AURORA | Don’t stay home. Go to Paris tonight. Actually Parker is closer, but you can feel like you’re in Paris, grooving to the sound of Django Reinhardt jazz with swinging violins and all the pomp et pump that makes for a swinging night out in Saint-Ouen, or on Parker’s Main Street. Non? Then scroll down among the long list of cool and unusual events at theaters, malls and more to find something to help welcome your spring.
Django Jingles — Jazz Manouche and more with the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra
Hot swing and spirited improvisation take center stage as the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra presents Django Jingles: Jazz Manouche N More at The Schoolhouse Theater in Parker. Led by artistic director Drew Zaremba, the concert pays tribute to legendary guitarist Jean “Django” Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli, whose groundbreaking work with the Quintette du Hot Club de France helped define the vibrant jazz manouche style.
Blending American jazz traditions with Romani musical influences, jazz manouche—also known as “hot club jazz”—is characterized by its acoustic instrumentation, driving rhythms and high-energy improvisation. The CJRO brings that sound to life with a dynamic ensemble featuring saxophonist Jared Cathey, pianist Ben Hall, guitarist Mike Abbott, bassist Eric Hitt and vocalist Marion Powers.
The concert also features special guest violinist Enion Pelta-Tiller, co-founder of the internationally recognized band Taarka. Known for blending Gypsy and Eastern European folk traditions with modern sensibilities, Pelta-Tiller adds a fresh dimension to the performance, honoring Reinhardt’s legacy while expanding the sound with her own distinctive style.
Organizers describe the evening as a celebration of rhythm and melody, capturing the infectious energy of early 20th-century jazz while showcasing the CJRO’s signature blend of tradition and innovation. The orchestra, one of the region’s premier jazz ensembles, continues to push boundaries with inventive programming and performances that highlight the depth and versatility of the genre.
IF YOU GO:
Date: 7:30 p.m. April 3
Place: The Schoolhouse Theater, 19650 E. Main St. in Parker
Ticket: $27–$32 at coloradojazz.org or call 303-805-6800.
“Open Mic Poetry Night” at The People’s Building
This open mic night offers a welcoming stage for poets and spoken-word artists of all experience levels to share their work in an intimate, community-centered setting. Performances range from deeply personal reflections to politically and socially conscious pieces, often sparking conversation and connection among audience members. The event fosters an inclusive creative environment where emerging voices are encouraged and celebrated, making it a cornerstone of Aurora’s growing literary and performance arts scene.
IF YOU GO:
Date: 7 p.m. April 8
Place: 9995 E Colfax Ave.
Tickets: Free–$10
Information: thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-819-6680
“Community Theater Showcase” at The People’s Building
A dynamic evening of short theatrical works, this showcase brings together local actors, directors and playwrights to present a variety of performances ranging from original scripts to excerpts of larger productions. The event highlights the creativity and diversity of Aurora’s grassroots theater community, offering audiences an opportunity to discover new voices and storytelling styles. With its mix of humor, drama and experimental pieces, the showcase provides an engaging and unpredictable night of live performance.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 11 and April 12
Place: 9995 E Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $10–$20
Information: thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-819-6680
“Cultural Film Night” at Aurora Central Library
This thoughtfully curated film program features an internationally acclaimed movie that explores cultural identity, history or social issues. Following the screening, attendees are invited to participate in a guided discussion that delves into the film’s themes, artistic techniques and cultural context. The event encourages dialogue and reflection, offering both an entertaining and educational experience for film enthusiasts and curious viewers alike.
IF YOU GO:
Date: 6 p.m. April 13
Place: 14949 E Alameda Parkway
Tickets: Free
Information: auroragov.org or call 303-739-6600
“Fat Ham” at Aurora Fox Arts Center
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames re-imagines Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in this contemporary comedy-drama that unfolds during a family barbecue in the American South. The story follows Juicy, a thoughtful young man confronting family expectations and personal identity after the ghost of his father demands revenge. Instead of following the traditional tragic path, Juicy wrestles with whether breaking cycles of anger and violence might offer a different kind of resolution. The play mixes humor, music and emotional reflection while exploring themes of family, identity and self-determination.
IF YOU GO:
Date: through April 19
Place: Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $20–$42
Information: aurorafoxartscenter.org or 303-739-1970
“Prehistoric Aurora” exhibition at Aurora History Museum
The Aurora History Museum explores the region’s ancient past in “Prehistoric Aurora,” an exhibit examining the landscapes and creatures that existed in the area millions of years before modern development. Visitors can learn how the land that is now Aurora once supported prehistoric animals including mammoths, giant ground sloths and dinosaurs such as Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus. The exhibition traces the region’s geologic history through fossils, scientific displays and educational materials developed in collaboration with organizations including the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History and Dinosaur Ridge. Through artifacts and interpretive exhibits, the show offers a look at how scientists study ancient ecosystems and how discoveries made in Colorado help tell the story of Earth’s distant past.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through April 5; Tuesdays through Thursdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a .m. – 4 p.m.
