As the air gets a wee bit crisp and the autumn season approaches, Aurora is gearing up for a series of exciting events that will bring the community together to celebrate culture, food, fun, and creativity. Here’s a summary of the must-attend happenings for September and October 2024.
Vail Octoberfest Lionshead • September 6-8 • Lionshead, Vail
Nestled in the European-inspired town of Vail and taking place over two weekends in Lionshead Village and Vail Village, the Vail Oktoberfest brings an international audience together to celebrate an authentic Bavarian festival. Clad in dirndls and lederhosen, Vail Oktoberfest attendees prost, polka dance and eat all weekend long.
Open-Air Market at Painted Prairie • September 7 • High Prairie Park
Discover some of Denver’s best crafters at our Saturday market in High Prairie Park. You’ll find fresh produce, baked goods, soaps, crafts, and much more. Grab breakfast at our on-site food and coffee trucks, browse the market for unique finds, and enjoy a relaxing summer morning at Painted Prairie. (Food trucks available 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Wine Walk • September 12 • Southlands
Indulge in a delightful evening featuring local wineries showcasing their best selections. Stroll through Southlands as you sip and savor exquisite wines paired with delicious bites from nearby restaurants.
Movie in the Park at Painted Prairie • September 13 • High Prairie Park
Bring your chairs and blankets to High Prairie Park and catch a two-fer featuring a couple of our favorite empowering icons. Encanto will start after sunset at 7 p.m., and Barbie will follow immediately after at 9 p.m. Come early starting at 6 p.m., and grab something to eat and drink from K’s Concessions and Mac ‘N Noodles food trucks!
Breckenridge Oktoberfest • September 13-15 • Downtown Breckenridge Colorado
The 28th annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest, presented by Breckenridge Brewery, will blend cherished traditions with exclusive collectible steins and the distinct flavors of Breckenridge Brewery.
Agricultural Festival • September 14 • Plains Conservation Center
Celebrate Aurora’s rich agricultural heritage at the Agricultural Festival. Families can enjoy educational activities, live demonstrations, farm animals, and local produce, making it a perfect day out for everyone.
Colfax Canvas • September 14 • Fletcher Plaza
Explore creative expressions at Colfax Canvas, where local artists showcase their talent through murals and street art. This festival celebrates the arts with interactive installations and performances highlighting Aurora’s cultural diversity.
A Taste of Home: Open House Tours • September 21 • Painted Prairie Models
Join us in our kitchens (and all of the other rooms) for a tasty tour of Painted Prairie’s 11 delectable models. Sample free bites at each builder, explore all they have to offer, and experience the true flavor of our discovery meets diversity community.
Aurora Mini-Con • September 23 • Aurora Municipal Center
A must for comic book lovers and pop culture enthusiasts! Aurora Mini-Con offers panels, vendors, cosplay contests, and guest appearances. Join fellow fans for a fantastic day filled with all things geeky.
Havana Street Global Night Market • September 28 • Leezakaya – Parking Lot
Dive into the flavors of the world at the Havana Street Global Night Market! This lively event features a variety of international food stalls, local artisans, and live entertainment. It’s a perfect way to experience global cultures without leaving Aurora.
Prairie Harvest Fest • October 5 • High Prairie Park at Painted Prairie
It’s our fifth year of celebrating all things fall at Painted Prairie. This year’s Prairie Harvest Fest is gearing up to be the biggest and best yet! Join in the fun with hayrides, a pumpkin patch, an open-air market, a ton of kids’ activities, and plenty of fun for adults and pets too!
Enter to win our Costume Contest and see if you will land some sweet prizes from the Gaylord of the Rockies. Don’t forget the food trucks are back bringing local favorite flavors from in and around Aurora. Prairie Harvest Fest is a perfect family outing to get you in the mood for fall family fun.
Freefall Bluegrass Festival • October 11-13 • International Bridge Vail Village
The 2nd annual Bluegrass Fest is a two-day family-friendly free event in the streets of Vail Village with food, drinks, kid activities, and all-day bluegrass music.
Treat Street • October 19 – 20 • Arapahoe County Fairgrounds
This family-friendly event is all about candy and fun! Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating in a safe environment, with a variety of booths and activities.
Fall-O-Ween • October 19 • Southlands
Combine the best of fall and Halloween in this fun-filled event packed with activities, games, and seasonal treats. Dress up in your favorite costume and join the celebration!
Fall Into Fun Festival • October 19 • Aurora Municipal Center
Families will love the wide array of activities at Fall Into Fun Festival, from arts and crafts to live entertainment. It’s the perfect way to brighten up your autumn days!
