May 14, 2026
Summer Concerts, Kids’ Night Out and the MURPH Challenge!
May is packed with things to do in and around Parker through Memorial Day, and this month’s lineup brings something for everyone at Looking Glass. Whether you’re hunting for fresh finds at the farmers markets, catching live music under the Colorado sky, or treating the family to a night of world-class performances, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season. Here’s your guide to the best local events in Parker coming up this weekend.
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, May 14
KID’S NIGHT AT THE HIVE
Drop off the kids for an action-packed evening of crafts, games, tech challenges, and movie time at The Hive Community Center! Each month brings a fresh mix of hands-on activities designed to keep kids engaged and inspired while parents enjoy a well-earned break. Pizza, snacks, and all materials are included — no need to bring a thing.
The Hive Community Center, 12365 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker
Tickets: $30/first child, $20/each additional sibling
TOMORROW, Friday, May 15
SHAUN JOHNSON: BIG KID STAND UP TOUR
Comedian Shaun Johnson brings his brand-new stand-up tour to Parker for a night of clean, hilarious fun! The creator of The Johnson Files delivers a one-man show packed with jokes, stories, and songs that the whole family can enjoy. Grab your tickets early — this one is sure to sell out.
CODE NINJAS CASTLE ROCK ~ PARENT’S NIGHT OUT
Drop your kids (ages 5–14) at Code Ninjas Castle Rock for a safe, fun-filled game night while you enjoy a well-earned evening to yourself! Senseis lead the action with pizza, wings, movies, Minecraft, Roblox, Nintendo Switch, VR, and board games all night long. Registration is required — spots fill fast.
Code Ninjas Castle Rock, 3855 Ambrosia St., Suite 102, Castle Rock
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $39 – $59
THIRD FRIDAYS ON SANTA FE
Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe throws open its gallery doors for Third Friday Collector’s Night, a year-round tradition where dozens of galleries stay open late for opening receptions, artist talks, and plenty of art. You’ll often get the chance to meet the artists in person — making it one of the best free nights out in the metro area. There’s something for the collector in everyone!
Art District on Santa Fe, 525 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE admission; prices vary by gallery
Saturday, May 16
2ND ANNUAL PRAIRIE BLOOMS GARDENING EVENT
Get your hands in the dirt at this free, learn-by-doing gardening day featuring local experts who know the prairie way! Explore a new Native Plant Demonstration Garden, discover water-wise and pollinator-friendly plants, and take home fun projects just in time for Mother’s Day weekend. Parking is limited, so sign up early.
LITTLE WINGS: PLANE SPOTTING
Watch your child’s curiosity take flight at this hands-on aviation program at Centennial Airport! Participants learn about airplane parts, how airports operate, and tarmac safety — then head outside to spot real planes taking off and landing. Doors open at 10:00 a.m.; the program begins promptly at 10:15 a.m.
Exploration of Flight, Centennial Airport, Englewood
10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tickets: Prices vary; Wings Members receive 50% off
MUDRA DANCE STUDIO PRESENTS UTSAV 18…A CELEBRATION
Mudra Dance Studio returns with their 37th original production, blending classical, folk, and contemporary Indian dance styles in a spectacular showcase of diversity and culture. Featuring 80+ dancers and drummers — including the Mudra Taiko Ensemble performing original compositions — this is a performance not to be missed. Celebrate 32 years of this beloved nonprofit with the whole family.
AN EVENING WITH NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR JACK CARR
Join Douglas County Libraries for an intimate evening with thriller author Jack Carr, discussing his latest novel The Fourth Option in conversation with KOA’s Ross Kaminsky. General Admission includes a pre-signed hardcover copy of the book, a seat for the presentation, and a spot in the photo line. Coffee, tea, and dessert bites will be provided; book sales on-site by Books Are Awesome.
DCSD Legacy Campus, Lone Tree
5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35 General Admission / $20 Companion (available only with GA purchase)
DENVER SUMMIT FC VS. ORLANDO PRIDE
Cheer on Denver Summit FC as they take on the Orlando Pride in an exciting home matchup at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park! Grab the family and soak up the energy of a live professional soccer game just a short drive from Parker. Check the team’s website for the full season schedule.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City
6:45 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $31
Sunday, May 17
PARKER FARMERS MARKET
Parker’s favorite Sunday tradition is back! With over 100 vendors offering local produce, meats, dairy, food trucks, artwork, and home and body products, the Parker Farmers Market is the place to be on Sunday mornings all season long. Running every Sunday from Mother’s Day through Halloween — weather permitting. No market on June 14.
Downtown Parker, 19565 Mainstreet, Parker
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE admission; prices vary by vendor
MYTHICAL STORYTIME WITH FANTASY FRIENDS
Every Sunday at The Audacious Space, a mythical creature steps out of legend to read to young listeners in this wonderfully imaginative storytime series! Kids ages 3–8 discover international folklore, meet surprise puppet creature guests, and share a cozy, interactive moment of wonder. Story time is free to attend — just show up and let the magic begin.
