The trio announced a lengthy 2026 tour Friday, including a Wednesday, Sept. 2, concert at downtown Denver’s Summit Music Hall. The Live Nation venue holds about 1,000 people, and given Reeves’ draw (from “John Wick,” “The Matrix,” recent “Toy Story” films, plus too many others to list), it’s likely to sell out instantly.

Pre-sale and VIP tickets for the concert are on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, with the public on-sale scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, March 13, via ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices were not immediately available.

The band’s 25-date “All in Now” tour begins May 28 in Highland Park, Calif., and continues through Sept. 3 in Salt Lake City, making the Denver show the second-to-last stop. Previously announced European tour and festival dates are on sale now, promoters added.

Dogstar formed in the 1990s but went dormant until 2023, when it came back to release its third studio album, “Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees.”

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But there are plenty of other film festivals in Colorado, from Oscar-bait showcases and mini-fests to touring, niche and genre-specific events that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, the LGBTQ community, and horror fans — sometimes all at once.

So if you can only see one Colorado film festival this year, what should it be?

Here are some ideas, with a focus on independent features and documentaries. Most events have opening- or closing-night parties, filmmaker panels, VIP passes and other programming, although not all have schedules, tickets on sale or firm dates yet.

Durango Independent Film Festival

March 4-8: There’s still time to check out this 21st annual event along the Animas River in southwest Colorado, which runs through Sunday, March 8, with screenings that span adventure, music, animation, nature, comedy, shorts, documentaries, Indigenous cinema, narrative features and kid-friendly titles. More details at durangofilm.org.

No Man’s Land Film Festival

March 7 in Denver: Expect roughly 25 titles at this 11th annual event that “un-defines” feminine by exploring and creating dialogue around the brilliance and influence of women filmmakers, particularly in the outdoors- and adventure-film categories. “From intimate portraits of resilience to explorations of identity, climate, and adventure — these films showcase the bold creativity of women, genderqueer, and Indigenous storytellers,” organizers wrote. Also expect several U.S. and world premieres. nomanslandfilmfestival.org

Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival

March 14-17 in Denver: The namesake of this Denver Film-produced event gathers colorful boats at Sloans Lake each year for races and partying. This festival offshoot is another wildly entertaining chance to introduce audiences to the diverse, underappreciated world of Asian and Asian American films. The Dragon Boat Race returns Aug. 29-30, but you can start building your schedule for the March film fest now.. denverfilm.org/cdbff

Aspen Shortsfest

April 7-11 in Aspen and Carbondale: Think of this competitive, Oscar-qualifying gathering as a Telluride or Sundance just for shorts, where featured and award-winning titles annually get nominated for (and often win) the biggest awards in the industry. This year, the Oscars recognized a pair of 2025 Shortsfest titles (“Jane Austen’s Period Drama” and “Retirement Plan”) as nominees for Best Live Action Short and Best Animated Short (respectively), and you can bet the 2027 Oscars will feature a few from this year’s 35th annual event in Aspen and Carbondale. aspenfilm.org/festival/2026-shortsfest

Boulder International Film Festival

April 9-12: Founded in 2004 by sisters Kathy and Robin Beeck, this four-day event has been the city’s marquee film festival. But it’s already making room for Sundance, having pushed back this year’s 22nd anniversary event from its usual February/March dates to early April, in anticipation of Sundance’s January 2027 debut. Sundance does not, however, have the CineChef food program (this year celebrating Badass Women Chefs), established Colorado youth screenings and competitions, or tens of thousands of already-loyal, annual Front Range ticket-buyers. Details, tickets and schedule are available at biff1.com.

ACT Human Rights Film Festival

April 9-12 in Fort Collins: This 11th annual, globally minded festival held at Colorado State University investigates the highs and lows of human dignity, violence and progress in a tightly curated set of always-relevant titles. What to make of the alarming global conflicts now proliferating? The ethics of citizenship? The crackdown of governments on their own people? They’ve got ideas. The schedule should post in the next week or two at actfilmfest.colostate.edu.

Castle Rock Film Festival

April 9-12: Joining an already-crowded weekend for film festivals is the fourth annual Castle Rock Film Festival, a nonprofit event that benefits the Castle Rock Artist Alliance (CRAA), specifically its Veterans and First Responders Art Therapy program. Awards, student competitions, and more are in store. Check filmfreeway.com/castlerockfilmfestival soon for the schedule.

