The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
Tour Ai Weiwei’s “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads” | January 5
The dozen fierce animal heads have been standing tall at Civic Center Park since October. “The Circle of Animals/Zodiac Head” exhibition, created by contemporary Chinese artist Ai WeiWei, will be standing tall for only a year, so now is the time to discover their meaning and history. This hour-long tour—led by official public art docent Djamila Ricciardi—will take you outside and through the McNichols Building, showcasing Ai WeiWei’s advocacy for social change and human rights through his original artwork.
Watch the 16th Annual Colorado Fiddle Championships | January 6–7
Better start tapping your feet and slapping your knee because this year’s Colorado Fiddle Championships are happening at Colorado’s iconic annual National Western Stock Show. Watch and listen to the Centennial State’s best fiddlers play some folky-fresh tunes at the Beef Palace Auction Arena, judged by a panel of nationally renowned fiddlers, Alita Weisgerber, Junior Marriott, and Marty Elmore. Find the full competition schedule here.
Attend a Martin Luther King Jr. Musical Tribute | January 9
This January commemorates the 50th year since Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Celebrate the life of this incredible civil rights leader at this free tribute concert, titled “Sacrifice for Justice” at Boettcher Concert Hall. The show will feature soulful songs from the Colorado Symphony, as well as guest performances from singers like Rajdulari and Stephanie Hancock.
Do Yoga on Ice (aka Snowga) | Every Saturday
It’s January 5—are you over going to the gym yet? Either way, it’s time to get more creative with your workout routine. Consider honing your yoga flow at downtown Denver’s premier outdoor ice rink at Skyline Park. The free weekly “Snowga” class focuses on meditation, breath control, and simple exercises, so you can ujjayi-breathe in that crisp winter air while appreciating the Mile High City’s beauty. Don’t forget your yoga mat!
Attend a Viking Festival in Breckenridge | January 10–13
Embrace the winter God you always had inside of you at the Breckenridge’s 55th annual Ullr Fest. Since Ullr (the stepson of Thor) was known for his mastery in snow skills, this weekend-long festival is jam-packed with wonderful wintery activities, including an ice plunge, ice skating party, and enormous bonfire.
Enjoy an Especially Artistic Wonderbound Performance | January 11
Last November, the Clyfford Still Museum and Wonderbound—Curtis Park’s professional dance company—partnered to perform Still & Art, a gorgeously choreographed duet by Wonderbound artistic director, choreographer, and president Garrett Ammon. Part two of this experiment will take guests to the Wonderbound stage, as Ammon explains how an environment can affect the creative process. You won’t want to miss this unique performance, which blurs the lines between movement and traditional art.
Transform Old into New at a Take a Piece and Leave a Piece Workshop | January 13, 20, 27
Does your closet have old pieces of clothing that go unworn? Whether it’s because they’re damaged or simply unfashionable, Art Gym—an alternative art studio in the Montclair neighborhood—can teach you how to turn unused items into works of arts. Led by mixed media artist, K. Vuletich, the Take a Piece, Leave a Piece workshop is an incredible way to learn how to creatively utilize those rags.
Bike Your Way Around Aurora (Lock-Free!) | All month-long
Since Colorado is known for its robust sunshine, even January qualifies as a suitable time to bike around town. Thanks to Ofo, a city-bike sharing company with built-in locks, you can ride throughout the entire month for free in Aurora. Simply find an Ofo bike through their mobile app, and get riding.