), make an important impact in our community.

Family Discovery Series: Big Bubble Circus at The Schoolhouse Theater
Jan 12, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Mr. Guffaw (Jim Jackson) stars in this very funny family-friendly circus of silliness featuring bubbles of all sizes and shapes. Some so big, in fact, children from the audience may find themselves inside them!

Museum Takeover: Germs at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Jan 12, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Alert! Alert! Germs are taking over the museum! Okay, not real germs we hope, just lessons about them. With fun learning stations all over the gallery, you can better understand what germs are, how they spread, and why they make us sick. Brave the January cold (season) and learn all about these pesky microbes. Museum Takeover is a monthly series where we deep dive into a particular subject with fun and educational activity stations in the exhibit gallery. Activities are open to all ages, but recommended for children 5 and older.

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo at the National Western Complex
Jan 12 – 27
Bulls and broncs, cowboys and cowgirls – rodeo’s biggest superstars perform amazing feats of athleticism during each performance of this professional rodeo. Showcasing the elegance and athleticism of the world’s top reining horses, the hard-hitting competition of Denver Professional Bull Riders Chute-Out and the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, this event has something for everyone.

Free Day at Longmont Museum
Jan 12, 1:00 – 5:00 pm
The Longmont Museum, housed in a distinctive contemporary building, features changing exhibits in history, art, and science, as well as the award-winning Front Range Rising, a long-term exhibit on the history and culture of this region. The Museum recently opened an expansion, featuring the 250-seat Stewart Auditorium and Cone-Shortall stage, the Swan Atrium, and the Kaiser Permanente Education Center.

Colorado Mammoth vs. Toronto Rock at the Pepsi Center
Jan 12, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
The Mammoth are back in black! Partnering with KOOL 105, the Mammoth will turn back the clock to the greatest decade of all-time, celebrating the 1980s with the radio station’s favorite hits, a live cover band and other bits of nostalgia that will have fans remembering the era of AC/DC, Metallica and more.

Sensory Friendly Playtime at WOW! Children’s Museum
Jan 13, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Sensory Friendly Playtime is a low sensory event for children with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorders. WOW! will limit admission to 20 families, turn down sounds and lights, and provide adaptive equipment to offer a safe and fun experience for all!

Low Sensory Morning at Downtown Aquarium
Jan 13, 8:30 am – 10:00 am
For our guests that prefer a calmer and more sensory-friendly environment join us for a special morning. We will open early at 8:30 am, turn up the lights and turn down the ambient sounds in the exhibits. Stay as long as you would like.

Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers at Pepsi Center
Jan 13, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The Denver Nuggets face off against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Jeff & Paige at the Rayback Collective
Jan 13, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Enjoy an indoor, hour-long, science and nature-focused kids’ concert at Boulder’s hippest hub for food, community and music. Expect live, original, nature-inspired music for kids, educational/hilarious skits, quick costume changes and tons of audience participation. Show appropriate for kids ages 3-8.

Save-the-Date (and book now!)

Mountaineering Weekend at YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park
February 15-19, 2019
Mountaineering Weekend at YMCA of the Rockies features guided snowshoe hikes & winter ecology explorations in Rocky Mountain National Park, backcountry ski meet-ups, ice climbing lessons, winter survival and avalanche awareness presentations, and demos by popular mountaineering equipment brands. Whether it’s your first time out or your family has camped many times, this special weekend has activities and excursions for every level and all ages. Children will enjoy story times, kid-lead hikes and fun snow activities, in addition to ongoing YMCA of the Rockies activities such as roller-skating, ice skating, arts & crafts, etc. https://ymcarockies.org/mountaineeringweekend/

Ongoing General Events

Ice Castles in Dillon, Colorado
December 21, 2018 – February 2, 2019
Each year, Ice Castles brings fairy tales to life for hundreds of thousands of families across North America. Since 2011, Ice Castles has been dedicated to creating an experience that will live on long after the ice melts. https://icecastles.com/dillon/

