2022 Alpaca Extravaganza
From Feb. 26-27, the Alpaca Breeders Alliance of Northern Colorado, or ABANC, will host an Alpaca Extravaganza event at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont.
The event is free to attend and will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Sat. and Sun. Each day, there will be “everything alpaca … including lots of alpacas themselves.”
Informational classes starting at 11 a.m. each day will cover topics including alpaca fiber and processing, raising and breeding alpacas, as well as business and tax information related to the alpaca industry. Other informational classes at the event will discuss things such as alpaca kisses. There will be vendors of alpaca yarn, rovings and alpaca fiber. Artisanal items for sale will include sweaters, socks, hats, gloves and more garments made from alpaca materials. Individual farms and product booths will put on demonstrations of spinning, weaving and other activities throughout the weekend.
The ABANC represents Northern Colorado Alpaca Breeders and sponsors public events in efforts to educate the public about the opportunities available in the alpaca industry.
February 24
Art & Sip: Painting the Tower of Compassion at Kanemoto Park
The five-story Tower of Compassion in Kanemoto Park was built in the traditional style of a Japanese temple, with each level representing the meaning of compassion: love, empathy, understanding, gratitude and selfless giving. In this class from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Longmont Museum, we will use graphite tracing paper over a photograph to create a realistic drawing and then capture the landmark in acrylic paint.
This class is part of the Longmont Museum’s Art & Sip series. Grab a drink and get creative with these classes for adults. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks will be available for purchase in the Atrium Bar. This season you’ll see a special focus on art projects inspired by our current exhibit Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper. Learn more at longmontmuseum.org or by calling 303-651-8374.
Creative District Happy Hour
Spend time with your fellow creative folks at the Creative District Happy Hour at the Longmont Museum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 24! There will be appetizers, a cash-bar, and the opportunity to learn about the Creative District's new nonprofit Longmont Creates. Following the happy hour, stick around for The Longmonster, a late-night style talk show featuring local folks sharing what they do, how they do it, and what it means to be doing it here. Admission to The Longmonster is free!
The Longmonster at the Museum
The Longmonster is a late-night style talk show featuring local folks sharing what they do, how they do it and what it means to be doing it here in dear old Colorado. At this event starting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the Stewart Auditorium at the Longmont Museum, Longmont City Manager Harold Dominguez will be joining us to talk about managing the city during a pandemic. We’ll also chat with Elaine Waterman about the Firehouse Arts Center, and with archeologist Marilyn Martorano and composer Michael Udow who will tell us about some ancient musical instruments discovered nearby and how they’re being featured in an upcoming performance by the Longmont Symphony Orchestra. This event is hosted by the Manager of the Stewart Auditorium, Justin Veach, and features The Longmonster House Band led by Antonio Lopez. This event is free to attend but reservations are recommended.
February 25
Meet the Artist @ Summit tacos
Come meet the newest artist to fill the walls of our little restaurant, Echo Mccutcheon. This young artist specializes in realistic portraits, her use of contrasting colors and light/dark brings a new light to these iconic figures. This event will take place at Summit Tacos from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 25.
Longmont Artists' Guild Spring Art Show
Longmont Artists' Guild Spring Art Show will run from Feb. 11 to April 2 at the Great Frame Up at 430 Main St. in Longmont.
February 26
Longmont Riddle Bar Crawl
There will be a free bar crawl in Longmont starting at Summit Tacos anytime between 2 and 9 p.m. on Feb. 26. Drink discounts, freebies, prizes and fun will be featured at this event.There will be a riddle at each spot along the bar crawl. Teams must solve it to figure out where to go next. Come dressed up and with a team theme, name and costume. Winning teams in each category will be eligible for fun prizes and there will also be a prize drawing just for participating! One ticket for this event will buy participation for one team of up to five participants. Sign up here.
Boulder Bach Festival at the Longmont Museum
This rescheduled Boulder Bach Festival performance had originally been scheduled for Oct. 23, 2021. The program Across Time Across Cultures embraces a diversity of musical styles including works in romantic style with Moorish-Andalusian, Roma, and Sephardic influences. Composed for Carrettin, these highly contrapuntal and rhythmically passionate quartet pieces explore the nature of tango with influences ranging from Bach to Poulenc. The performance will begin at 4 p.m. on Feb. 26 in the Stewart Auditorium at the Longmont Museum. Tickets can be purchased through the Boulder Bach Festival website.
Wildlife in Winter Hike - Boulder County
Join volunteer naturalists from Discover Boulder County for a hike starting at 1 p.m. on Feb. 26 to look for signs of wildlife activity, including tracks, scat, feathers, fur and browse marks on trees. We will also learn about the many ways that wildlife survives winter. Ski or hiking poles recommended in case trails are icy. Near Boulder. Space is limited. Location provided when registering. Registration required here.
