We tell you what to do, where to be, and why for each week of the year. By Kazia Jankowski

THEATER

What: In anticipation of her marriage, Sophie decides she finally wants to know the identity of her long lost father. There are three possibilities, and she invites them all to her wedding, unbeknownst to her mom, in the get-happy musical Mamma Mia. Why: This internationally popular show weaves together comedy and ABBA songs (think “Dancing Queen” and “Honey, Honey”) for a performance that had last night’s audience laughing out loud and singing along. Bonus: When the last actor bows, stay in your seat. A rockin’ encore brings ABBA’s most popular songs back to the stage. Details: Wed-Fri 8 p.m.; Sat 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. The Buell Theater, 1050 13th St. $25-$110. For more information, call 303-893-4100 or visit www.denvercenter.org.

RECEPTION

What: Latina Initiative, a local organization dedicated to empowering Latinas, kicks off its 2008 election program with art, food, and drink at Museo de las Americas. Why: While checking out the museum’s immigration-inspired “Space Invaders” exhibit, learn how the 2008 election issues will affect Colorado Latinos. Bonus: Read 5280‘s “Ladies Who Launch” for insight into our city’s Latina powerbrokers. Details: Thu 6 p.m. Museo de las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Drive. Free. For more information, call 303-572-0013 or visit www.latinainitiative.org.

SPORTS

What: Wary of spelling bees and words like “abalone” and “chrysanthemum”? ESPN Zone’s First Annual Sports Spelling Bee may change that. The only words you need to spell for this bee are sports-related. Why: We’re pretty sure this counts as an afternoon workout. You’ll be exercising your brain and talking about sports. Bonus: The spelling bee winner walks away with a trophy and nifty ESPN Zone prize pack. Details: Thu 7 p.m. ESPN Zone Denver, 1187 16th St. Free. For more information, call 303-595-3776 or visit www.espnzone.com/denver.

PARTY

What: The Children’s Museum of Denver celebrates its 35th birthday with a gala for grown-ups: 35 Wishes with Cats, Hats, and Fishes. Why: Enjoy an organic and locally sourced dinner, while dancing and mingling with the museum chairs and co-chairs, including Mayor John Hickenlooper and his wife, Helen Thorpe. Bonus: Silent and live auctions offer great steals like a Tiffany diamond pendant and two international business-class tickets on United Airlines. Details: Fri 6 p.m. The Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. $100-$250. For more information, call 303-433-7444 or visit www.mychildsmuseum.org.

KIDS

What: From onesies to diapers, the shopping lists of new or expecting parents can feel unmanageably long. To help, Colorado’s first annual BabyTime Expo features an expansive display of the newest infant and toddler gear. Why: In addition to product demonstrations and Elmo appearances, Dr. Harvey Karp, a UCLA professor of pediatrics and author of the books The Happiest Toddler on the Block and The Happiest Baby on the Block, speaks on the challenges of raising a infants and toddlers (Sat 2 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.). Bonus: If your kids are too old for the BabyTime Expo, check out Saturday’s grand opening of Jungle Quest, a 12,000-square-foot safari-themed indoor adventure center. Details: Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Denver Merchandise Mart, 451 East 58th Ave., Ste. 4270. $10. For more information, visit www.babytimeexpo.com.

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