Katy Perry, Cirque du Soleil and Fireworks!

Oh, beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain! It’s America’s birthday this week and there are plenty of things to do in Parker and nearby – with family, friends and neighbors! Plus, Katy Perry’s coming to town, along with everybody’s favorite aerial acrobats – Cirque du Soleil! he master-planned community of Looking Glass/Parker is minutes away from outdoor festivals, celebrations and makers’ markets! 

TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, July 3

ELITCH GARDENS SALE!

Elitch Gardens is Colorado’s only world-class combination theme and water park. Take advantage of this limited time offer and enjoy all the rides, slides and special events the park has to offer! Save up to 50% on Day Tickets and Season Passes today to ensure you don’t miss a thing. Ends July 4. 

Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver

Opens at 10:30 a.m.

Tickets

KIDS’ ZONE: HOORAY FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY


Come and celebrate everything red, white, and blue! Little patriots will make crafts, sing songs, and learn about the good old USA in this festive, hands-on holiday event just for ages 3–6.


Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E. Lincoln Ave., Parker
10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Tickets: Parker Resident: $26 | Non-Resident: $29

SONGS OF SOUTHLANDS: JEWEL AND THE ROUGH

Jewel and the Rough is one of the most popular Denver dance bands performing music from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s! Playing R&B, Yacht Rock, Pop, and current dance tunes plus a little bit of country, the band is comprised of six distinctively talented personalities and provide a commanding and dynamic live entertainment experience. From Prince to Dua Lipa, to Lizzo and Guns N’ Roses, with Jewel & The Rough you get it all…and then some!

Southlands Mall, Town Square, Main Street, Aurora

6:00-8:00 p.m.

FREE!

DISCOVERY PARK: THUMPIN’

Since their inception in 2011, Thumpin’ has become one of the most popular bands on the Denver music scene. Thumpin’ draws enthusiastic crowds and has amassed a loyal following with music that moves the body and soul. The two energetic lead vocalists with a tight rhythm and horn section, offer pristine vocal harmonies, and a repertoire of songs that spans six decades of funk, soul, and R&B. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a mini concert packed with recognizable songs in the great outdoors!

Discovery Park, 20115 E. Mainstreet, Parker

6:30 p.m.

Tickets: FREE

Friday, July 4

REMEMBERING TIME

The Association of International Champions presents Remembering Time! Featuring an amazing 11 Active Champion Barbershop Quartets – plus performances from the 25th and 50th Anniversary champs! Experience this unique a cappella style at its finest from the most Champion Quartets ever assembled for a Single Show. Including a special 75th anniversary tribute to the most famous Champion Quartet – from the original Music Man, The Buffalo Bills! A once in a lifetime experience filled with rich harmonies and breathtaking performances. 

Buell Theatre, DCPA 14th and Curtis Streets, Denver

7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Start at $37

JULY 4TH FIREWORKS SHOWS!

The Town of Parker and Audi Parker proudly present the annual remote-viewing July 4th Fireworks Show celebrating Independence Day!

Fireworks will launch at 9:30 p.m. from just north of Salisbury Park, weather permitting. The park will be open to the public that day, but there will be no additional services or activities and only limited parking available (300 paved spaces) on a first-come, first-served basis.

The large grass lots used in prior years will not be available for parking in 2025.

While on-site parking will be limited select public parks that may provide good views of the display include Bar CCC Park, McCabe Meadows, Stroh Soccer Field and Tallman Meadow Park, as well as the Cherry Creek Trail. Check out the town’s Viewing Locations Map for suggested public viewing and parking location options.

Town of Parker Fireworks Show, 11920 N. Motsenbocker Dr., Parker

9:30 p.m.

Remote Viewing Locations

Info: 303-805-3380

Friday-Sunday, July 4-6

CHERRY CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL

Cherry Creek Art Festival

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival will showcase 240 talented exhibitors at a world-class celebration known for its excellence and accolades. The festival offers a perfect opportunity to find inspiration, connect with others through art, and expand your worldview. The annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival fills the streets of Cherry Creek North with 260 juried artists ready to share their talent with the world. Expect plenty of live music, kids’ activities, art, information about art education, food, and more. The festival is free but there are ticketed events to check out, too!

