Take a Child to the Opera: On August 4, take in high culture with your little ones, courtesy of the Central City Opera House. This all-day event starts with a tour of the Gilpin History Museum (admission included), and after an hour or so educating the kids on the mining town’s rich past, families can picnic in the Opera House Gardens. After lunch, enjoy interactive theatrical activities before the matinee showing of famed Italian production La Traviata. The show itself will include a narrator’s preview, and afterwards attendees are invited to a meet-and-greet with cast members. Tickets range from $25–$30 and can be purchased here. Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.; Central City Opera House, 124 Eureka St., Central City


(Photo Credit: Travis Shinn)

Get a Facial, Support HIV/AIDS Research: Kiehl’s, a New York-based purveyor of fine-quality skin and hair care products will maintain its long tradition of supporting HIV/AIDS patients with its 6th annual Liferide for amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research). Inspired by Kiehl’s icon—the motorcycle—this multi-day, multi-state celebrity charity motorcycle ride will make its first stop on August 4 at the Kiehl’s store in Cherry Creek. The event, hosted by Denver-based fashion designer Mondo Guerra, is open to the public and will feature small bites, complimentary 20-minute facials or hand massages, and opportunities to sample Kiehl’s products and rub elbows with the actors, athletes, musicians, and artists that champion the cause. Tuesday, 12 to 1 p.m.; Kiehl’s Since 1851, Cherry Creek Shopping Center, 3000 E. 1st Ave.


(Photo Credit: Growing Gardens)

Get With Garden to Table Cooking: Boulder-based nonprofit Growing Gardens has been building community through sustainable urban agriculture for 17 years with a variety of gardening-based programs (think landscape design, vegetable garden planning, canning and preserving, pickling and fermenting, and even bread-making). The last of the summer Garden to Table cooking series will take place on August 6, and costs $40. The class, which is held outside, uses vegetables at their peak of ripeness and covers everything from basic knife skills to cooking without a recipe. Check out a sample menu and register here. Thursday, 6 to 8:30 p.m.; 1630 Hawthorn Ave., Boulder


(Photo Credit: Cottonwood Institute)

Play Cornhole, Support Local Education: The Throwdown, an annual charity cornhole tournament, will take place on August 8 with a basic registration fee of $50 per person ($100 per team). All proceeds benefit the Denver-based Cottonwood Institute, which connects underserved students to the outdoors. The event is 21 and up, and will feature beer courtesy of the Living Dream Brewing Company, non-alcoholic beverages from Marley Coffee, and food from Voodoo Doughnuts, Pizza Fusion, and Snarf’s Sandwiches. DJ Mykey Mcfly will be on hand to provide beats during the round-robin tournament, which will award prizes—from places like Snooze, The Kitchen, OtterBox, and Crocs—to the winners and runners up. No experience is necessary to participate in this fun and leisurely event. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 1701 Wynkoop St.

Drop Your Drawers…for Charity: This charity 5K wants your to “Drop Your Drawers and Run Wild,” all in the name of supporting Underwearness, a charity that supplies underprivileged kids with new underwear. Register until August 8 for $35 (it’s $40 come race day) and show up in regular workout clothes (or your underwear, up to you) and ready to run. After your cross the finish line, head to the Denver Zoo for a light breakfast, two free drinks, an underwear toss, and access to the real wild things for the rest of the day. Those who only want to attend the zoo party can purchase tickets for $15 to $25. Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; City Park (17th Ave. and Colorado Blvd.)