DENVER – Every weekend, Denver7 compiles a list of some fun events you might enjoy. Here are our picks for the 7 best things to do in the Denver metro area and beyond this weekend.
1. Catch the magical creations of ice sculpting artists at the Cripple Creek Ice Festival
What: Didn’t catch the international Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge at the end of January? You’ll have your chance to experience something similar during the Cripple Creek Ice Festival. Ice sculptors will carve ice into beautiful works of art. This year’s theme will be “Carver’s Choice.” There will also be interactive sculptures for attendees to climb on for a selfie or a group
photo – and there is also an ice slide for kids.
Where: Cripple Creek, Colo.
When: Now through Sunday, Feb. 16
Admission: Free of charge
More info: https://visitcripplecreek.com/event/ice-fest/
2. Have a good laugh during the Telluride Comedy Festival
What: Top comedians from all over the country will be in Colorado this weekend for the Telluride Comedy Festival! Now in its 20th year, the festival brings a mix of characters, sketches, stand-up and improv performances that celebrate (and poke fun at) Telluride.
Where: Sheridan Opera House, 110 N. Oak St. in Telluride, Colo.
When: Thursday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 16 starting at 8 p.m.
Admission: $40-$130; buy tickets here.
More info: https://www.telluride.com/festivals-and-events/telluride-comedy-festival
3. Get married for cheap in Denver this Valentine’s Day
What: If you’re planning on tying the knot but are worried about how much it’ll end up costing you, we’ve got some good news: You can get married at nearly no cost to you or your spouse on this Valentine’s Day. The City of Denver’s Office of the Clerk and Recorder will offer free wedding ceremonies on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Denver Officer of the Clerk and Recorder (inside the Webb building), 201 W. Colfax Ave.
When: Friday, Feb. 14 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission: Free to get in, but the marriage license costs $30.
More info: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-office-of-the-clerk-and-recorder/marriage-civil-union-licenses.html
4. Celebrate love in Sweetheart City this weekend
What: If you’re looking for the perfect getaway spot to celebrate with your valentine, look no further than Loveland’s Sweetheart Festival! Held in the new Foundry Plaza, the festival celebrates the city’s 70+ year history of embracing lovers near and far to come and celebrate Valentine’s Day with free fun for the entire family. There will be group weddings, live entertainment, a Little Miss Valentine and Mr. Cupid contest, food, wine, beer and much more!
Where: Downtown Loveland at The Foundry, 0388360 in Loveland, Colo.
When: Friday, Feb. 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 15 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free of admission, though you must register for some of the events taking place
More info: https://www.loveland.org/events-2/sweet-heart-festival/
5. Pig out at the 2020 Mile High Grilled Cheese & Beer Festival
What: Cheese is EVERYTHING, especially when it’s grilled (well, if you believe the organizers). If you’re up to munch down gourmet grilled cheese made by local chefs from more than a dozen eateries, and then wash it down with delicious beer, then you might want to go to the 2020 Mile High Grilled Cheese and Beer Festival!
Where: Runway 35, 8863 E. 47th Ave. in Denver
When: Saturday, Feb. 15 from noon to 8 p.m.
Admission: $65-$99; buy tickets here.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/500998297377548/
6. Cheer on the Colorado Avalanche as they take on the Los Angeles Kings in Colorado Springs
What: The 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series is bringing outdoor hockey back to Colorado this weekend! The Colorado Avalanche will battle it out against the Los Angeles Kings for the ultimate celebration of hockey!
Where: U.S. Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium, 2304 Cadet Dr., Ste. 3100 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
When: Saturday, Feb. 15 starting at 5:30 p.m.; a pre-game festival starts at 1:30 p.m. The game begins at 6 p.m.
Admission: $110-$145; buy tickets here.
More info: https://www.nhl.com/fans/stadiumseries/2020?fbclid=IwAR1KmfiIs__sHGe6iFm6M3mqO62utbND-gomjL95NoC8KvYCFxFVAvEzZ4I
7. Join the Longmont Symphony for “The Force of Destiny” this Valentine’s Day weekend
What: The feeling of destiny is one that accompanies us at different times in our lives, and for this concert, the Longmont Symphony will take the reins—from soulmate connections to the “lives” of musical instruments in The Red Violin. The symphony will be closing the night with Respighi’s monumental musical depiction of life in Rome, featuring violinist Andrew Sords and the Longmont Youth Symphony – something you won’t want to miss!
Where: Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, 600 E. Mountain View Ave. in Longmont, Colo.
When: Saturday, Feb. 15 starting at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $10-$25
More info: http://longmontsymphony.org/concerts/the-force-of-destiny/
Looking for more? Check out these other fun events:
Just got hitched? Celebrate at the Downtown Denver Ice Rink
What: If you took advantage of a low-cost wedding, why not celebrate the occasion by ice skating all the nerves away?! The Downtown Denver Ice Rink is open for one last weekend at Skyline Park, so go and enjoy this seasonal attraction.
Where: Skyline Park, 1601 Arapahoe St. in Denver
When: Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Entry is free (with your own skates); skate rentals are $7 for kids 12 and under, and $9 for adults 13 and older.
More info: https://www.downtowndenver.com/experience-downtown/downtown-denver-ice-rink/
Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Bighorn Sheep
What: Head to Colorado Springs for the 15th annual Bighorn Sheep Day Festival. Look at the animals through the center’s high-power telescopes, take guided nature walks, take the children for kids’ activities and crafts and more.
Where: Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St. in Colorado Springs, Colo.
When: Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m
Admission: Free of admission
More info: https://www.visitcos.com/events-calendar/annual/bighorn-sheep-day/
Have an event you’d like for us to tell viewers about? Send an email to oscar.contreras@thedenverchannel.com at least a week ahead of the event and make sure to title it "7 best things to do" so he can put your event on the list.