The Crystal Ice Festival at the Museum of Outdoor Arts
Dec. 15, 2018 – March 15, 2019
Deep in the winter covered forest atop a high mountain is the magical Crystal Ice Castle. Where winter wishes are sent to be considered by the Frost Queen Andorra. Your wish may be granted by the Frost Queen, but those that are not are buried deep within the ice of the castle for future consideration. A found object installation of old glass, cut crystal and acrylic. Including objects such as vases, candlesticks, goblets, bowls and more. Embellished with crystals, beads, rhinestones and silver filigree. http://moaonline.org/winter2018diorama/

Wonderspace Exhibition
Nov. 2, 2018 – Jan. 31, 2019
This free exhibition by architects, designers and engineers on places and spaces, ideas and notions that have inspired wonder in their work. https://www.denver.org/event/wonderspace-exhibition/62473/

Above and Beyond at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Sept. 29 – Jan 13, 2019
ABOVE AND BEYOND celebrates the power of innovation to make dreams take flight. This traveling aerospace exhibition features: immersive simulations, interactive design challenges, iconic historical touchstones, visionary concepts for the future, and inspiring stories from game-changing innovators, past and present. https://wingsmuseum.org/portfolio/beyond/

Big Bird’s Adventure + Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Nov. 9, 2018 – Dec. 12, 2019
In this Museum-produced show, zip through other-worldly wormholes, experience the creation of the Milky Way Galaxy, and witness the violent death of a star and subsequent birth of a black hole. Mathematical equations, cutting-edge science, and Einstein’s theories fill in holes along the way, providing the most complete picture yet on this mysterious phenomenon. Also, One World, One Sky is a brilliant spectacle of light and color that follows Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a new friend from China. http://www.dmns.org

Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
Nov. 20, 2018 – Feb. 2, 2019
The Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park is the place for fun this holiday season. The Downtown Denver Partnership invites you and your family to join us for a winter full of skating at Skyline Park, located at 16th & Arapahoe in Downtown Denver. https://www.downtowndenver.com/experience-downtown/downtown-denver-ice-rink/

Hidden Universe 3D at CU South Denver
Oct. 27, 2018 – Jan. 25, 2019
Hidden Universe 3D takes audiences on a breathtaking tour of deep space in the cinematic medium that does it best. Our universe is brought to life on the Giant Screen with unprecedented clarity through mesmerizing, real images captured by Hubble and the world’s most powerful telescopes. In an age where space tourism has become reality, the film offers an inspiring story of human endeavor from a prime seat with a magnificent point-of-view. https://southdenver.cu.edu/visit-us/3d-movies/

Denver Art Museum
There are several family-friendly exhibits at the DAM including Stampede: Animals in Art on view at the museum through May 19, 2019. A Walk in the Woods is still on view, which coincides with Stampede, and includes animal-themed artmaking activities and after their summer break, Foxy & Shmoxy: Art Detectives, are back. Children have been really loving the gallery games and book in the exhibition Ganesha: The Playful Protector. Their Learning & Engagment department created a children’s book specially to be used while visiting this exhibition with children, and don’t miss the fun new interactive installation by local artist Nicole Banowetz, The Incubation Effect. Go to https://denverartmuseum.org/ for more information.

Images from the Tracks at the Colorado Railroad Museum
January 28, 2019 – January 5, 2020
One of the foremost photographers to photograph the great American West, William Henry Jackson’s images had an immense influence on the public’s perception of the American West. A portion of those images were captured here in Colorado as Jackson traveled throughout the west by rail. This exhibit not only showcases the Museum’s collection of Jackson photographs but provides visitors with the opportunity to visit the rail car he traveled and lived in – the Denver & Rio Grande Western business car – the Rico.

How to have healthy kids for the New Year

With 2018 in the rearview mirror, we’re excited for the new year! Let’s start the new year right by making sure us and our kids stay healthy. While we can’t completely crop sickness and downdays out of the picture, we can certainly develop routines to help prevent those nasty stomach bugs or common colds. Here are some tips to keep your kids healthy while they go play in the snow, sled down their local hill and drink hot cocoa.

At every age, pediatricians will be your partner in maintaining your child’s health. These questions can help you pick a good one for your family.

