Lotsa Live Music in Aurora This Weekend!

April 8, 2021

With the hint of spring and a promise of getting back to normal, there are many opportunities to catch some live music this weekend in Aurora and Denver! Also returning this weekend—watching a movie in a movie theatre! The Best Picture Film Fest is back, featuring movies nominated for a 2021 Academy Award!

TODAY/TONIGHT, April 8

RUSSIAN INTRIGUE
Vladimir Putin has been the ruling figure in Russia since 1999—how has he affected the policies in his country for the past two decades? This invigorating online discussion covers Putin’s actions from the invasion of Ukraine to hacking the U.S. 2016 presidential election.

Join in the virtual link to get a better understanding of how the consolidation of his power has led to what many believe is a return to an authoritarianism that feels similar to the days of Soviet control and the Czars of old. 

Active Minds Online Link
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Information: FREE
Phone: 303-933-3449

Thursday-Sunday, April 8-11

CINEMA COMEBACK
The Academy Awards are coming up and with them, a chance to see nominated films on the big screen! The annual Harkins Theatres’ Best Picture Film Fest is back—and even more meaningful this year after watching movies from home for such a long time.

Get out to the movie theater to watch films like Judas and the Black Messiah, Mank, Minari, Nomadland, Promising Young Woman, Sound of Metal, The Father, and The Trial of The Chicago 7. 

Harkins Theatres Northfield 18, 8300 E. Northfield Blvd., Denver
Various times
Tickets: $5
Phone: 720-374-3118

SPRING SELFIE BACKDROP
Take an impressive selfie in front of a trendy, stylish backdrop that will impress your Instagram followers! For a limited time, head over to the Town Center at Aurora to take some photos for FREE in front of this impressive backdrop. 

The Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Information: FREE

Friday, April 9

COLORADO’S AVIATION LEGACY
Check out the new stories about the history of Colorado flying! The Harry Combs Civil Aviation Gallery: Stories from Colorado Skies showcases six interesting and inspiring stories about civil aviation in Colorado, and today is the opening day for two new chapters: From Flicks to Flight and Al Mooney, Boy Genius.

Back in the 1920s, Al Mooney was dubbed a Boy Genius, who designed the popular Alexander Eaglerock airplane while he was still in his teens. He was hired by a major movie studio, Alexander Films, who wanted airplanes to distribute their films. They couldn’t buy them, so they started an airplane factory. The subsequent Alexander Eaglerock became the biggest selling airplane in the country in the late 1920s.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $9.95 – $16.95

VIRTUAL PAINTING CLASS
Whimsy is a local art studio in the Stapleton community, and they are offering an online painting class via Zoom! Learn how to paint the featured picture on either a 12×16 or 16×20 canvas. All materials are included in the price and will need to be picked up in advance of the online class.

At the appointed time, you’ll join in the Zoom link to get guided instruction from the artist-instructor, who will also be able to answer your questions. 

Whimsy Art Studio Online
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Advanced Registration: $30-$35

KIDS NIGHT OUT
Enjoy a few hours to yourself while the kids participate in some peer socializing time! The YMCA sponsors this event, so you know your kids are in good hands. Children ages 3-12 will enjoy an evening of games, crafts, and an age-appropriate movie. Food will NOT be served (thanks to COVID), but you are welcome to pack a snack and drink for your child.

Southlands Mall, 6295 S. Main St. #104, Aurora
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Register: $15

Friday-Sunday, April 9-11

INTERACTIVE DANCE PROGRAM
This interactive theatre-in-the-round dance program explores the passage of time through the folding and unfolding of relationships. With a theme of “home,” the dance program Blue Oak Lane declares, “You were my home without a roof. The sweet smell of mud-soaked feet leaving prints inside like the coffee stain on our armchair. Something borrowed like time, it slipped through our fingers. Together we built this, but it was always you.”

The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
Fri./Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Register: $35

Saturday, April 10

5K TRAIL RUN
Celebrate good health and the great outdoors! Arapahoe County’s inaugural 5K Trail Walk/Run sends you out in the Open Spaces of Aurora on a 3.1 mile course. You’ll get a fantastic view of the Front Range as you make your way through the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Park.

All ages are welcome to join this fun race that features prizes, free swag, a light breakfast, and booths at the finish line. If you prefer, you can also sign up for a virtual race and walk/run the trails on your own time!

Arapahoe County Fairgrounds Event Center, 25690 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Register: $20-$30

6-FEET APART PARTY
Why not make a party out of the current situation? You can enjoy a beer, enter to win some prizes, and listen to great local live music—as long as you stay six feet apart! There’s also a 1-mile course around the field at Stanley that you can walk or run, as part of the Colorado Brewing Running Series 5K events scheduled throughout 2021.

Cheluna Brewing Company at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Register: $0-$10

LIVE MUSIC OUTDOORS
Saturday fun is back with a live outdoor concert by Kory Montgomery!

Hang out on the West Patio of Stanley Marketplace and enjoy Montgomery’s music that will transport you to the backwoods through blues/rock/R&B fusion.

West Patio Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Information: FREE

SOLO ART EXHIBITION AND RECEPTION
Celebrate art either live and in-person or as a 360-degree virtual exhibit live on Facebook! Local woodblock artist Michael Keyes fabricates his own hand-hewn woodblocks to create impressive prints from the blocks. A limited number of guests will be admitted in person based on current state COVID-19 guidelines.

The People’s Building is a retrofitted furniture store turned performance and event space in the heart of Aurora’s Creative District. 

The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax, Aurora
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Information: FREE

MORE LIVE MUSIC!
Favorite local musician Jeff White is delighted to be back entertaining live audiences with his brand of acoustic roots soul style music at South Dock. Enjoy the energy and good vibes of live music while you share a brew with friends!

Dry Dock Brewing South Dock, 15120 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora, 
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Information: FREE
Phone: 303-400-5606

Sunday, April 11

LIVE MUSIC AND YOGA
Take your yoga practice to the next level with this socially-distanced outdoor Vinyasa class featuring the beautiful live music of Waves & Particles! Local yoga teacher Lora McKelvey will lead you regardless of your experience level. Space is limited, so be sure to preregister before the mat slots are filled! Afterwards, enjoy a pint at Cheluna Brewing  Co. for half price!

West Patio Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Register: $10

The Lake, The Trails, The Homes…Southshore!

Away from it all, but close to everything, the lakeside community of Southshore offers access to plenty of things to do every weekend! If you’re new to Life at the Lake, drive around and check out the beautiful model homes from Taylor Morrison, Richmond American Homes and Toll Brothers. Available in ranch and two-story designs, Southshore homes are priced between the upper $400s to the $700s.