Things to Do in Aurora
Colorado's most diverse city — affordable, connected, and anchored by a world-class medical campus
Dining & Nightlife
- Breweries & Taprooms
- 10+ (Stanley Beer Hall, Dry Dock Brewing, Launch Pad Brewing, Ursula Brewery)
- Farmers Market
- Southlands Farmers Market (summer), Stanley Marketplace First Friday
Notable Restaurants
- Annette (Stanley Marketplace — James Beard semifinalist, wood-fired)
- Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen (Stanley Marketplace)
- Havana Street corridor — Ethiopian, Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican restaurants
- Comida (Stanley Marketplace — tacos and tequila)
Arts & Entertainment
- Community Center
- Aurora Cultural Arts District — theaters, galleries, community events
- Theater
- Aurora Fox Arts Center (historic Colfax corridor)
Annual Events
- Aurora Fest (summer)
- Global Fest (celebrating Aurora's diversity)
- Music at the Movies (outdoor cinema series)
- Party for Pollinators
- First Friday at Stanley Marketplace
Parks & Outdoors
- Cherry Creek State Park — 4,200 acres, 880-acre reservoir, 35 mi trails, boating, swimming beach, camping
- Aurora Reservoir — 820 acres, scuba diving, sailing, paddleboarding
- Toll Gate Creek Trail — 8+ miles connecting Aurora neighborhoods
- Triple Creek Trail — regional connector through south Aurora
- Plains Conservation Center — 1,100 acres of native prairie and outdoor education
Pet-Friendly Living
- Off-Leash Dog Parks
- Granby Dog Park, Horseshoe Dog Park, Cherry Creek State Park (leashed)
- Pet-Friendly Trails
- Cherry Creek Trail, Toll Gate Creek Trail, Aurora Reservoir trails
- Vet Clinics
- Multiple veterinary clinics including VCA, Banfield, and independent practices
FAQ — Aurora
What are the school ratings in Aurora?
Aurora is served by two very different districts. Cherry Creek School District (Niche A, #1 Best School District in Colorado 2026) covers south and southeast Aurora and includes Cherokee Trail HS (#19 Best Public HS in CO) and Grandview HS. Aurora Public Schools (Niche C+) serves central and north Aurora. Which district serves your address is the single biggest variable — always verify enrollment by address before buying.
What outdoor recreation is available in Aurora?
Aurora offers significant outdoor resources. Cherry Creek State Park spans 4,200 acres with an 880-acre reservoir, 35 miles of trails, boating, a swimming beach, and camping. Aurora Reservoir covers 820 acres and features scuba diving, sailing, and paddleboarding. The Toll Gate Creek Trail (8+ miles) and Triple Creek Trail provide connected neighborhood routes, and the Plains Conservation Center preserves 1,100 acres of native prairie.
What dining and brewery options are available in Aurora?
Aurora has a standout dining scene anchored by two hubs: • Stanley Marketplace — 50+ vendors including Annette (James Beard semifinalist, wood-fired), Rosenberg’s Bagels, and Comida (tacos and tequila) • Havana Street corridor — one of Colorado’s best international food corridors with Ethiopian, Korean, Vietnamese, and Mexican restaurants • 10+ breweries and taprooms including Stanley Beer Hall, Dry Dock Brewing, Launch Pad Brewing, and Ursula Brewery • Southlands Farmers Market (summer) and Stanley Marketplace First Friday round out the food scene.