Downtown does the holidays right

Sunday, December 6th, Mayor Bob Foster will be on hand to light the Christmas tree and unveil the Menorah and Kwanzaa displays at the Pike Event Park at 6 pm. Santa will be there as well with musical support by the Lakewood HIgh School Choir. Bringing in that wintry feel for all of us displaced East Coasters, there's an ice skating rink opening on November 27 and a snow day on December 12.

My Stars! Peace Comes at Twilight

Stars over the Pike at Rainbow Harbor will be on display at the Pike from August 21 through September 6. The collection of photographs features landmarks from around the world after sunset. The exhibit is part of The World at Night, a worldwide exhibit of photographs celebrating the International Year of Astronomy 2009. The awe-inspiring images are intended to creat public interest in astronomy as well as demonstrate the universal appeal of stars, planets and, well, the universe. The Pike is also offering star gazer nights with local astronomers tonight and next Friday night, September 4 from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. Dancing Under the Stars features a swing band tomorrow night and latin dance next Saturday, September 5. While you're there might as well do your best to touch the stars on the giant Ferris wheel.

Get Out Your Dancing Shoes

Since you're downtown anyway for Tour des Artistes, be sure to stop by the Waterfront Band Shell at the Pike at Rainbow Harbor for a free salsa lesson. From 5-8 this evening there'll be live Latin music to help you get in the mood. If you're just too pooped from all that culture in the East Village, don't fret. There'll be another episode of Hot Summer Nights next Saturday, June 20, same time, same place. Vamos a bailar