Paint Dates, Plays, Musicals and Fireworks!

June 30, 2022

From painting date nights for adults to space camp for kids, the next couple of weeks have all sorts of movie, music, comedy and activity events for all ages in Aurora, Denver and surrounds! Oh, and there are a few fireworks displays in the offing this weekend as well!

TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, June 30

DRIVE IN MOVIE: DOUBLE FEATURE!
Starting at 8:55 p.m. and 10:35 p.m., Denver’s 46-year-old drive in movie theater will show The Bad Guys AND Jurassic World: Dominion. Admission is just $10 per person and tickets are only sold at the box office for the evening’s program. Vehicles are parked according to height and the sound is available on an FM radio station. Dogs are allowed (on a leash!) and the concession offers popcorn, burgers and dogs, pizza and other snacks. 

88 Drive In, 8780 Rosemary St., Commerce City
Open: 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10/pp; children under 12-FREE

Thursday-Saturday, June 30-July 2

SPACE CAMP EVERY WEEK
Register now for an upcoming week of space camp at Wings Over the Rockies. Engineering for Mars is a follow up to the Denver-location/Air and Space Museum’s popular Mars-themed camps, and is designed to prepare future astronauts, scientists, and engineers for all the challenges (and rewards) the Red Planet has to offer. 

Skyward is for campers who are serious about aviation (but might be a little too young to began their training). This session at the Centennial location offers an in-depth look at airplanes and helicopters, airport operations, and a chance to interact with aviation professionals who believe that it’s never too early to get started. Campers will work on projects and activities focused on aviation while also making sure that campers have a memorable, fun-filled experience.

Air and Space Museum/Wings over the Rockies – Two Locations
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Registration: $399
Information: info@wingsmuseum.org

PIRATES AND PRINCESSES
During the Pirates & Princesses event, guests celebrate the fantasy worlds of brave buccaneers and regal royalty with family-friendly activities throughout the resort. Guests can learn to be a pirate or princess in an interactive show, solve puzzles and riddles inside an enchanted escape room, raise a hearty mug of grog at a pirate-themed pop-up bar, stroll through remnants of a pirate galleon ship, search for treasure in a new scavenger hunt, and more. Relâche Spa at Gaylord Rockies also joins the celebration, with treatments designed to soothe the meanest marauders and pamper the prettiest princesses. And check out the other activities, events and classes during Gaylord’s “Summer of More” for kids and adults.

Gaylord Rockies, 6700 N. Gaylord Rockies Blvd., Aurora
Various Times
Tickets: $12.99

Thursday-Sunday, June 30-July3

DIXIE’S NEVER WEAR A TUBE-TOP…
“Furiously Funny! A smartly written ‘Hoot and Holler” of a show!”- Denver Post
Dixie Longate is known for her phenomenal success and hilarious antics in her wildly popular show, Dixie’s Tupperware Party. In her new hit show, Ms. Longate has reviewers cheering and audiences on their feet with nonstop laughter. Put on your cowboy boots and walk into her favorite honky-tonk as Dixie shares lessons learned after a hard night of drinking. What do a jeweled crown, a cardboard cutout of Julie Andrews and a box of moon pies have in common? Spend the night with Dixie and find out as she swaps her Tupperware bowls for a mechanical bull.

Garner Galleria Theatre,  1101 13th St., Denver
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets:  $46-$80

Friday-Sunday, July 1-3

FAN EXPO 2022
Experience the ultimate playground for comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming. Three days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions and world-renowned celebrities await you. Celebrity guests include Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith) from Clerks; Carl Weathers, Elijah Wood, Anthony Daniels (C3PO), Charlie Hunnam, William Zabka and Caity Lotz. Plus voice actors like Billy West, Will Friedle and Chloe Hollings. Join tens of thousands of like-minded fans enamored of all things fantastical.

Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver
Fri., 4:00-9:00 p.m.; Sat., 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Admission:$12-$109

SUMMER CARNIVAL
Back again this year, the carnival will open its doors this Friday through Sunday, June 10. Featuring carnival rides, 15 different games, and 10 Food Wagons and lots of fun for the whole family! 

Town Center, 14200 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora
Fri., 4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.; Sat./Sun., 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Unlimited Rides Wristband: $35

GYPSY: THE MUSICAL
Regarded by many as the best musical ever, GYPSY is the ultimate tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughter’s success… while secretly yearning for her own. Set across American in the 1920’s when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, this landmark show features iconic music, two-bit hustlers and an unforgettable Mama Rose! In the Nickelson Auditorium. 

Vintage Theater, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-38
Phone: 303-856-7830

ALY & THE GENIE
This 70-minute play is geared towards children and youth, featuring high energy and trendy dances from around the world accompanied by plenty of laugh lines. It’s the perfect entertainment for summer campers, grandparents with kids, and all those who want an enjoyable experience at the theatre.

Vintage Theater, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$15
Phone: 303-856-7830

Saturday, July 2

REVEAL: KIM ROBARDS DANCE
The New York Times stated, “Ms. Robards thinks in grander terms.” The program “Reveal” highlights Ms. Robards’ powerful and poignant, impactful masterwork “Aurora” dedicated to the victims of the tragic 2012 theater shooting and their families in remembrance of the 10th Anniversary. “Reveal” also premieres a new work “Ukraine”, a reflection of the current war in Ukraine, and presents several other audience favorites in KRD’s dynamic repertoire. Ms. Robards’ critically acclaimed choreography is both timeless and relevant. Kim Robards Dance is a multi-generational professional dance company whose dancers ages span five decades and whose artistry transports audiences of all ages.

