The Denver Botanic Gardens launches its 2012 concert series on July 4 with the B-52s and Squeeze. "We have 15 concerts, 13 here at York Street and two at Chatfield," said Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd, director of marketing, PR and events at Denver Botanic Gardens. Other highlights of the 2012 series include Al Green, Diana Krall and the Gipsy Kings. Bring a blanket or low-backed chairs for the outdoor concerts, which are held in an amphitheater on the garden grounds.

• Denver Botanic Gardens: 2012 Concert Series

Film on the Rocks features outdoor showings of second-run films at the outdoor amphitheater of Red Rocks. The 2012 line-up includes "Iron Man," "Bridesmaids" and "Spirited Away." The 13th-annual film series is presented by Pepsi, and advance tickets are $12. "Hanging out under the stars with friends and listening to great bands and watching some of the most memorable films at the iconic Red Rocks is an extraordinary experience," said Britta Erickson, festival director for the Denver Film Society, in a statement.

• Film on the Rocks 2012
• Red Rocks Photos

The 2012 Movies in the Park series features a line-up of 16 free movies in Denver, from classics such as "Mary Poppins" and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" to recent films such as "Hugo" and "Dolphin Tale." The series, sponsored by Denver Parks and Recreation, shows family-friendly films at Denver parks such as Skyline Park and Civic Center Park. Grab a picnic and enjoy the film series, which runs from June 30 - Sept. 14, 2012. Which film are you looking forward to seeing at Movies in the Park?

• 2012 Movies in the Park

The Denver Botanic Gardens showcases a Japanese art form of bamboo sculptures in "Kizuna: West Meets East." The exhibit focuses on two artists, Tetsunori Kanawa from Japan and Stephen Talasnik from the U.S. "This is our celebration of Japanese art and culture, especially of bamboo art," said Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd, the director of marketing, PR and events at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The exhibit is on display through Nov. 4, 2012, and is included in admission to the gardens.

• Kizuna: West Meets East Photos

Photo © 2012 Nina Snyder, licensed to About.com