Grand Mesa Short Film Festival

April 10-11 in Cedaredge: Most film events have their own shorts program, but there are precious few in Colorado that focus only on shorts (see Aspen Shortsfest, above). Now in its fifth year, the Grand Mesa Short Film Festival includes documentary, animation, drama, comedy, and action/adventure stories, along with a kid-appropriate matinee and a spotlight on young filmmakers. gmaec.org/film-festival

Denver Silent Film Festival

April 10-12: It’s really saying something that this Denver event brings silent films to life in the most visceral, magnetic way, with rare and restored movies that predate the era of talking actors and in-film soundtracks. It’s your only chance to see these in Colorado on the big screen, with live music to boot, and it all takes place at the Sie FilmCenter. How much easier could it be? denverfilm.org/programs/denver-silent-film-festival

5Point Film Flagship Festival

April 21-26 in Carbondale: Not long after Shortsfest is the 19th annual 5Point Film Festival in Carbondale, the flagship of a state-touring event that focuses on “humility, purposes, balance, commitment, respect” and other big-picture ideals while presenting screenings that tackle outdoor adventure and conservation. Sounds very Colorado, no? 5pointfilm.org/festival

Women+Film Festival

April 24-26 in Denver: This small but important festival complements fall’s Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival with more than a dozen features, shorts and documentaries “celebrating female filmmakers behind the camera and stories of women on the screen,” as producer Denver Film said online. denverfilm.org/women-plus-film-festival

SeriesFest

May 6-10 in Denver: Technically a TV and streaming festival, SeriesFest has grown over its 12 years into one of the most important showcases of non-film and episodic work — much of it ending up on networks and major streaming services just a few weeks or months later. Amid the glitz and industry confabs are fun panels and parties (see the annual Red Rocks concert) that keep it top-of-mind for regular audiences, from true-crime and documentary fans to traditional sitcoms, animated series, pilots and social media experiments. seriesfest.com

Telluride Mountainfilm

CinemaQ

May 29-31 in Denver: Denver’s only LGBTQ film festival takes place at the Sie FilmCenter with screenings, panels, discussions and events that highlight “queer voices, vision & visibility with the year’s best films,” according to producer Denver Film. The three-day event’s schedule and tickets will be online April 27. denverfilm.org/programs/cinemaq 

Ouray International Film Festival

June 18-21: Shorts and features are on tap for this festival not far from Telluride, which caters to filmmakers and audiences with an unpretentious slate of adrenaline-pumping titles. It’s got awards and quasi-celebrity guests, but the real attraction is the mountain scenery and the vibe of progressive, open-minded creativity. ourayfilmfestival.com

Telluride Film Festival

Aug. 29-Sept. 1: This fest is unapologetically elite and exclusive as it annually debuts up to 30 prestige films and other titles, all surrounded by the world’s biggest directors, stars and critics. It’s not industry; it’s influence and buzz-making and a celebration of movie geekery. And it’s highly unlikely to be affected by Sundance’s Boulder debut, given its wealthy, self-contained audience and setting. telluridefilmfestival.org

Telluride Horror Show

Oct. 16-18: High and low art are artificial distinctions at this genre celebration, which defines itself not by Telluride’s ski-resort setting but by its passionate fans and expert curation of new and classic horror titles. The 17th iteration this year will include destination-worthy parties and gatherings, along with “an exciting mix of horror, suspense, thriller, dark fantasy & sci-fi and dark comedy in Telluride’s unique theaters, with most of the films having one of their first U.S. showings,” according to its website. Check back this fall for the lineup and tickets. telluridehorrorshow.com

Aspen Filmfest

September: Marking 47 years, Aspen Film’s feature-length event (they also host Shortsfest) retains its modest footprint from last year, hewing close to the Aspen Isis Theatre. Dates (usually in mid-to-late September) and a schedule have not yet been finalized. aspenfilm.org/our-festivals/filmfest

Winter Park Film Festival

Sept. 10-13: If you don’t think of Winter Park as synonymous with film, you’re not alone. But the competitive event in Grand County draws diverse filmmakers, families and film buffs with screenings and special events, including titles that highlight young people, disabled people, action-adventure seekers, and students. winterparkfilmfestival.com

Breck Film Festival

Sept. 17-20 in Breckenridge. With more than 100 films on tap annually, Breck Film Festival has already set its dates for 2026, and there’s sure to be more local and national filmmakers in attendance — 2025’s event included the Colorado-set film “Rebuilding,” starring Josh O’Connor (which was actually shot in Colorado). breckfilm.org/festival

Crested Butte Film Festival

Late September: This 16-year-old festival has a surprisingly robust schedule, presenting around 80 films spread across five days that allow attendees and filmmakers to stretch out in every way. Passes and a schedule are not yet available, but check cbfilmfest.org in the fall for more.

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival

Oct. 16-18 in Colorado Springs: The 39th festival returns to Colorado College in Colorado Springs with an international celebration of women filmmakers. This year, the event will have in-person screenings at Colorado College followed by a virtual encore. The full schedule will be available later this year at rmwfilm.org.

