Free & Low Cost Summer Activities in Aurora, CO

Havana Street Global Night Market 
When: Last Saturdays of the Month
Where: Leezakaya | Directions

Prepare to savor spring and summer flavors as a beloved market returns! Make your way to Aurora’s premier street to celebrate the city’s diverse culinary scene! Indulge in a culinary adventure along Aurora’s best foodie block, sampling the best global cuisine from local vendors at Havana’s Global Night Market. Explore various handcrafted artisanal goods and more, adding a touch of flair to your summer nights.

Mershops Market Days
When: Last two Saturdays of the Month
Where: Town Center at Aurora Food Court Parking Lot | Directions

Celebrate summer at Mershop's Market Days, a vibrant outdoor market that brings together local farmers, fresh produce, baked goods, and unique handmade goods from area artisans. Held at Town Center at Aurora, this community-focused event is the perfect place to shop local while enjoying the sunshine. Live music fills the market from 11am to 1:30pm, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages. See the music schedule here. Whether you're looking for farm-fresh ingredients, one-of-a-kind gifts, or simply a fun way to spend a Saturday, Mershop's Market Days offers a welcoming community experience.

Summer at Stanley Marketplace | Directions 

Arts & Culture

First Fridays: (July 3, August 7): An evening of local art, music, and community.

Live Music at Local Drive (June 26, June 27): This June, The Local Drive Hangar is bringing local talent to the stage on select nights. Grab a cold one, pull up a seat, and settle in for live music from some of the area's most loved performers. 

Neighborhood Music Jazz Jam (July 12): Join us for an evening of smooth tunes at Open Jazz Jam in the Common Area of Stanley Marketplace.

Full Swing Smackdown (July 10): Get ready to witness jaw-dropping moves, intense rivalries, and electrifying entertainment courtesy of Rocky Mountain Pro Wrestling.

Summer Sidewalk Sale (June 26–28): Shop for deals at all your favorite local retailers. 

Live Music: Heller High Water at Stanley Beer Hall (June 28): Grab a drink, kick back, and settle in with us enjoying Stanley Beer Hall's new house band.

Learn more about Stanley Marketplace Events Here

Summer at Town Center at Aurora | Directions 

Magical Meet and Greets: The Minions

Sunday, July 5 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Get ready for laughs and mischief at Magical Meet & Greets, the monthly event series where imagination comes to life! Families are invited to Town Center at Aurora for unforgettable character experiences, photo opportunities, and interactive fun—right in the heart of the mall.

Wright’s Carnival

June 19 – July 5 |  Weekdays 5–11 PM, Weekends 1–11 PM

Located in the JCPenney parking lot, Wright’s Carnival is back with all your favorite rides, midway games, and classic carnival treats. Admission is free, and while ride wristbands are available for purchase, you can still soak up the festive atmosphere at no cost.

Learn more about Town Center at Aurora Events Here

Summer at Southlands | Directions

Sounds of Southlands | Every Thursday until August 13th

Sounds of Southlands is back for the summer season! Occurring every Thursday of the month, sounds of Southlands is a fun event to sit back and enjoy local talent while enjoying the summer breeze. Don't forget to bring your lawn chair or picnic blankets! 

Southland's Farmer's Market | Every Saturday until September 26th

Embrace the summer season with a trip to Southland's weekly Farmer's Market. Shop local with fresh produce, handmade artisan goods, and more!

4th of July Spectacular
When: July 4th, 6 pm-10 pm
Where: Aurora Municipal Center | Directions

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the 4th of July Spectacular presented by the City of Aurora! This free event is open to the entire community to enjoy. Spend the holiday on the Great Lawn by viewing a variety of musical performances, savoring delicious bites from food trucks, and spending the evening under the sky viewing a fireworks show for the grand event!

Rebel Marketplace 
When: Every 1st and 3rd Saturdays 

Rebel Marketplace is a community-driven farmers market in Aurora, Colorado, dedicated to fostering local food sovereignty and economic opportunity. Founded in 2015 by James Grevious as an extension of the “Rebels In The Garden” youth gardening initiative, the market has evolved into a vibrant hub for neighborhood-grown produce, artisan goods, and cultural connection.

Soak in the Sun at a Spray Park

Great Plains Park | Directions 

Sizzling summer days call for a trip to the playgrounds! Bring the kiddos to refresh from the heat at Great Plains Park. The park features an outdoor waterpark, picnic area, baseball diamonds, sports field, and hiking trails. Whether you want to get out and stretch your legs or let the kiddos cool off, Great Plains Park is the perfect free activity to add to your summer itinerary. 

Red-tailed Hawk Park | Directions 

This multi-use park boasts a playground, walking trails, and impressive soccer and sports fields, and it is also a playground in the summer! It is a definite spot to check out this summer!

Southlands Splash Pad | Directions

Keep the kiddos cool with a trip to Southlands Splash Pad! After a successful shopping day, check out the water fountains at Town Square. Relax in the shaded areas while the kids keep busy and entertained. 

COLORADO FREEDOM MEMORIAL

The Colorado Freedom Memorial pays tribute to our country's heroes. This free-to-enter memorial is unique in that it honors all Colorado veterans, regardless of rank or conflict. Look for names or take a tour around the grounds; you might even catch a glimpse of the F-16 fighter jets passing by.

Aurora History Museum

The Aurora History Museum houses some of the city's earliest antiquities and the historical components that make the city great. They are open from Tuesday to Thursday and Saturdays, visitors can take self-guided tours while seeing rotating and permanent exhibits. The fully restored 1913 railway trolley is a must-see!

Looking for more events in Aurora? Check out Visit Aurora’s Events Page