Check out a couple of neighborhood-wide garage sales on Sat., June 2 and find some super bargains: University Park’s 2nd annual sale runs 7a.m.-2p.m., sponsored by Adams Co./Metro Brokers; cruise front-yard sales from University to Colorado Blvd.; Buchtel to Yale Ave.

TheLowry Community Yard Sale is set for 8a.m.-2p.m. with hundreds of sales throughout the area’s boundaries: Quebec to Dayton; 11th Ave. to Alameda. Info: lowry.org.

Get out the beach towels, goggles and bathing suits for this season’s opening of Denver’s 16 outdoor pools, including the newly renovated La Alma pool, starting June 2. All are open seven days a week, noon-6p.m., through Aug. 12 (times may vary). Youth swim, water aerobics and master swim classes available. For locations, hours and prices, call 720-865-0660 or visit denvergov.org/recreation, click on “Swimming Pools.”

Harvard Gulch Golf Course, 660 E. Iliff Ave., offers Night Golf on Saturdays, 9-11p.m., using LED golf balls, glow sticks, LED course markers, and custom flagsticks. Tee times are limited. The nine-hole, par 3 course allows kids 16 and under to play free with a paying adult Mon.-Fri., 10:30a.m.-2:30p.m. Call ahead for tee times. Info: 303-698-4078, denvergov.org/parksandrecreation.

Shakespeare’s text & characters merge with contemporary scenes of domestic violence in The Othello Project, Phase II, an adaptation of the classic presented by Visionbox (a new professional actors’ studio and multimedia production company), playing through June 9 at L2 Arts & Culture Center, 1477 Columbine St. Plays Thur.-Sat., 7p.m.; ends with a 9p.m. talkback discussion with Crime Victims Advisory Council and other advocates.
     Contains adult themes; not suitable for children under 14. Free parking at East High School lot. Tickets: $5-20, (online only) visionbox.org. Info: 720-810-1641.

CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair is a traditional celebration of the diverse Denver urban community. Colorado’s 41st annual premier arts and crafts festival is Sat. & Sun., June 2 & 3, 10a.m.-8p.m. (7p.m. Sun.), in Civic Center Park; free admission. The People’s Fair blends family fun, handmade arts & crafts, culinary delights and a vast array of entertainment, while raising funds for and promoting local nonprofits. Info: peoplesfair.com.

Enter the world of entrepreneurship with The Un-Job Fair: A Day-Long Exploration of Options & Opportunities for Successful Self-Employment, Sat., June 2, at Colorado Free University, 7653 E. 1st Place, 8:30a.m.-4:45p.m. Network and pick up inspiration for succeeding in small business from entrepreneurial experts and CFU’s business and communication teachers. $66. Info: 303-399-0093, freeu.com.

200 professional, amateur and student artists will apply vivid pastel chalk to a canvas of pavement during the 10th annual Denver Chalk Art Festival, Sat. & Sun., June 2 & 3, in Larimer Square (Larimer St. between 14th and 15th streets). Live music, Youth Challenge, Bellco Kids Corner, food and beverages. Open 10a.m.-10p.m. Sat.; 7p.m. Sun. Free and open to the public. Info: denverchalkart.org.

Take in a day at two Denver museums this month, free of charge, thanks to the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District.
     Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., is free for Colorado residents the first Saturday of each month (June 2). Info: 720-865-5000, denverartmuseum.org.
     Denver Museum of Nature and Science in City Park also waives admission on Sun., June 17, and Mon., July 2. Info: 303-322-7009 or dmns.org.

DU’s historic Chamberlin Observatory will host public viewings of a rare transit of Venus across the face of the sun (the last one of this century) on Tues., June 5, 4-8p.m. DU’s astronomers partner with the Denver Astronomical Society for the event, weather permitting, to interpret the phenomenon and demonstrate safe viewing, Observatory Park, 2930 E. Warren Ave.
     The Society’s monthly Open House (Sat., June 23, 8p.m.) offers a peek through the university’s 20-inch telescope for $1 per person, or a look through telescopes of its members. Public Nights are held each Tues. & Thur., starting at 8:30p.m., with lecture and viewing. Reservations required; $3, $2 kids. Info/reservations: denverastro.org.
     Info: Chase Squires, 303-871-2660.