The Audacious Space, 1343 N Grant St., Denver
12:30 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
PASSPORT TO CULTURE: “EXCURSIONS” WITH CLEO II
Vibrant, powerful, and passionate, Cleo II takes the Lone Tree Arts Center stage with “Excursions” — a journey of discovery through movement and dance. The performance features excerpts from Rhapsody in Black, a work celebrating the significance of Black American culture in Paris during the early-to-mid twentieth century. Each child attendee receives a special Passport — collect eight stickers across Passport to Culture performances and redeem for a free future ticket!
Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $9
Wednesday, May 20
SEEDLINGS – MUSICAL GARDEN
Denver Botanic Gardens’ beloved Seedlings program invites young children to explore the sounds of nature and the music of plants in a hands-on, interactive class! Sessions include stories, nature walks, and art projects both indoors and outdoors. The May 20 session is designed for ages 3–6; check the Botanic Gardens website for the full age-group schedule.
Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver
9:15 – 11:15 a.m. (two sessions: 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.)
Tickets: $13/child (nonmember), $11/child (member); one adult per child admitted free
Friday, May 22
PARKER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: CELEBRATING AMERICA
Just days before Memorial Day and weeks from the nation’s 250th birthday, the Parker Symphony Orchestra closes its season with a stirring tribute to America and its military heroes. Featuring works by Aaron Copland, John Philip Sousa, John Williams, and Colorado native Chris Pilsner, this patriotic finale includes vocalists from the Parker Chorale. A moving, can’t-miss evening for all ages.
MOVIE AT THE SYMPHONY: STAR WARS – RETURN OF THE JEDI IN CONCERT
Experience the epic conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy like never before as the Colorado Symphony performs John Williams’ legendary score live while the film plays on the big screen. Watch Luke Skywalker, Leia, Han, and the full Rebel Fleet take on the Empire in the ultimate cinematic concert experience. Stay for the credits — you’ll be glad you did!
Saturday, May 23
ROCK THE MOUNTAIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Kick off summer the right way with free live music at the Outlets at Castle Rock! The Rock the Mountain Summer Weekend Concert Series runs all season long, with bands performing every weekend from 3:00–6:00 p.m. against a stunning mountain backdrop. May 23 features Ryan Dart (Rock/Acoustic) and May 24 brings LEE & Co. (Acoustic/Pop) — a perfect weekend double-feature.
BACKYARD BEATS AT SWEETWATER PARK
This free community concert is all about good music, great food, and neighborhood connection in Lone Tree’s own backyard! Enjoy performances from national and regional acts, and join the Southern Street Eats food truck showdown — this year’s theme is mouth-watering BBQ. A $15 tasting pass gets you samples from every competing truck plus a People’s Choice vote to help crown the winner.
Sweetwater Park, 8300-1/2 Sweetwater Rd., Lone Tree
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE concert; BBQ Sampler $15
CASTLE ROCK BAND FREE FAMILY CONCERT
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a free outdoor concert from the Castle Rock Band at Festival Park! Pull up a chair or spread out a blanket and enjoy a community evening of live music under the Colorado sky. A perfect way to honor the holiday with family and friends.
Sunday, May 24
FESTIVAL PARK FARMERS MARKET
Castle Rock’s beloved outdoor market opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend! Every Sunday through mid-October, Festival Park fills with seasonal produce, local vendors, and the best of Colorado’s food and artisan community. Grab your reusable bags and make it a weekly ritual all summer long.
Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
MEMORIAL DAY, Monday, May 25
BOLDER-BOULDER 2026
One of Colorado’s most beloved running traditions, the BOLDERBoulder 10K returns to the streets of Boulder for another spectacular Memorial Day race! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or lining the course to cheer on friends and family, this iconic event is a Colorado bucket-list experience. Register early and join thousands of runners for a morning you won’t forget.
MURPH MEMORIAL DAY CHALLENGE
Honor Memorial Day with the legendary Murph Challenge — a demanding but deeply meaningful workout dedicated to Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael Murphy. Head to the Parker Recreation Center and take on this iconic hero WOD alongside your community as a tribute to the men and women who gave everything in service to our country. Visit the link below to register and find full event details.
Wednesday, May 27
THE IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY®
Running May 27 through July 26 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, The Improvised Shakespeare Company® delivers a completely spontaneous evening of Shakespearean comedy — no scripts, no rehearsal, no plan. Based on a single audience-suggested title, the cast conjures a fully improvised masterpiece right before your eyes, in the language and spirit of the Bard himself. If you’re wondering where the story is going…so are they!
Denver Center for the Performing Arts – Garner Galleria Theatre, 1101 13th St., Denver
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $62
COME HOME TO LOOKING GLASS
As summer rolls in, Looking Glass in Parker is the perfect place to put down roots and embrace everything Colorado has to offer. With homes from Richmond American Homes and Dream Finders and access to top-rated schools, scenic trails, and beautiful parks right outside your door, life here is as vibrant as the season.