Denver Arts Events February 16-22, 2026

Once again, this week’s Denver arts calendar provides us with opportunities to bask in the work of local talent and to enjoy works by globally-acclaimed artists. What a treat. If I could enjoy six performances, events, or exhibitions this week, this is what I’d do. Enjoy.

✺ February 19 Watch film shorts by local filmmakers, followed by discussions with the artists at the Emerging Filmmakers Project at The Bug Theatre. 7 p.m. More info.

✺ February 19 Watch a collaboration between two acclaimed artists— a street dance choreographer and a jazz composer—in Ephrat Asherie Dance with Arturo O'Farrill: Shadow Cities at the Newman Center. 7:30 pm. More info and tickets.

✺ February 20 Enjoy a performance that blends the sounds of local string ensemble Sphere Ensemble and soprano Maria Maxfield at The Savoy. 7:30 p.m. More info and tickets.

✺ February 20 Attend the opening reception for Bailey Russel’s solo exhibition Western Extraction at Bitfactory Gallery. 6 p.m. More info.

✺ February 21 Enjoy work by Denver’s best slam poets at Slam Nuba's fifth annual Poetry Slam event at Denver Art Museum. 12 p.m. More info and registration.

✺ February 22 Enjoy a lively, folk-filled show by Lyons-based string band Taarka at Dairy Arts Center. 4 p.m. More info and tickets.

Are you an artist? Check out these local calls for art.