Several recreational, cultural, and educational events are taking place in the area this weekend.

Monarch Mountain has announced the opening of No Name Basin, a significant expansion that adds 377 acres of skiable terrain and 12 new runs. The new area features a vertical drop of just over 1,000 feet and offers a mix of intermediate and advanced terrain, including bowls and glades. With this expansion, skiers now have the unique opportunity to ski on both sides of the Continental Divide in a single day.

On Saturday evening, Colorado Springsteen, a well-known Bruce Springsteen tribute band, will perform at Salida’s SteamPlant. The show will also feature local favorite Fembot, performing music from prominent female rock artists of the 1970s and 1980s. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at salidasteamplant.com. The event is a fundraiser for The Grainery, with food and monetary donations accepted at the door.

On Sunday, the Central Colorado Humanists will host their monthly Sunday Science program titled “Fit or Fail: Genotype and Environment Decide Who Thrives.” Dr. Gene Milus will discuss how the interaction between an organism’s genetic makeup and its environment influences survival and success.

The presentation will take place at the Buena Vista Community Center, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. and the program beginning at 10 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public.