AURORA | Moving beyond TikTok reels, students at the Downtown Aurora Visual Arts project are offering the public 17 short-film premiers tonight at the Aurora Fox Arts Center.
The project is the result of a collaboration among Community College of Aurora’s Cinematic Arts Department, the Askkanwii Filmmaking Hub Incubator, and dedicated volunteers, students exploring “every aspect of filmmaking—from writing and directing to editing and sound design. Student films range from creative, funny, and heartwarming stories to thrilling, mysterious, and experimental works that highlight their imagination and growth,” DAVA officials said in a statement.
But wait, there’s more, much more to get out and see and do this weekend.
The Sentinel Muse has a full list of musical, theatrical, historical and just plain cool events. Read on.
DAVA Youth Film Premiere at Aurora Fox Arts Center
The Aurora Fox Arts Center and the Downtown Aurora Youth Services (DAVA) partner will host the annual student film premiere. Guests can walk the red carpet before viewing a screening of short, thoughtful and humorous films created by DAVA students over the summer. This event highlights emerging young filmmakers in the community.
IF YOU GO: Nov. 14. Doors open at 6 p.m.; film showings begin at 7 p.m. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Ticket required. Details at aurorafoxartscenter.org
Madagascar Jr. youth musical
Get ready to “move it, move it” with the cast of Madagascar Jr., a youth musical that brings the beloved DreamWorks film to the stage. Audiences will join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra and their zoo friends as they escape New York City and embark on a wild journey to Madagascar. The production bursts with energy, colorful costumes and catchy songs that kids and parents will love.
IF YOU GO: Nov. 14 –15, 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at the People’s Building, 9995 E Colfax Ave. Tickets are $24-$29. Go to thepeoplesbuilding.com.
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: Opens Nov. 8. 6155 S. Main St. $15 admission includes skates and rink time. Details at thepondicerink.com
Festival of Wreaths at Aurora History Museum
The holiday season begins early with the Festival of Wreaths, a long-running fundraiser and art showcase at the Aurora History Museum. Local businesses, artists and organizations design and donate creative wreaths that are displayed throughout the museum. Visitors can vote for their favorites and bid in an online auction, with proceeds funding the museum’s internship program. The display offers a festive blend of art, tradition and community goodwill.
IF YOU GO: Through Dec. 5, during museum hours. Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway. Admission is free. Details at auroragov.org/wreaths
Couples’ Chopped Challenge workshop
Couples can test their teamwork and culinary creativity during the Chopped Challenge Workshop, a playful cooking competition inspired by the hit TV show. Each team receives a mystery basket of ingredients and must create a dish within a set time limit. Judges (and fellow participants) taste and score the results, making for a lighthearted and memorable evening. Perfect for date night or foodie friends looking for something different.
IF YOU GO: Nov. 15, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. at La Victoria Healing Kitchen, 1427 Elmira St. Cost is $140. Details and registration at acadartdistrict.com
‘Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous’ at the Vintage
Vintage Theatre presents the regional premiere of Pearl Cleage’s “Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous,” a sharp and funny look at art, aging and legacy. The story follows legendary actress Anna Campbell, who returns to the U.S. for one last performance, only to discover she’s being replaced by a younger woman. Directed by Adrienne Martin-Fullwood, the production runs through Nov. 23 in the Bond-Trimble Theatre.
IF YOU GO: Curtains vary for evening and matinee productions through Nov. 23 at the Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St. Tickets are $20–$36. Details and reservations at vintagetheatre.org
Fox Flix Series: Encanto Sing-Along at Aurora Fox Arts Center
Part of the Fox Flix series, the Aurora Fox hosts a special sing-along screening of the popular Disney musical “Encanto.” Guests are encouraged to follow the on-screen lyrics and sing along to their favorite songs for a fun, family-friendly afternoon at the theater. Concessions will be available.
IF YOU GO: Nov. 15, 2 p.m. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets are $5. Details at aurorafoxartscenter.org
Aurora Fox Presents: The Art of Growth
The Aurora Fox Arts Center hosts a free screening of “The Art of Growth,” a short film that tells the story of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, which supports arts across the metro area. The film features local creative artists, highlighting the power of art to inspire and enrich lives.
IF YOU GO: Nov. 15, 6 p.m. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Admission is free. Details at aurorafoxartscenter.org
Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. Performance
The beloved animated movie comes to the stage in this junior musical adaptation. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra and their friends on a laugh-out-loud journey for the whole family as they escape the zoo and find adventure. The performance is by a local youth theater group.
IF YOU GO: Nov. 14, 6 p.m.; Nov. 15, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Ticket $24-$29. Details at coloradotheatreguild.org.
CJRO Jazz Salon: A Conversation with Gabriel Mervine
The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO) hosts an intimate “Jazz Salon” featuring a conversation with acclaimed trumpeter Gabriel Mervine. Attendees can gain insight into his career and the world of jazz in this educational and cultural event.
IF YOU GO: Nov. 18, 11 a.m. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets: $15-$20. Details at aurorafoxartscenter.org
Grooveline: Line Dance with Raw Groove**
A high-energy community dance event focusing on line dancing with instructors from Raw Groove. This is an evening for all skill levels to come together for movement, music and fun in a cultural arts setting.
IF YOU GO: Nov. 21, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Manos Sagrados, 9975 East Colfax Ave. $20. Details at www.manossagrados.com/