Today
Annual Kentucky Derby party at St. Julien: 1 p.m. Saturday, St Julien Hotel & Spa, 900 Walnut St., Boulder. Experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby, Boulder-style. Join St. Julien Hotel & Spa for the annual Derby party that blends southern charm with Rocky Mountain luxury. Guests can sip mint juleps, don their fanciest hats and indulge in an afternoon of exhilarating horse racing excitement against the stunning backdrop of the Flatirons. Plus, a live performance by Maydays, a Derby hat contest for the most creative, stylish and eye-catching headwear and a chance to win prizes. The event is free to attend, but St. Julien is also offering an exclusive VIP package for $130 per person with reserved seating, an elevated Southern buffet and an open premium bar. Free-$130, eventbrite.com.
Free Comic Book Day: 10 a.m. Saturday, Time Warp Comics and Games, 3105 28th St., Boulder. Free Comic Book Day is one of the most exciting days of the year for comic book lovers. A large selection of free comics will be available to choose from, along with great sales and artists ready to take commissions. Free, 303-443-4500, freecomicbookday.com.
Hike and Draw Beneath the Flatirons: 1 p.m. Saturday, Chautauqua, 900 Baseline Road, Boulder. See the land with new eyes while hiking and drawing on Boulder trails with a view of the Flatirons. A naturalist will lead participants into the nature that surrounds and gives inspiration. She will point out interesting natural features encountered and discuss some of the flora, geology and history of the area. An artist and teacher will provide art instruction. $35-$43, 303-651-8404, rec.ci.longmont.co.us.
May the Fourth Be With You: 2 p.m. Saturday, Meadows Branch Library, 4800 Baseline Road, Boulder. Long, long ago, at a library not so far, far away, young Padawans embark on a Star Wars crafting adventure. Feel the Force as participants make glow-in-the-dark lightsaber bubble wands, Yoda ears, Wookie crafts and paint the Death Star. Part scoundrel, part rebel leader, Shawn Bowman of Two Bee Industries will be the crafty Jedi Master. For ages 5-12. Registration required. calendar.boulderlibrary.org.
“next to normal” performance: 7 p.m. Saturday, Pine Street Church, 1237 Pine St., Boulder. Off Broadway Arts at Pine Street Church presents, fully staged with live band, “Next to Normal,” a rock musical penned by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt that portrays Diana’s struggle with bipolar disorder and its impact on her family. It bravely addresses mental health issues, like suicidal ideation, grief, trauma and the importance of seeking support. $15, 303-442-6530, pinestreetchurch.net.
Upcoming
“The Company of Wolves” film screening: 2 p.m. Sunday, Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. Join for Neil Jordan’s “The Company of Wolves” in the Canyon Theater. Rosaleen is a teenager living in a country house in England with her family having a nightmare with wolves and werewolves in the Middle Ages. In her dream, her boring sister is dead, she lives with her father and her mother, but she spends lots of time with her grandmother. Granny tells her many stories of werewolves and gives her the following advice: “Never stray from the path in the woods, never eat a windfall apple and never trust a man whose eyebrows meet.” calendar.boulderlibrary.org.
Cinco de Mayo inspired cooking for kids with Food Lab Boulder: 3 p.m. Sunday, Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. Create a yummy pico de gallo and horchata to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Boulder Food Lab. All ingredients and supplies will be provided. No previous experience necessary. For youth ages 5-11 years old. Registration required. calendar.boulderlibrary.org.
Freyja Wild at BOCO Cider: 4 p.m. Sunday, BOCO Cider, 1501 Lee Hill Drive, Unit 14, Boulder. Freyja Wild & The Gathering Storm is a five piece acoustic ensemble that plays Celtic inspired originals. Wild’s songs invoke a world of ancient Celtic magic and wonder with haunting melodies, lush vocal harmonies, Celtic harp, flute and primal drums woven with sounds from nature’s wild. Her music lifts the spirit, nourishes the soul and reminds listeners that the world is beautiful. Free, 720-938-7285, bococider.com.
