AURORA | Summer’s not over ’til it’s over in the Aurora metroplex. Don your shorts and short-sleeves and head out, or in, for a variety of novel events.
Top of the list? Nudge those nerdy loves and tendencies to Aurora city hall Saturday for what organizers are promising to be a fan-tastic time during Aurora’s annual Mini-Con-Fest.
Buffs of superheroes, video games, science fiction and fantasy will overtake Aurora municipal plaza Sept. 27 as Aurora Mini-Con returns for a full day of geeky pop-culture celebration.
The free, family-friendly festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. across multiple venues, including the Great Lawn, Central Library and Aurora History Museum at the Aurora Municipal Campus. The mini-con-palooza offers a mix of trivia contests, live performances, crafts, food and a highly anticipated costume contest.
“This is really a chance for fans of all ages to come together and share their love of pop culture,” city officials said in a statement. The event is sponsored by Aurora’s Library and Cultural Services and Parks, Recreation and Open Space departments.
Among the events:
• Trivia Tent testing fandom knowledge on Disney, DC vs. Marvel and video games.
• Science experiments with the Ghostbusters. (What could go wrong?)
• A Jurassic Park panel discussion inside the museum. Yum.
• Fandom crafts and a superhero storytime for younger fans.
• Laser tag and video games, including Magic: The Gathering, an E-Sports video game lounge and the FIVE-O Gaming Trailer.
• Unique vehicles from Geek Garage on display. Car nerd paradise.
• Performances by Aurora Dance Arts, Stace Johnson, Miki Saito and Little Moses Jones.
• A noon superhero surprise on the Great Lawn stage. Look, not up in the sky!
• A sensory-friendly space for guests who need a quieter environment.
• More than 30 vendors selling pop culture merchandise and collectibles.
• Food trucks offering a variety of treats throughout the day.
The festival also features a cosplay contest, with registration starting at 3:30 p.m. and judging at 4 p.m. Special guest HeatherAfter Cosplay and an R2-D2 replica will be on site, and the contest will be judged by a mystery visitor “from a galaxy far, far away.”
Prizes will be awarded in several categories:
• Ages born yesterday to age 12: $50 Box Lunch gift card, $50 Lava Island gift card and more.
• Ages 13 and up: A Fan Expo Ultimate 4-Day Pass, $100 Michaels gift card, $100 Amazon gift card and more.
• Best Group: $300 Fan Expo credit and four $50 Amazon gift cards.
• Best in Show and honorable mentions will also be awarded, with handmade costumes carrying extra weight with the judges.
Throughout the day, families can spread blankets on the lawn to enjoy outdoor performances, browse vendor booths for gifts and collectibles, or take part in trivia and crafts.
The event is free, though food and merchandise vendors will charge. Organizers caution that parking may be limited and encourage attendees to use public transportation. The R Line light rail stops at the Aurora Metro Station, about a five-minute walk from the library, and bus routes 133 and 153 stop nearby.
For a complete schedule, go to AuroraGov.org/Mini-Con.
Oh, sure there’s more to do over the weekend and into next week.
School of Breaking Day – Hip-Hop Fest
A celebration of Hip-Hop culture, community and education is set for The People’s Building in the Aurora Arts District as part of the third Annual Hip-Hop Fest. The event marks School of Breaking Day, proclaimed by city council, and honors more than 13 years of Hip-Hop arts education and service in Colorado.
Guests can expect youth and adult breaking battles, live DJ sets, community dance performances, a special guest MC and local vendors. Organizers say the audience is encouraged to join in the energy of the show through cheering and applause, with time and space set aside for cyphers and open dancing.
Founded in 2012 in Aurora, School of Breaking emphasizes authentic Hip-Hop culture rooted in Black and Latino heritage, with programs in breaking, DJing, MCing and graffiti. The group’s mission is to safeguard and nurture Hip-Hop’s legacy while inspiring and educating the community.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Sept. 28, 1–5 p.m.
Place: The People’s Building, 9995 E Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $18.82-$24.02
Details: schoolofbreaking.com
First Date’ musical comedy at the Vintage Theatre
A fast-paced romantic comedy with a musical twist is set to open on the Berg-Young Cabaret Stage at the Vintage Theatre.
First Date, with book by Austin Winsberg and music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, follows blind date newbie Aaron and serial-dater Casey as their casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a high-stakes evening.
