Weekend things to do around Denver and beyond: Steers at the Brown Palace and more | Arts & Entertainment

Each Thursday, explore Denver’s essential weekend events curated by The Denver Gazette. Dive into cultural experiences and entertainment delights across the city. Whether you enjoy art galleries, pottery, or outdoor sports, there’s something for everyone in Denver’s vibrant cultural scene. To submit an event for consideration, email [email protected].
SATURDAY
He’s the big guy so the Grand Champion Steer of National Western Stock Show will be guest of honor for a fancy Afternoon Tea in the atrium lobby of a posh hotel. It’s tradition, a 79-year tradition, for Steer at The Brown Palace Hotel, Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations: [email protected]
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
The Colorado Indian Market and Southwest Art Fest welcomes 150 juried artists and craftsmen in Colorado Convention Center’s Mile High Ballroom on Saturday and Sunday. It’s the 43rd year for this celebration of visual and performing arts with traditional and contemporary Native American, Western and Southwestern arts. The event also highlights music by Syd Masters & the Swing Riders, a championship Eagle Dance performance, modern flute performances by Inka Gold, and powwow dances. Opening at 10 a.m. each day. Tickets $16, kids under 12 free. axs.com/events/790161/the-colorado-indian-market-southwest-art-fest-tickets
SUNDAY
Rockies Fest fan time Saturday at Coors Field, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and all to benefit the Rockies Foundation nonprofit. Autograph sessions with players, coaches, Dinger and alumni, shopping at the Rockies Garage Sale, self-guided tours including the Press and Broadcasting Booths, kids activities, and baseball-theme games. A warmup event at McGregor Square on Friday includes a Baseball Card Show. Tickets, passes and Rockies Fest schedule: mlb.com/rockies/fans/rockies-fest
THURSDAY
Cinematography for the aficionados at the VAHNA Motorcycle Film Festival, 7 p.m. Thursday at Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. Watch films and vote for the best in the film competition and festival national tour. $20. theorientaltheater.com/event/441481/VAHNA-Motorcycle-Film-Festival
FEB. 1
OK, the holidays are over and for non-fans maybe it’s time for leftover fruitcakes to go bye-bye. How about launching them across Manitou Springs’ Memorial Park in the craziness that’s the 30th annual Great Fruitcake Toss? From noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 1, (weather delayed from Jan. 23), let ‘em fly for prizes. Bring your own fruitcakes or rent one here. Tickets $1 and those attending are encouraged to bring canned goods for St. Andrew’s Food Pantry. manitousprings.org/events/fruitcake-toss
THURSDAY-FEB. 2
The curtain is going up at the Denver Jewish Film Festival, 20 films including documentaries, comedies, educational films and highlights from “newly released Israeli and Jewish cinema, actors, or producers.” Elaine Wolf Theater, JCC Mizel Arts and Culture Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., 6-9 p.m. daily. Tickets $18 per film, $15 for students and seniors. jccdenver.org/macc/djff
THURSDAY-SUNDAY
The National Western Stock Show readies for a 2025 closing weekend with the Pro Rodeo Finals, Westernaires Trick and Fancy Ropers, a Stick Horse Parade, the auctioneer championship, llamas and alpacas, Farmyard Follies, Cowboy Church and bunches more. nationalwestern.com/schedule
SATURDAY
Sip and find new favorites at the Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival with more than a dozen Colorado distilleries, 2:30-6 p.m. Saturday. Zeppelin Station, 3501 Wazee St, #100. Go online for limited tickets. tinyurl.com/3jmdrex8.
SUNDAY
They’re working to ”Save the Face of the Boulder Theater,” its classic Art Deco façade and marquee. Time for a benefit concert of appropriate music by, perfect name, Face Vocal Band. The benefit also has a short film on the history of the theater. VIP ticket holders’ reception 5:30 p.m., general admission 6 p.m. z2ent.com/events/detail/save-the-face-2025-bt
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