Place: Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
Tickets: $1-$5
Information: AuroraMuseum.org or 303-739-6660
“Spring Student Art Showcase” at Town Center at Aurora
This annual showcase transforms the mall into a vibrant, walkable gallery featuring hundreds of works created by Aurora Public Schools students. Visitors can explore a wide range of artistic styles and media, from detailed pencil drawings and bold acrylic paintings to sculpture and digital art. The exhibit highlights the creativity, cultural diversity and personal perspectives of Aurora’s youth, offering a glimpse into the next generation of artists while fostering community pride and support for arts education.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through April 10, 2026
Place: 14200 E Alameda Ave.
Tickets: Free
Information: towncenterataurora.com or call 303-344-9764
“The World in a City: Cultural Exhibitions” at Aurora History Museum
Through immersive exhibits, artifacts and multimedia storytelling, this citywide initiative explores the rich cultural fabric of Aurora—one of Colorado’s most diverse communities. Displays highlight immigration stories, global traditions and the everyday lives of residents whose roots span continents. Visitors can engage with photographs, oral histories and interactive elements that reveal how different cultures intersect and shape the city’s identity, making it both an educational and deeply personal experience.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through April 10,
Place: 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
Tickets: Free
Information: AuroraMuseum.org or call 303-739-6660
“Community Choir Performance” at Heather Gardens Clubhouse
A local choir presents a program of classical, folk and contemporary songs celebrating community and music.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 3, 2026
Place: 2888 S Heather Gardens Way
Tickets: Free–$10
Information: heathergardens.org or call 303-755-3550
“Photography Exhibition: Aurora Through the Lens” at Aurora History Museum
This exhibition presents a compelling visual portrait of Aurora through the eyes of local photographers. Featuring landscapes, portraits and candid street photography, the collection captures the everyday beauty and diversity of the city while offering insight into its evolving identity.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through April 10, 2026
Place: 15051 E Alameda Parkway
Tickets: Free
Information: AuroraMuseum.org or call 303-739-6660
“Shen Yun Performing Arts” at Buell Theatre
A vibrant showcase of classical Chinese dance, music and storytelling, “Shen Yun” presents ancient legends, ethnic traditions and historical narratives through elaborate costumes and orchestral accompaniment. The production blends Eastern and Western instruments to create a visually stunning and culturally rich performance.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 2–April 4
Place: Buell Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1350 Curtis St.
Tickets: $80–$150
Information: denvercenter.org or call 303-893-4100
“First Friday Art Walk” in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe
Galleries open their doors for an evening of visual art, live demonstrations and community engagement. Visitors can explore contemporary exhibitions, meet local artists and enjoy street performances throughout the district, making it one of the region’s most popular recurring arts events.
IF YOU GO:
Date: April 3, 5 p.m–9 p.m.
Place: Santa Fe Drive in Denver, from East 13th Avenue to East Alameda Avenue
Tickets: Free
Information: artdistrictonsantafe.com or call 720-773-2373
Ecosystems: Opening Reception at Downtown Aurora Visual Arts
Celebrate the opening of “Ecosystems,” a printmaking exhibition at Downtown Aurora Visual Arts reflecting biodiversity and environmental dialogue through the medium of print. The show features work by local and guest artists, and the opening reception invites the public to engage with innovative techniques and thematic depth.
IF YOU GO:
Date: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. weekdays through May 15
Place: Downtown Aurora Visual Arts, 1405 Florence St.
Tickets: Free
Info: www.davarts.org or call 303-367-5886
“World’s Largest Dinosaurs” at Denver Museum of Nature and Science
This traveling exhibition explores how the largest land animals in Earth’s history lived and functioned. Rather than focusing solely on fossil bones, the exhibit examines the biology of giant sauropods, which are dinosaurs whose massive bodies required unique adaptations for breathing, circulation and movement. Through interactive displays, models and scientific research, visitors can learn how scientists study both fossils and modern animals to understand how these enormous creatures survived and thrived millions of years ago. The exhibition also explores the evolutionary advantages and challenges of extreme size, offering a deeper look at how the scale of these animals shaped their behavior and ecosystems.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Sept. 7
Place: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.
Tickets: $6-$9
Information: dmns.org or call 303-370-6000
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” at Denver Center for the Performing Arts
This theatrical comedy reimagines Bram Stoker’s gothic horror classic with rapid costume changes, physical humor and a small cast portraying dozens of characters. The fast-paced production transforms the familiar story of Count Dracula’s journey from Transylvania to England into a playful theatrical farce. With quick-fire jokes, theatrical surprises and exaggerated performances, the show offers a comedic take on one of literature’s most famous monsters.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through May 10
Place: Garner Galleria Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1050 13th St.
Tickets: $35–$65
Information: denvercenter.org or call 303-893-4100
“The Deluge” exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Artist Bethany Collins explores the intersections of language, history and identity in this multimedia exhibition featuring sculpture, text-based artwork and sound installations. Collins’ work often reinterprets historical documents and cultural symbols, examining how narratives about race and national identity are formed and remembered. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how stories about the past continue to shape contemporary society.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through July
Place: Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St.
Tickets: $8–$14
Information: mcadenver.org or call 303-298-7554