Is the office location convenient?
Can you call with questions during business hours? What about nights and weekends? Is there any charge for these calls?
Who is available when your provider is away?
Will your health insurance cover this provider?
Is the office open on weekends or the holidays? Where can you receive after hours and weekend care?

Babies are new to the world, and can be susceptible to illness. Follow this advice to keep them on the right track.

The vaccine schedule from your doctor is designed to protect your baby when she is most likely to get seriously ill from a vaccine-preventable illness.
Sometimes behaviors that seem like baby might be sick are normal for infants. It’s important to understand the difference between normal behaviors and ones indicating sickness.
1. Common infant behaviors like hiccups, sneezing, spitting up, or having mild congestion of the nostrils are all normal.
2. Colic isn’t an illness; it is a pattern that often occurs in babies. Always go to your baby each time he cries, even if you are exhausted. This teaches him that he can trust you, and it makes him feel safe and secure.
3. Call your doctor if your baby:
  1. Won’t eat for two feedings in a row
  2. Has fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours
  3. Has a fever of 101°F or more
  4. Has severe, watery diarrhea
  5. Vomits everything eaten
  6. Is very fussy and won’t settle down when held
  7. Is sleepy and not interested in eating
  8. Has skin rashes or dramatic changes in skin color
Be prepared for when your baby is sick by:
1. Keeping important phone numbers stored in your phone and on your refrigerator, including after hours and advice line numbers.
2. Creating an emergency plan and sharing it with your family, neighbors, close friends, and child care provider.
3. Not relying only on advice from friends or relatives (they are well-meaning but often have incorrect information).
4. Taking a first-aid certification class for infants and children.
If you or others in your home smoke and are not ready to quit, remember:
1. Always step outside and away from your baby when you smoke.
2. Never smoke inside your home or car.
3. Change your clothes if possible and wash your hands before picking up or playing with your baby.
Since babies tend to put everything in their mouth, it’s a good idea to take a class on infant CPR and first aid.

Create healthy habits for your family and your toddler as you grow together.

Schedule well child visits, your doctor will check your child’s overall healthy as well as their growth and development by checking reflexes, heart health, and progress in weight and height gain.
Washing hands kills germs and prevents disease. It is important for young children to understand why washing and not sneezing into their hands will keep them healthy. Take a look at this PBS video to show them how.
Children who participate in daily physical activities and eat a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables, and low in sugar and fat have a better chance of staying healthy.
As an adult, it’s important to model an active lifestyle for your child so he can see how fun and healthy it is to exercise each day. Check out this PBS video to learn how.
When your child is sick, sports drinks can help her feel better by providing needed electrolytes and calories. However, if your child is healthy, stick with plain water.
Water energizes muscles, helps get rid of toxins in the body, and keeps you hydrated.
You know your child best, if you feel something is wrong call your healthcare provider.
Remember that one of the most important things you can do for the child in your care is to take care of your own emotional and physical health. You may even need to remind other adults that you need some time for yourself, or other support.

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My Nightingale Baby: Living with MS as a single mom

Finding out you are going to be a mom in the same month you are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is one sure way to begin a crazy adventure, to say the least. Emotions for me at that time were so night and day that it was very hard at first. A roller-coaster for sure. I was excited, the thought of being a mama, a baby of my own, wow! Then I would immediately get emotional, what if I bring a baby into this world and it ends up with my newly declared disease.

My pregnancy was honestly one of the roughest things I have ever been through. Most moms would agree, pregnancy is rough in some ways, mine however was rough on me in every way. The first time I went into pre-term labor, I was twenty weeks. I was rushed to Denver to have an emergency cerclage placed so that I could have the possibility of carrying my baby to term. The second time was at thirty-two weeks. I was hospitalized, strict bed restrictions and a lot of minutes praying my baby would survive. At thirty-four weeks, I delivered a beautiful, tiny baby girl, that would forever change my world. Fifteen days in the NICU, we brought her home!

My entire pregnancy required a ton of doctors, nurses, hospitals, tests, poking, and prodding that I decided against seeking medical treatment for my disease. My multiple sclerosis stayed on the backburner but made sure I knew at all times it was there.

