Events of the week around Colorado

Ice carving, short films, comedy, chili and more for President’s Day weekend

By the Thirst Team

Get Out of Town is our weekly roundup of recommended events across Colorado, mostly focusing outside of Denver, to help everyone enjoy the entire state. For more happenings, check out our events calendar. 

Cripple Creek Ice Festival

An ice carving competition and winter festival will run from Saturday through next Sunday, Feb. 23, in Cripple Creek. Head-to-head carving challenges start at noon both Saturdays, and carvers will compete in a stadium setting for a $1,000 cash prize each day. Carving teams also aim to win the People’s Choice Award for a large cash prize. 

Teams are expected to carve a giant water fountain, a dragon and other mythical beasts, and Disney characters. More than 30 food and gift vendors also will be on hand. 

The event is free and open to the general public, and carvers will work on their sculptures throughout the week. Vendor booths and ice carving will take place every day except Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Wright Opera House in Ouray hosts a wine festival and Oscar shorts this week.

Ouray Winter Wine Festival

The beautiful Wright Opera House in Ouray hosts a showcase of Western Colorado wine and spirits on Saturday. In addition to libations sampling, there will be food and arts vendors.

The event is 21+, and $50 advance tickets are available for the early session from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the late session from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Oscars shorts screening

The Wright Opera House also hosts a screening of the Oscar-nominated short films on Wednesday. It’s a chance to see some rare and acclaimed films, and to get an edge in your Oscar pool. The show starts at 7 p.m., and admission costs $8. The films range from 13 to 21 minutes, and were submitted from all over the world. 

Telluride Comedy Festival

Comedian Paul Scheer of “The League” and “Twisters” called the Telluride Comedy Festival a “hidden gem … you are assured to see some of the biggest stars of today and tomorrow.”

This year’s 25th edition runs Thursday through Sunday, with a list of well-known comedians and new faces.

The shows are at the intimate Sheridan Opera House, and include a locals’ night Thursday; a sketch and improv showcase on Friday; standup comedy on Saturday; and a mix of all the styles to close the festival on Sunday.

Bike to Work Day

Valentine’s Day on Friday is also Winter Bike to Work Day, a chance to show your love for your bike and the environment. Free breakfast stations are set up all over the state. Click here for a list, and more information.

Meet a black-footed ferret

The endangered black-footed ferret is still endangered, but “Dude” is a retired member of the state breeding program, and a representative of the species’ gradual comeback. He will visit Purpose Brewing in Fort Collins from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Chili cookoff for Special Olympics

Peaks N Pines Brewing Company in Colorado Springs hosts red and green chili cookoffs at 2 p.m. Saturday, with proceeds going to Southern Colorado Special Olympics programs.

As always, please send us your events and announcements. We’re happy to share them. If they don’t fit in the Get Out of Town column, we will add them to our events calendar.