This Weekend: Arapahoe County Fair!
July 28, 2022
The Arapahoe County Fair takes off this weekend with food, amusement rides, fair activities, music and more. Don’t miss this once-a-year experience at the Fairgrounds! Plus you’ll find opera performances, rhythmic and Chicano music — home-grown in Colorado — as well as theater performances and comedy among the things to do this weekend in and around Aurora and in nearby Denver.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, July 28
SOUNDS OF SOUTHLANDS: JAKARTA
The JAKARTA Band is without question one of the most popular party dance bands in the country. Simply put…these guys are talented, fun and hard working and they continue to bring crowds to their feet to dance and enjoy the African-American rhythmic music that mixes soul, jazz and blues. Their “funky” sound is a favorite of residents of all ages.
SOUTHLANDS TOWN SQUARE, Aurora
6:00-8:00 p.m.
FREE
INFO: 303-627-5000
Thursday-Friday, July 28-29
COCKTAILS + TASTES TOUR
Visit some of the best cocktail bars in Denver on this roving adventure through the heart of downtown, presented by Delicious Denver Food Tours. From a light and crisp spritz to a smooth and serious Butter Pecan Old Fashioned, there’s something for everyone on this boozy Denver cocktail tour.* Visit three of the best cocktail bars and restaurants in the city and sample four cocktails paired with small plates at each stop.
You’ll start at the city’s oldest hotel, learning about the downtown area and Denver’s iconic Union Station nearby. From there you’ll head to the Dairy Block, one of Denver’s newest, coolest micro-districts. At each stop, you’ll sample a craft cocktail and paired bite, learn about Denver’s growing food and cocktail scenes and mix and mingle with fellow foodies. Your experienced local guide will share fun cocktail history and stories about Denver’s prohibition days as well as our recent culinary renaissance putting Denver on the map for foodies and drink enthusiasts across the country.
Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Cost: $85
INFO: (303) 997-2210
Thursday-Saturday, July 28-30
EGYPT: TIME OF THE PHAROAHS
Over 5,000 years ago, one of the most advanced and preeminent civilizations developed along the River Nile. Ever since, ancient Egypt’s fascinating pharaohs, pyramids, temples and extraordinary art and culture has captivated peoples’ imagination all over the world. Experience everyday life in one of the most storied cultures in human history—the private, public and secret spaces—through hundreds of artifacts, stunning artwork and engaging interactives for insights into ancient Egyptian people and their impact on our own culture.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2510 E. Colfax, Denver
Museum Hours:
Tickets: $7:00-$9.50
26th ANNUAL CHICANO MUSIC FESTIVAL
This annual festival and auction has been a staple to the Su Teatro season for more than two decades. Featuring artists and their original work from California, New Mexico, and Texas, the Chicano Music Festival and Auction celebrates the music of the Southwest influenced by Mexico’s traditions. This is music born at the border and raised in Colorado.
Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
7:00-10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$25
CENTRAL CITY OPERA FESTIVAL
This weekend wraps up the Central City Opera Festival, with extravagant storytelling and powerful voices, featuring classical music’s biggest talents. Central City Opera’s 90th season will include mainstage productions of the classic operetta Die Fledermaus and the modern musical, The Light in the Piazza. The moving Holocaust remembrance opera Two Remain rounds out the 90th Anniversary season. (Some events have sold out.)
Central City Opera House, 124 Eureka St., Central City
Various Times
Tickets: Various Prices
Info: 303-292-6700
2022 GLOBAL STEPPE SYMPOSIUM
The semi-arid grasslands and shrublands that constitute the steppes contain some of the most vibrant and resilient life on earth. Studying the steppes through traditional cultures and modern sciences provides deep and complementary knowledge that can strengthen our understanding and appreciation of all life. The Global Steppe Symposium provides a forum for the international steppe community as we explore how to live and thrive in the high plains of the world.
