MUSEUM: NO MONEY, NO PROBLEM.
You’ve got no excuse not to hit up some of your local museums this weekend—it’s free! Denver Botanic Gardens, Leanin’ Tree Museum and Sculpture Garden of Western Art in Boulder, the Littleton Historical Museum, and The Wildlife Experience Museum in Parker are opening their doors free of charge Saturday as part of Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. The nation-wide event only comes once a year, so take advantage of the free mind-candy. For more information or to download your free museum card (required for free admission), visit www.smithmagmuseumday.com.

FASHION: HIGH-END TRENDS.
As the leaves begin to fall, so should the summer styles from the hangers in your closet. Get inspired to autumn-ize your wardrobe at a swanky runway show, where models will be showing off the latest fall fashions from Larimer Square boutiques. Sponsored by Larimer Square and 5280, the Scene Stealers show includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres alongside the moleskin jeans, velvet-lined cardigans, and suede ruffle-trimmed jackets. Proceeds benefit the Denver Film Society. Mile High Station, 2027 West Colfax Ave. Thu 6-9 p.m. $75 / $125 VIP (including a gift bag and after-party at Cru and Octane). For more information, call 303-685-8120 or visit www.larimersquare.com or www.5280.com.

PERFORMING ARTS: TAKE A CHANCE ON ROMANCE.
Colorado Ballet celebrates the beginning of its 46th year with an opening performance of the classic lovers’ tale, Giselle. It’s an age-old scenario: Peasant girl falls for prince; prince betrays peasant girl; peasant girl dies tragically; prince mourns his true love. With costumes and set designs from American Ballet Theatre, Colorado Ballet’s version highlights the new artistic leadership of Gil Boggs, a former American Ballet Theatre principal. Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 14th and Curtis streets. Sep. 29–Oct. 15, opening Fri 7:30 p.m. Wed, Fri-Sun, times vary. For more information or tickets, call 303-837-8888 ext. 2 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

FUND-RAISER: BOULDER’S BOYS DO VAIL.
Rocking out at big-name concerts ranks pretty high on the proverbial list of things-to-do-in-Vail (after, you know, that whole skiing thing). And the Millennium Society—the philanthropic, self-dubbed “Vail Valley Generation Next”—is upping the cool-factor of this weekend’s Big Head Todd and the Monsters performance by turning the show into an exclusive, charity-centered party. The proceeds will benefit the Steadman-Hawkins Research Foundation (supporting osteoarthritis research to help people stay active), the Youth Foundation (serving disadvantaged young people in Eagle County), and a third cause not yet determined. Snacks, libations, and a silent auction, of course. Vilar Center for Performing Arts, Beaver Creek. Sat 6:30 p.m. $125. For more information or to RSVP, call 970-479-1192.