Denver Film Festival

Oct. 22-Nov. 1: The biggest film festival in Colorado may not hold that title much longer, given Sundance’s looming arrival, but it will be fascinating to see how this jam-packed, affordable, multi-venue event plays with Sundance in both programming and audiences. Expect the typically impressive schedule of screenings, parties, panels, themed packages and awards to again be spread across the Sie FilmCenter, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Botanic Gardens, MCA at the Holiday Theater and other locales. denverfilm.org/denverfilmfestival

Go West Film Festival

Nov. 9-14 in Greeley: Not many film events rustle up Western themes these days, even in Colorado, but Go West honors that tradition with titles that confront what it means to live in the West — the good, the bad and the unexpected. “We ride the range of cinema history, from the early years to feature films and documentaries about the modern West,” organizers wrote online. Giddy up! gowestfilmfest.org

Ridgway Independent Film Festival

Nov. 13-15: The otherworldly San Juan Mountains play host to this event, which is marking its 12th year of showcasing indie films and filmmakers. Programs often feature fun options such as skygazing trips (it’s really, really dark there at night), an art show and lots of in-person meet-ups alongside the many screenings. Several events are free, too. filmfreeway.com/ridgwayindependentfilmfest

Vail Film Festival

Dec. 3-6: This late-season, competitive event is still taking submissions on its website, so a public lineup hasn’t even begun to take shape. But producers already revealed they’ll include a dedicated French Showcase this year, as part of their partnership with the ÉCU-Paris Film Festival (The European Independent Film Festival). vailfilmfestival.com

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Saturday. Denver’s globally-known TV and streaming festival, SeriesFest, is bringing back its “Fashion in Focus” program with costume designer Molly Rogers, along with a fashion show featuring dozens of iconic looks, historic costumes, and more than 40 models. Emmy-winner Rogers, who’s known for “Ugly Betty,” HBO’s “Sex and the City” and “And Just Like That …” as well as “The Devil Wears Prada” movies, will receive the Excellence in Costume Design Award from SeriesFest alongside the runway show.

With tickets starting at $125, it’s not cheap. But even the starting tier includes the conversation with Molly, plus a cocktail party and full fashion show. It takes place 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at The Cable Center at the University of Denver, 2000 Buchtel Blvd. in Denver. Visit seriesfest.com/fif for more details. — John Wenzel

Denver Restaurant Week

Friday-March 15. Why go to just one restaurant when you can visit a bunch throughout Denver Restaurant Week? The 22nd annual event, organized by Visit Denver, begins Friday, March 6, and lasts through dinner service on Sunday, March 15.

The participating restaurants — and there are many — offer multi-course meals ranging from $25 to $55. Some menus have several options; others are more tailored but still unique. The promotion’s search tool, denverrestaurantweek.com, is user-friendly and should make it easy to find somewhere special for a night out. (Last month, we made some recommendations, too.) — Miguel Otárola

Demetri Martin at the Paramount

Sunday. The deceptively low-key humor of Demetri Martin was once labeled nerdy or alternative, given his smart one-liners, on-stage drawings and overall subtly. But over the years, the writer-actor-standup has proven himself a versatile headliner and savvy addition to any festival, as critics (including myself) have realized what a narrow lane they formerly put him in.

Martin headlines the Paramount Theatre (1621 Glenarm Place in Denver) at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, as part of his Quick Draw Tour. Tickets are $52.80-$66.70 via ticketmaster.com. — John Wenzel

A little bit o’ green

Saturday-Sunday. It’s not too early to dive into the cultural roots of St. Patrick’s Day, which returns on Tuesday, March 17. The Denver Brass is presenting its Celtic Mania program on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts, featuring a trio of shows (two on Saturday) full of “thunderous brass, blazing bagpipes, and electrifying dance,” The Denver Brass wrote. The show features Celtic Colorado Pipes & Drums, Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers, and Celtic Steps Irish Dance School. Tickets: $5-$54; free for children under 12. denverbrass.org

Also worthy: Lakewood’s Blarney on the Belmar, a free, family-friendly festival on Saturday, March 7, that includes “world-class Irish music, traditional dancing, the Lucky Clover Market, and the finest food and drink Belmar has to offer,” according to organizers. The fourth annual event takes place 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at  439 S. Upham St. in Lakewood (at Alameda Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard). Visit belmarcolorado.com for more. — John Wenzel 

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Scheduled for May 28-31 at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver, producers of the event had already announced a “Goonies” mini-reunion, and a “Lord of the Rings” 25th anniversary cast tour featuring hobbits Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monoghan, as well as elven hottie Orlando Bloom and Gimli actor John Rhys-Davies.

