Live Well, Love Yourself: A Self-Care Meetup
1-2:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, Waneka Lake Park, 1600 Caria Drive, Lafayette. Free
Fill your social and spiritual cup with a mindful sensory walk around beautiful Waneka Lake. You’ll be joined by others looking to slow down and connect; this monthly meetup, hosted by Lafayette-based mental health counselors, explores different self-care practices every time they get together. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
World Whisky Day: Mystery Throwback Sale
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 16, Spirit Hound Distillers, 4196 Ute Highway, Lyons. $60
Embrace the unknown with a $60 bottle of unmarked booze to celebrate World Whisky Day. You may not know what you’re getting, but the distillers at Spirit Hound promise “vintage throwbacks and limited releases.” Play hooky or head over for a truly happy hour. Online bookings required: spirithounds.com/lyons-tasting-room.
Go West: Exhibit Opening
5 p.m. Friday, May 16, Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. Free
Head to the Dairy to celebrate Go West, a group exhibition running through June 29 in the McMahon Gallery featuring work by 12 Asian American artists whose practices reflect on identity, diaspora and the enduring myth of the American West. The opening night event features artist meet-and-greets, live music by Sheela Bringi and refreshments available for purchase. Read the story here.
Summer Concert Series Kickoff
6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2nd Ave. from Murray to Franklin Street, Niwot. Free
It’s not quite summer, but The House Blend Band is ready to hit the stage for their weekly open-air concert series. BYO chair and mingle with your neighbors as they take over the streets for camaraderie, comfort food and entertainment. Spaghetti and salad will be served and sold, with proceeds from the latter supporting local food resilience nonprofit Slow Food Boulder County.
Strawberry Festival Vintage & Antique Market
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont. $11 ($10 for cash payments)
Oh, look, a strawberry! Get your fill of strawberry shortcake and weekend antiquing at this yearly festival supporting historic preservation. A bit of history for you: The strawberry festival was Longmont’s first major social event, back when the town was still called The Chicago Colony.
Crochet & Chill
1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 17, Thompson Park, 5th Ave. and Pratt St., Longmont. Free
Join your community of crocheters in the sunshine for an afternoon of crafting at this monthly gathering in Longmont. Pull up a chair and gab while you needle away on your project, or get some one-on-one instruction from a pro if you’re just starting out. Event will be moved to Juniper Goods at 659 4th Ave. in case of rain.
Spring Clothing Swap
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, Nude Foods Market, 3233 Walnut St., Boulder. Free
The only fashion trend that never goes out of style is sustainability. Bring your old clothes to swap in the free section or add to the consignment options. In the spirit of spring, Nude Foods is adding a plant swap, so come with cuttings and seedlings to swap for new plants.
World Migratory Bird Day
7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17, Walden Ponds, 75th St. and Valmont St., Boulder. Free
This one’s for you, bird nerds. Whether you’re bird curious or a certified feather fanatic, come learn from the experts about coexisting with our avian friends returning from their winter nesting grounds. Participate in family-friendly bird ID games, water activities and see live birds of prey during this annual event hosted by Environment for the Americas.
Boulder Symphony Presents: Beethoven Symphony No. 9
4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, Grace Commons Church, 1820 15th St., Boulder. $30
Celebrate 15 years of the Boulder Symphony with this stirring rendition of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, the first concert performed by the ensemble in 2010. Come early to Grace Commons Church to catch Music Academy students ages 5-11 as they perform Beethoven’s Ode to Joy before the main event.
Junkyard Ecstatic Dance Initiative
6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave. Unit A, Boulder. $10 suggested donation
The force is strong within you. Let it out and dance the night away at Junkyard Social Club’s monthly J.E.D.I event. Feel the rhythm and let the energy take control of your body in this “soul-stirring dance journey” as you connect with your community like never before. All levels of dance experience welcome.
Boulder Cycling Club: Tuesday Night Rides
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, leave from Twisted Pine Brewery, 3201 Walnut St., Boulder. BCC memberships starting at $30/year
Slap on your Lycra, strap on your helmet and get social with your riding. Pick your poison from one of three rides of varying lengths: This week, short (~11 miles) medium (20 miles) and long (27 miles). After, enjoy 15% off your entire tab at Twisted Pine.
Open Game Night in the Garden
4-9 p.m. Thursday, May 22, Left Hand Brewing, 1245 Boston Ave., Longmont. Free
Grab your sportiest friends — or your funnest ones — and get ready for some friendly competition. First-come, first-served setups provided for volleyball, bocce, cornhole and spike ball. Left Hand’s $5 rotating tap specials are the perfect way to celebrate your victory, mourn your loss or replenish your energy.