My relapses started getting worse and I had become a prisoner in my home because of my disease. I was averaging about four relapses a year. Each relapse was at a minimum of one to two weeks downtime. Any married or single mama knows that there are no sick days when you have a family. For me to continually be down twenty-eight to fifty-six days a year and feeling awful the days in-between, my disease was controlling my life, taking me away from being a better parent to my child. I had to make a change.

I began seeking treatment in early 2016. I tried one medicine and was responding to the treatment but not as well as we had hoped. So, in November of 2017, I began my-life changing journey with my new medicine, Ocrevus. After my first treatment, I immediately noticed a difference. I could move, I had energy. I wasn’t battling my MS symptoms. I was beginning to feel like me again. After two months post-initial treatments, my daughter had asked me to do some sort of a physical activity with her. Prior years I couldn’t do these activities because my body hurt so bad, but now, my excuse was no longer hurting, it was my weight. I got mad, mad at myself.

I let myself get so heavy over the years because of my disease that I was morbidly obese. I found myself unhealthy and not able to interact with my child, so I was determined to make lifestyle changes for myself. I cut out a lot of sugars, all forms of caffeine, and started moving.

When I first started my journey, I couldn’t walk through the local Walmart. My MS and my weight had my legs so sore that I couldn’t make an entire trip through the store. If I was going to get into shape, I would have to figure out how to do it some other way. Walking and running were not going to be options for me. I was explaining my issues to one of my employees, and his suggestion was to ride a bike. Hmm, a bike… there is an idea.

So I kicked the idea around for a few months and in May, he found me a beach cruiser. Nothing extreme, mild riding, some place to start right? My daughter and I began riding every night. Every night it became more of an addiction. We were having so much fun and I could move my legs! Since May I have lost a total of eighty-five pounds and can walk through Walmart, two and three times in a visit with no issues.

Here lately, I have been able to keep up with my very ambitious eight-year-old, both physically and mentally. For the first time in a long time, I love life.

I am a full-time single mama, I am employed full time and am a district manager to which I run two stores and a warehouse. My life is crazy, busy, and absolutely wonderful. I have multiple sclerosis, but my multiple sclerosis no longer has me.

-Savana Sadler

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable, chronic disease that will lead to some level of disability in most people. MS includes physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms that can affect nearly every part of the body and can change over time. People are often diagnosed with MS in the prime of life (20s-40s), when they may be building their careers or planning for a family. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, it is estimated that nearly 1 million people are living with MS in the United States.

Deals: National Western Stock Show, Bath and Body Works and More!

January is the fresh slate, the reset button, the new start, new year, new goals. What have you resolved to start (or quit)? Does doing more and spending less to do it fit somewhere on your list? Hopefully we can help you do just that. Through the year, we will continue to report weekly on great things you can do or get for less this year!

National Western Stock Show. The annual cowboy, rancher and western lovin’ Colorado show comes back to Denver starting on January 12. Tickets to events can be inexpensive for a full day of fun.

· Free Grounds Admissions Day. On Tuesday, January 15 grounds admission is free thanks to Arrow Electronics.

· Groupon. Snag tickets to events like the rodeos for cheap ($12) plus, tickets include grounds admission.

· Guest Appreciation Day. The last day of the show, January 27, ground admission tickets are $10 for adults – kids 3-11 are just $3 and kids 2 and under are free.

· Colorado Lottery. Purchase $10 in Powerball or Lucky for Life and get a buy one get one free voucher to select events.

Uncorked Kitchen. Is it too early to start thinking about summer camp? I think not! Uncorked Kitchen has opened registration for their camp sessions. With 8 different themed weeks. Camps include: Culinary Boot Camp, Tour of Asia, Summer in France, Great Uncorked Bake-Off, Mangia Italiano, American Road Trip and South of the Border. When you register before January 31 get 20% off when you use code: 2019earlybird20.

