Things to Do in Aurora
Colorado's third-largest city, affordable, connected, and anchored by the Anschutz Medical Campus
Dining & Nightlife
- Breweries & Taprooms
- 10+
- 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 (citywide cultural festival)
- 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
Common QuestionsFAQ, 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.