BEST BETS: Dragon Boat Festival, more to do this weekend
AMERICAN BEAUTIES 25» In the exhibit “Dear THROUGH AUG.
Younger Me,” Denver’s Picture Me Here photography project asked new Americans — including artists Goshen Carmel, Nawid Danishjo, Sara Nassr and Masodah Sherzad — to write postcards to their younger selves at a pivotal moment in their lives. What advice or lessons would they pass on? The exhibit, which opened July 20 and continues through Aug. 25, answers that and other questions in beautiful, heartbreaking, uplifting detail, thanks to the self-shot images that accompany the stories. The exhibit — representing Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Brazil, Ukraine, Nigeria and Congo — will hold its opening reception 6-9 p.m. on July 27 at Colorado Photographic Arts Center, 1070 Bannock St. Free and open to the public.
Dragon Boat Fest. SATURDAY AND SUNDAY» Get psyched for one of the area’s most colorful races when the Colorado
Dragon Boat Festival returns to Sloan’s Lake. The ancient sport will be revived for two days at the celebration of Asian heritage that will feature performances, food, drinks, shopping, exhibits and — of course — heart-pounding races. Admission to the festival is free, and $5 parking will be available at the Auraria Campus with a shuttle to and from the festival. The event will also have plenty to keep the kiddos busy, with a family-focused stage, educational opportunities, origami and bungee trampolines sure to tire them out for the night. Other highlights include a beer garden, a spicy ramen eating contest and food from more than 10 countries. More information at cdbf.org. Striped family fun. SATURDAY AND SUNDAY» This weekend, the family can get up close and personal with some giant cats. We don’t just mean some QT with your over-sized furball at home. The Downtown Aquarium will host Tiger Weekend from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with animal viewing opportunities, training demonstrations, educational experiences and a chance to snap a photo with Java the tiger mascot. Activities require an exhibit ticket ($21 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for children 3-11). But there is incentive for bargain-hunters: Those who wear a tiger costume or face paint will get 10 percent off admission. Find a schedule at downtownaquarium.com; 700 Water St.
Chicano celebration. THROUGH
SUNDAY» The annual Chicano Music Festival hosted by Su Teatro will return for its 22nd year this weekend, and bring with it performances by some of the area’s best Chicano and Mexican musicians. The festival offers music, food, dancing and celebration at Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive. Festival passes are $45; prices for day passes vary. Get tickets and see a full schedule at suteatro.org or call 303-296-0219. Crafty in Cheesman. SATURDAY AND SUNDAY» The sixth Annual Cheesman
Park Art Fest will return to the lush urban park Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 100 artists and craft-makers from around the country will provide shoppable wares at all price ranges from pottery and paintings to jewelry and sculptures. If you’re more of a window shopper, there will also be live music and food trucks. More information at dasheventsdenver.com/ cheesman.
Dream a dream. 5» If you THROUGH AUG. plan on just sitting around “on your own, pretending he’s beside you,” this weekend, then we may have a better option for you: a trip to 19th century France. “Les Miserables” has returned to the Buell Theatre (1400 Curtis St.) with new staging and scenery that may even have longtime fans leaving with a new perspective. The show is for ages 10 and older and runs just under three hours (with an intermission), with showings at 7:30 p.m. daily and some matinee shows at 2 p.m.. Tickets are $35-$150 at denvercenter.org.