As summer comes to a close, Colorado offers a variety of arts and cultural events to enjoy the last bit of warm weather and celebrate the arts. From fine art to car shows to live music of various genres, there is something for everyone.
News from art and culture
Greg Carpenter, longtime General and Artistic Director of Opera Colorado, announces his resignation
After twenty years, Opera Colorado will be under new artistic direction starting next year. General and Artistic Director Greg Carpenter announced that he is leaving the company.
“I feel like I’m ready for a change, and I think the company is ready for a change,” Carpenter told CPR News. “My time with this company has been one of the most rewarding, both in terms of what we’ve been able to accomplish at Opera Colorado during these years and the tremendous generosity of the people I’ve been able to work with.”
But now, he said, it is time for new leadership.
Matthew Staver for Opera Colorado
Although this marks the end of his tenure at Opera Colorado, Carpenter made it clear that he is not retiring; he plans to stay in Denver to explore new opportunities. And he still has the company’s 24-25 season ahead of him.
“I look forward to making this coming season a great season. A season of great art, great artists and a celebration not of where we have been, but of the great possibilities of where we are going,” he said.
Carpenter’s influence will still be felt in the following season, as the company sets its schedule two years in advance.
The upcoming season of Opera Colorado will open on November 9th with Donizetti’s “The Daughter of the Regiment”.
Oktoberfest returns to Beaver Creek
Fall isn’t quite here yet, but that doesn’t stop Beaver Creek from toasting the season. Beaver Creek’s annual Oktoberfest takes place August 30th through September 1st, offering a weekend of Bavarian food, beer and merriment. The festival runs at varying times throughout the weekend, with suggested arrival times on each day to account for parking and transportation options.
Art and cultural events this weekend
Music and art fans are spoiled for choice this Labor Day weekend, and theater lovers have several options.
Front area
Art: If you’re looking for something different, check out Tom Everhart’s new exhibition at Fascination St. Fine Art, which features works based on his unique relationship with Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. The artist will appear twice at the gallery, Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, giving visitors the chance to learn more about his work process and maybe even take home an iconic piece of art.
Music: For fans of Latin music, world sensation Carín León will perform at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater on Thursday, August 29th.
Music: Swallow Hill Music in Denver will be offering group lessons on a variety of instruments starting September 3. This eight-week course includes 143 lessons and is designed for aspiring musicians of all ages and skill levels, taught by a team of 32 professional musicians.
Theater: The Arvada Center opens its 24-25 season this Friday with the musical waitressruns until October 13th. The show features music by Sara Bareilles and addresses topics such as friendship and the search for one’s own voice.
Northern Colorado
Art: The Estes Park Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show showcases the work of numerous artists and artisans this long weekend. Admission is free, and visitors can expect to see a variety of media, from painting to jewelry to woodwork.
Music: Grammy-winning artist Rick Springfield plays Friday night at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley.
Music: If swing is more your style, the Exchange in Fort Collins is hosting an evening of live music and dancing to the sounds of Groovilization on Saturday.
Other fun: Car lovers can visit the Cruise-In Car Show in Windsor on August 31. The event features a wide variety of vehicles, a live band and food vendors.
Southern Colorado
Film: The Independent Film Society of Colorado (IFSOC) presents a screening of The divided braina film about the human brain, on Thursday at the Cottonwood Center for the Arts in Colorado Springs.
Music: On Saturday night, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss headline an all-ages show at the new Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs.
West slope
Theater: The Art Center and the Theater Project present a production of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor this weekend in Grand Junction. The show runs Friday through Sunday.
Other arts and culture events in Colorado
This is how we select our events: CO Arts Spotlight highlights events across the state to give readers a sense of the breadth of arts and culture happening in Colorado. It is not, and cannot be, a comprehensive list of all weekly events. Listings do not constitute recommendations or reviews. The weekly list is published Thursday and is not updated. Some groups that appear on the list may also be financial sponsors of CPR but have no influence on our editorial decisions.
