
It’s February. Do you know where your resolutions are?
If chilly, snowy weather is messing with your fitness goals, why not turn your attention to a little indoor self-improvement? For people living at Stepping Stone or anywhere in the Douglas County/Parker area, first-rate cultural activities are as close as the PACE Center.
A gleaming, angular, ultra-modern counterpoint to Parker’s historic Mainstreet, the Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center is a true, full-service cultural hub for south metro Denver residents. Built in 2011 by award-winning architects known for their work on the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and the King Performing Arts Center, the PACE Center has a 536-seat theater, 250-seat amphitheater, art gallery, event room, dance studio, media lab, teaching kitchen, classrooms, and a unique interactive musical outdoor playground called Harmony Park. In the summer, PACE hosts some pretty cool programs for kids, ranging from acting classes to LEGO building. PACE is also available as a rental venue for weddings, fundraisers, business meetings, and other community events.
So what does all this mean for south metro cultural mavens? First of all, high quality entertainment — think national and local plays, musicals and concerts — at more affordable prices than those of downtown venues. A more intimate theater experience. Proximity to great restaurants. And a stress-free, post-event getaway. (Insider tip: Hop on the trails that connect to the Center. There are plenty of bike racks outside.)
Don’t worry about finding a sitter, either. Plenty of events are G-rated. Best bets for families this month are Peter Pan, Winnie-the-Pooh, and Greater Tuna (PG-13). On the other end of the spectrum, you could opt for a couples’ night out with comedian Colin Quinn, who pulls no punches with his hilariously searing takes on politics and pop culture. And somewhere in between those two lay superb classical, Celtic, bluegrass, and gospel performances. View all February events here.
Great acoustics, comfy chairs and an amazing lineup of talent. All in your own neighborhood. It’s never been easier to feel so cultured.