AURORA | Few things are as varied, variable and offer as much variety as the weather in Aurora at the end of May. The last and next few days underscore that fact. Close to that, check out the “Parliament of Owls” at the People’s building over the holiday weekend, filled with theatrical shorts that are funny, stunning and more, each with a little theatrical surprise in store.
In the mood for something more predictable? Scroll down and see what’s up in and near Aurora over the weekend and beyond.
“A Parliament of Owls … and Other Surprises” at The People’s Building
This inventive evening of short theatrical works places audiences in the middle of the action with performances unfolding around and among attendees. The production combines satire, movement, humor and experimental storytelling in a format designed to surprise audiences from piece to piece.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 22 at 7:30pm, May 23 at 4pm and 7:30pm and May 24 at 4 pm
Place: The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $20-$30
Information: www.thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-819-6680
“Ain’t Nothing But the Blues”
This acclaimed musical revue traces the evolution of the blues from Africa to the American South and beyond through a dynamic collection of songs and stories. Featuring music made famous by legendary blues artists, the production celebrates the genre’s enduring emotional power and influence on American music history.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Opens May 22 – June 21. Friday and Saturday curtains at 7:30 p.m., Sunday curtains at 2:30 p.m.
Place: Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.
Tickets: $20-$39
Information: www.vintagetheatre.org or call 303-856-7830
“Chosen Family” by the Denver Rock Orchestra at The People’s Building
The Denver Rock Orchestra celebrates Pride season with orchestral arrangements of music by artists including Lady Gaga, Chappell Roan and Queen. The concert combines rock performance with symphonic instrumentation in a program centered on community, identity and belonging.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 29 at 7:30 pm and May 30 at 7:30pm
TICKETS: General Admission: $25; Student/Senior/Military: $20; Kids 8 & Under Free!
Place: The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.
Information: www.thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-819-6680
“Contemporary Photography Exhibition” at Center for Visual Art
This exhibition showcases the work of emerging and established photographers exploring themes such as identity, environment and storytelling. Through a range of styles and techniques, the featured artists offer compelling visual narratives that invite viewers to reflect on their own perspectives.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through May
Place: Center for Visual Art, 965 Santa Fe Dr.
Tickets: Free
Information: msudenver.edu/cva or 303-294-5207
“Miscast 2026” at Roaming Gnome Theatre
This inventive theatrical showcase turns traditional casting expectations upside down, inviting performers to sing songs and perform roles they would not typically be cast to play. The annual event celebrates creativity, inclusivity and unexpected artistic interpretation in a lively cabaret-style format.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 29 and May 30, 7 p.m.
Place: Roaming Gnome Theatre, Aurora Cultural Arts District
Tickets: $10-$15
Information: www.auroraculturalartsdistrict.orgAURORA | Few things are as varied, variable and offer as much variety as the weather in Aurora at the end of May. The last and next few days underscore that fact. Close to that, check out the “Parliament of Owls” at the People’s building over the holiday weekend, filled with theatrical shorts that are funny, stunning and more, each with a little theatrical surprise in store.
In the mood for something more predictable? Scroll down and see what’s up in and near Aurora over the weekend and beyond.
“Jazz Jam” at Cerebral Aurora Arts
Musicians of all ages and experience levels are invited to participate in this community-centered jazz session celebrating improvisation and collaboration. Hosted at Cerebral Aurora Arts, the event creates an inclusive environment where emerging and seasoned performers can share the stage and explore jazz traditions together.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 31, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Place: Cerebral Aurora Arts at Cerebral Brewing, 9990 E Colfax Ave.
Tickets: Free
Information: cerebralbrewing.com or 720-819-6680
“In the Absence of Shelter” Film Screening at The People’s Building
This world-premiere documentary follows students from RMSEL as they move beyond graduation and embark on solo wilderness journeys that test their resilience, independence and personal growth. The screening highlights themes of transition, education and self-discovery through an uplifting Colorado-made film. Discussion follows the documentary.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 29, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Place: The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Tickets: $5-$20
Information: www.thepeoplesbuilding.com or call 720-819-6680
“AAPI Culture Fest x Civic Center Night Market” at Civic Center Park
Denver’s celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month returns with food vendors, artisan booths, cultural exhibitions and live performances representing communities from across Asia and the Pacific Islands. Organizers describe the evening as a large-scale cultural marketplace inspired by traditional Asian night markets.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 22, 5 p.m.–11 p.m.
Place: Civic Center Park in Denver
Tickets: Free
Information: civiccenterpark.org or call 303-534-6161
“Live Music at The Local Drive” at Stanley Marketplace
This ongoing live music series transforms the Stanley Marketplace hangar into a vibrant performance space featuring local and regional musicians. The programming spans genres — from indie and folk to jazz and rock—creating an eclectic soundtrack for Aurora’s creative community.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Fridays and Saturdays after 5 p.m.
Place: Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St.
Tickets: Free admission
Information: stanleymarketplace.com or 720-941-7070
“The Deluge” exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Artist Bethany Collins examines American history, language and identity in this multimedia exhibition that combines sculpture, sound, text and installation. Collins is known for transforming historical documents and cultural symbols into artworks that explore how stories about the nation are constructed and remembered. The exhibition includes pieces created from materials connected to historic monuments as well as works that reinterpret literature and music through erasure, repetition and sound. By reshaping familiar texts and symbols, the exhibition invites visitors to consider how narratives about race, justice and national identity continue to evolve over time.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through July 5,
Place: Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St.
Tickets: $8–$14; free for members
Information: mcadenver.org or call 303-298-7554
“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
Havana Street Night Market
Aurora’s global street festival returns for the 2026 season, transforming the Havana Street corridor into a vibrant open-air celebration of food, art and community. Centered outside Leezakaya, the monthly night market features an eclectic mix of vendors offering handmade goods, clothing, jewelry and international crafts. Live music, dance performances, games and giveaways add to the festive atmosphere, making it a lively gathering for all ages. A major highlight is the rotating lineup of food trucks and culinary vendors serving global street fare—from Korean barbecue and Mexican tacos to African specialties and inventive fusion dishes—creating a dynamic, ever-changing dining experience.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Last Saturday of the month beginning May 30; continues monthly through September from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.)
Place: Leezakaya, 2710 S. Havana St.
Tickets: Free admission
Information: onhavanastreet.com or 303-360-7505
or 720-819-6680