Things to do in July
Summer celebrations are here in Aurora, CO!
Enjoy fireworks, live performances, ice cream, and kid-friendly festivals. Remember to follow mask-wearing requirements at some private businesses. View updated COVID-19 community resources to assist you in planning your visit.
4th of July Celebrations
FOURTH OF JULY SPECTACULAR WITH THE CITY OF AURORA
WHEN: JULY 4
WHERE: AURORA MUNICIPAL CENTER
Celebrate the 4th of July in classic American fashion, with fireworks and hot dogs, of course! Beginning at 6 pm, the City of Aurora opens its Great Lawn for everyone to enjoy their own snacks, treats, and company. Get there early to pick out the best spot for viewing one of the best fireworks displays in Colorado. Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm. There will be no food trucks this year, so pack your own eats. We suggest bringing your seating (like blankets and lawn chairs).
A FANTASTIC 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND
WHEN: JULY 2-JULY 3
WHERE: PAINTED PRAIRIE
The weekend kicks off Friday at 7:30 pm with everyone’s favorite summertime movie, The Sandlot. Grab your blankets, chairs and snag a FREE popcorn or candy on us! Our socially distant lawn circles are ready for you to enjoy a great movie night under the stars. The movie begins at sunset (around 8:30 pm). Then from Saturday, July 3, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, enjoy pictures, nature educators, gardening demonstrations, and the food truck roundup.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Plan ahead. Buy tickets, sign-up online, or do a little research before attending these events and activities.
Van Gogh Alive: The Experience
When: Starting July 9 through September 26
Where: The Hangar at Stanley
Don’t just admire Van Gogh’s paintings – immerse yourself in them at the most visited multi-sensory experience in the world. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Stephen Lindsay & Brett Sirota, and Andrew Kay Management, in partnership with Grande Experiences, present Van Gogh Alive, a large-scale, multi-sensory experience to entertain the whole family. Van Gogh’s works have been displayed and enjoyed worldwide for over a century – but never like this. For a limited time only — July 9 through September 26 in The Hangar at Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace — audiences have the unique opportunity to experience Van Gogh’s artistry and indeed venture into his world. Get tickets now!
Jubilee Backyard Session
When: Every Saturday in July (3, 10, 17, 24, 31)
Where: Jubilee Roasting Co.
Enjoy live morning music from 10 am – 11 am on Jubilee’s patio. They feature local artists every Saturday morning in July to add a little more fun to your weekend. Stop by and enjoy this no-cost event as you sip on something from their seasonal menu.
Sounds of Southlands Summer Concert
When: Thursdays in July (8, 15, 22, 29)
Where: Southlands Lifestyle Center
Some of the city’s most talented musicians return to Southlands for their summer concert series! Tickets for the first show go on sale on June 16. Remaining shows available ten days before each event. Click here for tickets!
Art for Action
When: July 17
Where: The People’s Building
Support Aurora’s local art scene. The event and virtual experience are free to the public, but all donations can be made through making bids on student artwork. This auction will be silent, and artwork will be available for pick up and shipped by request only the following week. Stop by The People’s Building to support.
Splash N’ Scoop Social
When: July 20 – July 22
Where: City of Aurora Spraygrounds
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! In honor of National Ice Cream Day, join the City of Aurora for three pop-up ice cream socials at our city spray grounds! Bring your swimsuit and enjoy the summer sun with some ice cream.
Arapahoe County Fair
When: July 22 – July 25
Where: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center
Save the Dates! The Arapahoe County Fair is ON! Details and ticket sales will be announced soon at www.arapahoecountyfair.com. Visitors can expect all types of fair activities, including livestock showings, carnival rides, and so much more.
Summer Midday Market
When: July 24
Where: Town Center at Aurora
With new selections for the whole family, there’s so much to love about Midday Market at Town Center At Aurora! This program unites the community, bringing shoppers together to support local businesses, food trucks, farmers, and artisans. At each market, shoppers and their families can stock up on produce and home goods, meet local market vendors, learn a new craft, make a new recipe, and much more! Enjoy live music and visit Rapunzel!
Ruckus in the Alley Live Music
Where: Cheluna Brewing Company
When: July 30
Cheluna will bring our rock and folk to the stage this month! Explore Ruckus in the Alley for a no-cost concert. The show starts at 7:00 pm. Cheluna is located inside Stanley Marketplace.
THINGS TO DO ALL MONTH LONG
The following will be open throughout July, making it easy to plan your laid-back adventures in Aurora.
Water Sports
Soak up the sun on a sailboat or head out for paddleboard yoga at dusk. Quincy Reservoir is best for kayaking and canoeing; bring your own. The Aurora Reservoir has on-site paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals. Visitors can also use non-motorized boats on the waters if you’re looking for tubing, water skiing, and more – head over to Cherry Creek State Park. They have on-site paddleboard, kayak, canoe, and boat rentals. Check out this blog for more water activities, including pools and lazy rivers.