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Present Box: Jonathan Mason, July 20 to July 24
Think of this installation as a work of artistic synesthesia. During the interactive sense-blending exhibition, Colorado artist Jonathan Mason pairs seven musical notes with seven different colors, so guests can choose a combination of hues to produce their own melodies. Up to seven viewers at a time can experiment with the shades to create their own harmonies on a glockenspiel. Tue-Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th St., 303-443-2122. Free.
Spirit of Colorado, July 21
Next time you visit the airport, avoid the TSA line and celebrate Colorado’s Western heritage at this lively festival instead. After you sip on whiskey from Old Town Distilling Co., visit ponies at a Colorado Horse Rescue’s petting zoo, try to spend eight seconds on a mechanical bull, or take silly selfies in a cowboy-themed photo booth. As you listen to live performances by folksy group Rocky Mtn. Bluegrass and singer Eric Lane, who plays covers of pop and rock hits, make sure to savor this worry-free time in DIA—it might never happen again. Thu 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Denver International Airport, 8500 Peña Blvd., 303-342-2000. Free.
What’s Your Everest?, July 22 to July 23
During this outdoor fund-raiser, you’ll have the chance to get some exercise alongside an inspirational athlete. Start your weekend with a cocktail party on Friday, then spend Saturday on an invigorating six-mile hike up Dercum Mountain accompanied by legendary climber Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man to summit Mt. Everest. Proceeds benefit No Barriers, a nonprofit that creates opportunities for disabled individuals to participate in recreational activities. Fri 5-8:45 p.m.; Sat 5:45 a.m.-noon. Keystone Resort, 21996 U.S. 6, 970-423-7100. Ticket prices vary.
Tattoo Masquerade, July 22 to July 24
Inked Magazine named Denver the fifth most tattooed city in America, so it’s no surprise this massive body art–centric convention is coming to the Mile High City. For three days, festival attendees can peruse the works of tattoo artists from 22 states as well as the United Kingdom and enjoy dance performances from Darshan Dance and Ooh La La Burlesque. You’re not required to have a tattoo to attend—but if you have a piece you’d like to show off, you can enter into a tattoo competition to see if your body art is the best in town. Fri noon-10 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., 720-203-9415. $30-$70.
Tasty Colfax, July 26
During this food-focused block party, you can chow down on grub from Colfax restaurants, including flaky sandwiches from the Denver Biscuit Company; sweet and savory pies from the Humble Pie Store; and modern Mexican fare from Mezcal. After you’ve eaten your fill, dance along to live performances by local Americana band Strange Americans as well as pop-blues vocalist Shilo Gold and explore street art by local painters Steven Oskay and Max Rowe. Tue 5:30-8:30 p.m. Bluebird District, 3200 E. Colfax Ave. Ticket prices vary.