Cherry Creek North, 2nd Avenue and Clayton to Adams St., Denver

Fri./Sat., 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Tickets

Saturday, July 5

PARKER FARMERS MARKET

It’s the hottest place in Parker on a Sunday morning with over 100 vendors selling local produce, meats/dairy, food trucks, artwork, home/body products, and much more! Hosted by The Local Colorado, the Farmers Market in downtown Parker opens on Mother’s Day and runs every Sunday through October.

Downtown Parker, 19565 Mainstreet, Parker

8:00 a.m. (Sundays through October 26, weather permitting)

Tickets: Free Admission

Saturday-Sunday, July 5-6

ROCK OF AGES

Big hair, epic ballads, and all the ’80s rock anthems you love—Rock of Ages hits the PACE Center stage this summer! This jukebox musical is packed with glam, grit, and over-the-top fun, perfect for a night out with friends (recommended for ages 14+ due to adult themes).

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker

Sat., 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $40+

Sunday July 6

ROB SCHNEIDER LIVE

A household name and a bona-fide comedy star, Rob Schneider is well known for his trademark blend of character and comedic acting, and has become one of the most popular touring acts in comedy. Schneider created and stars in the Netflix docu-series Real Rob, which focuses on the day-to-day hijinks of Rob’s life. The series marks the first time any actor has ever written, produced, starred in, directed and financed an entire season of a television show.

Schneider first came to prominence on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, along with his SNL friends Adam Sandler, Tim Meadows, and David Spade. He starred in some of the top comedy features of the past 20 years including Grown UpsYou Don’t Mess With the ZohanBig Daddy, and The Waterboy. Rob also starred in the movie Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, which was the second highest grossing DVD in the US in 2000, along with The Hot Chick and The Animal. Rob is also a three-time Emmy winner as part of SNL’s writing staff. (Schneider will also appear at the Comedy Works downtown on Saturday, July 5.)

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village

5:00 p.m.

Tickets: $45-$55

Phone: 720-274-6800

NEXT WEEK: Monday, July 7

BIG BAND JAZZ!

Come here several songs with “Summer” in the title to fit the season’s sounds. For this special performance, vocalists Kat Ellis and Isaac Points join the Denver Jazz Orchestra singing charts by Frank Sinatra, Chicago, and George Gershwin. 

The Denver Jazz Orchestra is Denver’s premiere big band featuring 18 of Denver’s top musicians. For more than 15 years, the DJO has excited jazz fans throughout Colorado with its original sound and team of committed jazz musicians

Dazzle, The Arts Complex, 1080 14th St., Denver

7:00 p.m.

Tickets: Start at $20

Tuesday-Sunday, July 8-13

SOME LIKE IT HOT

Winner of 4 Tony Awards®, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes, and the Grammy Award® for Best Musical Theater Album, Some Like it Hot is “A Super-Sized, All-Out Song-And-Dance Spectacular!” – The New York Times
Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, Some Like it Hot is the “glorious, big, high-kicking” (Associated Press) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime.

Buell Theatre, DCPA 14th and Curtis Streets, Denver

7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Start at $47.20

Wednesday, July 9

MUSIC AT THE MOVIES

Music at the Movies will offer free concerts followed by family-friendly movies under the stars. About 30 minutes from Looking Glass in Parker (just north on Parker Rd.) enjoy music by Animal Farm and the movie IF (rated PG). This film by film by John Krasinski about a girl who can see imaginary friends (IFs) that have been left behind by their creators. The film features live-action and animation, and a star-studded voice cast of IFs. Bring your chairs and blankets!

Country Lane Park, 10099 E. Colorado Ave., Aurora

5:00 p.m. (Concert starts)

FREE

POP GOES THE MUSICAL THEATER

Get ready for a jukebox musical like you’ve never seen before! The plot doesn’t matter, but the high notes do. Join us for a cabaret that lovingly parodies the genre while belting bangers and breaking the fourth wall. No chart-topper is safe in this satirical spin on the jukebox craze. Featuring Erica Caruso with special guests. 

Vintage Theater, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora

7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Start at $24

Thursday, July 10

THAT EIGHTIES BAND!

Denver’s own That Eighties Band are one of the most popular 80s tribute bands in America, having performed over 2,000 concerts nationwide. Past clients include Google, Disney, and many more. They have been featured in numerous magazines, radio broadcasts, and television programs. CBS named them as the top cover band in Denver. Put on your best 80s look and come dance the night away with That Eighties Band!

