Aurora Theatre Festival, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Vintage and Aurora Fox theaters, Aurora Cultural Arts District. Tickets for three shows start at $65. Information: We understand why you might do a double take. An Aurora-based theater festival would have been a fantasy ten years ago. But times have changed in the city’s arts district. Between the Aurora Fox theater at 9900 E. Colfax and the Vintage at 1468 Dayton St., the city now hosts some of the most innovative and professional theater in the metro area. Hit up the city’s inaugural theater fest to see how far the area has come. For less than $70, you can take in the Aurora Fox’s “Spamalot,” Ignite Theatre’s “35 MM” and the Vintage’s remount of the musical “Grey Gardens” in a single weekend.
Magic Beans, 9 p.m., Saturday, Bluebird Theatre, 3317 E. Colfax Ave., Denver. Tickets start at $13. Information: 303-377-1666 or bluebirdtheater.net. Details: No need to schlep all the way up the canyon to find Nederland vibes for 4/20 weekend. The Magic Beans’ show at the Bluebird the day before the city-wide 4/20 celebration will fit in with the tone of the weekend. Check out the group that proudly claims an organic, natural musical route. They insist that they use no prerecorded tracks or samples. They sing the praises of their highly acoustic approach, citing an unplugged influence for their take on folk, reggae, funk and a number of other genres that fit 4/20 just as appropriately as Irish jigs fit St. Patrick’s Day.
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‘Modern Masters’ at the Denver Art Museum, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, Denver. Information: 720-865-5000 or denverartmuseum.org. Admission starts at $25. Details: The Denver Art Museum is moving from the old world to the new, and it’s making the journey with plenty of flair. Months after closing its “Passport to Paris” exhibit, the DAM spotlights some of the most intriguing artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. Take in stunning work from Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Lose yourself in the worlds of cubism, surrealism and pop art. All told, the new exhibit features work from more than 40 artists, curated by Clyfford Still Museum director Dean Sobel. It’s a whole world of art for a modest price — even non-members can get in for less than $25.
“Deathtrap,” Friday, Saturday, Sunday, John Hand Theatre, 7653 E. 1st Place, Lowry. Tickets start at $21. Information: 720-880-8727 or thisisspotlight.com. Details: Take in one of the hidden jewels of the local theater scene with a though-provoking piece by a creative company. The Spotlight Theatre company’s production of the murder mystery “Deathtrap” is all about keeping up a tense feel. Directed by local stage vet Bernie Cardell, the show follows the fallout of a murder plot hatched by a desperate man. The thriller by Ira Levin, the author of popular hits like “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Boys From Brazil” and “Veronica’s Room,” spells out a plot that features a desperate playwright, a violent plot and plenty of intrigue.
Parker Symphony Orchestra, “Nature’s Realm,” 7:30 p.m., Saturday, PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Tickets start at $15. Information: 303-805-6800 or parkeronline.org. Details: It may be a bit of a drive for Aurora residents, but the PACE Center in Parker boasts one of the best halls for live orchestral music. Don’t believe us? Check out this weekend’s “Nature’s Realm” performance by the Parker Symphony Orchestra. The program includes work like Vaughn-Williams’ “Overture to the Wasps,” Respighi’s “The Birds” and Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.” The sound is top-notch, and the theme is a fitting greeting for spring.
Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, April 18, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Ramada Plaza Hotel, 4849 Bannock St., Denver. Free admission and parking. Information: 303-292-9500 or mzexpos.com/colorado_spring.html. Details: If you’re the type of down-to-earth Auroran who swears by the healing properties of crystals and stones, this one’s for you. Browse a variety of gems, minerals, fossils, jewelry, and lapidary materials from both retail and wholesale dealers.