Science Discovery, Street Markets, and Music

Aurora is buzzing this month, and there’s no shortage of things to do whether you’re looking for family-friendly adventures, live comedy, outdoor markets, or world-class performances. Here’s your roundup of the best local events happening in and around Overland Ranch this month — from your own backyard in Southeast Aurora to just a short drive away.

TONIGHT, Thursday, May 28

THE IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY®

No script. No rehearsal. No plan. Based on a single title suggested by the audience, the cast of The Improvised Shakespeare Company® conjures a fully spontaneous Shakespearean comedy 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. Running through July 26 at the Denver Center for the 

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

Through Sun., Jul. 26, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Tickets: $62

Friday, May 29

FLORA OF AURORA

Start the weekend with a guided plant walk across the shortgrass prairie at the Plains Conservation Center. This introductory hike covers basic plant identification, ecological relationships, and the ethnobotanical uses of local species — a grounding, hands-on way to connect with the natural world right here in Aurora. Dress for the weather and plan to walk off-trail.

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

9:00–11:00 a.m.

Tickets: $7.13

TIKI UNDER THE MOONLIGHT: A FULL MOON PADDLE EXPERIENCE

Trade the backyard for the water and spend a magical evening paddling under the full moon at Tamarac Lake in Greenwood Village. Rocky Mountain Paddleboard offers BYO board access as well as rentals — stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and even a party board for groups. It’s one of the most unique things to do on a summer evening in the Denver metro.

4800 S. Dayton St., Greenwood Village

8:00–10:00 p.m.

Tickets: $35–$175, depending on rental option

Friday–Saturday, May 29–30

PAULY SHORE

The Weasel is back. Pauly Shore — the MTV icon and star of Encino Man, Bio-Dome, and Jury Duty — brings his stand-up act to Comedy Works South in Greenwood Village for a weekend run. It’s a fast, funny, and deeply nostalgic night out for anyone who grew up with him on their TV screen. Must be 21+; two-item minimum.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village

Fri., 7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Sat., 6:45 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Tickets: $35–$40

Saturday, May 30

SOUTHLANDS FARMERS MARKET

Every Saturday morning through late September, the Southlands shopping center transforms into Aurora’s go-to farmers market on Main Street. Expect organic and pesticide-free produce, fresh dairy, baked goods, salsas, honey, and locally made goods — all in a relaxed, community-centered atmosphere. Running weekly through Sept. 26.

Southlands, 6155 S. Main Street, Aurora

8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (Saturdays through Sept. 26)

Tickets: Free admission; prices vary by vendor

HAVANA STREET NIGHT MARKET
HAVANA STREET NIGHT MARKET

On the last Saturday of each month, the parking lot outside Leezakaya on Havana Street becomes one of the most vibrant outdoor markets in Aurora. Expect a diverse mix of vendors from around the world, a lively evening atmosphere, and the kind of energy that makes it worth putting on your regular summer rotation.

Returns monthly through September.

Leezakaya Parking Lot, 2710 S. Havana St., Aurora

6:00–10:00 p.m. (last Saturday of each month through Sept.)

Tickets: Free admission; prices vary by vendor

Friday-Sunday, May 29-31

AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT THE BLUES

This sizzling revue celebrates the blues through a series of ravishing songs that changed the way the world hears the human heartbeat. Taking New York by storm, It Ain’t Nothin’ but the Blues is a dynamic and moving musical journey tracing the evolution of the blues from Africa to Mississippi to Memphis to Chicago.

Nickelson Auditorium, Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora

Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: $20 to $39

NEXT WEEK: Monday, June 1

PRAIRIE PUP ADVENTURES: NATURE AND ART

Perfect for the littlest explorers, this Plains Conservation Center program invites preschoolers and their caregivers on a prairie walk with an artistic twist. Kids will hunt for shapes, textures, and colors in nature before getting creative with mud painting, yucca braiding, and an edible craft. One of the sweetest ways to spend a Monday morning in Aurora.

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

10:00–11:00 a.m.

Tickets: $10 per child; one adult per child admitted free

Tuesday, June 2

SEEDLINGS: CARNIVOROUS PLANTS

Head to the Denver Botanic Gardens for a close-up look at carnivorous plants in this hands-on program for young children. Little ones will explore, learn, and create through stories, nature walks, and art projects — all centered around some of the plant world’s most fascinating characters. Multiple session times and age groups available throughout the week.

