Springtime is Lovely in Denver...

Today was a perfect day. Drew and I had a leisurely breakfast at DJ's Berkeley Cafe (our Saturday tradition) before running a few errands (including the purchase of our very own wheelbarrow. Exciting, I know). The rest of the day, however, was spent outside. We did some yard work, built our second raised bed, went for a run, and then just enjoyed the weather. At one point mid-afternoon, I sat in the back yard with the sun on my face, smelling our lilac and crab-apple tree blossoms and I felt immensely lucky. These are not days to take for granted.

It is already May 1st. Before we know it, we'll be sweltering in the summer heat and then somehow it will be winter and we'll wonder what we did with these perfect days. As it is, Drew and I missed opening day of the Cherry Creek Farmer's Market! To make sure that doesn't happen to you, I've compiled a list of some of the fun things to do around town during the month of May. (and save those indoor ideas for the rainy days or cold snaps!) I've already got some of these other event's on my calendar:

May 1:
Cherry Creek Farmers Market opens: today and each Saturday thereafter (8a-1p, 1st & University)

Boulder Farmers Market: open every Saturday (8a-2p, next to Central Park- downtown Boulder)

May 1 &2:

Denver Rose Society: rosarians at Echter's answering questions & giving advice (10a-4p, 52nd & Garrison- free)

May 2:
Kitchen Medicine: Culinary Herbs as Healing Herbs: review the uses of herbs, includes designing a healing garden (9a, 10200 Smith Rd, $90, register here)

May 6:
Omega 3 Cuisine class: speaker, demonstration & tasting (6pm, Arvada Vitamin Cottage 7745 N. Wadsworth- free)

May 7:

First Friday Art Walk: Art District on Santa Fe 6-9 pm

Tennyson Street Art Walk: Between 38th & 44th 6-10 pm

May 7&8:

Denver Botanic Gardens Spring Plant Sale: fruit, vegetable, flower, container & rock alpine plants including rare and unusual breeds (10-6 Fri, 10-4 Sat- Denver Botanic Gardens, free admission)

May 8:
Grow Local Colorado's Volunteer Orientation: help inspire Denver citizens to grow edible gardens through demo plots (11-12:30, 3222 Tejon, free)
How to Plant Herb Containers (2:30p, Denver Urban Homesteading, $25, register here)

Heirloom Gardens open house & seedling sale (4-6p, 4460 Winona Ct.)

May 8 & 9:
Cinco de Mayo Festival: largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the US! (10a-8p, Civic Center Park- free)

May 13:
Sensational Summer Soups and Salads: cooking class, dinner and materials included (6pm, Denver Botanic Gardens, $39 member, $44 nonmember register here)
Corks and Cuisine: local artisans and wines (5:30, Four Mile Historic Park, members $25, nonmembers $30, RSVP by calling 720-865-0815)
Natural Healing through Ayurveda class (6 pm- Arvada Vitamin Cottage 7745 N. Wadsworth- free)

May 14:
Growing our Urban AgriCULTURE: community potluck for those involved in urban agriculture (6p, Denver Urban Homesteading, free, RSVP to pompomdana@comcast.net)

May 20:
Fiesta in Lucinda's Garden with Lucinda Hutson: part of the The Feast in the Garden, Edible Landscapes and Regional Food Traditions series at the Denver Botanic Gardens (6pm, $20 members, $25 nonmembers, $10 students RSVP here)

Third Thursday: featuring live music, food, art & shop specials in the Highlands neighborhood (32nd St. 5-8 pm)

May 22:
Slow Food Denver tour of Windsor Dairy (10a-2p, $20 member-$25 nonmember, RSVP to rsvp@slowfooddenver.org)

May 26:

1st Annual Highlands Farmers Market Benefit: paella dinner (6:30, Lola, $35 per person, call 720-570-8686 for reservations)

May 27:

Dirt! The Movie: a film examining the relationship between humans and soil featuring eco/food thinkers (7:30-9:30, Eventgallery 910arts)

May 28-31:
Downtown Denver Arts Festival (Denver Pavilions- free)

** these are just a FEW of the events you can find locally this month. Let me know if there is something I should add to my list!