May in Aurora is buzzing with things to do through Memorial Day, and Overland Ranch is right in the middle of it all. From free carousel rides and farmers markets to symphony concerts and hands-on nature adventures, this month’s lineup has something for every age and interest. Here’s your guide to the best family-friendly events happening close to home in Southeast Aurora through Memorial Day.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, May 14
KID’S NIGHT AT THE HIVE
Drop off the kids for an action-packed evening of crafts, games, tech challenges, and movie time at The Hive Community Center! Each month brings a fresh mix of hands-on activities designed to keep kids engaged and inspired while parents enjoy a well-earned break. Pizza, snacks, and all materials are included — no need to bring a thing.
The Hive Community Center, 12365 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker
4:00–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30/first child, $20/each additional sibling
THIS WEEKEND, Saturday, May 16
SOUTHLANDS FARMERS MARKET
Aurora’s favorite Saturday morning tradition kicks off for the season at Southlands! Shop local vendors every Saturday through September 26 for organic produce, fresh dairy, baked goods, honey, salsas, and more — all on Main Street between E. State Ave. and E. Commons Ave. Free to attend and open to all ages.
Southlands, 6155 S Main St., Aurora
8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE admission; prices vary by vendor
HISTORY HIKE: FITZSIMONS ARMY HOSPITAL TO CU
Lace up your walking shoes for Aurora’s first History Hike of the year, exploring the fascinating century-long transformation of the Fitzsimons/Anschutz campus. This easy two-mile walk over flat, paved terrain covers the history of the base, its buildings, and the people who shaped it. Free and open to ages 10 and up — registration required.
General’s Park, 1561 Quentin St., Aurora
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE; registration required
VIRTUAL PLANETARIUM SHOW
Zoom into space from your own living room with this free online planetarium adventure hosted by the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum! Kids and families will discover why we have seasons, watch the Moon change shape, connect the dots to find constellations, and hunt for planets in the sky. Registration is requested.
Online via Zoom
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE; registration requested
FOX FLIX: THE MUPPET MOVIE
The Aurora Fox Arts Center brings back its beloved Fox Flix series with a classic family screening of The Muppet Movie in a historic theater setting! Grab snacks from the concessions area and settle in for an afternoon of Muppet magic. Rated G — perfect for all ages.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E Colfax Ave., Aurora
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5
CAROUSEL RIDES AT AURORA HIGHLANDS
Winged Melody Park’s charming carousel is spinning every Saturday afternoon — and it’s completely free! Stop by for a ride, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy one of Aurora’s sweetest weekly traditions.
Weather permitting.
Winged Melody Park, East 38th Pl., Aurora
1:00–3:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
DENVER SUMMIT FC VS. ORLANDO PRIDE
Cheer on Denver Summit FC as they take on the Orlando Pride at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park — just minutes from Overland Ranch! Soak up the energy of a live professional soccer match and enjoy a great evening out with family and friends. Check the team’s website for the full season schedule.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City
6:45 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $31
Saturday–Sunday, May 16–17
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY–AURORA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Aurora Symphony Orchestra brings the house down with a spectacular concert celebrating individuality and personal power — featuring Queen’s greatest hits performed in full symphonic glory alongside works by Strauss and Brahms. Kids and students are free, seniors and military receive half-price tickets, and there’s no dress code. An unforgettable night out for the whole family.
Gateway High School Auditorium, 1300 S. Sable Blvd, Aurora
Sat., 7:30–9:30 p.m.; Sun., 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20 adults; kids and students FREE
Sunday, May 17
MYTHICAL STORYTIME WITH FANTASY FRIENDS
Every Sunday at The Audacious Space, a mythical creature steps out of legend to read to young listeners in this wonderfully imaginative storytime series! Kids ages 3–8 discover international folklore, meet surprise puppet creature guests, and share a cozy, interactive moment of wonder. Story time is free — just show up and let the magic begin.
The Audacious Space, 1343 N Grant St, Denver
12:30 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
PASSPORT TO CULTURE: “EXCURSIONS” WITH CLEO II
Vibrant, powerful, and passionate, Cleo II takes the Lone Tree Arts Center stage with “Excursions” — a journey of discovery through movement and dance. The performance features excerpts from Rhapsody in Black, a work celebrating the significance of Black American culture in Paris during the early-to-mid twentieth century. Each child attendee receives a special Passport — collect 8 stickers across Passport to Culture performances and redeem for a free future ticket!
Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $9
Tuesday, May 19
PRAIRIE PUP ADVENTURES: CAMPFIRE SAFETY
Little ones ages 3–6 are invited to the Plains Conservation Center for a hands-on morning all about campfire safety — the fun way! Kids will listen to Native American fire stories, make an edible campfire, and finish by toasting a marshmallow on a real outdoor campfire they help build. A caregiver must accompany each child; registration required.
Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E Hampden Ave., Aurora
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Tickets: $10/child; one adult per child admitted free
Wednesday, May 20
SEEDLINGS – MUSICAL GARDEN
Denver Botanic Gardens’ beloved Seedlings program invites young children to explore the sounds of nature and the music of plants in a hands-on, interactive class! Sessions include stories, nature walks, and art projects both indoors and outdoors. The May 20 session is designed for ages 3–6; check the Botanic Gardens website for the full age-group schedule.
Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
9:15–11:15 a.m. (two sessions: 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.)
Tickets: $13/child (nonmember), $11/child (member); one adult per child admitted free
TOUCH A TRUCK
In celebration of National Public Works Week, kids get to honk the horn, turn the wheel, and press the buttons on real construction trucks and cool vehicles at the Smoky Hill Library! A beloved hands-on experience for little ones of all ages — heads up that the event includes loud noises like honking horns. Registration recommended; check with the library to confirm details.
Smoky Hill Library, 5430 S. Biscay Cir., Centennial
9:00–11:00 a.m.
Tickets: FREE
Friday, May 22
MOVIE AT THE SYMPHONY: STAR WARS–RETURN OF THE JEDI
Experience the epic conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy like never before as the Colorado Symphony performs John Williams’ legendary score live while the film plays on the big screen. Watch Luke Skywalker, Leia, Han, and the full Rebel Fleet take on the Empire in the ultimate cinematic concert experience. Stay for the credits — you’ll be glad you did!
Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., Denver
7:30–10:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15–$123
Saturday, May 23
PUNK ROCK WATER-WISE PLANTS
Aurora Water invites gardeners of all skill levels to discover the toughest, most resilient water-wise perennials around — plants that are seriously hard to kill and seriously beautiful. Challenge the status quo of high-maintenance lawns and find out which bold, low-water rebels are ready to thrive in your Colorado yard.
15324 E Hampden Cir., Aurora
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Tickets: FREE
CARS AND COFFEE
Car lovers and coffee enthusiasts unite at Winged Melody Park for a relaxed, welcoming morning celebrating great vehicles and good company! Whether you’re a dedicated enthusiast or just love a sunny Saturday outing, this free community event is a perfect way to kick off the weekend in The Aurora Highlands.
Winged Melody Park, East 38th Pl., Aurora
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
FAMILY WORKSHOP: LIFE ON THE FARM
Travel back to the 1800s at the Plains Conservation Center and discover how prairie families grew and raised their own food before grocery stores existed! Families with kids ages 5–12 will explore the sod homestead village, play games and do chores from the era, help plant vegetables in the garden, and finish by feeding and brushing the farm animals. Pre-registration required; no onsite sign-ups available.
Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E Hampden Ave., Aurora
12:00–2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $14; $12 member
ROCK THE MOUNTAIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Kick off summer the right way with free live music at the Outlets at Castle Rock! The Rock the Mountain Summer Weekend Concert Series runs all season long, with bands performing every weekend from 3:00–6:00 p.m. against a stunning mountain backdrop. May 23 features Ryan Dart (Rock/Acoustic) and May 24 brings LEE & Co. (Acoustic/Pop).
Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
BACKYARD BEATS AT SWEETWATER PARK
This free community concert is all about good music, great food, and neighborhood connection in Lone Tree’s own backyard! Enjoy performances from national and regional acts, and join the Southern Street Eats food truck showdown — this year’s theme is mouth-watering BBQ. A $15 tasting pass gets you samples from every competing truck plus a People’s Choice vote to help crown the winner.
Sweetwater Park, 8300-1/2 Sweetwater Rd., Lone Tree
5:00–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE concert; BBQ Sampler $15
MEMORIAL DAY, Monday, May 25
BOLDERBOULDER 2026
One of Colorado’s most beloved running traditions, the BolderBoulder 10K returns to the streets of Boulder for another spectacular Memorial Day race! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or lining the course to cheer on friends and family, this iconic event is a Colorado bucket-list experience. Register early and join thousands of runners for a morning you won’t forget.
30th St & Walnut St., Boulder
6:45 a.m.
Tickets: Prices vary for swag bundles
Wednesday, May 27
NIGHT MARKET AT HOFFMAN LIBRARY
Aurora’s Hoffman Heights Library comes alive for an evening of community, creativity, and local culture at the Mini Rebel Marketplace Night Market! Browse a curated lineup of local vendors and artisans, enjoy family-friendly activities, and soak up the vibrant energy of this one-of-a-kind indoor market experience. Free to attend — all ages welcome.
Hoffman Heights Library, 1298 Peoria St., Aurora
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE admission; prices vary by vendor
THE IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY®
Running May 27 through July 26 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, The Improvised Shakespeare Company® delivers a completely spontaneous evening of Shakespearean comedy — no scripts, no rehearsal, no plan. Based on a single audience-suggested title, the cast conjures a fully improvised masterpiece right before your eyes, in the language and spirit of the Bard himself. If you’re wondering where the story is going…so are they!
Denver Center for the Performing Arts–Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St., Denver
7:00–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $62
LIFE AT OVERLAND RANCH
Life at Overland Ranch in Aurora just keeps getting better as summer rolls in. With a packed calendar of things to do right in your own backyard, there’s always something going on close to home. Explore new construction homes from Century Communities, Pulte Homes, Richmond American Homes and Toll Brothers. Discover top-rated schools, scenic trails, and beautiful parks just steps from your front door. Join the VIP list today to stay up to date on the latest news and availability at Overland Ranch.
