AURORA | Whether your plans for this week include an episode of playing hooky from work, household chores are a bona fide week of stay-cation, summer is heating up with seasonal fests and fun. Check out these possibilities over the next week.
Art in the Park food and market series at the Aurora Highlands
A fusion of art, shopping food and community are slated for July 5 at Winged Melody Park as part of a free market in the park series.
Participants are invited explore other pieces in the huge, open-air gallery of large-art installations across the park, including “Broken but Together” by Michael Benisty and “The Only Way Out is Through” by Snyder and Olivia Steele.
“Pack your blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers,” organizers say. “Everyone is welcome to bring their own food and drinks, or get treats from nearby food trucks.” This week’s vendors include: The Progressive Pantry, Hooked by Shan, Korf Kreations, Mamas Money My Treats, La Bloom, Corf Coffee Mobile, StephanieH TupperAdvantage, Snowy Leopard Art, Natural Cottage Pantry, Blizzful Beech, Jordan Crafts Co, Mouna’s Boutique.
IF YOU GO:
Date: July 5, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m..
Place: Winged Melody Park at Highlands Creek, 24495 E 35th Drive in the Aurora Highlands
Tickets: Free
Details: theaurorahighlands.com
Patriotic salute to tunes, brews and fireworks
The Symphony of the Rockies will headline a star-spangled night of music, food and fireworks at Breckenridge Brewery July 3, offering an early start to Independence Day celebrations, this time in Littleton.
The concert, set for 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the brewery’s Farm House Beer Garden, will feature patriotic favorites including Stars and Stripes Forever and the 1812 Overture. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display — weather and fire conditions permitting.
Breckenridge Brewery will serve food and drinks from its bar and food truck throughout the event. Outside food and beverages are not allowed. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets for seating; seniors and disabled guests may bring chairs.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and at 7 p.m. for general admission. General admission prices are $40 for adults, $34 for seniors, $20 for students, and $13 for children 12 and under. Children under 2 are free.
VIP table tickets, which include seating for up to eight guests and dedicated food and beverage service, are available for $475. No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather or cancellation of the fireworks due to drought restrictions.
Organizers advise guests to bring ponchos if rain is in the forecast.
IF YOU GO
Date 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. July 3.
Breckenridge Brewery Littleton. 2990 Brewery Lane
Details and tickets: symphonyrockies.org
City of Aurora July 4 fireworks festival
Live music, shopping and a diverse sampling of Colorado cuisine will be offered up at the Aurora Municipal Complex ahead of the city’s fireworks show starting at 6:30 p.m. July 4.
Tunes from Ninety Percent 90s, followed by Starling Circus Acts and ending with Groove ‘N Motion will fill the night air before it all gets real with one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the region at 9:30 p.m.
Members of the public will be able to park on a first-come, first-served basis in the public surface lots adjacent to the complex. Available parking will be indicated using signs. For those who can’t or don’t want to drive, the Regional Transportation District R-Line light rail train also stops a few blocks away at the Aurora Metro Station.
The city on its website advises attendees not to bring glass bottles, outside alcoholic beverages, unauthorized speakers or any animals besides service animals.
Participants can bring their own food, blankets, chairs and non-alcoholic drinks, or treat themselves from variety of food trucks.
For questions or to request help or accommodations as a person with disabilities, members of the public can call 303-739-7170.
IF YOU GO
Where: City of Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, limited on-site parking. Follow the signs.
When: Venue opens at 6 p.m. Live music starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: The event is free
Details: AuroraGov.org/Events
Renaissance Fest in Larkspur
Step beyond the castle gates and into a world of kings and queens, knights and jousts, jesters, witches and wandering minstrels as the Colorado Renaissance Festival returns to Larkspur for its 48th season.
Nestled within towering castle walls, this beloved summer tradition transforms a forested hillside into a bustling village, where the clang of swords, the scent of roasted turkey legs and the melodies of lute music fill the air.
This year’s event promises both beloved traditions and exciting new additions. Kristy Ekiss, operations manager and performer, said among the headliners is Adam Crack, a Guinness World Record-holding whip artist, who will perform during the festival’s first three weekends.
New artists will also join the bustling artisan marketplace, including a stained glass creator, a permanent jewelry booth and talented graphic artists.
“I think people enjoy getting away from digital entertainment and stepping into a 360 theatrical experience,” Ekiss said.
Additionally, she said the Colorado Renaissance Festival is known for its fully immersive environment, where every visitor becomes part of the show. The cast is a highlight for many, renowned for being one of the most interactive festivals around.
“We are known for having one of the friendliest and most interactive casts in the country. Look for them throughout the day in the lanes and enjoy the small one-on-one interactions just as much as the big, impressive stage shows,” Ekiss said.
Tens of thousands of attendees are expected to visit the festival throughout the summer, drawn by the mix of entertainment, shopping, food and fantasy.
“I also play the Queen on the weekends, and my favorite part is meeting the children and making them smile — especially at Royal Teatime,” Ekiss said. “I think the little moments can be just as magical as the big ones.”
As the Colorado Renaissance Festival celebrates nearly five decades as part of the state’s summer traditions, organizers are excited to welcome back returning guests and first-timers alike.
“We are honored to be celebrating 48 seasons as a part of the Colorado community and can’t wait to see everyone,” Ekiss said.
IF YOU GO:
Where: 650 Perry Park Ave in Larkspur
When: Weekends only through Aug. 3
Tickets and Details: $14-$32 at coloradorenaissance.com or call 303-688-6010
City Park Jazz returns 10 free concerts on Sundays through August
City Park Jazz will launch its 39th annual summer concert series June 1, bringing 10 weeks of free Sunday evening performances to the City Park Pavilion through Aug. 3.
The 2025 lineup celebrates the diversity of jazz and features an all-local roster, including returning favorites Chris Daniels and The Kings with Freddy Gowdy, ATOMGA, Dzirae Gold, and Buckner Funken Jazz. The series will also showcase internationally recognized Zimbabwean percussionist Blessing Bled Chimanga and a tribute to late Denver jazz pianist Neil Bridge featuring The Bridge 12 and his wife, Karen.
This year’s season finale on Aug. 3 will start at 5:30 p.m. and feature a three-hour “Brass Band Extravaganza” with performances by Colorado Youth Bands Brass Band, Rowdy Brass Band, Tivoli Club Brass Band and Guerilla Fanfare.
Concerts run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays and attract crowds of up to 12,000 people. The family-friendly events include a curated selection of vendors and food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and refillable containers for filtered water, while adhering to Denver park rules prohibiting glass.
IF YOU GO:
Buckner Funken Jazz: July 6, Chris Daniels & The Kings w/Freddy Gowdy; July 13, Better Sensory Perception; July 20, Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra; July 27, Dzirae Gold; Aug. 3: Brass Band Extravaganza Featuring:
Colorado Youth Bands Brass Band, Rowdy Brass Band Tivoli Club Brass Band and. Guerilla Fanfare
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Denver City Park Pavillion: 2001 Steele St,
Details:: CityParkJazz.org