Denver Area Events

January

Martin Luther King Parade
Billed as the largest Martin Luther King Jr. march in the United States, this annual event draws upward of 30,000 participants, gathering at City Park and proceeding to Civic Center Park for a rally. Call (303) 331-4113 for more information.

GART Sports Expo
This annual expo at the Colorado Convention Center includes products and services for fishing, camping, boating, and hunting. Call (360) 693-3700 for more information.

Comedy Works
1226 15th St., Larimer Square
303.595.3637
www.comedyworks.com

Adam Ferrara—through January 2
A proven favorite in comedy clubs, festivals and sitcoms, Adam Ferrara has earned a name for himself as one of today's leading comedic talents. His popularity as a stand-up has been validated with two American Comedy Award nominations for Best Stand-Up and two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials. Show Times: Thursday at 8:00 p.m.; Friday at 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.; Sunday at 8:00 p.m.

Sean Rouse—January 5-9
At first glance he appears to be as harmless as an altar boy. However, the moment he opens his mouth you might think he has made a deal with the devil. A comedian known for his masterful build-up and in-your-face punchlines, Sean is sure to rile up any audience with his dark look at reality and society. Show Times: Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. (Non-Smoking); Thursday at 8:00 p.m.; Friday at 8:00 p.m. (Non-Smoking) and 10:00 p.m.; Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (Non-Smoking), 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Sunday at 8:00 p.m.

Sommore—January 14-15
Audiences across America acknowledge Sommore, the Trenton, NJ born comedic actress, as the "Diva of Contemporary Comedy." Her performances offer audiences a hilarious, piercing look at issues today from the perspective of a woman who lives and loves life. Show Times: Friday at 8:00 p.m. (Non-Smoking) and 10:00 p.m.; Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Greg Proops—January 21-22
Greg Proops is best known for his many appearances on the ABC improv comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway? His other television credits include: Politically Incorrect, Talk Soup, and The Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn. Greg is a hit overseas as well, touring the UK four times and selling out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival seven years running. Show Times: Friday at 8:00 p.m. (Non- Smoking) and 10:00 p.m.; Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (Non-Smoking), 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Bobby Collins—January 28-29
As one of today's leading and most sought-after comedic talents, Bobby Collins' heartfelt humor engages audiences with a clever blend of characterizations and hilarious observations that everyone can relate to. He takes the funny business very seriously - from starring in his own Showtime Special and being Rosie O'Donnell's predecessor pick to host VH1's Stand-up Spotlight, to opening for such names as Cher, Dolly Parton, Julio Inglesis and Tony Bennett, to name a few. Show Times: Friday at 8:00 p.m. (Non-Smoking) and 10:00 p.m.; Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (Non- Smoking), 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

February

Colorado Garden & Home Show
Homeowners from all around reap inspiration for spring landscaping, patio and outdoor projects during this annual extravaganza at the Colorado Convention Center . Call (303) 932-8100 for more information.

Butterfly Pavilion
Tropical conservatory for butterflies and other invertebrates. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.|$7.95 adults, $5.95 seniors and Westminster residents, $4.95 ages 4-12.|6252 W. 104th Ave., 303-469-5441|WESTMINSTER

National Arenacross Series
The world s largest indoor motorsport series features three days of heat races and more. Call (303) 830-8497 for more information.

All About Kids Expo
Going strong for more than a decade old, this annual fun-filled forum has games and music for kids, and child-friendly exhibits for adults. Call (303) 282-5073 for more information.

March

Denver Jewish Film Festival
Screenings for the Denver Jewish Film Festival unfold annually at the Starz FilmCenter on the Auraria campus. Call (303) 595-3456 for more information.

St. Patrick s Day Parade
The city s biggest annual parade features horses, stagecoaches, marching bands, floats and fun, all with Western-style flair. Call (303) 368-9861 for more information.

April

PanAfrican Film Festival
Screenings for the PanAfrican Film Festival unfold annually at the Starz FilmCenter on the Auraria campus. Call (303) 595-3456 for more information.

Cherry Creek Sneak
Starting at Cherry Creek Drive North, participants race, sprint, walk or crawl competitively through a five-mile course on streets near Cherry Creek. Call (303) 394-7223 for more information.

May

Cinco de Mayo
Billed as the largest Cinco de Mayo event in the United States, this annual extravaganza draws more than 400,000 to Civic Center Park where hundreds of booths sell Latino food, crafts and art. Call (303) 534-8342 for more information.

DAM Uncorked
Benefitting the Denver Art Museum, the evening features a silent auction, flavorful wines and experts from the wine and spirits industry. Call (720) 913-0039 for more information.

Colorado Art Festival
Hundreds of artists offer jewelry, mixed media, paintings, ceramics and demonstrations at the Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall. Call (303) 388-2137 for more information.

June

Greek Festival
Denver s Greek community serves up baklava and more, with art exhibits, live music, dancing and a big, fat overall good time. Call (303) 388-9314 for more information.

