THURSDAY-SATURDAY

Those huge lighted lantern sculptures have been so popular that Bright Nights at Four Mile Historic Park will be open for an extended weekend through Saturday. A great way to spend an evening in the delightful lights, 7 p.m. to midnight, 715 S. Forest St. $25, $15 for youngsters. So many photo possibilities in the crystal forest and with the dragon and the bears. Cocktails for the adults. fourmilepark.ticketing.veevartapp.com

SUNDAY

One of the favorite times in Garden of the Gods, the last Motorless Morning of 2024. From 5 a.m. to noon Sunday, the walkers, runners, skateboarders and bicyclists have the beautiful spot all to themselves; motorized vehicles not allowed. Park vehicles at the Visitor and Nature Center, Garden of the Gods Trading Post and Rock Ledge Ranch.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

An art lover’s delight and fall afternoon treat, the first of three Boulder Artists’ Open Studios weekends. There are 125 artists featured throughout the Boulder County area to visit as they work in 85 studios. A fascinating art event celebrating its 30th year and it’s free to experience, noon to 5 p.m. each day. Tour guide: openstudios.org/open-studios-tour. Printed maps available at participating studios.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

See the top rodeo stars as they return to Denver at season’s end for a Rodeo All-Star Weekend Friday and Saturday at National Western Complex. Three professional championship competitions, a concert by Mountain Dew, lunch with the champions and two post-rodeo after parties. Tickets: rodeoallstar.com

THURSDAY-SATURDAY

Denver Walls International Mural Festival concludes this weekend in RiNo Art District with 16 new outdoor murals completed. The closing block party Saturday has 50 street vendors, food trucks, a beer garden and children’s activities, noon to 6 p.m. Then, starting at 6 p.m., the unveiling of an immersive art project in an empty warehouse. Free but reservations requested. 3911 and 3925 Walnut St. denverwalls.com.

SATURDAY

Visit a special piece of history at an Open House Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the historic 17 Mile House Farm Park. In the 1860s this was where travelers on the Cherokee and Smoky Hill wagon trails rested as they headed west. Now it’s 8181 S. Parker Rd. in Centennial and part of the 70-acre Arapahoe County Open Space. It was a dairy farm and visitors have a chance to churn their own butter. Free but registration needed: arapahoeco.gov/business_detail_T15_R74.php

FRIDAY

A sports competition you won’t see every day. It’s a military rugby showdown, Air Force vs. Navy. Infinity Park in Glendale, 7 p.m. Friday, and it’s free. 950 S. Birch St.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

Boo at the Zoo is that special Halloween-season time at the Denver Zoo starting this weekend on select evenings. Kiddos can stop for trick or treating at stations all around the zoo and learn about all the activities from Animal Ambassadors. A sensory-friendly family night is Oct. 31. For tickets to timed 5-9 p.m. spots: denverzoo.org/events/boo-at-the-zoo

SATURDAY

A busy music-filled Saturday at the Lafayette Music Fest packs the city with nine stages and 40 Colorado performers. Music at Bounce Empire, Nissi’s, The Arts Hub, The End Lafayette, The District and Muse Performance Space. Most advance tickets sold out but admission available for day of. lafayettemusicfest.com.

SATURDAY

Marty McFly and a replica DeLorean time machine arrive in McGregor Square at 4 p.m. Saturday. Outdoor fun and, at 7 p.m. ”Back to the Future” on the big screen for free. Bring blankets for outdoor seating. Special drinks and a DJ for the over-21 crowd. It’s all an advance for “Back to the Future: The Musical” on stage at Denver Center for the Performing Arts in January. mcgregorsquare.com/events

SUNDAY

Yummy time Sunday with running in Wash Park topped with a hot chocolate post party at the 2024 Hot Chocolate Run Denver. 5k at 7 a.m., and 10k and 15k at 8:15 a.m. A Special Olympics benefit. Register: hotchocolate15k.com

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Everything apples at Cider Days in Lakewood and you can get a glass or a gallon and goodies to eat. Festival music, too, and even tractor pulls and agricultural history. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets: lakewood.showare.com/?category=76

THURSDAY-OCT. 11

A fall treat, a Sunset Wagon Tour across the prairie at Denver Botanic Gardens’ Plains Conservation Center. See wildlife and wide open spaces as well as an early homestead. Tours planned at 4:30 p.m. in time for spectacular sunsets. $10. 21901 E. Hampden Ave. catalog.botanicgardens.org/DateSelection.aspx?item=4116

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

Ballet Ariel’s “Cinderella” opens the company’s 26th year with a shortened version of the popular story. First is 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, 119 Park Ave. West, Unit 3. Sunday is Schoolhouse Theatre in Parker. A Nov. 3 performance is at Parsons Theatre at Northglenn Recreation Center. Ticket information at balletariel.org or 303-945-4388.