Remembering 9/11 in Denver and Aurora This Weekend

September 9, 2021

It’s a somber anniversary—the 20th year since 9/11 occurred (featured photo by: Michael Rieger). To honor and remember the historical occasion, the Vintage Theatre is staging a reading of The Guys, a poignant play based on actual events that gives us a chance to reflect and heal through storytelling.

TODAY/TONIGHT, September 9

NUREMBERG TRIALS
One of the most relevant history lessons from the past century has to do with crimes against humanity, a problem that still exists in the modern world. Seventy-five years ago, the world brought charges against individuals for their actions in World War II, known as the Nuremberg Trials.

Learn how the trials impacted the world, including the creation of the International Criminal Court, as well as current challenges to international law.

Active Minds Online
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Information: FREE

OUTDOOR MOVIE – COOL RUNNINGS
Spend a late-summer evening in the park watching Walt Disney’s comedy sports film, Cool Runnings, about a group of underdogs that took the world by surprise. This inspirational true story is about four Jamaican bobsledders who dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, despite never having seen snow. Food trucks this week are No Joke Smoke and High Point Creamery.

City Park, 9701 E. 16th Ave., Aurora
6:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $2

Thursday-Saturday, September 10-12

COMEDIAN ERIK GRIFFIN
This huge figure in the comedy world is known for his acting roles on the large screen, sketch comedy on the small screen, podcasts, and stand-up. Griffin is best known as the mustachioed Montez Walker on the hit Comedy Central series Workaholics, as well as his regular role in Showtime’s I’m Dying Up Here. He recently filmed the ABC pilot Bucktown opposite Nicole Richie and the feature film Mr. Russo written and directed by Ray Romano.

Griffin has been featured in multiple Netflix films including Murder Mystery with Adam Sandler, The Sleepover, and Laurie Collyer’s Furlough. You may remember him from the box office hit Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.

Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St., Denver
Thurs., 8:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$26
Phone: 303-595-3637

Thursday-Sunday, September 9-12

INTERACTIVE EARTH DISPLAY 
For an out-of-this-world experience, treat the family to the immersive art exhibit, Earth Illuminated, a look at our planet’s beauty from air, land, and sea. Explore a series of interactive environments and large-scale art installations that will change the way you experience art and nature.

This spectacular display is appropriate for all ages—everyone will get a kick out of taking photos and selfies of themselves against these stunning natural and digital media backgrounds.

Denver Pavilions, 500 16th Street Mall, Suite 280, Denver
Thurs., 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$25

Friday, September 10

EAGLE ENCOUNTER
Master falconer and president of the Raptor Education Foundation, Anne Price, will lead a fascinating discussion and live encounter with a golden eagle prior to the screening of the documentary film, The Eagle Huntress. Dive into the 4,000 year history of falconry and learn about why ancient civilizations were so captivated by eagles.Then sit back and enjoy the movie which follows Aisholpan, a 13-year-old Mongolian girl, as she trains to become the first female in twelve generations of her Kazakh family to become an eagle hunter. The film is visually stunning, set on the expansive Mongolian steppe, and also captivating as an epic narrative feature.

Sturm Family Auditorium, Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
5:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $30 – $35
Phone: 720-865-3500

KIDS NIGHT OUT AT WHEATLANDS
The Wheatlands YMCA branch is offering an evening for kids to have fun on their own! Children must be potty-trained and all ages up to 12 are welcome. A kid-friendly dinner will be served, followed by crafts and games and other activities. A movie with snacks rounds out the evening! Pre-registration is required.

Aurora YMCA at Wheatlands, 6100 S. Kewaunee Way, Aurora
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Register: $15.00

Saturday, September 11

BE IN MOVEMENT
Celebrate health and well-being through movement, music, and community! This peaceful day of gathering with your neighbors is all about harmony and giving good energy back to the community. Classes in HIIT, Latin Dance, and Yoga with Live Music are scheduled throughout the day. This is a donation event based on a sliding scale to make room and hold space for everyone. Proceeds will go to The Center on Colfax to support their mission to engage, empower, enrich, and advance the LGBTQ community of Colorado.

Founders Green, E. 29th Ave. Town Center, Denver
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $13-$28

PATRIOTS DAY
On the somber 20th Anniversary of 9/11, take time to remember and honor the Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Listen to tributes and view static displays of true American heroes.

Colorado Freedom Memorial, 756 Telluride St., Aurora
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Information: FREE

THIRSTYFEST 2021
Have a great time sampling from numerous local breweries and distilleries, enjoy tasty bites from gourmet food trucks and vendors, and listen to an awesome live-music lineup, all while contributing to a great cause. Thirstyfest is an entirely volunteer-led beer festival, with proceeds to benefit Water For People, an organization that promotes the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services.

Water For People works in 32 districts across 9 countries to create change for more than four million people.

Stanley Marketplace, 2501 S. Dallas St., Aurora
3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25 ($5 for Designated Driver)

READING OF THE GUYS
In honor of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, Vintage Theatre is hosting a reading of Anne Nelson’s heartfelt play, The Guys, starring Vintage favorites Andrew and Kelly Uhlenhopp. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Denver Actors Fund.

The play is based on true events from the fateful day. This is the story of Nick, a fire captain who has lost most of his men in the Twin Towers. As he prepares the eulogies for this men, he asks for help from Joan, a writer who is also struggling with the aftermath of the attacks. To get through the emotional landscape of grief, they draw on humor, tango, and the enduring bonds of humanity. Tickets for the reading are available in-person or livestream.

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12
Phone: 303-856-7830

Saturday-Sunday, September 11-12

BRANDI CARLILE AT THE SYMPHONY
Red Rocks hosts two nights of magic under the stars when three-time GRAMMY® Award winning singer, songwriter, performer, and producer Brandi Carlile joins the 
Colorado Symphony in concert. It will be a memorable performance and a great way to usher in a season of new hope.

These performances were rescheduled from September 12-13, 2020, so if you have tickets for the original dates, your tickets will be valid for the new dates.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $55-$109

DAISY’S DAY SPEAKEASY
The Roaring Twenties are back! Daisy’s Day Speakeasy is a combination of live theatre, vintage music and dance, vaudeville, Prohibition-style cocktails and more! 1920s formal attire is strongly recommended so that you can become a part of this intriguing evening. For ages 21 and up, all patrons must be fully vaccinated before attending.

Factory Five Five, 10255 E. 25th Ave., Unit 5, Aurora
Fri./Sat., 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.; Sat., 9:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$235

Sunday, September 12

ANNUAL FRIENDSHIP POWWOW
Enjoy a day celebrating the diverse Indigenous community here on the Front Range! For 32 years, the Denver Art Museum has been hosting the Annual Friendship Powwow, with American Indian Dance competitions, hands-on activities for the whole family, as well as artists and vendor booths — for an immersive introduction to an inspirational cultural experience. The whole family will enjoy the singing, dancing, and fry bread!

Food will be provided by Tocabe, an American Indian Eatery. “At Tocabe, every meal tells the story of (the) American Indian culture through native-sourced recipes and ingredients.”

Denver Indian Center, 4407 Morrison Rd., Denver
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Phone: 720-913-0130 

Access to Everything – In 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.