Cinco de Mayo Races and the Derby!

May in Aurora is delivering on every front — warm days, packed weekends, and a calendar full of can’t-miss events! Cinco de Mayo festivities take over the city, Derby Day brings the glam, the Furry Scurry fills Washington Park with happy dogs, and world-class performances from the Colorado Symphony to live jazz in Five Points round out a month that has something for absolutely everyone. Overland Ranch residents are right in the middle of all of it — here’s what’s happening this May.

TONIGHT, Thursday, April 30

NEXT TO NORMAL

This Tony Award-winning pop-rock musical uses humor and raw honesty to explore how one family navigates their darkest hours together. Playing at the intimate Wolf Theatre, this powerful production is not to be missed. Check the schedule carefully as show times vary by date — recommended for ages 14 and up.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts–Wolf Theatre, 1101 13th St., Denver

Tues.–Sun. 7:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun. 1:30 p.m.

Tickets: $41–$102

ENGLISH 

This Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a disarmingly funny and tender exploration of language, miscommunication, and what gets lost in translation. Called “undeniably one of the best plays of the decade” by Variety, this production at the intimate Singleton Theatre is a must-see. Recommended for ages 13 and up — show times vary by date.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts–Singleton Theatre, 1101 13th St., Denver

Tues.–Sun. 7:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun. 1:30 p.m.–through Sun., May 31

Tickets: $41–$84

TOMORROW, Friday, May 1

SENSORY-FRIENDLY OPEN GYM

The Kidz Gym invites children with IDD, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodivergent kids to a specially designed open gym session in a calm, welcoming environment! With overhead lights kept off, low instrumental music, a maximum of six participants, and an activity table for breaks, this 90-minute session is built for comfort and connection. Parents and guardians accompany children on the floor — space is limited so register early!

The Kidz Gym, 18540 Apache Dr., Parker

12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10 per participant

FREE DAY — MUSEO DE LAS AMERICAS

On the first Friday of every month, Museo de las Americas throws open its doors for free admission and an evening of art, culture, and community! Explore exhibitions celebrating Latin American art and culture, and connect with the vibrant creative spirit of the museum. Just show up — no registration needed, and kids 13 and under are always free!

Museo de las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Dr., Denver

12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free

FIVE POINTS JAZZ IN THE PARK

May kicks off the outdoor jazz season as Five Points Jazz in the Park returns to Cousins Plaza at Sonny Lawson Park every First Friday from May through November! Catch live jazz performances from local musicians in Denver’s historic jazz district — the neighborhood once known as the Harlem of the West. Free, all ages, and the perfect way to start your Friday evening!

Cousins Plaza–Sonny Lawson Park, 2401 Welton Street, Denver

5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free

FULL MOON HIKES: FLOWER MOON

Discover the cultural history and ecological significance of May’s Flower Moon on this guided two-mile hike across the open prairie at Plains Conservation Center! The hike follows easy gravel trails with minimal elevation change as the sun sets and the full moon rises — just dress for the weather and bring layers as it cools after dark. A magical evening for nature lovers of all ages!

Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora

7:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Tickets: Price varies

Friday–Sunday, May 1–3

SOMEWHERE 

From the Tony Award-winning writer of The Inheritance comes a music and dance-filled portrait of a tight-knit Puerto Rican family striving to make it in show business! Playing at the Kilstrom Theatre, this vibrant new production is full of heart, rhythm, and rich storytelling. Recommended for ages 12 and up — show times vary by date.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts–Kilstrom Theatre, 1101 13th St., Denver

Tues.–Sun. 7:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun. 1:30 p.m. through Sun., May 31

Tickets: $41–$99

COLORADO SYMPHONY: RITE OF SPRING

The Colorado Symphony delivers a thrilling program featuring Anna Clyne’s bold new saxophone concerto Glasslandsperformed by acclaimed soloist Jess Gillam, plus Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture and Stravinsky’s electrifying Rite of Spring! Multiple performances available — check the schedule for your preferred date and time. Pre-concert Prelude and Talkback events available for an enhanced experience.

Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th Street, Denver

Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 p.m.