But last week, the national convention brand also set a cast reunion for the “Scream” franchise — timed to “Scream 7’s” theatrical release, which enjoyed the best box office opening of the franchise with $64.1 million in U.S. ticket sales on its Feb. 27 opening weekend.

The “Scream” reunion will feature the resurgent Matthew Lillard (“Five Nights at Freddy’s), plus Skeet Ulrich, Jamie Kennedy, and Lee Waddell. (Sorry, but “Scream” franchise regulars Neve Campbell and Courtney Cox will not be in attendance.)

“The Goonies” reunion features cast members Sean Astin (already there for “Lord of the Rings”), Corey Feldman, Robert Davi, Joe Pantoliano, Kerri Green and Martha Plimpton.

More celebrities include Alec Baldwin (“30 Rock,” “Beetlejuice”), Cary Elwes (“The Princess Bride,” “Stranger Things”), Lilli Cooper (“Wicked”), Mike Coulter (“Luke Cage”), Krystina Alabado (“Mean Girls”), Josh Holloway (“Lost”), and Joel Perez (“In the Heights,” “Fun Home”).

As with past years, the pop-culture confab will feature comics artists and animators, authors, anime and animation voice actors, cosplayers and notable gamers alongside panels, kid-friendly offerings, autographs, a marketplace and more. See fanexpohq.com/fanexpodenver for tickets and more information.

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“Stolen Pride: Loss, Shame and the Rise of the Right,” by Arlie Russell Hochschild (The New Press, 2024)

The author interviewed dozens of people in Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District to learn their “pride biographies,” from community and religious leaders to felons and recovering addicts, across all socio-economic strata. This poor, largely rural area embodies the losses seen in many regions of this country: loss of economic drivers (e.g., closure of the coal mines), the incursion of drugs leading to the opioid crisis, a loss of hope and, most tellingly, the loss of opportunity to achieve the American dream.  These losses feel compounded by others’ gains (e.g., women’s rights, civil rights, immigrants’ achievements), leading to what the author calls a “pride paradox,” a feeling of shameful responsibility for failing to achieve the American dream.  Hochschild goes on to show how right-wing politicians have capitalized on these feelings of lost pride and mounting shame, offering up a “good bully” to defend them. Intriguing and insightful. — 3 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver

“The Place of Tides,” by James Rebanks (Mariner Books, 2024)

Farmer and writer  Rebanks’ previous book, “English Pastoral,” a memoir about his family’s British farm, won the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing in 2021. This time, looking for a way out of his dispirited exhaustion, the author is spending a spring season off the coast of Norway to work with Anna, a “duck woman” who has devoted much of her life to helping endangered eider ducks and gathering their down. For four months on a rocky windswept island, he watches and, insofar as Anna will allow him, helps as she assiduously prepares hundreds of sheltered nests exactly the way the ducks want them, prays the ducks will come, guards them from predators when they do, collects their down as it accumulates, and does everything she can to assure each duck finds its way safely back to the water. A restorative, even life-changing season for the author (and for this reader). — 4 stars (out of 4); Michelle Nelson, Littleton

“The Satisfaction Cafe,” by Kathy Wang (Simon & Schuster, 2025)

Joan, the only daughter of a Taiwanese family, ends up being sent by default to the U.S. to study, after each of her brothers flames out at home.  Joan eventually weds an older, wealthy American, has a child, takes in an abandoned niece to raise and lives the American dream.  After her husband dies, Joan slowly finds her own identity and realizes her own dream to open a cafe where lonely people can find interesting conversation and good food – the eponymous Satisfaction Cafe.  Only when Joan herself dies does her family realize her worth and the impact of her love.  A satisfying read. — 3 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver

“Klara and the Sun,” by Kazuo Ishiguro (Vintage, 2021)

Labelled as dystopian science fiction, this tale of an engineered, living girl doomed to be a second-class, second-rate citizen in the near future. Pledged forever to serve a human girl, Josie, which she does most willingly, Klara learns to function at the highest level, rescues her human several times (as well as Josie’s mother and boyfriend). The themes are eternal: What is it to be “human”? What is the true nature of love? What is and can be a “god figure?” The personalities of humans and nonhumans are most skillfully drawn, and the emotions conveyed through the story ring absolutely true. Almost incidentally, the reader comes to realize that Klara’s every thought and action convey her non-humanity, leaving the reader wishing humans could be as thoughtful and good as Klara. — 4 stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver (bonniemccune.com)

“Winter Garden,” by Kristin Hannah (St. Martin’s Press, 2010)