This symposium is available to attend both online and in person and will bring together scientists, plant lovers, land stewards, agriculturists and artists who live and work in steppes, investigating the complicated and essential relationship between humans, gardens and the steppes. THURSDAY, Day 2, explores practicing the wisdom of the high plains. Regional gardeners, farmers, ecologists and artists will share their experiences living and working in the steppes of North America, translating their explorations of the landscapes and cultures of the high plains for use in gardens of the semi-arid West.
Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Admission: $25-$100 (Student, Member, Non-Member pricing)
720-865-3500
MIKE STANLEY LIVE
Detroit native Mike Stanley has been called wry, witty, cunning and crass — and pretty hilarious, but more than just coarse anecdotes about life and sex, there’s an enviable amount of heart and warmth behind Stanley’s humor.
Given his penchant toward brutal honesty, spiced up with a healthy dose of insatiable wit, it’s not difficult to see why Stanley was named “Best Chicago Stand-up Comedian” in a Peoples Choice poll done by the Chicago Reader and “Best Detroit Comedian” by HOUR Magazine. Mike has appeared in The Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, The Adam Carolla Show and Funny or Die’s Odd Ball Comedy Fest. Mike has had the pleasure of performing with many great comedians including Jerry Seinfeld, Robin Williams, Jim Gaffigan, Bill Burr, Larry Miller, Artie Lange, Christopher Titus, and many more.
Originally hailing from Motown, and after spending a decade honing his craft in the windy city of Chicago, Mike tours constantly, both domestically and internationally.
Denver Comedy Works, 1226 15th Street Denver
Thurs., 8:00 p.m., Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $14-$22
303-595-3637
Thursday-Sunday, July 28-31
COME TO THE FAIR!
Arapahoe County is celebrating its Fair the last weekend of July each year at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. The Fair continues to showcase the County’s agricultural and western heritage through 4-H programming, as well as a bevy of family-friendly activities and entertainment. But for the price of your admission you can also enjoy carnival rides, daily motor sports, canine entertainment, a petting farm and numerous other activities. Musical performances begin tonight with boot-scootin’ bands beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Don’t forget to shop at the food vendors or stop by and check out our commercial vendors. Enjoy a beer or wine from one of our beer and wine tents – 2022 Pours on the Plains, a hugely popular event is back for $25 – a great bargain to taste unique and award-winning libations. Check out our full schedule of events, including fireworks on Friday – weather and fire restrictions permitting.
Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora
Events Throughout the Day
General Admission: $20+
INFO: 303-795-4955
SIE FILM CENTER WEEKENDS
As the permanent home of Denver Film, the Sie FilmCenter is Denver’s only year-round cinematheque. The Sie FilmCenter presents a weekly-changing calendar of first-run exclusives and arthouse revivals—over 600 per year, all shown in their original language and format. This weekend choose from A Long March, Poser, Where the Crawdads Sing, Resurrection and National Theater Live (Sunday at 12:00 p.m.) – Prima Facie.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Sie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax, Denver
Doors open: 6:15 p.m.
Tickets: $10.50-$65 (annual membership)
Friday-Saturday, July 29-30
ALL COLORADO ART SHOW
The Curtis Center for the Arts presents the 39th Annual All Colorado Art Show. This exhibit celebrates artists from across the state displaying in many different mediums. From abstract paintings to mixed medium sculpture, there is something in this show for everyone.
Curtis Center for the Arts, 2349 East Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
FREE
INFO: 303-797-1779
Friday-Sunday, July 29-31
THE DARK UNIVERSE
Step into The Gates Planetarium and watch “Dark Universe,” an immersive, dome-theater experience that keeps you wondering about the great beyond. Are we alone? Are there other planets? Are stars moving toward or away from us? Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, this awe-inspiring film takes you on a journey through space to examine the last 100 years of discovery, the study of cosmology and the existence of multiple galaxies. Sit back and let your mind roam freely in the “Dark Universe.”
Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
Various Times
Museum Admission: $14.95-$19.95
Info: 303-370-6000
Saturday, July 30
FINAL PERFORMANCE: GYPSY
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
2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20-38
Phone: 303-856-7830
COMEDIAN DANIEL TOSH
Best known from the Comedy Central show Tosh.O, Daniel Tosh established himself as the preeminent expert on exhibitionist weirdos, injurious idiots and the best worst things on the Web, through segments like Video Breakdown, 20 Seconds on the Clock and Web Redemption. Tosh’s comedic timing and sense of humor (at times controversial and somewhat offensive) were a perfect fit for the format, and since the show was retired, Tosh has been performing in tours throughout the country.