Tickets: $15–$123

Saturday, May 2

CINCO DE MAYO RUN 5K/10K/13.1

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by lacing up for this stress-free, community-focused run through beautiful Piney Creek Hollow Park! All paces and ages are welcome for the 5K, 10K, or half-marathon, and every registered runner receives a swag bag with a T-shirt, finisher’s medal, and more. Choose your wave time and run at your own pace!

Piney Creek Hollow Park, 6140 S. Tower Road, Aurora

Starting at 7:30 a.m.

Tickets: Price varies by distance

SOUTHLANDS FARMERS MARKET

The Southlands Farmers Market is back for another season of fresh produce, local goods, and community connection! Stock up on farm-fresh ingredients, explore artisan vendors, and soak up the sunshine every Saturday through November 1. Free admission — just show up and enjoy!

Southlands Town Square, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora

Every Saturday through Nov. 1, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (weather permitting)

Free admission | prices vary by vendor

33RD ANNUAL FURRY SCURRY

Grab a leash and head to Washington Park for Denver’s most beloved dog-friendly fundraiser — the 33rd Annual Furry Scurry! This two-mile walk benefits Humane Colorado and the more than 44,000 animals in their care, followed by food trucks, the Flealess Market, and plenty of tail-wagging fun. Register online to participate and help make a difference for homeless pets and horses!

Washington Park, 701 S. Franklin St., Denver

9:00 a.m., fun until noon

Tickets: Registration required

PENNY ADMISSION DAY — MCA DENVER

Explore world-class contemporary art for just one penny on the first Saturday of the month at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver! Take in current exhibitions and experience one of Denver’s most vibrant and forward-thinking cultural spaces for next to nothing. Reserve your entry time online — ages 18 and under always free!

MCA Denver, 1485 Delgany St., Denver

10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Tickets: $0.01 — registration required

VOLUNTEERS ROCK! EXPO

Explore meaningful volunteer opportunities with 20 nonprofits under one roof at this free, family-friendly expo for ages 8 and up! Pick up free swag bags, make mini-crafts, and have real conversations with passionate organizations representing causes like animal rescue, homelessness, food insecurity, and more. No commitment required — just come curious and leave inspired!

East Community Center, 5933 S. Fairfield St., Littleton

10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free — RSVP requested

2026 DENVER MINI DERBY

Southern charm meets Rocky Mountain energy at Denver’s most stylish Kentucky Derby celebration at Denargo Market! Watch the Run for the Roses on a massive screen, cheer on live mini horse and Corgi races, enjoy an open bar, BBQ, live music, and compete in the best-dressed contest. Ages 21+ only — dress to impress!

Denargo Market, 3800 Denargo Street, Denver

1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

Tickets: GA and VIP available

SOUTHLANDS KENTUCKY DERBY CELEBRATION

It’s back! Once again, partygoers are celebrating the Kentucky Derby – Southlands Style. Grab your fancy hats and seersucker suits and join the fun!

  • Live Music by Montage
  • Cast your vote for your favorite horse for a chance to win prizes
  • Food and Drinks from some of your favorite Southlands restaurants: En Fuego Cantina, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Ted’s Montana Grill, Bent Barley Brewing Company, Buffalo Wild Wings and Dolce Vita Italian Bistro
  • Kids’ Corral: Mini-horses and face painting

Schedule:

  • 3:00 p.m. – Kentucky Derby Celebration begins!
  • 3:45 p.m. – Dapper Dresser, Best Hat and Kids Contest
  • 4:30 p.m. – Announce contest winners
  • 4:57 p.m. – Kentucky Derby Race Live!
  • 5:10 p.m. – Winning Horse Prize Giveaways

Southlands Shopping Mall, Town Square, 6155 S. Main St., Aurora

2:00-5:00 p.m.

Free (Food and Drink for purchse)

Saturday–Sunday, May 2–3

CINCO DE MAYO “CELEBRATE CULTURE” FESTIVAL

One of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the United States returns to Civic Center Park for a full weekend of music, food, culture, and community! Three stages deliver nonstop live entertainment — mariachi, salsa, cumbia, norteño, and folklorico dancers — while hundreds of vendors fill the park with handcrafted goods, Mexican folk art, and incredible food. Free admission, all ages, and a whole lot of fun!

Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver

Sat./Sun., 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free

FIREFLY HANDMADE SPRING MARKET

Just in time for Mother’s Day and graduation, Firefly Handmade Spring Market transforms Old South Gaylord Street into a vibrant outdoor celebration of creativity and community! Browse over 80 carefully curated artisans offering jewelry, home décor, artisanal foods, and one-of-a-kind gifts, all while enjoying live music and the charming shops, cafés, and restaurants of the Washington Park neighborhood. Family-friendly, dog-friendly, and free to attend!

Old South Gaylord Street, 1000 Block of S. Gaylord St., Denver

Sat./Sun., 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free

NEXT WEEK: Monday, May 4

WINGS AEROSPACE EXPLORATION PARENT/FAMILY INFO NIGHT

Curious about aerospace education for your middle or high schooler? Join the Wings Over the Rockies team for an informational evening covering their Wings Aerospace Exploration programs for grades 6–12! Hear from educators, meet current students, and learn about hands-on opportunities including RC airplanes, drones, robotics, rocketry, coding, and more. Free — register to secure your spot!

Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight, 13005 Wings Way, Englewood

6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Free — registration required

Tuesday, May 5

HADESTOWN

Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Hadestown is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience set in an underworld where a song can change your fate! This stunning production weaves together the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and King Hades and Persephone into a mesmerizing night of music and storytelling at the Buell Theatre. Don’t miss this limited run — grab your tickets before they’re gone!

Denver Center for the Performing Arts–Buell Theatre, 1101 13th St., Denver

Tues.–Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2:00 p.m.; Sun. 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: $47–$147

Saturday, May 9

BREAKFAST FLY-IN

Celebrate National Paper Airplane Day early at Wings Over the Rockies’ monthly Breakfast Fly-In! Create your own paper airplane at the craft table, then enter the competition for a fun prize — plus meet-and-greets with pilots, aircraft on the tarmac, and delicious food. A fun morning of aviation and creativity for all ages!

Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight, 13005 Wings Way, Englewood

9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Tickets: $7–$13

2ND SATURDAY AT CSU SPUR

Head to CSU Spur for a free day of hands-on activities, educational programs, and family fun on the second Saturday of the month! From watching animals in surgery to exploring greenhouses and experimenting in the kitchen, there’s something to spark curiosity in every member of the family. Admission is always free — just show up and dig in!

CSU Spur, 4777 National Western Dr., Denver

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free

HAWKQUEST PRESENTATION

Get up close with some of North America’s most iconic raptors at this engaging live birds of prey presentation at Plains Conservation Center! HawkQuest’s participatory program explores the ecological importance of hawks, eagles, and other birds of prey, their role as top predators, and how they help maintain healthy ecosystems. An educational and awe-inspiring hour for all ages!

Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $5

Tuesday, May 12

SCFD FREE DAY — DENVER ART MUSEUM

Spend a free Tuesday exploring world-class art, onsite activities, and current exhibitions at the Denver Art Museum! Advance ticket reservations are encouraged — and kids 18 and under are free every single day of the year. A wonderful way to soak in creativity and culture!

Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver

10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free — reservations encouraged

Wednesday, May 13

MJ

The multiple Tony Award-winning musical MJ returns to Denver by overwhelming demand, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour! Created by Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, this electrifying production has been wowing sold-out crowds on Broadway, across North America, and in London’s West End. Recommended for ages 8 and up — don’t miss it!

Denver Center for the Performing Arts–Buell Theatre, 1101 13th St., Denver

Wed.–Sat., 7:30 p.m. Sat., 2:00 p.m.; Sun. 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. (Through May 17)

Tickets: $57–$192

Join the Interest List for Overland Ranch

As the days grow longer and May settles in with all its warmth and energy, Overland Ranch in Aurora is the kind of place that just feels right this time of year. This thriving community puts you close to top-rated schools, scenic trails, and beautiful parks that make everyday life feel like something worth celebrating. This Mother’s Day and beyond, come experience the vibe for yourself — join our VIP list and make this spring the season you find your way to a new home! Builders include Century Communities, Pulte Homes, Richmond American and Toll Brothers with ranch and two-story offerings starting in the $800s.