It is estimated that the 1941 siege of Leningrad (now called St. Petersburg) by German and Finnish forces killed more than a million Russian citizens. For more than 2 years, bombs fell, families were torn apart and people starved and froze to death. This is the tale of Veronika (Vera, later known as Anya), a Russian woman who made it through those dark days but was left deeply scarred. What it cost her to survive and make a new life in Washington state was something she would struggle with her entire life. Decades later, her two American daughters take her on an Alaskan cruise, seeking to discover her secrets, and why their mother was either unwilling or unable to form a loving bond with her children. An evocative, haunting tale of generational trauma for those who made it through the coldest winter on record in Leningrad, where temperatures dropped to 40 below. — 3 stars (out of 4); Karen Goldie Hartman, Westminster

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Comedian Toby Morton’s DraftBarronTrump.com site is supposed to be satirical, according to the Daily Beast. But it echoes critical comments made Sunday by Democratic Senator Chris Murphy about Trump’s decision to join Israel in ordering extensive air strikes on Iran as part of “Operation Epic Fury.”

Speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that the president’s effort to force regime change in Iran probably won’t get the results he wants and is likely to lead to a regional war and a “quagmire” that will cost the lives of more American soldiers.

“It won’t be the billionaire kids of Donald Trump and his buddies that die,” the Connecticut Democrat said. “It’s going to be the children of middle class and poor families all across this country who are going to die for a war of choice, a war of vanity, an illegal war.”

Morton launched his site as the deaths of four U.S service members were announced over the weekend, and Trump was blasted for seeming to be indifferent to their loss, the Daily Beast and The Independent reported.

In an address to the nation Sunday, Trump said “there will likely be more” U.S. military personnel killed in the war.

“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives,” Trump said in a video posted to X, the Daily Beast reported. “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is.”

The four killed were U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Kuwait as part of a unit that oversees supplies and logistics, the Associated Press reported. They were killed, and several others were seriously injured, when Iran targeted a tactical operations center in the ally Persian Gulf nation, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday.

But as Trump spoke of this “righteous mission” to launch air strikes on Iran, Morton was among those online, focusing on whether he would be so willing to have his own 19-year-old son on the front lines.

Morton, who runs dozens of political parody sites and who wrote for “South Park” in the early 2000s, addressed the question about Barron Trump’s imagined military service with a site whose header proclaims, “America is strong because its leaders are strong.”

“President Trump proves that every day,” the header continues. “Naturally, his son Barron is more than ready to defend the country his father so boldly commands.”

The site then includes spoof quotes from Trump and other of Barron Trump’s older half-brothers. “People come up to me, with tears in their eyes, and they say, ‘Sir, you’re the strongest. Send Barron off to war,’” said Trump’s faux quote.

Donald Trump Jr. also is “quoted” as saying that his college student brother “represents strength, courage, and service. I’ll be honoring that sacrifice in my own way, mainly by talking about it from a safe distance.” Meanwhile, a spoof Eric Trump quote has him discussing — not war or military service — but pancakes, which “are complex” to make.

The issue of military service has long been a sore point for Trump, with the president having used a diagnosis of bone spurs to avoid the Vietnam draft, The Independent and other sites reported.

Meanwhile, on X, someone encouraged other users to help make #SendBarron trend No. 1.

“Yup send him!!” one person replied. “My grandson is serving in the Marines, while Barron is being coddled by mommy and daddy.”

Someone else posted a photo of group of four young adults, lounging on a beach, headlined “Trump’s kids” and “Netanyahu’s kids.” That photo was contrasted with a photo of soldiers in a desert war setting, headlined “Your kids.” Another person also suggested that Kai Trump, Tump’s 18-year-old granddaughter, a golfer and social media influencer, could also join up.

But amid this discussion, some online have pointed out that Barron, who stands 6 feet 9 inches, may in fact be too tall to join the military. The Independent reported that the height limit for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard is 6 feet 8 inches, while the Marine Corps’ limit is capped at 6 feet 6 inches.

The nonprofit amphitheater in Ruby Hill Park, which opened in 2017, will this season present about 40 free, all-ages concerts and community events, according to executive director Meghan McNamara. The 2026 free-concert season is currently scheduled to kick off Saturday, May 23, with Rock de Mayo featuring Denver act iZCALLi (see the full list below).

People can RSVP in advance for the shows at levittdenver.org, or walk in off the street, at least while there’s still lawn capacity at the 6,500-person venue (there usually is).

Levitt also presents a handful of paid shows each season to bolster its bottom line, including the previously announced Hip Hop on the Hill with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Dizzy Wright, Lil Eazy-E, and Seuss Mace on (Friday, May 22) and, for the first time, The Great American Beer Festival, Oct. 10–11, which is going outdoors for the first time.

Check out the current list of free shows below.

