Photo by Philip B. Poston/Sentinel Colorado
AURORA | Fall rarely comes to the metro area. Get out and make the most of it. Colorado Front Range weather is notoriously a flick-of-the-switch from summer to winter. Not this weekend. Sunny and warm, but not hot. What to do? Walk. The Aurora Cultural Arts District First Friday Arts and Gallery Walk starts Friday at 5 p.m. But Aurora and the metro area are ripe with a full fall harvest of theater, music and more, inside and out. Scroll down for your top picks.
ACAD First Friday Visual Arts and Gallery Walk
The Aurora Cultural Arts District hosts its monthly community art walk featuring visual art exhibitions, live artist demonstrations, and open gallery hours along the East Colfax corridor. Visitors can explore local artisan displays, meet resident creators, and enjoy light refreshments while visiting gallery spaces, studios, and partner venues throughout the arts district.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Oct. 2, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Place: Aurora Cultural Arts District, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. and the area.
Tickets: Free admission
Information: auroraculturalartsdistrict.org or 303-344-2408
“Machinal” at The People’s Building
Presented by the Miscreant Theater Collective, Sophie Treadwell’s landmark expressionist drama from 1928 receives a modern adaptation directed by Paul Wells. Inspired by real-life events, the play follows a young woman trapped in a mechanized, male-dominated society as she navigates an unwanted marriage, workplace alienation, and societal pressures. Treadwell’s classic explores themes of bodily autonomy, gender expectations, technology, and individual freedom in an increasingly automated world.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Oct. 4 Performances are Sept. 24, 26, 27, and Oct. 1, 2, 3, 4
Place: The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $29 with a Pay-What-You-Can performance on Sept. 27
Information: www.miscreanttheatre.org or call 720-819-6680
“The Tempest” at Denver Center for the Performing Arts
William Shakespeare’s classic tale of enchantment, betrayal, and reconciliation comes to life in a vivid new production directed by Chris Coleman. Stranded on a remote island after a forced exile, the sorceress Prospera uses magical arts to conjure a storm that shipwrecks her former enemies. As revenge turns toward reflection, the story navigates themes of forgiveness, illusion, and human nature through staging, soundscapes, and theatrical craft.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Opens Oct. 2; performances run through Nov. 1
Place: Kilstrom Theatre in the Denver Center Complex at 14th and Curtis Streets
Tickets: $35–$95
Information: denvercenter.org or 303-893-4100
Opening Gala for “DIVA” at Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum launches its landmark exhibition “DIVA” with an opening celebration featuring gallery previews, curator talks, live entertainment, and cocktail receptions. The exhibition traces the history and influence of iconic performers across music, theater, and cinema through high-fashion costumes, photography, original stage designs, and historic archival media.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Oct. 2, 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Exhibit runs through Jan. 31, 2027.
Place: Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
Tickets: Special Event Ticketing $150–$300 for the gala. Tickets for the exhibit during the run are $5-$39.
Information: denverartmuseum.org or 720-865-5000
Prairie Harvest Fest at High Prairie Park
A regional celebration of autumnal culture, fall music, and local craftsmanship set outdoors in eastern Aurora. The festival features live acoustic performances from local musicians, artisan vendor booths, seasonal culinary offerings, dynamic art installations, and family activities throughout the park lawn.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Oct. 3, starts at 10 a.m.)
Place: High Prairie Park at Painted Prairie, 21900 E. 56th Ave.
Tickets: Free admission
Information: lifeatpaintedprairie.com or 303-344-5858
One Night Stand Theater: “Bad Theater Night”
One Night Stand Theater presents a stage reading performance dedicated to the hilarious world of theatrical catastrophes. Featuring short original plays, essays, and monologue-driven stories, the production spotlights backstage debacles, missed cues, runaway props, and the chaos that occurs when live theater goes off the rails.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Place: Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.
Tickets: $10
Information: onenightstandtheater.org or 303-361-2910
“The Snowy Day & Other Stories” at PACE Center
Childsplay Theatre brings Ezra Jack Keats’ beloved children’s book characters to life in a stage adaptation using innovative shadow puppetry, live acting, and colorful visual design. The production weaves together several classic tales, following young Peter as he explores his snow-covered neighborhood, discovers the wonders of winter, and learns about friendship and growing up.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Place: PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave.
