Weekend things to do around Denver and beyond

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 listings@gazette.com.

SUNDAY

Wondering “Where the Wild Things Are?” Grownups and youngsters who love the stories and art of Maurice Sendak will find them all through the holiday season in Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak at Denver Art Museum, through Feb. 17. More about the creator of “In the Night Kitchen,” “Outside Over There” and “Nutshell Library” and the artist who worked on movies and theater productions, starting Sunday at 10 a.m. in the museum’s Hamilton Building, 100 W. 14th Ave. A highlight is the original paintings from “Where the Wild Things Are” including those from the book and the opera. For ticket information: denverartmuseum.org/en/exhibitions/wild-things-art-of-maurice-sendak

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

A weekend for vinyl fans and collectors at the Rocky Mountain Record Show with more than 75 vendors and, a guesstimate, 150,000 records. DJs playing vinyl and poster art are part of the show. Downtown location at the Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway. VIP admission  $27.50, Saturday General Admission $10, Sunday GA free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rockymountainrecordshow.com

THURSDAY-SATURDAY

Great American Beer Festival, well known nationally simply as GABF, takes over Colorado Convention Center downtown with top breweries, competitions and samples of the newest beers … and lots of happy rowdiness. Food pairings to go along with the beer, too. The three sessions include: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, 5:30 p.m. Friday and the Brewers’ Session 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Check for possible tickets at greatamericanbeerfestival.com.

SATURDAY-NOV. 3

For a 24th year, Longmont honors the Day of the Dead Día de Muertos with what is considered Colorado’s longest-running traditional celebration honoring loved ones who are deceased. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a downtown Longmont street festival has Firehouse Art Center’s Gigantes Procession, music, dance, cultural activities, food and ofrendas (art altars). A Día de Muertos Exhibition is displayed at the Longmont Museum. Next up, the Firehouse Art Center’s Catrina Ball on Oct. 19, featuring dance performances. Noche de Museo on Nov. 2 has dance history performances dating back to ancient Aztec. Tickets at longmontmuseum.org.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Have a special luncheon of Slavic and Czech food ($20), take home baked goods, watch traditional dances, tour the church and shop for Eastern European and Orthodox items at the annual Slavic Fest in Calhan. St. Mary’s Dormition Orthodox Church, 19485 N. Calhan Highway. Starting 11 a.m. both days. To pre-order pierogi, halushki, borscht, wedding beef and kielbasa, go to slavicfest.net/#Order.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

An iconic weekend of art with a 31-year history, Salida ArtWalk is set against a whitewater Arkansas River backdrop and golden mountain aspens. Experience the famed Creative District filled with galleries and a downtown of pop-up venues. Receptions, performances, literary experiences, a Saturday night Parade of the Arts, a 60-foot community public art project and specialty entrees at restaurants, cafes, distilleries and breweries. SalidaArtWalk.org 

THURSDAY-NOV. 2

The perfect time of year for Cheesman Park  Haunted Ghost Tour. Today it’s a beautiful park right above what was a cemetery with an eerie history full of paranormal legends. Gives-you-goose-bumps tours daily. Meet at  Cheesman Park Pavilion, 1900 E. 11th Ave. $25,  $10 for children 10-15. Reserve ghostly moonlight walks, denverlikealocaltours.com

SATURDAY

Local fashion designers are in the black and white spotlight at Cultural Runway Series: Black & White – The Finale. Presented by Denver Arts & Venues, it also has a vendor market including jewelry, art and beauty products and an after party. McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W. Colfax Ave., 5 p.m. Tickets $10-$50+. tinyurl.com/35xw87rk

SATURDAY

During the year there are four delicious chocolate events in Colorado and now it’s time for Choctoberfest, described as “like Oktoberfest, ​but with Chocolate & Cheese instead of beer.” A “Zero-Proof Event” with choctails instead. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora. Colorado Chocolate Festivals on Facebook, @COchocolateFests on Instagram.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Cyclists can “Pedal Pikes Peak” Saturday and Sunday, 7-9 a.m., when there’s no vehicle traffic. Wear reflective clothing. The summit opens at 8:30 a.m. with food…yes doughnuts…and gifts and restrooms. Reservations required at Drivepikespeak.com, $20 per person. To accommodate cyclists, Pikes Peak is partnering with North Pole Santa’s Workshop to provide overflow parking in their northwest lot in case the parking stalls near the gateway reach capacity. Parking attendants will be on-site starting at 6 a.m. to assist participants.