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver

9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Tickets: $13 per child (nonmember); $11 per child (member); one adult per child admitted free

Wednesday, June 3

MORNINGS AT THE MUSEUM

Every Wednesday morning, the Aurora History Museum opens its doors for a playful preschool program featuring stories, crafts, and hands-on activities. Each week brings a new theme, and admission is just $1 for kids — making it one of the most affordable and charming outings in Aurora for families with young children.

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora

10:30–11:15 a.m.

Tickets: $1 children’s admission; adult admission included

DR. NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON

In his illustrated talk “Delusions of Space Enthusiasts,” famed astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson explores the perennial gap between our collective dreams for space exploration and the geopolitical, economic, and cultural realities that shape them. Thought-provoking, witty, and unmissable for science lovers of all ages.

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Pl., Denver

7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Starting at $161

Wednesday, June 3–Sunday, June 7

DENVER FRINGE FESTIVAL

Denver’s beloved choose-your-own-adventure arts festival returns for its seventh year with dozens of original shows spread across creative venues throughout the city. Comedy, clown, theatre, dance, aerial, magic, immersive art, and more — all in one wild week. Whether you catch one show or build your own full lineup, the Fringe is one of the most fun things to do in Denver all year.

Various venues, Denver

Wed., Jun. 3 – Sun., Jun. 7

Tickets: Full festival pass: $95

Thursday, June 4

COLORFUL COLORADO FLOWER SHOW

The Garden Club of Denver brings its annual flower show to the Denver Botanic Gardens, celebrating 150 years with a stunning showcase of horticulture, floral design, botanical arts, photography, and children’s creations. Free to attend with Gardens admission (members enter free).

It’s a gorgeous way to spend a Thursday morning or afternoon with the family.

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free with Gardens admission

Friday, June 5

AURORA FOX PRESENTS: VIOLET

Winner of the Drama Critics’ Circle Award and a Tony-nominated Broadway hit, Violet is a powerful musical featuring American roots, folk, and gospel sounds — with a score by Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori. Running for four weeks at the Aurora Fox, this moving show about identity, journey, and self-acceptance is one of the season’s standout productions right in the neighborhood.

Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora

Through Sun., Jun. 28 (performance times vary)

Tickets: $17–$45

Friday–Sunday, June 5–June 7

60TH ANNUAL DENVER GREEK FESTIVAL

One of Colorado’s longest-running and most vibrant cultural celebrations returns for its 60th year on the grounds of Assumption Cathedral. Spend the weekend eating, drinking, and dancing like a Greek — gyros, spanakopita, lamb chops, kalamari, live music, cooking demonstrations, choir concerts, and cathedral tours all make the lineup. New this year: an expanded footprint, additional covered seating, and dedicated ride-share drop-off.

4610 East Alameda Avenue, Denver

Fri.–Sun., starting at 11 a.m.

Tickets: $3–$5; kids under 12 free, seniors $3

Saturday, June 6

REBEL MARKETPLACE

On the first and third Saturday of each month, Del Mar Park in Aurora hosts the Rebel Marketplace — a community-rooted market focused on food sovereignty, urban agriculture, and neighborhood economic opportunity. Shop local produce, small food businesses, and handmade goods in one of Aurora’s most community-driven outdoor spaces.

Del Mar Park, 312 Del Mar Cir., Aurora

9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (1st and 3rd Saturdays, Jun. 6–Oct. 17)

Tickets: Free admission; prices vary by vendor

SUMMER STAMPEDE AT DENVER ZOO

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and The Herd invite families to their annual Summer Stampede brunch event for an exclusive, educational peek behind the scenes. Enjoy live music, a silent auction, Exploration Station tours, and animal meet-and-greets — all while learning about the zoo’s wildlife conservation mission. Children under 16 attend free with a complimentary kids’ ticket.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, 2300 Steele Street, Denver

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Tickets: $60, Children under 15, free

Monday, June 8

FILM ON THE ROCKS: THE PRINCESS BRIDE

Inconceivable — and yet it’s happening. The Princess Bride takes the screen at Red Rocks Amphitheater for one perfect summer evening under the stars. Live entertainment kicks off at 7 p.m., and the film rolls at 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30. Bring layers, bring snacks, and bring everyone — open captions are provided.

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison

7:00 p.m.

Tickets: $25–$50

GET READY FOR THE BIG REVEAL!

Welcome the seasons in a community where adventure, culture, and connection are always close at hand. Overland Ranch in Southeast Aurora offers that and more, with new homes from Century Communities, Pulte Homes, Richmond American, and Toll Brothers, in addition to top-rated schools, scenic trails, and beautiful parks woven right into the neighborhood. Ready to see what’s available? Join the VIP list today to get the latest updates on Overland Ranch.