Bellco Theatre, 1100 Stout St., Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$95
Phone: 303-778-1500
Saturday-Sunday, June 18-19
16th STREET MALL SUMMER FAIR
The 16th Street Summer Fair is an annual celebration of artists, designers and makers showcasing original and unique handmade goods in various media including glass, fibers, metals, paper, food, clay, paint, fabricated objects, wax, gems, and more. Take a stroll along the 16th Street Mall to enjoy a showcase of fine art from creators producing a wide array of hand-crafted items.
This is Downtown Denver’s premier art and craft festival located in the city center along the busiest pedestrian street in the State.
16th Street Mall, Between Tremont and California St., Denver
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
FREE
Sunday, July 31
PLACE YOUR BETS
Straight out of the gate, your horse racing experience is unforgettable. Bally’s Arapahoe Park honors this ancient sport—one of the oldest in history, which has remained unchanged since classical antiquity—by adding modern conveniences. Before you take your seat, stop by one of our concession stands and bars. The full-service horse track near Southshore puts a fresh spin on an old classic and is an all-ages venue. The minimum age to place a wager is 18, and children ages 17 and under may enter the park for free as long as they are under parental guidance at all times.
Bally’s Arapahoe Park,
1:00 p.m. (Also Mon./Tues.)
Admission: $5
Info: 303-690-2400
FATHER JOHN MISTY & THE SYMPHONY
Your Colorado Symphony joins Father John Misty and Suki Waterhouse at Red Rocks this weekend. Philosophical singer-songwriter Josh Tillman, raised in Rockville, MD, is known for his time spent as the drummer for the “Fleet Foxes”. However, among his fans he is known for his albums under the name “Father John Misty”. His music is often seen as satirical, with heavy emotion and meaning (no matter how much he plays it down). With shimmering tremolo guitars, and heavily orchestrated grownup pop, check out his easy-listening recording of Funny Girl for a taste of his talent.
Suki Waterhouse catalogs the most intimate, formative, and significant moments of her life through songs. You might recognize her name or her work as singer, songwriter, actress but you’ll really get to know the multi-faceted artist through her music. Memories of unrequited love, fits of longing, instances of anxiety, and unfiltered snapshots interlock like puzzle pieces into a mosaic of well-worn country, nineties-style alternative, and unassuming pop. She writes the kind of tunes meant to be grafted onto dusty old vinyl from your favorite vintage record store, yet perfect for a sun-soaked festival stage.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50-$96
NEXT WEEK: Wednesday- August 3
SUMMER SUNSET MARKET
At this new summer event held on Wednesdays, shoppers can purchase items from local artisans, crafters, and jewelers while enjoying a glass of wine, beer, or dine al fresco at one of Town Square’s many restaurants.
SOUTHLANDS SHOPPING CENTER, Aurora
4:30-8:30 p.m.
OPEN TO EVERYONE
Phone: 303-627-5000
MIXED TASTE
Your favorite off-beat lecture series is back this summer in a new-ish location with two ways to tune in! This year Mixed Taste, presented in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, will be at MCA’s new performance and programming space, the Holiday Theater! Mixed Taste is a long-running, beloved program where even the most mismatched subjects find unexpected common ground in an interactive lecture series that can go pretty much anywhere. Two speakers get 20 minutes each to enlighten participants on unrelated topics, without making any connections to the other. It is only as participants begin to ask questions that these talented, sometimes hilarious, occasionally wild speakers start to take our highly engaged audience on an adventure of words with twists and turns that eventually bring the two subjects together in extraordinary ways.
MCA Denver’s The Holiday Theater (& Virtual), 2644 W. 32nd Ave., Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$30
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 Richmond American Homes and Century Communities. It’s easy to picture yourself in your own new home here, priced from the $500s to the $800s.