Join the Assistance League of Denver for tea and treasures at Tablescapes 2012, a Victorian tea, plant sale, gift boutique, table display exhibition and historic house tour benefiting the League, Thur.-Sat., June 7, 8 & 9, 10a.m.-3p.m., at the historic Bosworth House, 1400 Josephine St. Tickets $22. ALD provides new clothes to children and assault victims; higher ed scholarships; medical equipment loans; and entertains seniors with food, crafts and games. Visit denver.assistanceleague.org or call 303-355-2470.

Survey neighborhood history on foot with historian and author Phil Goodstein: Park Club Place, Thur., June 7, 6:30-8:30p.m., meet at Leonard Leonard & Associates, 420 Downing St. $10. West Washington Park walking tour is set for Thur., 21, 6:30-8:30p.m.; meet at Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St. $10. Subject to weather. Info: 303-333-1095.

Chef Tyler Wiard of Elway’s in Cherry Creek will introduce audiences to the metro area’s best chefs and food, while supporting Café 180’s mission of eliminating hunger by serving food to all in a dignified and respectful manner, regardless of their ability to pay, in the inaugural Chefs 180 event, Thur., June 7, 7p.m., at Café 180, 3315 S. Broadway.
     Tickets ($50, all proceeds benefit Café 180): blacktiecolorado.com.

Denver Public Library’s Gigantic Used Book Sale is bigger than ever, offering 70,000+ books, DVDs, CDs and audio books at prices starting under $1, Thur.-Sun., June 7-10, under the tents on the north lawn of the Central Library, 14th & Broadway. Family Fun Day Sat., June 9, noon-4p.m. Teachers with valid ID get 25 percent off. Educators and nonprofits can take unsold items for free at the Great Book Giveaway, Sun., June 10, 2-3p.m. Sale hours: Thur.-Sat., 10a.m.-4p.m., and Sun., 10a.m.-1p.m. Info: dplfriends.org, 720-865-2054.

Local nonprofit Groundwork Denver and volunteers from financial services firm Deloitte will go door-to-door in Platt Park disseminating free CFLs and signing up people for free home energy assessments on Fri., June 8. The assessment identifies high-priority improvements by checking insulation, appliances, air sealing and weatherstripping. Income-qualifying residents are connected to free weatherization; all can receive group insulation discounts, contractor oversight and rebate assistance. Available through June; email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 303-455-5600 for details.

Take Shabbat outdoors this summer with Shabbat in the Park, Temple Micah’s airy evening services, second Fridays, 6p.m. June 8, in Washington Park, at picnic site No. 2, by playground near Exposition Ave. and S. Downing St. Families with children welcome; bring a blanket, chairs and picnic.
     The inclusive Jewish Reform congregation shares space with Park Hill Congregational Church at 2600 Leyden St. Info: 303-388-4239, micahdenver.org.

Mezzo-soprano Erica Papillion-Posey sings opera arias and negro spirituals in The Mind of a Mezzo benefit, Sat., June 9, 7p.m., at the historic Fitzroy Place mansion, 2160 S. Cook St. Tour, catered dinner and concert for $100, raising funds for the Lamont School of Music graduate’s travel to sing at the Siena Opera in Italy this summer and U.S. performances in the fall. Info/tickets: 303-758-2003.

Taxi over to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., for Cockpit Demo Day, Sat., June 9, 10a.m.-2p.m. Second-Saturday guided tours allow guests to see aircraft up close and hear stories from the men and women who flew them. Pedal planes for kids. Info: 303-360-5360, wingsmuseum.org.