As the date unfolds in real time, the couple’s inner voices come to life through the people around them. Other restaurant patrons morph into best friends, exes and parents, singing and dancing them through awkward ice-breakers, appetizers and conversational traps.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Sept. 29 – Oct. 23, 2025
Place: Berg-Young Cabaret Stage at the Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.
Tickets: $24
Details: www.vintagetheatre.org
Aurora Fox brings ‘Schoolhouse Rock Live!’ to the stage on Colfax
The Aurora Fox Arts Center will bring Saturday morning memories to life with “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” running on the Fox Mainstage Theater. Directed by Kelly Van Oosbree, the high-energy musical is based on the animated series that taught generations grammar, math and history through catchy songs.
The show follows Tom, a nervous young teacher whose TV characters leap off the screen to show him how to inspire his students through music and imagination. Audience members can expect classic favorites like “Conjunction Junction,” “I’m Just a Bill” and “Three Is a Magic Number.”
“This production is pure joy,” said Rich Cowden, executive producer of the Aurora Fox. “It’s educational, it’s fun, and it connects generations through music and storytelling.”
In addition to evening and weekend shows, nine daytime student matinees are scheduled, making the production a back-to-school field trip opportunity for young audiences.
IF YOU GO:
Dates: Through Oct. 18 Curtains vary greatly for day and night performances.
Venue: Aurora Fox Mainstage Theater, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $17–$42
Details: aurorafoxartscenter.org
‘Merrily We Roll Along’ opens Sept. 12 at Vintage Theatre
The Tony Award-winning musical Merrily We Roll Along is set to open Sept. 12 at Vintage Theatre, bringing Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s acclaimed story of friendship, compromise and the cost of success to Aurora audiences. Directed by Bernie Cardell, the show plays through Oct. 19 in the Nickelson Auditorium.
Told in reverse, the musical traces the lives of three friends from adulthood back to their youthful idealism, blending the excitement of a backstage show with a poignant examination of staying true to one’s dreams. The production won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Revival.
IF YOU GO:
Dates: Through Oct. 19
Venue: Nickelson Auditorium at Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora
Tickets: $39 general admission, $33 seniors, $20 students/children (12 or younger)
Details: 303-856-7830 or VintageTheatre.org
‘Unapologetically Chicano’ art experience
A six-week immersive celebration of Chicano culture at CHAC Gallery @40 West in Lakewood. “Unapologetically Chicano” will showcase traditional and contemporary works of art alongside music, food and community connection.
Curated by Rob and Tammy Yancey, the exhibition highlights the resilience and creativity of Chicano identity across generations. The opening reception runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and will feature local and regional artists, live music, DJs, authentic food vendors, classic cars from Los Compas Car Club and handcrafted spirits served by The Good Ol’ Time Mobile Bar.
A second First Friday event on Oct. 3 offers another chance to meet the artists and experience the work. Organizers describe the show as a celebration of heritage, resistance and joy.
IF YOU GO:
Dates: Through Oct. 24,
Opening reception: Sept. 5, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Venue: CHAC Gallery @40 West, 7060 W. 16th Ave.
Tickets: Free
Details: www.chacgallery.org/
Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra launches Latin Jazz series
The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra’s Latin Jazz Ensemble will kick off a monthlong celebration of Latin music in Lafayette, blending Brazilian grooves and Central American rhythms with the soaring vocals of Marion Powers. The concerts are part of National Hispanic Heritage Month and feature some of the region’s top Latin jazz artists.
Led by Artistic Director Drew Zaremba, the ensemble includes Victor Mestas on keyboards, Gabriel Santiago on guitar, Bijoux Barbosa on bass, Alejandro Castaño on drums, and Leo Corona on percussion. Together, they bring a bold mix of rhythm and soul that CJRO organizers say will create an unforgettable experience.
The series will include four performances across the metro area: the Muse Performance Space in Lafayette, Dazzle Denver, The Schoolhouse in Parker, and the Lakewood Cultural Center.
Each concert will feature “high-energy music” that organizers describe as “a Latin Jazz Fiesta.”
IF YOU GO:
Times, tickets and Places:
• Sept. 28, 6 p.m., Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th St. Tickets are $18–$30.
More detail and tickets at: coloradojazz.org