AURORA | Southlands shopping center has planned a cadre of events, fundraisers, entertainment and giveaways this week and next to celebrate the center’s 20th anniversary.
The top prize among contests this week is a $1,000 shopping spree.
The sprawling outdoor shopping and entertainment center opened its Main Street in October 2006. The center has grown into the largest outdoor shopping center in the state as Aurora became a town of more than 400,000 people, according to mall officials.
While the city has grown tremendously in the past 20 years, the population of southeast Aurora exploded over the past decades, mall developers said in a statement. The Southlands ZIP code of 80016 grew 59% between the city’s 2010 and 2020 censuses.
Southlands General Manager Martin Liles said the anniversary marks time to recognize the community’s role in the center’s development.
“What began as a new shopping and entertainment destination has become a place where generations of families have gathered for celebrations, traditions and everyday moments,” Liles said in a statement. “This anniversary is really about thanking the community that made those 20 years possible — and celebrating what comes next.”
Local businesses also have seen the center develop into a gathering place. The Cookie Company, which opened at Southlands in 2007, has experienced the center’s growth over nearly two decades.
Frankie Hoff, co-owner of The Cookie Company, cited Southland concerts and other public events for drawing crowds and contributing to the community.
The anniversary celebration this week will support Dress for Success Denver-Colorado and the Aurora Police Foundation.
Amara Martin, CEO of Dress for Success Denver/Colorado, called Southlands a valued partner committed to supporting the Aurora community through shopping and entertainment.
The Aurora Police Foundation, which supports the Aurora Police Department, will receive donations collected through Southlands events during anniversary week.
“They’ve really become part of the community,” said Naomi Colwell, president and CEO of the Aurora Chamber. “They really support the community, and in turn, the community supports them.”
The public is on the winning side of the anniversary events, mall officials said.
Twenty “golden envelopes” hidden throughout Southlands hold prizes ranging from $25 gift cards to a $1,000 shopping spree. Shoppers and diners also may receive surprise $20 gift cards.
On tap:
• Oct. 18 — Southlands Style Speakeasy: An afternoon of style, fashion and fun benefiting Dress for Success Denver.
• Oct. 19 — Little Prospectors Gold Rush: Kids can pan for gold, win prizes.
• Oct. 20 — Southlands’ official 20th birthday celebration, with festive entertainment and sweet treats. An unveiling of a special piece of public artwork designed and created by Downtown Aurora Visual Arts and anniversary cake is on tap.
• Oct. 21 — Pints and Putt-Putt: An evening of pints, putt-putt and hand-rolled cigars benefiting the Aurora Police Foundation.
• Oct. 22 — Wonka’s Golden Ticket Experience: A movie night at AMC featuring the classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
• Oct. 23 — Sounds of Southlands 2.0: Live music from Spinphony, drinks and a celebration 20 years in the making.
• Oct. 24 — Fall-O-Ween: Southlands’ annual fall festival closes anniversary week with trick-or-treating, festive activities and family fun.
Schedule and details are at shopsouthlands.com.