Volunteers are always needed to teach English to recently arrived refugees, persons fleeing war or persecution in their native countries, including ethnic Nepalese from Bhutan, Burmese, Somalis, Ethiopians, Eritreans and Iraqis, who are being resettled in Colorado.
     Tutorsdo not need to speak their student’s language; tutoring takes place in the student’s home. Many participants are homebound mothers, adults who are disabled, or senior citizens, and most live in east Denver and Aurora.
     Volunteersmust attend a free training session, next on Sat., June 9, 8a.m.-4p.m. Preregistration required: visit refugee-esl.org and click on “apply to our program.”
     Questions? Contact Sharon McCreary at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 720-423-4843.

What, another yard sale?! Not just any yard sale; it’s the Baker Bargain Bonanza! For the 23rd year, the Baker Historic Neighborhood Association will coordinate the Bonanza on Sat., June 9 (rain date, Sun., June 10) to coincide with Art Students League of Denver’s Summer Art Market. Look for signs of the sale at individual homes throughout the neighborhood (6th Ave. to Mississippi, Lincoln St. to the South Platte River). Info: baker neighborhood.org.

Dance to the beat of the Mile High Freedom Band Swing Ensemble at Swing into Summer, held at and benefiting Historic Grant Avenue, 216 S. Grant St., Sat., June 9, 7-10p.m. Enjoy sweet and savory desserts and a silent auction in the distinctive venue. Tickets ($50 per person): 303-733-8940 or historicgrantave.org.

Partake in summer pastimes in Living History Day, Sun., June 10, 10a.m.-4p.m., at Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St. Or take in family story times in Hay Bales & Tall Tales, first Saturdays (June 2), 11a.m.-noon. Free with admission.
     The 12-acre oasis features Denver’s oldest standing structure and many pioneer exhibits. Info: fourmilepark.org or 720-865-0800.

Start your summer with engaging, educational tours hosted by the just reopened History Colorado Museum: For the People of Colorado: Colorado’s Constitution Walking Tour, Wed., June 13, held 10:30-11:30a.m. ($5); Sweet Summer Saturdays for Families: Sample Rowdy Root Beer from Duffy’s Delicious Drinks, Sat., 16, 1-3p.m. ($20/$5 kids); Washington Park Family Bike Tour, Sat., July 7, 9-11a.m. ($20, $5 kids).
     Reservations required; call 303-866-4686. Information: historycolorado.org, 303-447-8679.

The Denver Mandolin Orchestra and singer/songwriter Karen Karsh headline the Heart & Soul Benefit Concert 2012, benefiting the Colorado Vincentian Volunteers, Thur., June 14, 7p.m., at Newman Center for the Performing Arts, at DU, 2344 E. Iliff Ave. The young adults of CVV assist the homeless and unemployed, mentor underserved children, and help provide food, shelter, clothing and companionship. Tickets ($15-30) at box office, 303-871-7720, or newmantix.com.

Celebrate Flag Day with the Leyden Chiles Wickersham American Legion Post 1, Thur., June 14, 11:30a.m. at Veterans Park, I-25 and University Blvd., behind the District 3 police station.
     KEZW radio’s Rick Crandall emcees a brief history of the national emblem and etiquette, honor guard, and singing of the national anthem. The authentically garbed Colorado Civil War Volunteer Band provides the music. Free, small flags for kids, plus refreshments. Info: 303-757-0166 or lcwpost1.org.

The North Side High School Alumni Association is throwing a North High School All Classes Reunion, Thur., June 21, at Lakeside Amusement Park, 4601 Sheridan Blvd. People identifying themselves at the gate as a former or current North High student will be admitted for free, along with their guests; unlimited-ride wrist tags are $10. 6p.m. dinner for association members, friends and guests is $7.50/person. Reservation deadline, June 19; for details, call 303-431-0103, 303-477-4125 or 303-934-4383.

Frolic and fish at the third annual Summer Solstice Celebration and Cookout at Overland Pond Park, S. Santa Fe Dr. at W. Florida Ave., Wed., June 20, 5p.m. until dark. Bring the kids for fishing; instruction and all gear provided. This ever-evolving city park, located on the Platte River Greenway bike/pedestrian path, is being revitalized by volunteers, planted with western flora and indigenous trees, and stocked with rainbow trout in the pond. Free.

