Published: June 15, 2000

Mark your calendars and pull out your picnic baskets because the University of Colorado at Boulder is hosting "Picnic on the Quad," July 8, beginning at 3 p.m. in the historic Norlin Quadrangle.

Free activities at the picnic will continue into the evening and include live music, hands-on science workshops for kids, ice-skating and ice cream, sidewalk chalk art projects and special visits from CU-BoulderÂ’s Ralphie the buffalo and Will Shakespeare himself.

For those with their sights set on acting in a play, the Shakespeare Festival Backstage Players will be on hand with their Shakespeare for Kids program at 7 p.m.

CU-BoulderÂ’s museums and galleries also will be open into the evening so families can see the moon rock at the Heritage Center, visit the "Decorative Arts of West Africa" exhibit at CUÂ’s Museum of Natural History and take a hands-on tour through the CU Art GalleriesÂ’ new show "Electronic Easel."

Guests may either bring their own picnic or order one in advance through the Colorado Shakespeare FestivalÂ’s box office at (303) 492-0554. Picnics cost $12 and must be ordered 48 hours in advance. Proceeds from the picnic dinners benefit the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Beverages and desserts also will be available.

July 8 also is opening night for "Henry V" at 8:30 p.m. in the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre. Tickets can be purchased by calling (303) 492-0554. Backstage tours are available at 6 p.m. for an extra $5.

The CU Opera also will have performances of "Anything Goes" at 2 p.m. and "H.M.S. Pinafore" at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for those performances may be purchased by calling (303) 492-8008.

Free parking is available at the CU Recreation Center, lot 368, and at lots located directly north of the campus buildings along University Avenue in lots 256, 260 and 265.

For more information, contact the CU-Boulder Office of Community Relations at (303) 492-8384.