Summer is hitting its stride in Aurora and the timing couldn’t be better. From Fourth of July fireworks lighting up the sky to a Harry Potter exhibition landing in Denver, live horse racing, outdoor concerts right down the street at Southlands, and one of the state’s most beloved art festivals, July is packed with reasons to get out and celebrate. It’s America’s 250th birthday, too, by the way, so whether you’re planning a big holiday outing or just looking for something fun to do, here’s your guide to the best events happening in and around Southeast Aurora this season.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, June 25
SOUNDS OF SOUTHLANDS: THE EIGHTIES BAND
Just a short drive from Looking Glass, Southlands in Aurora kicks off its beloved summer concert series in Town Square every Thursday through August 13. Local and regional bands take the outdoor stage for two hours of free live music, food and drink specials from participating restaurants, and dancing all evening long. Blankets, lawn chairs, and leashed pets are welcome.
Southlands Town Square, 6295 S. Main St., Aurora
Thursdays through Aug. 13, 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
TOMORROW, Friday, June 26
HARRY POTTER: THE EXHIBITION
The wizarding world lands in Denver’s South Broadway neighborhood in the most extensive Harry Potter touring exhibition ever created. Explore more than 100 authentic props and original costumes from the films, walk through the Forbidden Forest, sit in Hagrid’s chair, brew potions, pot a Mandrake, and test your Quidditch skills. Open daily through the end of 2026.
417 S. Broadway, Denver
Opens Fri., Jun. 26, ongoing through end of 2026
Mon.–Wed. 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Thurs.–Fri. 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sat. 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Sun. 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: From $28; children under 3 free
ELITCH GARDENS: GLOWTOPIA
Denver’s ultimate 21+ water park party returns for three glowing nights this summer! The party is back at Elitch Gardens! Experience the Water Park after dark with live DJs, drinks, a foam cannon, water attractions and nonstop summer vibes. Grab your swimsuit, rally your crew and get ready for an unforgettable summer series of after-hours parties!
Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver
7:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $45.99
Friday–Sunday, June 26–28
BALLY’S ARAPAHOE PARK LIVE HORSE RACING
Colorado’s premier racetrack brings live Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Arabian, and Paint Horse racing to Aurora every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through August 16. Trackside grandstand views, an outdoor Tiki Bar, concessions, and the thrill of live racing make it a quintessential Colorado summer outing. Kids 17 and under enter free with a parent.
Bally’s Arapahoe Park, 26000 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora
Fri., Sat. & Sun. through Aug. 16, Post time 1 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission; wagering ages 18+
Saturday, June 27
SOUTHLANDS FARMERS’ MARKET
Every Saturday morning through September, Southlands hosts a beloved farmers’ market in the outdoor plaza — just seven minutes from Overland Ranch. Shop fresh produce, locally made goods, baked items, flowers, and more from Colorado farmers and artisans to kick off your weekend right.
Southlands, 6295 S. Main St., Aurora
Saturdays through Sept. 26, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission
HAVANA STREET NIGHT MARKET
Aurora’s most vibrant monthly block party transforms the Havana Street corridor into an open-air celebration of global street food, handmade goods, live music, dance performances, and cultural experiences. From Korean BBQ to Mexican tacos to African specialties, every market brings a rotating lineup of food vendors and artisan stalls that makes each visit feel brand new.
Leezakaya, 2710 S. Havana St., Aurora
6:00–10:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
COLORADO JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: THE LADIES OF SOUL
The Aurora Fox hosts the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra for an evening celebrating the legendary women of soul music, with vocalist Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield front and center.
An intimate, high-energy performance in one of Aurora’s most beloved community arts spaces.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $32
Saturday–Sunday, June 27–28
COLORADO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL: CELTIC WEEKEND
Step into the 16th century at the 49th annual Colorado Renaissance Festival during its Celtic-themed weekend. Jousting tournaments, fire eaters, jugglers, multiple stages of live music, an enormous artisan market, and iconic turkey legs make this one of the most beloved family outings in Colorado. Buy tickets in advance — the 2025 season sold out for the first time in nearly 50 years.
Colorado Renaissance Festival, 650 W. Perry Park Ave., Larkspur
10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $32
DENVER CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
Now in its 51st year, Denver’s beloved Sakura Matsuri brings Japanese culture to life with taiko drumming, traditional dance, a Japanese artisan marketplace, sake, tea, and incredible food. A rich, family-friendly cultural immersion right in the heart of Denver and a perfect weekend outing for the whole family.
Sakura Square, 1255 19th St., Denver
Sat., 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Sun., 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
VINTAGE THEATRE: THE BOOK CLUB PLAY
A sharp, witty comedy about books, friendship, and what happens when a documentary filmmaker upends a beloved book club by introducing a provocative new member. Playing in Vintage Theatre’s intimate Bond-Trimble Theatre through July 19, with Friday and Saturday evening performances and Sunday matinees weekly.
Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri.–Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $36
Wednesday, July 1
JAZZ IN THE PARK – CASTLE ROCK
Every Wednesday of the summer, Jason Bower and Castle Rock Music bring free live jazz to Festival Park in downtown Castle Rock. Pack a picnic, settle in on the lawn, and let the music carry the evening.
Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
6:30–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Thursday, July 2
VINTAGE THEATRE PRESENTS: BROADSIDE — THE MUSICAL
A special Independence Day weekend production at Vintage Theatre set in pre-Revolutionary Boston, where broadside pamphlets and songs fueled a growing rebellion. Paul Revere takes center stage as Britain and America’s messy breakup unfolds in music, satire, and wit — perfectly timed for America’s 250th birthday.
Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Fri.–Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25
CHERRY CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL
The 35th Annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival — one of the country’s largest and most competitive free juried art festivals — takes over Cherry Creek North for three days. Featuring 250+ artists from around the world, live music on the main stage all weekend, free kids’ activities at Creation Station inspired by Colorado’s 150th anniversary, and an art auction benefiting school arts education statewide.
Cherry Creek North, 2nd Ave. from Clayton to Adams St., Denver
Fri.–Sat., 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sun. 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Saturday, July 4
CASTLE ROCK SATURDAY MARKET
Every Saturday, the Douglas County Fairgrounds hosts an outdoor market with locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, produce, baked goods, and artisan-made products from Colorado farmers and makers.
Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission
LONE TREE INDEPENDENCE DAY
FAMILY FUN RIDE & STROLL
Start the 4th of July right with Lone Tree’s festive 1-mile family bike and stroller ride from Lone Tree Elementary along the Willow Creek Trail to Prairie Sky Park. Decorate your bike, wagon, scooter, or yourself — complimentary decorating kits available at the start.
Lone Tree Elementary, 9375 Maximus Dr., Lone Tree
9:00 a.m
Tickets: Free
FAMILY FUN PARK
Following the morning ride, Prairie Sky Park fills with inflatables, games, live entertainment, and food trucks for three hours of all-ages fun. Free to attend; registration required — limited day-of tickets available when the park opens.
Prairie Sky Park, 9381 Crossington Way, Lone Tree
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (registration required)
PARTY IN THE PARK & FIREWORKS
The evening centerpiece of Lone Tree’s 4th of July celebration brings live music starting at 6:45 p.m. and a headliner at 8 p.m. to Prairie Sky Park, along with food trucks and outdoor games before one of the south metro’s best fireworks displays at 9:30 p.m. Free shuttle service available from The Hub and Lone Tree Arts Center.
Prairie Sky Park, 9381 Crossington Way, Lone Tree
6:00 p.m.–fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
CASTLE ROCK AMERICA 250 – COLORADO 150 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Castle Rock marks America’s 250th birthday and Colorado’s 150th anniversary with its biggest Independence Day yet at Festival Park. Live music by the Denver Dolls, The Castle Rock Band, and Thunder Roads; food trucks; face painting; family activities; the fan-favorite Pie Bake-Off; and a spectacular 20-minute fireworks show launching from Miller’s Landing at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Festival Park, 302 Second St., Castle Rock
5:30–9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
AURORA 4TH OF JULY SPECTACULAR
The City of Aurora celebrates America’s 250th birthday in a big way on the Great Lawn at Aurora Municipal Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. for live musical performances, free face painting, and food trucks before a spectacular 30-minute fireworks show launches from Bicentennial Park at 9:30 p.m.
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora
6:00–10:00 p.m.; Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
PARKER 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS – AMERICA 250 / COLORADO 150 / PARKER 45
This year Parker isn’t just celebrating Independence Day — it’s marking three milestones at once. America turns 250, Colorado turns 150, and Parker marks 45 years of incorporation with its biggest-ever remote-viewing fireworks display. Launching at approximately 9:30 p.m. from north of Salisbury Park, the show is visible from parks and the Cherry Creek Trail throughout town. Remote viewing across Parker.
Launch site: north of Salisbury Park, 11920 N. Motsenbocker Rd.)
~9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Sunday, July 5
YOGA IN THE PARK AT PHILIP S. MILLER AMPHITHEATER
Free Sunday morning yoga at Castle Rock’s stunning outdoor amphitheater, part of the Town’s Summer Fitness Series. Unroll your mat, breathe in the Colorado air, and start your Sunday right.
Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
Sundays through Aug. 25, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Tickets: Free
THE ANTICIPATION IS GROWING!
The real spark of summer is right here at the new home community of Overland Ranch in Southeast Aurora – you’re right in the middle of it all; with fireworks down the street, concerts at Southlands, Cherry Creek Schools, scenic trails, and beautiful parks woven through the community.. And if you haven’t made it official yet, now’s a great time to get on the list. Join the Overland Ranch VIP list today and be the first to know about new releases and everything happening in the neighborhood.