Levitt Pavilion Denver 2026 free concerts

May 23 — Rock de Mayo ft. iZCALLi
May 29 — Between Friends, Fly by Midnight
May 30 — Brazilian Day
June 5 —  The Sapphic Social Club presents Pride Kickoff with Tiana Major9
June 6 — Steph Strings
June 7 — Central City Opera Presents Drag Me to the Opera
June 12 — Fleetmac Wood
June 13 — Sunsquabi
June 26 — The Bright Light Social Hour
June 27 — J. Roddy Walston & The Business
July 3– High Fade
July 4 — Flobots with Espiaille and DCI Tour
July 17 — LCAC & MSU Presents Las Cafeteras
JuLy 18 — Girls Rock Denver Showcase (headliner TBA)
July 31 — Dessa, Kayla Marque
Aug. 1 — Shakedown Street Presents Jerry Day
Aug. 14 — Rebirth Brass Band, Deltaphonic
Sept. 5 — Mo Lowda & the Humble
Sept. 18 — La Santa Cecilia

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When it comes to television, I am a faithful reality series fan.

From dating shows like “Love Island,” “Love is Blind” and “Married at First Sight” to docusoaps like “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and makeovers like “Queer Eye” – no program is too fringe that I won’t give it a chance.

So when I recently found myself in between seasons of “Below Deck” and experiencing a dearth of “The Real Housewives” content, I decided to turn on “The Traitors” for the first time. It quickly became my new TV obsession.

For those unfamiliar, “The Traitors” is a reality TV game show featuring well-known personalities from other reality series, who spend a couple of weeks sequestered in a Scottish castle competing for money. The whole cast competes as a group in absurd and macabre challenges as they try to add cash to their collective pot of winnings. A select group of so-called traitors — secretly appointed by actor Alan Cummings, the show’s host doing the absolute most — work behind the scenes to sabotage the rest of the cast, who are known as faithfuls. Each night, the traitors eliminate one faithful by figuratively murdering them, ending their time on the show.

The traitors’ goal is to conceal their identities until the end of the game, because if they survive, they will hijack the winnings. Faithfuls also have chances to banish traitors by voting them out of the castle during a nightly event called the roundtable.

It’s a game of trust and betrayal, of gossip and groupthink. The whole plot is excessive, campy and over-the-top — and it works because the participants are, too.

The most recent season featured icons of fashion, glamor and drama, such as Lisa Rinna of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Monét X Change, and Colton Underwood of “The Bachelor.” There were also famous faces from other places in pop culture, such as Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, and comedian Ron Funches.

Big personalities playing over-sensationalized versions of themselves in a lavish castle with the couture to match, “The Traitors” is like the ultimate escapist version of reality TV in that it is so far removed from reality it feels like watching a live-action fantasy.

In one episode, for example, the participants join Cummings in the castle’s dining hall for a gathering henceforth known as the Black Banquet. Cummings has tasked the traitors with committing a murder in plain sight — meaning they have to convince a faithful player to touch a jeweled brooch in front of everyone else without raising suspicions. That person is then cursed and slated for murder.

The setting, characters and costumes place viewers squarely in a whimsical world, though that all gets starkly juxtaposed against real human nature when Cummings offers the players an antidote that will save them should they be revealed as the traitors’ secret sacrifice. Paranoia overtakes several players who vie for protection. It turns out to be for naught — the wrong players drink the antidotes and the cursed faithful gets escorted out by two individuals in hooded cloaks.

Ridiculous and over-dramatized? Yes. Addicting television? Absolutely.

Part of “The Traitors” success comes from the character development, and watching each player navigate balancing their own integrity and intuition with the fear they could be next on the chopping block. Showing leadership is a good way to build alliances, but if misconstrued for over-confidence, the whole group could turn on you. One misstep and all fingers point your way.

In several episodes, viewers see participants acting decisively and self-assured in private conversations, only to show up to the roundtable and completely change their thinking. The show is something of a case study in group dynamics and the power of manipulation. It may also make you reflect on your own personal biases.

Like, what exactly makes a person trustworthy? And how would you prove your own innocence when public perception is stacked against you? Comedian Funches spent numerous episodes defending his honor as a faithful, as the other players nit-picked his actions and reserved demeanor. Few believed him until he was banished from the castle and forced to reveal he was, in fact, on the right side of the game.

“The Traitors” Season 4 finale aired on Feb. 26 on Peacock, which means by the time you read this, the fate of the faithfuls and the identities of the traitors will be revealed. But if you’re not invested yet, all the better, as I find this show is best binge-watched versus kept up with week-to-week. Now that I’ve developed a taste for mock murder, I can’t wait to watch all the previous seasons I missed.