Boo N’ Brew Candy Crawl • October 26 • Town Center at Aurora
Sip on some craft brews while enjoying an evening of candy crawling! Perfect for adults looking to celebrate Halloween with a twist.
2024 Halloween on Havana Street • October 26 • Gardens on Havana
Get ready for a spooktacular evening filled with costume contests, trick-or-treating, and festive activities. This event is perfect for family fun and getting into the Halloween spirit!
Havana Street Global Night Market • October 26 • Leezakaya – Parking Lot
Missed it in September? Here’s another chance! The Havana Street Global Night Market returns for another round of global cuisine and cultural experiences.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on the fun throughout Colorado this September and October! Whether you love food and culture or just want to enjoy a beautiful fall day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Special thanks to Visit Aurora, GoBreck.com, and On Havana Street for assistance.
While we continue to make progress on the future Town Center at Painted Prairie, we are excited to see the growth and addition of services, retail, businesses, and restaurants popping up nearby. Take a look at our ultimate guide to “What’s Around Painted Prairie?” below.
From large grocery store chains to small specialty markets, there’s no one-size-fits-all-way to shop for food and sundries near Painted Prairie. Here you will find independently-owned international markets like Lagos International Market and Sisters Mart, and bigger stores like Natural Grocers, King Soopers, and Costco. Check out our interactive Google Map for more information on grocery stores nearby.
Aurora is well known for its diverse population. With this amazing blend of cultures comes an array of international cuisines unmatched in other parts of Colorado. With easy access to Downtown Aurora, Downtown Denver, and all the places in between, you don’t have to go far to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. Head over to Danico Brewing for a beer with neighbors, dive into some delicious Chinese cuisine at Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings on Havana Street, or grab some dessert at Sweet Cow Ice Cream on Dallas Street. More restaurants like Chipotle Mexican Grill, breweries, and locally owned eateries are popping up all over Aurora. Take a look at this map to find everything from fast food to authentic Vietnamese pho around Painted Prairie.
Looking for a unique gift for someone special? Or is a caffeine-fueled Target run on your to-do list? Whatever type of retail therapy you’re looking for, Aurora has it. Take a stroll through The The Shops at Northfield for places like Bass Pro Shops, H&M, Lane Bryant, P.F. Chang’s, and Starbucks. For a unique shopping and dining experience, head over to Stanley Marketplace, where an eclectic collection of small shops and boutiques offers a unique shopping experience. A short drive to Havana Street offers a mix of dining, and retail stores like Monkey Paw Toys, Epic Mountain Gear, and K-Town Imports. Search for more retail options on our Google Map.
There’s a lot to do (and more coming) as our corner of Aurora grows. To learn more about the job growth and what the future holds for the Platinum Triangle, click here to read our blog post about what’s in store for Painted Prairie and our community.
On Saturday, July 6th, 2024, our community came together for a day full of delicious food trucks, vibrant world music, and talented artists like face painters and caricature artists. Residents engaged in fun, crafty activities that highlighted the diversity and inclusivity of our neighborhood.
Take a peek at a few of our most cherished memories from our first-ever Painted Prairie Spirit Day. We’re thankful for the overwhelming support and participation from our community. See you all next year!
Did you know that Colorado boasts the second-largest aerospace economy in the United States, home to over 300 aerospace companies?
According to the Aurora Economic Development Council (AEDC), the aerospace and defense sectors are pivotal drivers of our local and state economies. With five military commands and three Air Force bases—highlighted by Buckley Air Force Base—these facilities attract top talent and foster ancillary industries within Aurora.
Private companies specializing in aerospace, cybersecurity, and space missions have positioned our city as a premier destination for industry leaders nationwide, solidifying Colorado’s status as a leader in aerospace employment. With an easy commute (in some cases – less than 20 minutes) to the Buckley Air Force Base, the U.S. Space Port, and many local aerospace and defense companies, Painted Prairie is the perfect location for civilians and military personnel to make a home in our community.
Located approximately 10 miles from Painted Prairie, the U.S. Space Port is a key aerospace facility aiming to establish Colorado as a central hub for commercial space activities. Its mission includes supporting both government and private sector space missions, from satellite launches to potential space tourism ventures.
This initiative leverages Colorado’s robust aerospace infrastructure and expertise, complementing the state’s existing network of aerospace companies and research institutions.
Buckley Air Force Base plays a crucial role in national defense as home to the 460th Space Wing, which oversees global missile warning and space surveillance systems. The base supports over 93,000 active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and retired personnel, along with their families. Its strategic location in Aurora and Colorado’s thriving aerospace community makes it a cornerstone for critical operations.
