Summertime in Aurora
June 8, 2017
Summertime is for fairs and festivals, water recreation and outdoor sports – especially in the master planned community of Southshore! Choose from activities in, around and on the lake, sports clinics, open-air markets or kick back and relax at an outdoor concert. With so much to do this season, you can fill up entire weekends with non-stop summertime fun!
TODAY/TONIGHT! Thursday, June 8
THE BEER GARDEN BENEFIT
The Beer Garden will host its annual family-friendly summertime benefit in support of local community programs, donating 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds to the Lowry Foundation. This massive neighborhood hangout has a menu of 16 beers on tap featuring mostly Colorado craft beers, plus a variety of delectable gourmet sausages.
Beer Garden, 7577 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
5:00-9:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-344-0481
ACTIVE MINDS: MUHAMMAD ALI
Born Cassius Clay, the professional boxer known as Muhammad Ali was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and controversial sports figures of the 20th century. Known for his outspokenness, Ali fought for civil rights and was an unapologetic critic of the Vietnam War. He was banned from boxing for three years for refusing to be inducted after being drafted. Join Active Minds at the one-year anniversary of the death of “The Greatest.”
Sam Gary Library, 2961 Roslyn St., Denver
6:45-7:45 p.m.
Phone: 720-865-0325
Thursday-Saturday, June 8-10
SISYPHUS THE MUSICAL
This summer production focuses on the new mayor of Corinth, Sisyphus, who must accept his role as leader and teach the citizens to embrace their freewill despite the wrath of the gods. This original work was created by local playwright, April Alsup.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$24
Thursday-Sunday, June 8-11
FISH, PADDLE, SWIM
The water’s waiting for you at the Aurora Reservoir where you can rent boats, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. It’s the most summertime fun you can have on and in the water – 880 acres of it in fact! Or you can build sand castles, work on your tan, your swimming strokes or your beach volleyball moves. It’s all right here!
Car passes are $10 for a day pass and $55 for a season pass (residents of Aurora).
Aurora Reservoir is at 5800 S. Powhaton Road in Aurora
Open every day: 5:00 a.m.- 11:00 p.m.
OPENING WEEKEND
It’s Only a Play, by Terrance McNally, is about the opening night of a new play where everyone is anxiously waiting to see if the show is a hit. With his career on the line, playwright Peter Austin shares his big night with the novice producer, the doped-up diva, the genius director, a lethal drama critic and a fresh-off-the-bus coat-check attendant. What could go wrong? For ages 17 and older due to graphic language.
Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri./Sat./Mon, 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$30
Phone: 303-856-7830
Friday, June 9
BUILD YOUR UTOPIA!
For this month’s Build a Better World challenge, attendees will come to the library to invent their own utopia. What are your society’s rules and its most important values? What problems could arise and how can your society avoid them? Create a story, art, set of rules – the more detailed the better and then share your project. For grades six through 12.
Iliff Square Library/PC Center, 2253 S. Peoria St., Aurora
4:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-739-1567
LACROSSE CLINIC
Hunter Gray is the coach of the Denver Summit LaCrosse Club and plays for the Denver University Pioneers. She has been playing the sport most of her life and was a starter for DU, and plans to spend time stateside and in Australia this summer, playing and coaching youth. This is the first of several summertime clinics Hunter will be offering for girls.
Peter Barton Stadium, 1800-1844 S. High St., Denver
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $45
Friday-Sunday, June 9-11
GEM AND JEWELRY SHOW
Shop the largest selection of gems and jewelry at the lowest prices direct from designers, wholesalers and manufacturers. Why pay retail when you can shop in a marketplace from America’s longest-running, direct-to-consumer jewelry trade show?! You’ll find diamonds, pearls, gemstones, opals, minerals, crystals, gold, silver, estate and antique jewelry, rings, bracelets, necklaces, accessories and more!
The Denver Mart, 451 E. 58th Ave., Denver
Fri., 12:00-6:00 p.m.; Sat., 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $6 (good for all three days)
CIRQUE du SOLEIL LUZIA
LUZIA transports you to an imaginary Mexico, a convincing fantasy world suspended somewhere between dreams and reality. The Cirque du Soleil excitement continues with this cast of 44 performers from diverse artistic backgrounds, and the energetic performances and breath-taking feats of athleticism astounds and amazes audiences of all ages. (Performances are selling out!)
The Pepsi Center Prius West Parking Lot, 1000 Chopper Cir., Denver
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 8:00 p.m.; Fri./Sat. 4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 and 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 10
PAWS FOR READING
Your child can improve his or her skills this summer by reading to Harvey the book-loving dog! Harvey revels in the attention, and listening to stories is one of his favorite pastimes. Call 303-326-8600 to register for a 15-minute session. For kindergarten through fifth grades.
