Run, Beads, Repeat: Mardi Crawl Hits Arvada šš
Lace Up, Arvada
Happy Friday, Arvada š
Arvada is about to get a little louder, a little faster, and a lot more colorful this weekend. Whether youāre chasing a new goal or just craving something different to do on a Sunday morning, this one might surprise you. Keep reading to see why so many locals are circling this on their calendar.
Would you run a Mardi-themed race?
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š³ Arvadaās Best Pastries š„
Itās pastry time.
Weāre spotlighting the Arvada bakeries and cafĆ©s serving up flaky croissants, buttery bites, and desserts worth the detour. From Olde Town staples to neighborhood gems, itās all about the treats you actually crave.
Got a go-to croissant or cookie you canāt skip?
Need a brain break?
Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games arenāt just fun...theyāll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving youāre the true local legend.
Cravings: Georgeās Cafe
A classic Arvada diner serving a huge menu of globally inspired comfort food in a relaxed, no-frills setting. From big breakfast plates to gyros, burgers, and crispy fries, Georgeās is the kind of spot where everyone finds something they want. Itās friendly, affordable, and perfect for a laid-back morning or early lunch.
š 6504 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada ā° 6 AM ā 2:30 PM š° $10ā20
All-Out Mardi Crawl hits Arvada this Sunday
If youāve been looking for a reason to lace up your running shoes again, this might be it. Something colorful, a little competitive, and very Arvada is taking over the trails this weekend. Read on if youāre ready to earn your beads the hard way.
All-Out Mardi Crawl
Sunday, February 22, 2026
9:00amā1:00pm
š Apex Center, 13150 W 72nd Ave
š² $38.10
The All-Out Mardi Crawl starts at the Apex Center and sends runners straight onto the Ralston Creek Trail. You can choose your distance: 5K, 10K, or go big with the half marathon. The courses follow the creek through open space and past golf course neighborhoods, which makes for a pretty solid Sunday morning backdrop.
And yes, this race is an official BOLDERBoulder qualifying event. Your finish time from any distance can help you qualify for one of the BOLDERBoulderās seeded waves. So if youāve been eyeing a faster start corral this year, this is your shot.
Parking + spectator tips
Athletes and spectators can park in the Apex Center lot, just avoid the marked venue area. Plan to arrive early since the center is an active recreation facility and Sunday mornings can get busy. Carpooling is encouraged.
If youāre cheering someone on, the best viewing spots are near Aid 2 for the 10K and half marathon, and Aid 3 for half marathon runners. Thereās a downloadable course map available to help you find the right cheering zone.
Whether youāre racing for a PR, qualifying for BOLDERBoulder, or just showing up for the vibes, this one feels like a good excuse to move.
What's Happenin' Arvada: Event Listings
Friday, February 20
Saturday, February 21
Sunday, February 22
Want more? See the full calendar ā Arvada Event Calendar
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š Date Spot in Arvada
Arvada dates are all about small-town charm with local flavor. Olde Town Arvada is a go-to for strolling, cozy dinners, and dessert stops, while the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities adds a culture-forward twist with shows, exhibits, and open-air vibes. If youāre leaning outdoorsy, sunset views and picnic potential at Majestic View Park never miss.
š Vote and weāll share the top picksāchosen by localsāin a future issue. š
See you on the trail
Arvada has a way of turning an ordinary Sunday into something a little more fun. If you end up running, let us know how it goes. And if youāre cheering, bring the loudest cowbell you can find.
š¬ Got ideas for making Whatās Happeninā Arvada even better?
Iād love to hear from you. Just hit reply ā I read every message and always respond when I can.
See you Monday!
ā Ben
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