Take in a good meal and talk, all at the Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St.
     Sock Hop fare is on the menu for I Don’t Wanna Cook Night, Thur., June 21, 4:30-6:30p.m. $6 ($4/12 and younger) includes salad, dessert and beverage. Breakfasts served most Fridays, 8:30-10a.m., for $5 ($4 members). Lunches served Tues. & Wed. at noon.
     Free Active Minds presentation, The Evolution of Libya, Wed., June 20, 1:30p.m. Call to reserve a seat.
     Info: wscc-denver.org, 303-733-4643.

Draw attention to your bottom – and colorectal cancer – by running in your underwear in the Undy 5000, a 5K walk/run and 1-mile Kids Fun Run benefiting the Colon Cancer Alliance and Colorado Colorectal Screening Program, providing colonoscopies to income-eligible, uninsured Coloradans. Held in City Park, 1700 York St., Sat., June 23; registration at 7a.m., race start at 8:30. Fee of $30 advance/$40 day of includes commemorative pair of boxer shorts. Info: 720-883-7230, undy5000.org.

Clean out your clutter for the 1st annual East Washington Park Garage Sale, Sat., June 23, 9a.m.-2p.m. Sponsor Kentwood Real Estate provides signage, directional arrows, maps, lunch for two, water and advertising. To participate, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 303-898-6333.

Walk, bicycle or drive S. Clarkson St. from Alameda to I-25 to buy old (and maybe even new) treasured stuff during the 5th annual Neighborhood Yard Sale, Sat., June 23, 8a.m.-2p.m.

Some of the most talented dogs from the area will gather at City Park on Sat, Jan. 30, to participate in the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge. This premiere canine sporting event features dogs competing in a variety of “Olympic-style” events, including dog diving, freestyle flying disc, head-to-head weave poles, Jack Russell hurdle racing and agility. The event is free and open to the public. Local dogs also have the opportunity to compete in the Challenge, with a qualifying round on Friday, June 29, for both the dog diving and freestyle flying disc competitions. Top qualifiers earn a spot in Saturday’s competition with the possibility of qualifying for the National Championship in St. Louis in October. Visit barknetwork.com for more information. 

Itching to get into urban farming? Urban farms are seeking interns and/or volunteers, and property owners are looking to lease their land to urban farmers. Learn details through a new service offered by CSU Extension; find specific opportunities at urbanag.colostate.edu.

Want to live in a comfortable and safe home? Curious how you can you can save energy? Join 3,768 residents and 843 businesses that are saving today through the Denver Energy Challenge.  Live energy experts – speaking English and Spanish – are available to help; call 720-865-5520, Mon.-Sat., 8a.m.-6p.m. Or visit denverenergy.org.

Celebrate the journey of life with meditation and a spiritual message on the first Sunday of the month (June 3) at the Church of Infinite Spirit/Inner Connection Institute, 2755 S. Locust St., Ste. 213, 11a.m. ICI offers free weekly aura healing clinics, Wed., 12:15-1p.m. Info: 303-758-1743 or innerconnection.org.

Denver residents can now toss all empty food and beverage cartons into their purple Denver Recycles cart. Cartons include milk (dairy, soy and almond); juice; small juice and milk boxes; cream; egg whites and egg substitutes; soup and broth; protein drinks; eggnog, wine, tofu; and ice cream and frozen yogurt. Questions? Call 311 or visit denvergov.org/denverrecycles.

The Mizel Museum, 400 S. Kearney St., will be open late on Thursday nights, 5-8p.m., now through Labor Day, for free admission to its permanent exhibit, 4,000 Year Road Trip: Gathering Sparks, an interactive journey through art, artifacts and digital media that narrates and illuminates Jewish history and culture. Info: mizelmuseum.org, 303-394-9993.

Washington Park homeowners and chefs are being sought for reality-television stardom! Vista TV’s Grill vs. Grill is looking for contestants – especially women – to go head-to-head in a cook-off; email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
     DIY Network’s Rescue Renovation is now casting in-over-their-heads home renovators who need professional help to finish; email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for an application. Casting for both continues through June.