AURORA | The mid-entertainment season is heating up close to home just as temperatures generally reach their annual lows.
New and favorite shows and a unique Aurora blend of cultural and fun events are on tap, starting this week.
Here’s just a few ways to enjoy Aurora’s unseasonably warm weather or beat the cold if it comes.
‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’
Aurora’s Vintage Theatre brings theatergoers a sparkling blend of mystery, comedy, and audience participation with “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”, a delightfully loony musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel. Running through Jan. 11, this production transforms Dickens’ enigmatic story into a rollicking “show-within-a-show,” staged by the fictional Musical Hall Royale — a bombastic Victorian entertainment troupe whose exaggerated costumes, spirited choreography, and tongue-in-cheek charm pull audiences into a 19th-century whodunit like no other. What sets “Drood” apart is its interactive twist: at key moments, the audience is invited to decide who the murderer is, determining the course of the final act and making every performance distinct. The score — infused with clever pastiche, memorable melodies, and playful pastiche — harkens back to golden-age musical comedy while delighting modern sensibilities. The Vintage’s intimate Nickelson Auditorium allows each laugh, clue, and plot twist to land with immersive clarity, making this a perfect outing for lovers of musical theater, literary adaptation, and spirited performance.
IF YOU GO: Jan 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m., Jan 11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Vintage Theater, 1468 Dayton St. Tickets: $20–$39 at www.vintagetheatre.org or call 303-856-7830.
She Bop Performs at Sean’s Tavern — 80s Tribute Night
Local crowd-favorite band She Bop brings its exuberant ‘80s tribute show to Sean’s Tavern for a night that promises big hair, classic pop hits, and nostalgic dance grooves. Expect favorites from Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, The Go-Go’s, and other chart-toppers, with a fun and interactive setlist that invites audience sing-along and impromptu dance breaks. Sean’s Tavern, with its laid-back tavern vibe, live music history, and friendly ambiance, makes for an ideal spot to relive the decade’s iconic sounds while socializing with fellow music lovers.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 10, 8 p.m. at Sean’s Tavern, 10395 E. Iliff Ave. Cover is about $10. Call 303-369-9819.
Bodies of Culture BIPOC Open Mic
This monthly open mic event at Manos Sagrados highlights the artistry of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Hosted by local creatives, the evening provides a platform for poets, musicians, spoken-word artists, and performance makers to share original work that reflects cultural experience, community narratives, and creative experimentation. The format encourages collaboration, community building, and supportive audience engagement in an atmosphere that’s welcoming to both performers and spectators.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Manos Sagrados, 9975 E. Colfax Ave. The event is free. Details at manossagrados.com or by calling 720-772-6950.
Clavé Jam — Latin Music Jam Night at Manos Sagrados
An evening rooted in rhythm, Clavé Jam invites musicians and dancers of all levels to dive into Afro-Latin beats. Led by a community of performers, the jam session features lively cumbia, chicha, and salsa rhythms, encouraging audience participation on percussion and dance. Whether you bring your own instrument or just bring your feet for dancing, this immersive experience blends musical exploration with cultural celebration under one roof.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 9 at 8:30 p.m. at Manos Sagrados, 9975 E. Colfax Ave. The event is free. Details: Details at manossagrados.com or by calling 720-772-6950.
Classic Film Screening: Citizen Kane
Explore the legacy of one of cinema’s most influential films at this special screening of “Citizen Kane” at the historic Aurora Fox Arts Center. Directed by and starring Orson Welles, the 1941 masterpiece remains a touchstone of narrative innovation, cinematic technique, and cultural commentary. The screening invites both film enthusiasts and curious audiences to appreciate the layered storytelling and rich historical context that continues to resonate nearly a century after its release.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Aurora Fox Art Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets: $5. Details at aurorafoxartscenter.org or call 303-739-1970
The Pond Ice Rink opening celebration
Bundle up and glide into the winter season as The Pond Ice Rink opens for another year of outdoor skating in Aurora. Families and friends can enjoy public sessions under the lights, complete with music, hot chocolate and cozy fire pits. The seasonal rink has become a favorite local hangout, offering lessons, hockey sessions and themed skate nights throughout the season. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s the perfect place to celebrate winter fun.
IF YOU GO: 6155 S. Main St. $15 admission includes skates and rink time. Details at thepondicerink.com
Diasporic Film and Food Series: ‘Destiny of a Migrant’ — A Taste of Senegal
Blending global cinema, cultural dialogue, and culinary experience, this special event in Aurora’s cultural district presents “Destiny of a Migrant” alongside curated Senegalese cuisine. The film’s powerful storytelling explores human journeys shaped by migration, identity, and resilience, while the meal and post-screening discussion deepen understanding of Senegalese culture. Organized in collaboration with the Diasporic Film Festival and Askkanwii Film Production, the series aims to preserve and share cultural heritage through multisensory engagement, making it both an artistic and humanizing night out.
IF YOU GO: Jan. 9, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets are $32.50 at www.thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-772-6950.
Exit, Pursued By A Bear
This dark, theatrical comedy weaves absurdity and emotional complexity in a story about Nan, who decides to break free from her troubled past and literally tape her abuser to a chair as part of a wildly imaginative re-enactment of their shared history. With sharp, surreal humor and memorable character dynamics, the production challenges audience expectations while probing themes of catharsis, redemption, and the messy evolution of relationships.
IF YOU GO: Opens Jan. 16 Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through Feb. 1 at the People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets: $17.55-$32.55. Go to www.thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-772-6950
‘The Shark Is Broken’
In a regional premiere full of wit and backstage antics, Vintage Theatre presents “The Shark Is Broken”, a fast-paced comedy chronicling the untold story of the making of “Jaws”. Running through Feb. 15, 2026, this uproarious show dives into the turbulent production of one of cinema’s most iconic blockbusters — where the “shark” (the mechanical prop affectionately nicknamed “Bruce”) repeatedly malfunctions, tensions between stars mount, and absurdity bubbles over both on and off the constructed set. Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon and directed by Luke Rahmsdorff-Terry, “The Shark Is Broken” artfully blends slapstick humor with sharp character interplay among actors portraying Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, and Richard Dreyfuss as they bond, bicker, and booze their way through endless technical setbacks. The Vintage’s Bond-Trimble Theatre space enhances the immediacy of the experience, placing audiences at the heart of the chaotic shoot — much like being “on set” with this hilariously beleaguered cast. Whether you’re a movie buff curious about Hollywood folklore or simply seeking a night of uproarious, character-driven comedy, this show offers both laughs and glimpses into the unpredictable theater of filmmaking.
IF YOU GO: Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows. Curtains vary at the Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St. Tickets: $20–$36 at www.vintagetheatre.org or call 303-856-7830