Juneteenth
Denver celebrates the end of slavery in Texas at the Five Points neighborhood with a parade, gospel extravaganza, entertainment and exotic food. Call (303) 832-3770 for more information.

PrideFest
A morning parade leads to a flamboyant festival at Cheesman Park with food, live music and information about gay/lesbian community activities. Call (303) 492-2783 for more information.

Ride The Rockies
The annual bicycle tour pedals through challenging mountain passes.Call (303) 820-1338 for more information.

Global Groove
At Global Groove, Denver s first World Music Festival, music from the world over plays within a festival-like atmosphere. 16th & Wewatta in the Central Platte Valley. Call (303) 295-1195 for more information.

Colorado Music Festival
Colorado Music Festival, a six-week summer classical music extravaganza from late June through early August, showcases musicians from around the world, performing in Boulder s historic Chautauqua Auditorium. Headliners have included pianist Angela Cheng and the Miro Quartet. Season finales star the CMF Choir, performing works such as Beethoven s Ode to Joy with full orchestra. Call (904) 759-2758 for more information.

July

Colorado Gay Rodeo
Goat dressing and a wild drag race add to more traditional rodeo events at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Call (303) 839-8810 for more information.

Colorado Irish Festival
The largest such celebration in the Rockies includes and Irish dancing, drama, storytelling, food and drink. Call (303) 561-4007 for more information.

August

Denver Grand Prix
The Mile High City s downtown area turns into a racetrack for three days of high speed action with Indy cars racing through more than a dozen turns. Call (888) 827-7333 for more information.

Colorado State Fair
Parades, concerts, contests, animals and art exhibits return to the fairgrounds. Call (719) 561-8484 for more information.

September

Red Rocks Run and Roll
Amid mountain environs of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, more than 4,000 runners experience the rapture of racing along a course with occasional bald eagle sightings. Mid-September s 5k and 3k run, walk and roll includes a hand cycle division, promoting progressive sports/recreation opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities. Call (720) 936-2999 for more information.

El Grito de la Independencia Fiesta
Celebrating Mexican Independence from Spain, this annual event at the City Light Pavilion has live music on three stages, authentic Mexican food, children s attractions and more. Call (303) 534-8342 for more information.

Larimar Square s Oktoberfest
A restored section of Denver s oldest street hosts celebrants with oompah bands, bratwurst, and ample quantities of beer. Call (303) 685-8143 for more information.

Taste of Cherry Creek
Mouthwatering dishes from Denver s finest eateries are served up each year to benefit the Denver Komen Race for the Cure in conjunction with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Call (303) 388-6022 for more information.

Vintage Harvest Festival
Food, wine and the arts take center stage when the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey near Canon City hosts the Vintage Harvest Festival, with an eclectic mix of local produce, a fiesta-style grape crush, Mexican buffet, belly dancers and fine art. A Winemaker s Dinner kicks off the fun. Call (719) 276-5191 for more information.

October

Halloween with Horses Fall Festival
A week or so before Halloween, the High Prairie Farms and Colorado Horse Park provide a trick-or-treat barn, pumpkin patch, costumed horse contest and pony rides. Call (303) 841-5550 for more information.

Starz Denver International Film Festival
Filmmakers introduce slate of movies at the Temple Buell Theater and the Starz FilmCenter. Call (303) 595-3456 for more information.

Goblins in the Garden
Late October brings goblins and skullduggery to the Denver Botanic Gardens, transformed with haunted trails for the Halloween season. Call (720) 865-3500 for more information.

Victorian Fetish Ball
A feather and ice fetish party designed to tantalize the mind and the senses creating euphoria of sensuality. People of various circles gather for this 2,000-person costume mandatory event. Call (720) 936-2999 for more information.

Haunted Hunt
Clever clues lead participants to downtown hotspots and haunted corners, where adults and kids encounter a cast of ghostly characters revealing Denver s haunted history. Call (303) 875-7603 for more information.

November

Light Up Larimar
In mid November, organizers light up the shopping district for the holiday season downtown. Every weekend through early January becomes an extravaganza with carolers, tuba concert, ice sculpting and more. Call (303) 685-8143 for more information.

Holiday Gift & Garden Market
For some four decades, the Denver Botanic Gardensannual holiday shopping event has featured horticultural and crafty gifts, food and beverages. Call (720) 865-3500 for more information.

December

Georgetown Christmas Market
Victorian Georgetown captures the magic of an old-fashioned Christmas in the tradition of the Swedish Julmarknad and the German Christmarket. Call (303) 569-2840 for more information.

Jingle Bell Run
Benefitting the Arthritus Foundation, this national 5K run and walk starts in Washington Park. Call (303) 756-8622 for more information.

Xcel Energy Parade of Lights
For two evenings in early December starting at the Denver City and County Building, lighted floats and the state s top marching bands parade through downtown. Call (303) 534-6161 for more information.