The Zoo and Air & Space Museum Reopen!
June 25, 2020
Slowly but surely in-person events are coming back to the Mile High City this summer, including the reopening of the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. The Denver Zoo is also offering timed-entry tickets, and there are a few outdoor concerts to be found. Still feeling nervous about venturing out? We’re continuing to post great virtual entertainment choices—including a livestream concert of The Roots, together with Michelle Obama and other fantastic guests!
TODAY/TONIGHT, June 25
TRAVEL TO NYC—VIRTUALLY!
The Big Apple may not be the destination of choice at the moment, but no city is more fascinating and mesmerizing than New York—virtually, that is. From Broadway to Wall Street, Little Italy to Central Park, New York has a history and an energy all its own. Tune in to this special virtual exploration of one of the world’s most important cities. This Active Minds online lecture will explore the city’s past and present, as well as the important people and places that have shaped this unique city.
Active Minds Online
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Register: FREE
PASTA DINNER VIRTUAL COOKING CLASS
Spend a live interaction session on Zoom where you will learn how to create these signature dishes together with Chef Dane! He’ll walk you through a hands-on class, including assembly, cooking, and plating. The final hour will be devoted to enjoying your dish and asking any questions you might have.
Price includes the ingredients for a dinner for two, including pre-portioned house-made pasta dough, semolina flour for dusting, egg for washing, lamb Bolognese for finishing, and Parmesan and fresh herbs for garnishing. All recipes are included. You can add an optional dessert for two for $15.
MCA Stapleton Online
Kit Pickup 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., The Cube, 8371 E. Northfield Blvd., Denver
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Register: $45-$60
Thursday-Sunday, June 25-28
DENVER ZOO INVITATION
In case you hadn’t heard—or in case there were no tickets available last weekend—you can make a reservation to visit the Denver Zoo in person! You must buy your tickets in advance online for a particular timed entry. Zoo members must also reserve a timed-entry ticket in advance.
The animals have been waiting for weeks to see your friendly face (above your mask), so don’t keep them waiting any longer!
Denver Zoo, 2900 E. 23rd Ave., Denver
8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Last entry: 4:00 p.m.
Reserve Tickets: $14-$20
Phone: 720-337-1400
Friday, June 26
THE FAREWELL AT THE DRIVE-IN
A family drama-comedy that earned rave reviews from critics and audiences alike in 2019, The Farewell stars Awkwafina as a family member who is traveling back to China to pay her last respects to the family matriarch—except her grandmother doesn’t know she’s dying.
The movie will begin at dark, but cars are welcome to arrive as early as 7:00 p.m. This is a free event and open to the public, but there is limited space available. An FM transmitter will be used to broadcast audio directly into your car’s radio. There will not be a concession stand, so please come prepared with your own food. No alcohol is permitted.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Parking Lot G, Central Park Blvd. at 59th Pl., Commerce City
7:00 – 10:30 p.m.
Details: FREE
Phone: 303-388-0724
Friday-Sunday, June 26-28
AIR & SPACE MUSEUM RE-OPENS!
It’s a weekend celebration of the re-opening of Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum! If you are a member, you can participate in the exclusive Friday event, and everyone else can attend starting on Saturday!
Pre-purchase your timed tickets in advance—each ticket allows you to visit within a two-hour time slot. The total number of visitors will be limited to allow for social distancing, and you must wear a mask.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
Fri. (Members Only), 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Sat., 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Sun., 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $9.95-$16.95
Phone: 303-360-5360
BUILD A FAIRY GARDEN
What a great family project—creating a garden of miniatures and inviting fairies to come and live in your midst! This event is geared toward children ages 5 and older, along with older siblings, parents, and grandparents!
Discover which plants fairies fancy as you design, plant and landscape a tiny oasis. This is part of the Family Make and Take series that offers a space for children and their grownups to connect with natural materials and create together. These self-guided and self-paced programs are designed to provide a creative environment that sparks imagination. The Botanic Gardens provides the space and supplies. You and your family provide the ideas and creativity!
Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
Various times – Advance Sign Up Required
Tickets: $12-$15 per project
Phone: 720-865-3500
Saturday, June 27
SOUTHLANDS FARMER’S MARKET
Nothing says summer like spending a leisurely Saturday morning browsing the delectable local produce of a farmers’ market. Southlands brings you the best local produce available from Aurora farmers, vendors, and artisans.
Tables and booths will be spaced further apart to allow for social distancing, and if you prefer, you can order online in advance for curbside pickup. Or browse through booths of locally grown produce, unique foods, baked goods, and handmade crafts for the ultimate summer experience!
Southlands, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 303-627-5000
VIRTUAL LIVESTREAM CONCERT
Music and internet sensation Josh Groban relives his many hits in an intimate livestream concert that spans his entire career. Buy a ticket for this virtual event and you’ll receive an access code to the live stream that’s good for 48 hours at the start of the concert. There will also be limited VIP bundles with special merchandise, including an official event t-shirt!
Josh Groban Online
2:00 p.m. Mountain Time
Cost: $20-$25
THE ROOTS PICNIC ONLINE
The 13th annual Roots’ Picnic Concert will be virtual this year—and it’s teaming up with Michelle Obama’s voter-registration organization When We All Vote. Performers in this exciting concert include The Roots, H.E.R., Roddy Ricch, Lil Baby, G Herbo and many others. The event will also feature appearances by the former first lady, Janelle Monae, Kerry Washington, Tom Hanks, and more. The Picnic will be live-streamed exclusively on YouTube.
The Roots’ YouTube Channel
Register: FREE
Sunday, June 28
YMCA + VITALANT BLOOD DRIVE
Give back to your community by giving a life-saving donation of blood. Especially in these uncertain times, hospitals and blood banks need to be well-supplied in order to be prepared for any emergency. You can transform another’s life, as well as your own, by taking an hour out of your day to donate at this upcoming blood drive.
There will be new measures in place for donors and staff to ensure health and safety guidelines in these COVID-19 times. Everyone must wear a mask when donating and walk-ins will not be accepted in order to comply with social distancing protocols—so register in advance!
Aurora Family YMCA, 6155 S. Main St. #220, Aurora
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Register
Phone: 303-363-2300
LIVE OUTDOOR CONCERT
On Havana Street presents this FREE concert of R&B, soul, and reggae music. The Bryon Shaw Project will be performing live at this festive street-party concert. Free samples from On Havana Street merchants will be available to those who show up first!
Rose Garden Plaza at the Gardens on Havana, 1250 S. Ironton St., Aurora
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Activities are Multiplying Near Southshore!
There’s no shortage of things to do near the master-planned community of Southshore! You get the tranquility of lakeside living with easy access to your favorite urban activities. Stop by and see for yourself how great Life at the Lake can be! With beautiful model homes from Toll Brothers, Taylor Morrison, and Richmond American Homes, it’s easy to picture yourself in your own new home, priced from the upper $400s to the $700s.