Lit Crawl Denver, September 2

You don’t have to travel to Paris or Rome to get cultured—there are plenty of high-brow authors right here in the Mile High City. More than 30 Denver-based writers, including BK Loren, Khadijah Queen, and Manuel Ramos, will be stationed along Tennyson Street to share excerpts of their latest and greatest works. After hearing several stellar readings, continue the word-themed fun at the Fu*%ing Fabulous Fiction Fest, where you can try your luck in a combination spelling bee-drinking game or dance to live music from indie rock duo High Fiction. Fri 6-11 p.m. BookBar, 4280 Tennyson St., 303-284-0914. Ticket prices vary.

SHEL, September 2

During this innovative concert, four sisters from Fort Collins will show off their peculiar blend of ethereal vocal harmonies and electronic rhythms. With influences from a wide variety of genres, including ’60s rock and classical symphonies from the 18th century, their tracks are an experiment in self-exploration, both lyrically and musically. Thanks to their family teamwork, the quartet blends beatboxing, synthesizer, mandolin, and fiddle into an intriguing, collaborative sound. Fri 8 p.m. Center for the Arts Crested Butte, 606 Sixth St., Crested Butte, 970-349-7487. $25.

Middle-Aged People Sitting in Boxes, September 2 to September 24

After watching this unconventional comedy, you might find yourself laughing at your daily errands. Inspired by a This American Life episode about boredom, the actors at Buntport Theater Company wrote this hit play, which features four middle-age performers engaged in mundane everyday tasks, like folding laundry and being on hold with customer support, inside Plexiglass boxes. As the 40-somethings meditate on the absurdity of the middle years of their lives, it’ll be easy for you to find hilarity in the ordinary. Thu-Sat 8 p.m.; Sun 3 p.m. Buntport Theater Company, 717 Lipon St., 720-946-1388. $18-$25.

Labor Day Lift Off, September 3

Take flight in one of more than 65 hot air balloons at the start of this weekend-long extravaganza. After returning to the ground, glimpse demonstrations by Wings of Blue, the U.S. Air Force parachuting team, then join in the Saturday sports exposition, during which you can try everything from ultimate frisbee to “zorb” soccer, a game in which you wear a giant inflatable orb and bounce off fellow players. Sat-Mon, times vary. Memorial Park, 1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs, 719-219-3333. Free.