Tickets: $14–$22
Information: parkerarts.org or 303-805-6800
“Always… Patsy Cline” at Lone Tree Arts Center
Ted Swindley’s musical play recounts the true friendship between country music legend Patsy Cline and her devoted fan Louise Seger. Featuring a live backing band, the production includes 27 classic hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” and “Walking After Midnight,” combining heart, vocal performances, and comedic storytelling.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Opens Oct. 8; performances run through Oct. 25
Place: Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, CO 80124
Tickets: $38–$65
Information: lonetreeartscenter.org or 720-509-1000
Fox Flix: “Hocus Pocus” Live Screening and Organ Preshow
The Aurora Fox Arts Center hosts a community cinema event featuring a screening of the 1993 Halloween classic film. The event opens with live organ accompaniment and atmospheric pre-show music, welcoming families, film fans, and costume-clad attendees to kick off the October spooky season.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Oct. 10, 2 p.m.
Place: Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $8–$12
Information: aurorafoxartscenter.org or 303-739-1970
SCFD Free Access Day at Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum offers cost-free general admission to its galleries and collection spaces, funded by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Visitors can explore global art installations, interactive studio spaces, and permanent collections spanning indigenous American art, contemporary design, and classic Western artwork.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Place: Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
Tickets: Free admission (advance online registration recommended)
Information: denverartmuseum.org or 720-865-5000
FDR’s Very Happy Hour at Ellie Caulkins Opera House
An immersive comedic theater piece produced by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Set in an intimate cocktail lounge setting, the play transports audiences to the 1930s, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt hosts an evening of music, political wit, secret history, and period-appropriate drinks.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Opens Oct. 14; performances run through Nov. 1
Place: The Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1400 Curtis St.
Tickets: $45–$60
Information: denvercenter.org or 303-893-4100
”Bad Theater Night” Hosted by One Night Stand Theater at Vintage Theatre
One Night Stand Theater presents an evening dedicated to celebrating dramatic misfires, theatrical satire, and comedic parodies. Featuring a troupe of local actors performing short comedic scripts, spoof monologues, and intentional stage disaster sketches, the show offers a lighthearted parody of traditional theater.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Place: Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.
Tickets: $12
Information: vintagetheatre.org or 303-856-7830
“Feeding Beatrice” at Aurora Fox Arts Center
Playwright Kirsten Greenidge’s chilling horror-drama makes its Colorado premiere in this haunting, thought-provoking narrative. The story centers on June and Marcus, a Black couple who buy a sprawling suburban home with dreams of settling down, only to encounter Beatrice — an eerie, ravenous ghost living in their house who demands to be fed. What begins as an unsettling domestic disturbance quickly deepens into a rich allegory about gentrification, systemic race relations, social obligations, and the historical debt owed to previous generations. Blending spine-tingling suspense with sharp social commentary, the production challenges the audience to consider what price must be paid to achieve the American Dream.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Previews Oct. 1; opens Oct. 2; performances run through Nov. 1
Place: Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $17–$45
Information: www.aurorafoxartscenter.or or 303-739-1970
“The Wild Party” at The Storyteller Space
Presented by The Storyteller, this immersive musical set in the roaring 1920s delves into the dark side of the Jazz Age. The story follows Queenie and Burrs, a vaudeville dancer and a clown, whose turbulent relationship erupts over the course of one night during a decadent, prohibition-era party in their Manhattan apartment. As drinks flow and dynamic guests arrive, long-buried jealousies, obsession, and hidden desires boil over to a dramatic conclusion.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Oct. 3 with shows on Oct. 2, 3
Place: The Storyteller Venue, 9905 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $25–$35
Information: www.auroraculturalartsdistrict.org or 562-235-4106
Tish Hinojosa in Concert at Swallow Hill Music
Singer-songwriter Tish Hinojosa presents an evening of folk and Americana acoustic music rooted in Mexican-American heritage. Singing in both English and Spanish, Hinojosa blends traditional Mexican corridos, folk-pop, and country balladry with lyrics focusing on cultural history, family heritage, and personal journeys.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m.