Kid Who Would Be King Movie. An evil army to fight. A demon to slay. A world to save…No pressure! Mile High Mamas is proud to partner with 20^th Century Fox on their newest film, THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING, coming to theaters January 25th. Click the link: http://www.gofobo.com/KidWhoWouldBeKingMBDEN for your chance to download printable admit-four passes for you and your family to attend the advance screening on January 12^th at the AMC Westminster Promenade theater. There will also be a crafts station set up at the theater for kids to decorate their own shields, so be sure to come an hour early if you want to participate!

Plum Consignment End of Season Progressive Sale. My favorite consignment store in all of Denver is having their progressive sale. Shop early for the best selection, shop later for the best deal…shop in between because you like to. The week of January 8 seasonal items will be marked down 30%, Week of January 15 score 40% discount. Or pray that what you really want is still there the week of January 22^nd and you will get 50% off! Now that is an awesome deal.

Bath and Body Works. One of my favorite places for good smelling lotions, soaps and candles is having their semi-annual sale with many items as much as 75% off. (There may not be any Coconut Lime anything left after I hit the store).

IHOP. IHOP all you can eat pancakes are back! For just $4.99 you can have as many pancakes as your stomach can take. Breakfast for Dinner for the win!

Mountaineering Weekend at YMCA of the Rockies. Mountaineering Weekend February 15-19, 2019 at YMCA of the Rockies features guided snowshoe hikes & winter ecology explorations in Rocky Mountain National Park, backcountry ski meet-ups, ice climbing lessons, winter survival and avalanche awareness presentations, and demos by popular mountaineering equipment brands. Whether it’s your first time out or your family has camped many times, this special weekend has activities and excursions for every level and all ages. Children will enjoy story times, kid-lead hikes and fun snow activities, in addition to ongoing YMCA of the Rockies activities such as roller-skating, ice skating, arts & crafts, etc. Book your President’s Day weekend adventure now! https://ymcarockies.org/mountaineeringweekend/

Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Because of that there are some fantastic deals you can take advantage of! (See our full write-up here).

Grab your girlfriends: Events and retreats for women in 2019

Throughout Colorado, female makers and shakers create valuable travel experiences for visitors as well as some great goodies to take back home to friends and family. These women are staking a claim in industries as varied as fly fishing and skiing to craft spirits and soul-restoring retreats. They mean business and are a quintessential stop for Colorado adventurers. With the recent announcement that Colorado is raising the bar for pro women’s cycling around the world designating the 2019 Colorado Classic as the only UCI standalone women’s stage race in the Western hemisphere, Colorado is taking the “Year of the Woman” into 2019.

The Colorado Classic is shifting gears with an exclusive, women’s only race, August 22-25, 2019

The Colorado Classic announced this week that it will become the only UCI women’s standalone stage race in the Western Hemisphere—fulfilling its mission to create a socially impactful world-class race. Back in 2017, the Colorado Classic was the first major USA cycling race to go without podium hostesses, and just last year it expanded its races to four stages and intentionally designed the male and female routes similarly—showing its commitment and dedication to women since its inauguration. With the elimination of the men’s race, the Colorado Classic now serves women exclusively and has big plans for its 2019 race, including quadrupling its prize purses and team stipends, introducing free live streaming and longer, more challenging routes, thus empowering female athletes on a global stage.

Events and retreats solely catered to women held throughout the year:

Chicks Climbing and Skiing, Year Round, Ridgway – ‘Chicks’ offers courses for women taught exclusively by female instructors and covers a range of topics including avalanche rescue, backcountry skills, ice and rock climbing, skiing and more. Established with the goal of empowering women through mountain sports, the program will mark its 20th anniversary with a celebration at the 2019 Ouray Ice Festival in January.

8th Annual Women’s Weekend of Wellness, March 7-10, 2019, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs – During the 8th Annual Weekend of Wellness, you’ll learn about ways to increase productivity, be more efficient and more effective by focusing in new ways in order to identify your own Superpower. Our speakers KALEY WARNER KLEMP and JACKIE INSINGER are experts in helping explore how you think so you can increase performance and achieve surprising results.

Discover Your Inner Cowgirl, June and September, Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, Loveland – This five-day ladies-only retreat offers a restorative getaway with a unique balance of activities. From the start, women are encouraged to bond with their horses in the morning and are later treated to a massage after a long day out on the ranch.