Buckley Air Force Base alone employs over 12,000 personnel, stimulating local industries like healthcare, retail, housing, and education. The base’s contracts with local businesses further bolster the regional economy, extending its impact beyond direct employment.
The Denver Metro area benefits from a highly educated workforce from local universities, specializing in aerospace, engineering, and technology. These institutions collaborate with aerospace and defense contractors on research projects, offering students real-world training. This synergy between public, private, and academic sectors drives innovation, contributes billions to Colorado’s economy, and supports tens of thousands of high-paying jobs.
Painted Prairie’s location within Aurora’s Platinum Triangle offers numerous benefits, including proximity to many of the high-paying jobs and employers in engineering, administration, research, manufacturing, and bioscience. The area boasts top-tier educational institutions like Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, providing students with opportunities to learn alongside industry experts.
Whether you’re part of the aerospace and defense industries or not, Aurora’s robust economic landscape makes it an ideal place to settle down and thrive. With the region poised for growth, Painted Prairie stands at the heart of this emerging community.
To discover more about the area and Painted Prairie, reach out to our Relocation Expert, Michelle Tripp, at info@lifeatpaintedprairie.com.
As a grandparent, deciding where to spend your retirement years is a decision not taken lightly. Many Boomers and Gen Xers are relocating to Colorado for a lot of reasons. While the reasons are many, three big ones stand out: being closer to grandkids, the exceptional quality of life, and access to top-notch healthcare. Why do these factors make Colorado (and Painted Prairie) the perfect place for this next chapter in your life? Take a look below.
Colorado’s (and specifically, Aurora’s) job outlook has attracted many young professionals to the Painted Prairie community and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon. For more information about the anticipated growth in the Northeast Aurora quadrant, take a look at our recent blog post highlighting the potential in our area.
We all know that setting down roots and establishing yourself in a new community is important to many young families. As our families settle, the flexibility of retirement and the need to stay active, and engaged in their grandkids’ lives becomes one of the most compelling reasons for a move to Colorado. The joy of watching them grow up, attending their school events, and being an active part of their daily lives is one of the biggest motivating factors in Baby Chasing – a term coined for grandparents following their grown children to new areas to be closer to their grandchildren.
Science also has something to say about the benefits of living closer to your grandchildren. Studies have shown that close relationships between grandparents and grandchildren can lead to happier and healthier lives for both (American Psychological Association, 2023). By living close by, grandparents can provide support, share wisdom, and create lasting memories with their grandkids—important for their development and grandma and grandpa’s emotional well-being.
Colorado is renowned for its exceptional quality of life. From its stunning natural scenery to its vibrant cultural scene, there’s always something to explore and enjoy. The state offers over 300 days of sunshine a year, promoting an active, outdoor lifestyle (Visit Aurora, 2022). This kind of environment is perfect for retirees looking to stay active and engaged. Moreover, Colorado’s commitment to healthy living and sustainability ensures that active adults who move to Aurora are met with similar values and lifestyle aspirations.
For active grandparents, Painted Prairie makes it easy to get out and explore our parks, and other attractions with their grandkids. Our proximity to the cultural and entertainment attractions in and around Aurora and Downtown Denver is an easy drive to spend the day at the Cherry Creek Reservoir, hike the many trails in the City of Aurora park system, explore the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, go to the Denver Zoo, or take in a Colorado Rockies game on a hot summer day. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or someone who enjoys a peaceful day at the park, Painted Prairie is perfectly positioned for you to stay active and engaged.
Need to jet away to visit family in another state? With easy access to Denver International Airport, you’re just a few hours away from a multitude of domestic or international locations. Painted Prairie is an easy drive to the airport for convenient travel anywhere in the world.
Health is a top priority, especially as we age. Colorado is home to some of the nation’s best healthcare facilities, including the renowned UCHealth University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (U.S. News & World Report, 2023), the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, and several new medical campuses, you are never far from expert medical care. Access to high-quality medical care ensures you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and receive prompt, expert treatment when needed. Additionally, Colorado consistently ranks high in healthcare quality and accessibility, offering peace of mind that your health needs will be well taken care of (WalletHub, 2024).
If your family has made the decision to move to Painted Prairie, and you’re considering the same move, here’s something to think about – moving here is about embracing the Colorado lifestyle. Being near your grandchildren, enjoying an outstanding quality of life, and having access to superior healthcare make this move a perfect fit. Want to learn more about our community? Contact our relocation expert, Michelle at mtripp@lifeatpaintedprairie.com.