Tiny parade & Mardi Gras party
The World's Tiniest Mardi Gras Parade returns with a marching band starting at 4 p.m. on Feb. 26 at Abbott & Wallace Distilling in Longmont. We're pretty sure the weather will be 50 degrees and sunny so bring the whole family!
February 27
Little Women at Jesters Dinner Theatre
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend Professor Bhaer tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. A performance of Little Women will take place starting at 2 p.m. on Feb. 27 at Jesters Dinner Theatre in Longmont. To view the full list of performance dates and purchase tickets, click here.
Full Throttle Yoga at Bootstrap Brewing
Full Throttle Yoga is a revolutionary power yoga community, a technically simple and physically challenging way to practice a new way of being on and off the mat. Full Throttle Yoga is powerful, bold, present and fun. A style of yoga and community and a way of living at it’s core, Full Throttle Yoga is a movement to bring yoga to the people - all people - young and old, short and tall, skinny and fat, veggie loving vegans and carnivorous couch potatoes, hardcore bikers and hard charging cyclists, gals and dudes, fighters and lovers, soldiers and tree huggers. Full Throttle Yoga is for everyone! Join us at Bootstrap Brewing for a Full Throttle Yoga class from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Feb. 27.
February 28
The Ins and Outs of Job Applications virtual class
While applications may seem straightforward, there’s often more to it than what meets the eye. You may be screening yourself out of a job with some common application mistakes. Learn to navigate the nuances of applications and increase your chances of landing an interview during The Ins and Outs of Job Applications virtual class offered by Workforce Boulder County from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 28. To sign up for a workshop, go to www.connectingcolorado.com, create an account, and click on Workshops. A link to the workshop will be sent to you the day before the workshop with instructions on how to join the virtual meeting.
Ignition Dance Fitness - Zumba Class at the Elks Lodge
Join Liliana and Katie, licensed Zumba instructors, for a high energy dance fitness class in the Elks ballroom every Monday and Thursday at 6 p.m. Livestream is also available.
March 1
Open Chess Night
Every Tuesday, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is Open Chess Night at the Longmont Public Library! We will have some tables set aside on the 2nd floor for playing with chess sets available. However, you may bring your own set. This event is open to all ages, but those 16 and younger must have an adult with them at all times. Evenings will be informal and there will be no instruction on how to play (we do have books on the subject)!
Speakeasy Open Mic | Downtown Longmont, CO
The Speakeasy Open Mic Night is *the* place to take the stage in Longmont. Open mic nights take place every Tuesday night. Sign-up starts at 7 p.m. and the first performer starts at 8 p.m. Singers, instrumentalists, comedians, poets, hip-hop, and more all are welcome! Come see the premiere acts in the area, from brand new artists to seasoned performers.
March 3
Art & Sip at the Museum: Lotus Flower Painting
Japanese lotus flowers are known as a symbol of enlightenment, as they grow to rise above dark waters and bloom into a beautiful flower. In this Art & Sip class at the Longmont Museum from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on March 3, we will peacefully paint a lotus flower in acrylic paints. This class is part of the Longmont Museum’s Art & Sip series. Grab a drink and get creative with these classes for adults. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks will be available for purchase in the Atrium Bar. This season you’ll see a special focus on art projects inspired by our current exhibit Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper. Learn more at longmontmuseum.org or by calling 303-651-8374.
Antonio Lopez: live in concert at the Longmont Museum
Antonio Lopez is a quiet man who has something to say. His music is like an onion. It has many layers, each one revealing something more. His adept guitar work and composition skills are never used in a showy way but rather like the spices in a delectable home-cooked meal. The result is a feast of emotions that is a delight to the listener. His acoustic soul and modern folk sound garners comparison to artists such as Amos Lee and Paul Simon. On March 3, starting at 7 p.m., the Longmont musician and songwriter Antonio Lopez will perform live at the Longmont Museum. Purchase tickets here.
March 5
Plant Care 101 at Happy Day Plants
Join the Happy Day Plants staff for an in-person workshop all about plant care! During this interactive class from 1 to 2 p.m. at Happy Day Plants on March 5, learn about different plant varieties and everything from light to watering. RSVP and purchase tickets here.
Agricultural Heritage Center open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
From Nov. 1 to March 31, the Agricultural Heritage Center in Longmont is open the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 11
Friday Afternoon Concert: The Boulder Altitude Directive
Enjoy an afternoon of live music in the Longmont Museum’s Stewart Auditorium this fall featuring an eclectic array of musical acts from up and down the Front Range. The Boulder Altitude Directive (BAD) exists at the intersection between composer and performer. Formed in 2017 by composer Carter Pann, BAD is the voice for new chamber music in Boulder, Colorado. Each season, the Directive commissions, workshops, records and premieres innovative chamber music from emerging composers. On March 11, starting at 2:30 p.m., BAD will perform in Stewart Auditorium. Purchase tickets here.
CORRECTION: The article has been altered to reflect the correct dates of the Alpaca Extravaganza event.
