AURORA | The Vintage Theater is still taking audiences on a roller-coaster ride through the ‘80s AIDS crisis, and you can buckle up for the emotional trip through Sunday. Tony Kushner’s award-winning “Angels in America, Part One” stages a sweeping portrait of fear, hope and human connection during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play intertwines the lives of lovers, friends and political figures confronting illness, identity and spiritual reckoning in a rapidly changing America. The production delivers emotional performances and striking visuals. But wait, there’s more. Scroll down and check out the wide variety of amazing shows and events this weekend and beyond.
“Angels in America, Part One” at Vintage Theatre
Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning epic unfolds against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis in 1980s America, weaving together multiple storylines that explore love, illness, politics and spirituality. The play follows a diverse group of characters grappling with personal and societal upheaval, blending realism with dreamlike sequences and supernatural elements. This production brings emotional intensity and visual imagination to a work widely considered one of the most important pieces of modern American theater.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through May 10, curtains vary
Place: Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.
Tickets: $20–$40
Information: vintagetheatre.org or 303-856-7830
“Bohemian Rhapsody: Arts for a Better Tomorrow” with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra
The Aurora Symphony Orchestra closes its season with a vibrant concert celebrating individuality and musical expression. Highlights include a symphonic arrangement of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” selections from Puccini and Strauss, and contemporary works. The performance blends classical tradition with modern influences in an accessible, community-focused program.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 16 at 7:30 p.m.; May 17 at 4 p.m.
Place: Gateway High School Auditorium, 1300 S. Sable Blvd.
Tickets: From free–$22
Information: aurorasymphony.org or 720-262-3850
“Destination Freedom Black Radio Days: ‘Marvin Booker – A Letter From a Denver Jail’”
No Credits Productions presents a powerful live audio drama as part of its “Destination Freedom Black Radio Days” series, examining contemporary issues impacting communities of color. This original production, written by Terrance “Big T” Hughes and directed by donnie l. betts, tells the story of Marvin Booker through a compelling dramatic format blending performance and radio storytelling. Featuring a talented cast and broadcast live on KGNU, the evening also includes a post-show panel discussion with community leaders addressing themes such as justice, housing and systemic inequality.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 19, 7 p.m.
Place: Aurora Fox Arts Center Studio Theatre, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $15
Information: aurorafoxartscenter.org or 303-739-1970
“Rock Art: An American Story – An Evening with Stephen Alvarez” e
Award-winning photographer and longtime National Geographic contributor Stephen Alvarez presents a compelling visual journey into humanity’s earliest artistic expressions. Drawing from decades of exploration, Alvarez shares striking imagery and firsthand stories from ancient cave sites in Europe and rock art landscapes across the American West. The program explores how these early works reflect human identity, storytelling and survival, while emphasizing the importance of preserving these fragile cultural records. The evening also celebrates the release of Alvarez’s new book, *Rock Art: An American Story*, offering audiences a deeper connection to the origins of creativity.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 12, 7 p.m.
Place: Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Infinity Theater, 2001 Colorado Blvd.
Tickets: $18 members; $21 nonmembers
Information: dmns.org or 303-370-6000
Rocky Mountain Stamp Show at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
One of the largest philatelic events in the region, the Rocky Mountain Stamp Show brings collectors, historians and dealers together for a weekend celebrating the art and history of stamps. Exhibits include rare collections, competitive displays and educational presentations highlighting global culture through postage design. The event blends visual art, history and craftsmanship in a niche but fascinating format.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 8–May10
Place: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds, 25690 E. Quincy Ave.
Tickets: Varies
Information: rockymountainstampshow.com or 303-771-2244
“Felipe Peláez in Concert” at Stampede
Latin Grammy-winning Colombian singer-songwriter Felipe Peláez brings his signature vallenato and Latin pop sound to Aurora for a high-energy live concert. Known for romantic ballads and danceable rhythms, Peláez’s performances blend traditional Colombian influences with modern Latin music styles.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 15, 9:30 p.m.
Place: Stampede, 2430 S. Havana St.
Tickets: Varies
Information: stampedeclub.net or 303-696-7686
“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
“Mom & Me Tea Party” at Town Center at Aurora
This themed cultural event combines performance, costume characters and interactive arts activities for families. Attendees can participate in storytelling, crafts and photo experiences in a whimsical, theatrical environment designed for children and parents.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 9, 10 a.m.–Noon.
Place: Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E. Alameda Ave.
Tickets: Free but reservations are required. Link to reservations is at towncenterataurora.com
Information: towncenterataurora.com or 303-344-0434
“Lawrence of Arabia” at Aurora Fox Arts Center
David Lean’s sweeping, Oscar-winning epic returns to the big screen in this special screening as part of the Aurora Fox’s Fox Flix film series. The visually stunning historical drama follows British officer T.E. Lawrence during World War I as he navigates complex alliances and personal transformation in the Arabian desert. The screening offers a rare opportunity to experience the film’s grand cinematography and score in a theatrical setting.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 7, 7 p.m.–11 p.m.
Place: Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $5
Information: aurorafoxartscenter.org or 303-739-1970
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
“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
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
“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