AURORA | Come on, get yourself a little of the real life in Aurora this weekend. No fantasy about it, ride an Uber or whatever landslide can get you to Gateway High School Saturday or Sunday for “Bohemian Rhapsody: Arts for a Better Tomorrow” with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra. Any way the wind blows, or the symphony sways, the event promises to be an easy come, easy go selection of Queen, Puccini, Straus and some pieces far more current. Too high-low for you? Scroll down for fun and frills near and far, across the weekend and throughout the rest of the month.
“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
“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
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
“The Muppet Movie” at Aurora Fox Arts Center
Jim Henson’s beloved musical comedy returns to the big screen in this family-friendly screening as part of the Aurora Fox’s Fox Flix series. Featuring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and the rest of the Muppets, the film follows the troupe’s cross-country journey to Hollywood, blending comedy, music and heartwarming adventure. Packed with memorable songs and celebrity cameos, the classic film remains a celebration of creativity, friendship and show business dreams.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 16, 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
Place: Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $5
Information: www.aurorafoxartscenter.org or 303-739-1970
“Ain’t Nothing But the Blues”
This acclaimed musical revue traces the evolution of the blues from Africa to the American South and beyond through a dynamic collection of songs and stories. Featuring music made famous by legendary blues artists, the production celebrates the genre’s enduring emotional power and influence on American music history.
IF YOU GO:
Date: Opens May 22 – June 21. Friday and Saturday curtains at 7:30 p.m. Sunday curtains at 2:30 p.m.
Place: Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.
Tickets: $20-$39
Information: www.vintagetheatre.org or call 303-856-7830
“Chosen Family” with Denver Rock Orchestra at The People’s Building
The Denver Rock Orchestra presents a Pride-themed concert celebrating identity, acceptance and community through symphonic rock arrangements. The program features music by artists including Lady Gaga, Chappell Roan and Queen, performed with a full orchestral twist in Aurora’s historic People’s Building.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 29–May 30, 7:30 p.m.
Place: The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: $20-$25
Information: www.thepeoplesbuilding.com or 720-476-8888
“Miscast 2026” at Roaming Gnome Theatre
This inventive theatrical showcase turns traditional casting expectations upside down, inviting performers to sing songs and perform roles they would not typically be cast to play. The annual event celebrates creativity, inclusivity and unexpected artistic interpretation in a lively cabaret-style format.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 29 and Amy 30, 7 p.m.
Place: Roaming Gnome Theatre, Aurora Cultural Arts District
Tickets: $10-$15
Information: www.auroraculturalartsdistrict.org or 720-819-6680
“Jazz Jam” at Cerebral Aurora Arts
Musicians of all ages and experience levels are invited to participate in this community-centered jazz session celebrating improvisation and collaboration. Hosted at Cerebral Aurora Arts, the event creates an inclusive environment where emerging and seasoned performers can share the stage and explore jazz traditions together.
IF YOU GO:
Date: May 31, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Place: Cerebral Aurora Arts at Cerebral Brewing, 9990 E Colfax Ave.
Tickets: Free
Information: cerebralbrewing.com/ or 720-819-6680