Southlands Mall, Town Square, Main Street, Aurora

6:00-8:00 p.m.

FREE!

SUMMER CONCERT: HAND TURKEY

Formed during quarantine, Hand Turkey’s ongoing mission is to bring audiences high-energy, groove-centered tunes to get people movin! With an eclectic background ranging from jazz composition to musical theater, their sound is a fresh take on classic funk, soul, and pop.

They released their debut EP in May of 2022 and have been playing shows statewide since. Past performances include packed shows at the Globe Hall, the Aggie Theatre, The Mishawaka Amphitheater, and Cervantes Otherside.

Discovery Park, 20115 E. Mainstreet, Parker

6:30 p.m.

Tickets: FREE

KATY PERRY: LIFETIMES TOUR

Fresh off a split from her fiancé Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry will be singing for record crowds at the arena downtown. Katy started out singing in church as a child and rose to extraordinary popularity in 2008 with the release of “I Kissed a Girl,” a chart-topping hit around the world. She is renowned for her influence on pop music and participation as a judge on American Idol

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

7:00 p.m.

Tickets: Start at $103.50

Thursday-Saturday, July 10-12

NATE JACKSON

Nate Jackson has exploded as one of the fastest growing comedians through his viral content and remarkable engagement on TikTok, where he has amassed over 3 million followers and more than 500 million views globally. Jackson is a comedian, actor, writer, and digital creator who sells out comedy clubs and theatres across America.

Nate most recently booked a role in the upcoming feature Good Fortune directed by Aziz Ansari and was recurring on the hit NBC series Young Rock. Nate has appeared on Spirited, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Nick Cannon Presents Wild’N Out, All Def Comedy and Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City. Nate has appeared multiple times at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal and in 2019 Nate was named to the Time Out LA Top 10 Comedians to Watch List.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village

Thurs./Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Fri., 9:30 p.m.; Sat., 9:00 p.m.

Tickets: $40-$55

Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, July 11

TUNES ON THE TERRACE: DAN TYMINSKI

Throughout his 30+ year career, Tyminski has left his mark in every corner of modern music. His voice famously accompanies George Clooney’s performance of the Stanley Brothers’ classic song, “I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow,” in the film, Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? and his vocal collaboration with Swedish DJ Avicii on the song “Hey Brother” was a global smash, having been streamed more than a billion times to date. His diverse solo projects and years of work with Alison Krauss and Union Station have yielded troves of award-winning music. In recent years, Tyminski’s live shows with the Dan Tyminski Band have become bluegrass fan favorites and are regularly on the must-see lists among music fans of any genre.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree

7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Start at $45

Info: 720-509-1000

Saturday/Sunday, July 12-13

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: ECHO

Cirque du Soleil brings modern and surprising twists with ECHO, a story of connection, intention, and the bond between humans and the animal kingdom. 

When FUTURE and her best friend Ewai stumble upon an enigmatic CUBE, they set in motion a journey of life, discovery, hope, and empathy, quickly learning how their actions have the power to shape this world.

FUTURE, the protagonist, invites you into a fantasy world where she meets animal and human characters. Driven by the spirit of collaboration, they join forces to rebuild their planet little by little and create a better world.

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:00 & 4:30 p.m.

Tickets: Start at $64

Monday, July 14

soldiers WWII

LEARNING FROM HISTORY: MARSHALL PLAN

In the wake of World War II, the United States invested over $13 billion to help rebuild Western Europe. The Marshall Plan, as it came to be known, not only helped Europe and the world recover economically, but also served to strengthen post war alliances for the U.S., providing an important balance against Soviet power as the Cold War era began. Join Active Minds as we review this historic initiative and discuss its relevance in the world today.


Castle Rock Library, 100 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock
2:00-3:00 p.m.

Free
RSVP
303-791-7323 or www.dcl.org

LOTS TO LOVE IN LOOKING GLASS

If you’re considering a new home in Parker, swing by the beautiful model homes from D.R. Horton, Taylor Morrison, Dream Finders (and this fall, Richmond American Homes), in Looking Glass and find your perfect fit, With so many things to do nearby, Looking Glass is a great location for young and old, families and empty nesters. The master-planned community and its neighborhoods give you access to paths and parks, community connections and nearby recreation, entertainment and shopping. from the $600s.