Mission Viejo Library, 15324 E. Hampden Cir., Aurora
10:00 a.m.
Phone: 303-326-8600
KIDS’ COCKPIT DEMO
Kids of all ages can climb aboard select Wings over the Rockies aircraft and get a pilot’s perspective of the instruments and controls. This rare opportunity to crawl inside the cockpit of an airplane and sit in the “driver’s seat” is not to be missed!
Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-360-5360 x105
SKATEBOARDING LESSONS
Sign up to reserve your spot to learn how to skateboard this summer! Skaters under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Helmets are required.
The Skatuary, 3535 S. Irving St., Englewood
10:00-11:00 a.m.
FREE
DENVER URBAN MARKET
The Urban Market is a summertime staple in downtown Denver and features an array of local arts and crafts sold direct to consumers by the artists. Their offerings include clothing, jewelry, antiques, furniture, holistic services and delicious food and beverages. Shop outdoors this weekend and support Denver artisans and businesses.
Skyline Park, Arapahoe St. and 16th St., Denver
11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
CONCERT AT THE LAKEHOUSE!
Join your neighbors at The Lakehouse amphitheater for a live musical treat – Kelly Bickford and the Lovely In-Betweens. This talented trio plays rock ‘n’ roll, pop hits from the 60s as well as Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt and more.
The Lakehouse, 27151 E. Lakeview Dr., Aurora
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, June 10-11
WOODWORKING CLASS: BOOKCASE
Learn the basics for all your future woodworking projects! On the first day, you’ll learn to safely use the jointer, planer, table saw, miter saw, and router. You will learn at least one method of joinery and will leave the next day with a beautiful small bookcase. Completion of this course will prepare you to graduate and use the shop for more complicated projects. Materials include wood, screws, equipment, glue, etc. Direct any questions to events@Rockler.com.
Rockler Woodworking, 2553 S. Colorado Blvd., Unit 108
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Course Fee: $100 plus materials
CONCERT ON THE GREEN
The John Weeks Band, winner of the Colorado Blues Society 2016 IBC Challenge, will open for Big Sam & Funky Nation in the first summer Concert on the Green. Noladelic PowerFunk is the signature sound Big Sam & Funky Nation have been whipping up jams for more than a decade. It’s high-energy music that mixes funk, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, and jazz rolling everything together with the brassy influence and heavy grooves of New Orleans.
Founders Green Amphitheater at Stapleton, 29th Ave. and Roslyn St., Denver
7:30-9:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-388-0724
Sunday, June 11
DRONES 101
From photographers to real estate agents, drones are fast becoming an essential tool in dozens of industries, and now you can acquire the skills necessary to pilot one. For the young or young at heart, master hobbyist Tom Neff will walk you through drone flight essentials inside the museum’s World War II-era hangar. This half-day, hands-on, workshop will teach attendees the basics of drone flight, safety and best practices so you can successfully navigate your drone outside a classroom environment! With over 40 years’ experience, Neff will give you the tools and confidence you need to build indispensable job skills or just have some weekend fun!
Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
12:00-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $250
Phone: 303-360-5360 x105
CITY PARK JAZZ
With sparkling vocals and soulful bluegrass/new/jazz blends, Pete Wernick and Flexigrass provide some of the most entertaining performances around with tight arrangements fusing compatible sounds.
City Park, 1600 City Park Esplanade, Denver
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-744-1004
Monday, June 12
WII NIGHT
Come to the library to play awesome Wii games like Mario Cart, Just Dance and Rock Band. Bring your appetite – lots of snacks and fun camaraderie will be served! Register here.
Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Rd., Aurora
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-627-3050
Monday-Friday, June 12-16
SUMMER CAMP: ROBOTICS
The STEAM Summer Camp program is an exciting, hands-on learning opportunity for young people with a special emphasis on the STEAM curriculum areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). These summertime camp sessions were created by content specialists to be both fun and educational and are taught by professional educators. The upcoming camp on Robotics reflects the values and integrity of the 21st century workforce and has a capacity for 12 students.
Colorado Steam Academy, 6820 S. Liverpool, Aurora
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Tuition: $90-$400
Phone: 303-699-6381
Tuesday, June 13
POPSICLE STICK CRAFT
This week’s session of Build a Better World focuses on building a catapult with popsicle sticks. What a great way to spend an hour! Register here.
Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Pkwy.
3:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-739-6600
Summertime at Southshore
Location, location, location. Living in Aurora’s premier lakeside master-planned community offers easy access to surrounding events and activities! Tour the new models from Richmond American Homes, and the latest designs from Century Communities in The Hills at Southshore. It’s life at the lake, priced from the upper $300s to the $700s, in ranch and two-story home designs.