Place: Swallow Hill Music at the Tuft Theatre, 71 E. Yale Ave.
Tickets: $26–$32
Information: swallowhillmusic.org or 303-777-1003
Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” at Vintage Theatre
Kick off Vintage Theatre’s 26th anniversary season with their 200th mainstage production, Mel Brooks’ classic musical hit “The Producers”. Directed by Bernie Cardell, this hilarious, Tony Award-winning show follows down-on-his-luck Broadway producer Max Bialystock and his timid accountant Leo Bloom as they scheme to get rich by producing the biggest flop in Broadway history. Filled with eccentric characters, show-stopping musical numbers, and Brooks’ signature irreverent humor, it offers a big-budget theatrical experience right in Aurora’s arts district.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Oct. 11
Place: Vintage Theatre Main Stage, 1468 Dayton St.
Tickets: $24–$42
Information: vintagetheatre.org or call 03-856-7830
“Destiny of Desire: A Telenovela Play with Music” at Wolf Theatre
Karen Zacarías’ smart, fast-paced comedy brings the dramatic flair, romance, and plot twists of a classic Latin American telenovela to the stage. Set on a stormy night in Mexico, two newborn baby girls are swapped at birth—one born to rich aristocrats, the other to a poor working-class family. Eighteen years later, their lives cross paths in a high-energy explosion of live music, dance, comedic melodrama, and social commentary.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Oct. 4, 2026
Place: Wolf Theatre at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 14th and Curtis streets.
Tickets: $35–$95
Information: denvercenter.org or call 303-893-4100
“Hold Onto Your Butts” at Garner Galleria Theatre
A frantic, live-performed parody of the classic 1993 dinosaur blockbuster, “Hold Onto Your Butts” features two actors playing dozens of characters alongside a live Foley sound artist. Using simple props, physical comedy, and lightning-fast quick-changes, the performers recreate the iconic movie beat-for-beat in an affectionate, laugh-out-loud tribute.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Oct. 4
Place: Garner Galleria Theatre, 14th and Curtis St.
Tickets: $30–$55
Information: denvercenter.org or call 303-893-4100
“Misery” at Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Adapted by William Goldman from Stephen King’s bestselling novel, this psychological thriller follows romance author Paul Sheldon as he recovers from a devastating car crash. Rescued by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, Paul finds himself captive in her remote home after she discovers he killed off her favorite character. Forced to write a new novel under suspenseful duress, Paul must fight for survival in a high-stakes battle of wits.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Oct. 11, 2026
Place: Arvada Center Main Stage Theatre, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd.
Tickets: Starting at $60
Information: arvadacenter.org or 720-898-7200
”Almost Heaven: Songs of John Denver” at Town Hall Arts Center
This musical revue celebrates the life and music of American singer-songwriter John Denver. Featuring a live band and an ensemble of performers, the show weaves together over two dozen of Denver’s iconic tunes—including “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders”—interwoven with personal letters and historical context.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Oct. 24, 2026
Place: Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 West Main St.
Tickets: $41–$59
Information: townhallartscenter.org or 303-794-2787
“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
“pARTy: Celebrating 50 Years” at Arvada Center Galleries
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Arvada Center’s exhibition program, this immersive art event transforms the main galleries into a space for play, optimism, and community engagement. Featuring original interactive installations and works from over 20 regional artists—including Koko Bayer, Moe Gram, and Phil Bender—visitors are encouraged to actively engage with the art rather than view it passively.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Nov. 8. An opening reception is scheduled for Sept. 10, 6p.m.–9 p.m.
Place: Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities Main Gallery, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd.
Tickets: Free and open to the public
Information: arvadacenter.org or call 720-898-7200
“Storytellers: The Blackfeet Nation and Charles M. Russell” at Denver Art Museum
This major visual arts exhibition examines the creative interactions and artistic dialogue between Western painter Charles M. Russell and members of the Blackfeet Nation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The gallery combines Russell’s paintings with historic and contemporary Blackfeet beadwork, quillwork, and paintings to present a multi-voiced look at cultural storytelling and artistic influence.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Through Jan. 24, 2027
Place: Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway
Tickets: $15–$22 (Free for museum members and youth 18 & under)
Information: denverartmuseum.org or call 720-865-5000