Find Your Inner Cowgirl Through Body, Mind, Equine, May 9-12, 2019, C Lazy U Ranch, Granby – This all-inclusive women’s retreat focuses on how to use yoga and yogic practices to improve horsemanship from ground to saddle. The three-day escape begins each morning with a gentle yoga class, followed by workshops on meditation, breath-work and exploring the parallels of yoga and horsemanship.

Ladies Day Out!, April through September, Sacred Rides, Boulder – Guided by local professionals, these cycling trips offer women the chance to experience Boulder’s array of mountain bike trails. Fully customizable for first-time riders or experienced pros, this no-pressure environment is the perfect way to connect with other like-minded women as well as a way to learn new skills and brush up on bike knowledge.

Leave the Boys Behind, Year Round, Aspen Alpine Guides, Aspen – After a few conversations that shed light on not-so-great female outdoor experiences, Aspen Alpine Guides set out to create a space where women could experiment freely outdoors–without pressure or intimidation of certain activities. This woman-led guide service feels more like a community and it explores backcountry adventure trips regularly through skiing, backpacking, road biking and more.

Ski with a Living Legend: Wendy Fisher, January through March, Crested Butte – Extreme skiing pioneer, Wendy Fisher, has led women – and challenged men to follow – into some of the steepest terrains around the world, hosting special clinics designed to help skiers find their next level of “fearless.”

These Boots are Made for Wading, June 21-23, 2019, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs – This three-day women’s only fly fishing retreat serves as an introduction to the sport, and for those who are already acquainted, a space to perfect their form. The hotel partners with Orvis, a leading name in fly fishing, and provides clinics that teach women the basics of the sport. Wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and nightly fireside s’mores allow women to bond over the day’s activities.

Timber to Table Guide Service, Seasonal, Hotchkiss – This hunting guide service offers guided experiences specific to women who want to hunt for the first time. Timber to Table educates participants on the basic elements of hunting like tracking and how to move through wooded areas as well as how to prepare and process the meat for your next meal. A variety of guided packages are available and participants are welcome to bring along a family member or two.

Women Afield, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Seasonal, Statewide – Women Afield provides seminars and clinics for women to learn the basics of hunting, angling and shooting sports in a comfortable, female-friendly environment. Guided hunting opportunities are offered across the state and applications are accepted from May 1 through July 15 each year.

Women’s Winter Ski, Snowshoe and Yoga Wonderfest, Jan. 26, 2019, Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby – Women’s Quest, owned and operated by world champion triathlete Colleen Cannon, will host a two-day retreat slopeside at wintery Snow Mountain Ranch. Designed for every type of skier, from beginner to advanced, this retreat is packed with activities that focus on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The retreat caps off each day with restorative yoga, tea and wine tastings.

-Colorado.com

What would funding full-day kindergarten mean for Colorado?

There was a great deal of discussion during the election cycle, and a growing amount in the lead-up to the 2019 legislative session, about the potential to increase support for full-day kindergarten and preschool in Colorado. In a future KidsFlash, we will look at the substantial unmet need and potential return on investment of preschool, but focus our attention on funding full-day kindergarten (and how doing so frees up additional resources to eliminate the wait list for Colorado’s highly successful state PreK program (CPP)) in this week’s edition.

How’d we get here?

An abundance of research demonstrates that access to a full day of kindergarten is an effective approach to supporting the school readiness of young children. Parents and school districts also recognize this: despite the fact that the state only funds a little more than half a day of kindergarten for all kids, nearly all Colorado children attend kindergarten and 78 percent of all enrolled kindergarteners are in a full-day program this year. This is up from just 14 percent in 2001 and just 40 percent in 2007. Currently, 140 of Colorado’s 178 school districts have all kindergarteners enrolled in a full-day program. All but 30 school districts have 95 percent or more of their kindergarteners in a full-day kindergarten program. All but five school districts offer a full-day program. In short, demand has increased dramatically for full-day kindergarten during the past 17 years and continues to increase, but without adequate funding support from the General Assembly.

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