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Now’s the time for the most celebrated films from last year — like “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” — to get the spotlight. One will be crowned the Best Picture at the 98th Oscars on March 15. Frugal film fans can check out all 10 nominees at blockbuster prices. On March 7 and 14, AMC Theatres is hosting a Best Picture Showcase Marathon with five films shown each day. Tickets are $40 for each Saturday. Regal Cinemas’ Best Picture Festival runs from March 6 to 15 with tickets for $7.99. Finally, the best deal is with Harkins Theatres’ Best Picture Film Fest through March 15 – only playing at its Arvada location. An All-Access Pass is $50 – making each flick just $5. amctheatres.com; regmovies.com; harkins.com

Handel’s Ice Cream Grand Opening

Handel’s Ice Cream is opening a new shop at the Lakeridge Shopping Center (16689 Washington St.) in Thornton. This is Handel’s second location in Colorado; the first one is at Southlands in Aurora. On March 12, starting at 11 a.m., the first 50 customers in line will receive one free small cone or dish per week for 52 weeks at the new Thornton store. You must be 18 years or older to participate. The scoop shop will also have giveaways throughout the grand opening weekend. The Thornton site will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. handelsicecream.com

Be Happy Boutique

Young men and women without the funds for formal wear for school proms or other important occasions are invited to shop regardless of budget at the Be Happy Boutique. It’s located at the Streets of Southglenn (6797 S. Vine St.), next to Staples. The shop will be open on two weekends this month – March 6-8 and March 13-15. A large variety of formal wear, including dresses and menswear (pants, shirts, jackets), is available. Styles range from long to short, from modern to vintage in every color, shape and size. Shoes, accessories and jewelry are also available. The boutique follows a pay-what-you-can model, and all are welcome. There’s no cost, no reservations required (just drop in) and no questions. The shop is open from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. ryliesark.org

Assistance League of Denver’s Thrift Shop

Love searching for antiques and vintage items? Look no further than the Assistance League of Denver’s Thrift Shop (6265 E. Evans Ave.) for lots of trinkets and treasures. The shop is holding a Vintage Sale with fashion, home goods, books and collectibles from March 9 to 14. While you’re bargain hunting, be sure to peruse the shop for other deals on contemporary clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, sporting goods, home decor and furniture. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plus, every Monday the shop’s clearance racks and Dollar Deals feature housewares and clothing (women’s and men’s) marked 50% off or just for $1 with a red stamp. assistanceleague.org/denver/thrift-mart

Jewels for Hope

Fine jewelry can be expensive, but not when you shop at Jewels for Hope. The group collects pre-owned jewelry and holds sales throughout the year with proceeds benefitting the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Find plenty of bargain bling at its next sale on March 14 at its shop in Englewood (3500 S. Corona St.) The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this sale, all bracelets are buy-one-get-one free of equal or lesser value. Plus, there will be a selection of handbags for sale. Jewelry ranges from vintage to contemporary and diamonds to rhinestones, all reasonably priced. childrensdiabetesfoundation.org

Irishfest Denver

Denver’s Ballpark District goes green as Irishfest Denver takes over 21st and Blake on March 14 for a day of community celebration. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., get your fill of live music, Irish dance, cultural performances, artisans, Irish fare and libations, games and activities. Performers include Celtic Legacy, McTeggart Irish Dancers, Tonewood and a DJ. The festival is adjacent to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, so you can keep the party going after the last float goes by. Tickets are $12. Those under age 21 are admitted, but only with a parent or guardian. The event is hosted by Ballpark Collective RNO with proceeds going toward uniting and promoting community and local businesses through grants and district improvements. irishfestdenver.com

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

If you can’t make to downtown Denver for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, get your green on March 14 in Arvada or Aurora. Town Center at Aurora (14200 E. Alameda Ave.) hosts an afternoon of festive entertainment, including live performances by Celtic Steps and Queen City Rovers, free beer (21+ only), kids’ crafts and face painting. The party is from noon to 4 p.m. in the Lower Level Center Court. Olde Town Arvada’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival is also on March 14, from noon to 6 p.m., and features more than 70 vendors, food trucks, libations, two stages with live music and a kids zone. towncenterataurora.com; oldetownarvada.org

DQ Free Cone Day

Chill out this spring at Dairy Queen! DQ celebrates the start of spring with its annual Free Cone Day. All customers enjoy a free small vanilla cone on March 19. Many locations will let you dip the cone for $1. The giveaway is only available in-shop. The complimentary cone is available all day, while supplies last. There are 75 DQ shops in Colorado. dairyqueen.com

Phamaly Theatre Company

The regional premiere adaptation of “Little Women” brings Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story to life with warmth, humor and modern emotional resonance. The show is performed by Phamaly Theatre Company from March 19 to April 4 at Northglenn Arts Parsons Theatre (1 E. Memorial Parkway). Phamaly is the foremost disability-affirmative, nonprofit theatre company in the country. The company produces professional plays, musicals and original work cast entirely of performers with all nature of disabilities: physical, emotional, intellectual and cognitive. General admission tickets range from $26 to $35 and can be purchased in advance online. However, $15 rush tickets are available at the door by request one hour before each performance. phamaly.org

