By Hillary Locke Mujica

PHOTO: COURTESY LOS CHINGONES VIA INSTAGRAM

May 5

CINCO DE MAYO

Although Cindo De Mayo Denver canceled their festivities due to COVID, there are still muchas celebraciones to partake in! Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the outnumbered Mexican army over French forces, providing the momentum and national confidence for the Mexican people to drive the foreign power from their country. Today, Cinco de Mayo celebrates the tradition of freedom and acknowledges the beauty of Latino culture. Join the festivities at some of our favorite spots... LOS CHINGONES loschingonesmexican.com; EL KARAJO mexicanrestaurantcentennial.com; LOS DOS POTRILLOS los2potrillos.com; LAS BRISAS lasbrisascolorado.com and THE RIO riograndemexican.com

PHOTO: FARES MICUE, COURTESY DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS

Through May 16

DREAMS IN BLOOM

Photographer Fares Micue creates dreamlike self-portraits that integrate natural and surprising objects in vibrant hues. Set against a dark, mysterious ground, her images document the hope and positivity of the human spirit. Micue’s first solo exhibition, Dreams in Bloom, celebrates the individual beauty of the human form and the universal creative optimism within. DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS, Denver, botanicgardens.org

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Due to the everchanging updates regarding COVID-19, events may have been canceled or postponed. Please check with each organizer regarding event changes. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) and the Tri-County Health Department (tchd.org) for the latest news and guidelines for staying healthy and slowing the spread of COVID.

May 27 — Oct 31

ALL ABOARD

The iconic Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest railroad in America and at 14,115 feet, the highest cog railway in the world, will climb up Pikes Peak once again! Tickets are now available for rides starting on May 27, 2021. THE NEW BROADMOOR

MANITOU AND PIKES PEAK COG

RAILWAY, Manitou Springs, cograilway.com there’s more ➼

PHOTO: KRISTINA LOGGIA, COURTESY HISTORY COLORADO

Through May 31

APRON CHRONICLES

Today, as we contemplate how to move forward from a turbulent and disrupted present, Apron Chronicles gives us the opportunity not to escape reality, but to see it in a different light. Explore themes of hope, connection, survival, achievement, regret and liberation, as told from the healing perspective of connectivity.

The exhibit features photography, personal narratives and one-of-a-kind aprons and lets visitors add their own stories to the experience. Sharing a depth of emotion and social complexity both intimately personal and universally relatable, the exhibit reminds us that we’re all in this together. HISTORY COLORADO, Denver, historycolorado.org

TAKE THE PLUNGE

AFTER ABOUT 10 YEARS, the much-anticipated Palisade Plunge will open this May and will be the country’s newest long-distance downhill mixed-use singletrack. It connects the top of the Grand Mesa (10,700′) to the town of Palisade, CO, (4,700′) via 32 miles of sweet riding back-country singletrack – yes, 6000′ of relief! Though most of the single-track trail curves gently through the woods, across rock gardens, through stunning washes and dry riverbeds, and around impressive rock features, the last six miles will definitely test a rider’s grit as they ride on the edge of several thousand-foot-tall mesa cliffs.

The Plunge is guaranteed to offer a fast, fun and challenging ride, complete with stunning terrain and views. The final connection into downtown Palisade and all the fun amenities is completed via a paved path, and moves on to the Colorado Riverfront Trail for further connectivity. Check out the full story at avidlifestyle.com

Because Your Style Doesn’t Stop at the Back Door

Come visit our beautiful 10,000 sq ft dedicated patio shop! See all the new styles, finishes, and fabrics for 2021 and distinguish your patio by customizing and creating your unique outdoor living space. Howard Lorton Furniture & Design, family-owned and operated since 1927.