The Hangar at Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12-$25

DATE NIGHT/PAINT NIGHT
Painting with a Twist is FUN art, not fine art and is the perfect activity for any occasion! Date Night, girls’ night out, family events, birthday parties, bachelorette parties and team building! Get ready for an awesome, unique, and fun experience, where talented artists guide you step-by-step to create your own masterpiece…or at least something you’ll be proud to give away! Price includes canvas and/or a wood plank board. Snacks and beer and wine are available for purchase (21+ with valid ID). Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of time to get uncorked, smocked and in your seat. Consider it happy quarter-hour. 

Painting with a Twist, 14132 E. Cedar Ave., Aurora
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $39-$47

TONY AWARD-WINNING PLAY
Winner of the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play, God of Carnage relates an evening in the lives of two couples, residents of a tony Brooklyn neighborhood, who meet to discuss a playground incident. Alan and Annette’s son hit Michael and Veronica’s son in the face with a stick, resulting in two broken teeth. The four of them agree to discuss the incident civilly, but, as the night wears on and drinks are imbibed, the polite veneer breaks down. The couples initially spar against each other, but the men gang up on the women and the spouses switch sides as the fighting continues. Reza’s play suggests that our civilized trappings do a poor job of hiding our venality and bile.

The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25
Info: 631-495-2226

Sunday, July 3

INDEPENDENCE EVE WITH THE SYMPHONY
The Colorado Symphony, alongside its partners, the Civic Center Conservancy and the City and County of Denver, are thrilled to announce Independence Eve’s return to Civic Center Park on Sunday, July 3, 2022. For over 10 years, tens of thousands of people have gathered in Civic Center the night before Independence Day to celebrate country, culture, and community. Attendees can again expect to experience the sweet sounds of the Colorado Symphony and other local artists, a spectacular light show on the City and County Building, and a fireworks finale unlike any other show in the country. Start making plans with family and friends to join us in Civic Center Park for Independence Eve!

Civic Center Park,  
6:00 p.m.
FREE EVENT

FIREWORKS AT ELITCH’S!
Don’t miss the spectacle as the Elitch Gardens light up the Downtown Denver skyline with a fireworks extravaganza to celebrate Independence Day! Show starts at parking closing.

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, 2000 Elitch Cir., Denver
9:00 p.m.
Admission: $50

NEXT WEEK: Wednesday, July 6

SCI-FI FILM SERIES
Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey is the picture which science-fiction enthusiasts of every age have appreciated – for 15 years. An imposing black structure provides a connection between the past and the future in this enigmatic adaptation of a short story by revered sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke. When Dr. Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) and other astronauts are sent on a mysterious mission, their ship’s computer system, HAL, begins to display increasingly strange behavior, leading up to a tense showdown between man and machine that results in a mind-bending trek through space and time. A discussion will follow the screening exploring where science and film connect.

Bring a food item to donate to MSU Denver’s Roadrunner Food Pantry!

Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax,  Denver
Doors open: 6:15 p.m.
Tickets: $10.50-$65 (annual membership)

Thursday, July 7

DON MCCLEAN, THE AMERICAN PIE GUY!
Perhaps best known for the mega-hit American Pie, Don McClean celebrates 50 years of success from that chart-topping 1972 single. “American Pie touched an intellectual and emotional nerve with Baby Boomers because the song told the generation’s history,” says Grunge.com. “The poetic, metaphor-loaded lyrics depict the story of rock ‘n’ roll and its impact on American youth. “American Pie” is a bittersweet nostalgia trip, but one that’s endured as a hallmark of the ’60s generation.”

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $49-$149
303-623-0106

Thursday-Saturday, July 7-9

AHMED AHMED LIVE IN DENVER!
Egyptian-American actor, comedian, producer, and director Ahmed Ahmed is one of the most diverse, multi-faceted talents in the entertainment industry today. He is a co-founder of the groundbreaking Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, which aired on Comedy Central and later went on to make history taking that tour all around the Middle East. 

Ahmed stars on TBS’ hit comedy series Sullivan & Son and has appeared on The Tonight ShowVince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy ShowWeedsSwingersYou Don’t Mess with the Zohan, and Iron Man. Currently, Ahmed can be seen in the recent documentary Too Soon on Vice TV.

Denver Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street Denver
Thurs., 8:00 p.m., Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. 
Tickets: $16-$24
303-595-3637

Friday, July 8

DIVE IN MOVIE: SING 2
Don’t miss our second Dive-In Movie – Sing 2! Your favorite all-stars return along with new characters, spectacular hit songs and electrifying performances in Sing 2, the feel-good comedy about the healing power of music. Shown in Island Kingdom Water Park and are free with any park admission or Season Pass.

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, 2000 Elitch Cir., Denver
7:30 p.m.
Admission: $50

Friday-Sunday, July 8-10

HARRY POTTER IN CONCERT
In the epic finale to the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series the battle between good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert brings the final chapter to the big screens at Boettcher Concert Hall, while your Colorado Symphony performs every note of the epic score from Alexandre Desplat. The stakes have never been higher!

This movie is screened with live orchestra performing the full film score. For more information on the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series, please visit www.harrypotterinconcert.com.

Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25-103 plus fees and taxes
Phone: 303-623-7876

The Arts, Music and More Near Southshore!

Enjoy Life at the Lake in the master-planned community of Southshore—and find all sorts of  entertainment within easy reach! You can personalize your living space – just check out the beautiful model homes from KB Home paired offerings, Richmond American Homes and Boulder Creek single family designs. It’s easy to picture yourself in your own new home here, priced from the $600s.