Denver Lyric Opera Guild Competition

No need to don a ballgown or tuxedo for this opera experience. Some of Colorado’s finest young opera singers take to the stage at the Denver Lyric Opera Guild’s 2025 final competition on March 21 at Calvary Baptist Church (6500 E. Girard Ave.) in Denver. Finalists perform before a panel of distinguished judges from 1 to 5 p.m., in hopes of singing their way to the top prize. Admission is free, with open seating. Stay for all the performances or come and go as you please between performers. Past winners have gone on to successful operatic careers at companies such as Opera Colorado, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Metropolitan Opera. denverlyricoperaguild.org

Try Hockey for free day

USA Hockey, in partnership with local associations across the country, is hosting “Try Hockey for Free Day!” Kids (ages 4 to 9) new to the sport can experience the action on the ice firsthand for free. Aspiring hockey players of all ability levels can skate, play and learn the basics of the popular sport in a fun and safe environment. No previous skating or hockey experience required. Plus, all locations will have equipment to borrow at no cost. Trained coaching staff will be on hand to assist and guide participants. Hit the ice on March 22 at the South Suburban Sports Complex (4810 E. County Line Road) in Highlands Ranch from noon to 1 p.m. Find additional participating locations and dates at tryhockeyforfree.com.

Send tips to info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance. 

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New buzzwords at spas for 2026 are “contrast therapy” and “regulate your nervous system,” with members and guests moving from hot to cold spaces for optimum wellbeing.

“Contrast therapy is associated with a range of benefits, including lowering blood pressure and heart rate, increased metabolism, decrease in muscle soreness and healthier lung function,” said Aaron McCallister, general manager of Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs.

At the end of February, Iron Mountain will debut a new addition, The Summit, that highlights this contrast therapy with re-creations of Turkish hammams, Finnish barrel saunas, Korean steam rooms, Russian banyas, Polish salt rooms, and plunge pools of varying extreme temperatures. Iron Mountain already offers Premier Access (previously dubbed Upriver), a 21-and-up section with soaking pools designed to imitate the mineral content of hot springs from places like the Dead Sea in Israel, Osaek Hot Springs in South Korea, or the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

“The alternating temperatures can help stimulate blood flow and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which encourages relaxation and restoration,” McCallister said.

The Summit also will be restricted to guests over the age of 21, and will include a guide to walk bathers through the “wellness circuits” to focus on specific problem areas such as muscle recovery or cardiovascular health.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs will soon have a total of 35 mineral pools that range from 98 to 108 degrees and the dedicated cold plunge pools, along with the five saunas. People can choose a half or full-day experience as they self-pace throughout this circuit. The property has three distinct areas, including a family pool for all ages in the Select Access section.

Each of the new saunas has been designed with architectural styles, aromatherapy and chromotherapy (color therapy), as well as temperature and humidity to approximate the original heat therapy options.

“Contrast therapy is rooted in the combination of mineral-rich geothermal pools and cold water immersion available throughout the property,” said McCallister. “Guests can choose the experience that best fits their schedule and goals.”

While Iron Mountain Hot Springs has mountain and river views from all over the property, there are options for contrast therapy in other Colorado cities, too.

• The R3 Spa in Englewood has a 190-degree Finnish sauna and three cold plunges (each a different temperature, from the 50s to the 30s); memberships are available or it can be booked by the hour.
• Izba Spa is a Russian banya in Denver that includes a massage therapist who pours water and essential oils over the hot rocks so the room is filled with steam and then uses bundles of oak leaves to move the steam. Expect to have the leaves tapped along the body before honey is applied and then rinsed with a splash of cold water.
• PORTAL Thermaculture, with locations in Denver and Boulder, describes its contrast therapy as “modern Scandinavian saunas” combined with a cold plunge. Guests can plan to spend 15 minutes in the heated sauna, then three minutes in the cold, and repeat that twice. PORTAL Thermaculture defines itself as a “wellness social club” and not a spa.
• SweatHouz (SWTHZ) in Denver doesn’t lay claim to a tradition from abroad, but instead touts its private 145-175-degree infrared saunas combined with 48- to 50-degree cold plunge and then topped off with a vitamin C shower to refresh for contrast therapy.

While these indoor contrast therapy sessions can be added to the daily urban routine by stepping inside for a therapeutic session, The Summit at Iron Mountain Hot Springs is more of a vacation destination that isn’t readily found in other places.

“There is no other location in the U.S. that offers this unique variety of saunas and pools,” said McCallister. “This level of scale and variety allows guests to fully experience contrast therapy in a way that isn’t typically available elsewhere.”

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