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Autumn heralds a delightful season of entertainment options throughout Metro Denver. Here is a sampling of diverse activities and venues to enjoy — from the silly to the sublime.
DELIGHTFULLY FRIGHTFUL AND GROSS
Fright Fest turns Elitch Gardens into a spooky Halloween playground throughout October. By day, young children and the faint of heart can enjoy Halloween festivities without fear of jumping out of their skins. Activities include the Trick-or-Treat trail, with stops to collect tasty treats; pet costume parade; Screams haunted house with the lights on; and Boo Gardens.
At dusk, while ghouls, monsters and zombies prowl the park, screams and gory sights fill haunted houses. If being terrified by otherworld creatures is not enough of a thrill, visitors can compete for season passes in the nightly cockroach eating contest!
The Wildlife Experience presents a different perspective on gross with its Animal Grossology exhibition. Fourteen modular, hands-on interactive exhibits showcase slime makers, vomit munchers, bloodsuckers, doodle lovers and other gross stuff. Visitors even find out why the dung beetle is nature's living pooper scooper.
ART IMMERSION AND DIVERSION
Cinema and the arts command center stage in Denver in mid-November during two acclaimed venues. Independent film aficionados can submerge themselves in the best of world cinema presented by the Starz Denver Film Festival, November 13 - 23. Now in its 31st year, the award-winning festival showcases more than 175 independent films, hosts more than 100 artists from around the world and pays tribute to both established and emerging filmmakers. This celebration of cinema also includes a venue for youngsters with a Saturday-at-the-Movies screening.
Several prestigious awards are presented, including the John Cassavetes Award for outstanding achievement in independent filmmaking and the Spike Lee Student Filmmaker Award. The full festival schedule is available October 31.
Denver Arts Week, November 14–22, celebrates the city's thriving arts scene with concerts, art shows, theater, dance and street parties. From poetry readings to painting demonstrations, the event offers myriad ways to engage with the artists. The Night of the Museums highlights the opening day. Similar to Europe's popular "Nuit des Musees," Denver's museums are opening their doors to the public for free.
Denver's 150th Birthday Party also occurs during this festive period. Mayor Hickenlooper welcomes everyone to come celebrate and eat cake on Saturday morning, Nov 22, at the Colorado History Museum.
JUST FOR THE UNIQUE FUN OF IT
Those with fantasies of being Mario Andretti or Danica Patrick can rev up their engines at The Track at Centennial, Colorado's premier karting facility. In a 13 horsepower Sodi-Kart, drivers find themselves racing up to 60 mph. Rentals include a full suit, helmet and all safety equipment, a safety talk and a brief orientation. "It's a hit with all ages," says Track Manager Matt Geier, "and we're seeing a lot more women getting into this sport." Women typically do better than men, he adds, because body weight affects the kart's speed. Weather permitting, the track is open to the public year-round, except Mondays and during private events.
Private parties can rent the track for a Grand Prix Pro or other race event. Rentals include timing, scoring, tent, trophies, concessionaire catering and other options. Kids age 6 and older, accompanied by a parent, also can drive the Sodi-Karts.
The Landmark Theatre Greenwood Village offers a different kind of experience — VIP treatment while watching the latest movie release. For an additional $3, VIP pass holders get first access to the theater when the doors open; reserved, spacious premium seating; merchandise discounts; and in-seat delivery of concession items. Whether or not patrons hold VIP passes, they enjoy roomy stadium seating with large foam seats, lots of leg room and unobstructed sight lines. They have access to the theater's full bar and lounge, which serves wine, spirits, cocktails and local gourmet concessions, including Boulder Sausage and Udi's sandwiches and salads. Unlimited popcorn and soda are free.
Mile High Holidays
The city comes aglow for the holidays with the Grand Illumination of Downtown Denver on November 23. More than a million white lights decorate 16th Street Mall alone. Hundreds of festive, glowing luminarias (paper bags filled with a candle) illuminate the Art District of Santa Fe. Zoo Lights creates a magical display of animals and holiday themes at Denver Zoo.
To the south, The Wildlife Experience continues the glow with its Winter WonderLights festival. In the enchanting indoor/outdoor setting, visitors can admire dazzling lights along the Nature Trail, help decorate cookies in Mrs. Claus's kitchen, learn how to make toys in the Elf Playhouse, and even write and mail their letters to Santa Claus in the Polar Bear Post Office.
Amid the city's holiday lights, residents have a wealth of delightful merrymaking choices. For example, they can shop for novel items at the 22nd Annual Denver Holiday Food and Gift Market Festival. They can string popcorn and cranberries for the Four Mile House Tree or experience a Victorian Holiday High Tea at the Molly Brown House. And, among many other performances, they can attend the 33rd Annual Christmas Tuba Concert outdoors or watch The Nutcracker at the elegant Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
HELPFUL FACTS
Fright Fest 2008, Weekends in October through Nov. 1
Elitch Gardens, 303- 595-4386, www.elitchgardens.com
Animal Grossology, Through April 26, 2009
The Wildlife Experience, 720- 488-3300, www.thewildlifeexperience.org
Starz Denver Film Festival, Nov. 13 - 23
Denver Film Society, 303-595-3456x250, www.denverfilm.org
Denver Arts Week, Nov. 14 - 22
Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, 303-892-1112, www.denver.org
The Track At Centennial, Year-round
303-706-9300, www.thetrack.us
The Landmark Theatre Greenwood Village, Year-round
303-352-1992, www.landmarktheatres.com
Mile High Holidays, Nov. 13 - Dec. 31
Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, 303-892-1112, www.denver.org
Winter WonderLights, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, Nov. 28 - Dec. 28
The Wildlife Experience, 720- 488-3300, www.thewildlifeexperience.org
Published in Buzz in the 'Burbs, October 2008
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