A huge thank you to all the residents and friends who joined us to celebrate all things spring at the Painted Prairie Spring Fling. Over 250 kids and adults spent the perfectly, sunny afternoon hunting eggs, munching on tasty spring cookies, and meeting up with the Easter Bunny for pictures. Another big “Thank You” to Boy Scout Troop 630 for volunteering to help us create a successful event for all! We can’t wait to see everyone again next year!
We’re excited to share that our newest phase of development with two new parks and three new builders is underway! Bordering Himalaya Road, 56th Avenue, and N. Lisbon St., this new phase will be a great addition to our ever-changing community. Residents in this new phase will enjoy easy access to 56th Avenue, and 64th Avenue via a short trip up N. Lisbon Street, and two new parks.
We welcome back McStain Neighborhoods and are pleased to welcome Tri Pointe Homes to our lineup of world-class builders. They’re joining KB Home in our newest neighborhood between N. Lisbon St. and Himalaya Road, just north of 56th Avenue. This new neighborhood will surround two new parks – “Ruby” and “Violet.”
Spring may be Colorado’s snowiest season, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream of fresh garden vegetables and the bounty of blooms that pop up all over Painted Prairie and the rest of the Rockies. It’s also the time that planning this year’s garden gets everyone’s green thumb twitching to start planting seeds to get them ready for the summer. With four community gardens, Painted Prairie has all the space you need to plan, sow, and harvest a garden worth celebrating this year.
Gardening in the Rockies can be challenging, but with a little planning, your container gardens, community garden plots, or even your backyard can be a blooming success this season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or embarking on your first gardening adventure, these tips and tricks will help ensure that your Painted Prairie garden is a source of joy and beauty throughout the coming season.
Colorado’s varied elevation means gardeners need to know the specifics about their specific growing zone. Knowing your zone is the key to successful gardening, and dictates what plants will thrive in our area. Zones in Colorado can range widely across the Front Range, with Painted Prairie located in Zone 5b, there can be differences in plant hardiness, climate, and soil that can affect gardening in our area. To learn more about our zone, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a great place to start.
The backbone of any garden is its soil. Along the Front Range, the soil can range from sandy to clay-heavy, each with its challenges. Amending your soil with compost is a universal tip for improving its quality, regardless of type. Compost improves drainage in clay soils and helps sandy soils retain moisture, making it an essential step in preparing your garden. When choosing how to amend your soil when planting your plot at one of Painted Prairie’s community gardens or in your backyard containers, Colorado State University’s Extension Office offers a wealth of information for new and experienced gardeners.
The fun part begins! Selecting plants that are not just suitable for our zone but are also resilient to the unique climate conditions Painted Prairie offers is challenging, but also exciting! Native plants are always a safe bet, as they are acclimated to the local climate and often require less maintenance. However, don’t shy away from experimenting with plants that can adapt well to our specific garden conditions. Some plants that traditionally do well in Colorado gardens include Lavender, Penstemon, and Coneflower. Looking to grow your veggies and fruits? Check out this article by Denver Urban Gardens.
We all know that Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable in the spring, with the possibility of frost, hail storms, and even snow in the back of every gardener’s mind. Keep a close eye on frost dates, and weather, and resist the temptation to plant too early. The general rule of thumb in Colorado is to wait to plant anything until after Memorial Day. The last weekend of May is the unofficial start of summer planting and gardening in the state. Consider raising beds or container gardens that can give you more control over soil temperature, allowing for an earlier start. Always be prepared to cover tender plants if an unexpected frost (or hail storm) threatens.
As residents of a Western state that understands the value of water conservation, it’s crucial to implement water-wise practices in your garden. Drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses offer an efficient way to ensure your plants get the moisture they need without losing moisture due to evaporation. Mulching around your plants will not only conserve moisture but also suppress weeds and enrich the soil. We encourage all residents to use water-wise practices when planting their community garden plots each spring.
The City of Aurora’s Water department offers a seasonal preventative maintenance checklist for residents throughout the year. Here are a few tips to help you ensure you’re water-conscious this spring:
Aurora Water’s conservation specialists can assess the condition of your irrigation system at no charge.
A thriving garden is a haven for pollinators. Choose a variety of plants that flower at different times throughout the season to provide a consistent food source. Throughout Painted Prairie’s parks, you’ll notice a variety of native pollinator-friendly plants that you too can use in your gardens. Consider features like bird baths or bee hotels in your garden design that can make your garden more attractive to these essential visitors.
Finally, embrace the unique conditions of your Painted Prairie garden. Instead of trying to fight against nature, work with it! The rugged beauty of the Rockies and the surrounding parks in our community can inspire a garden that’s both resilient and beautiful offering lessons in patience and community.
By understanding your local conditions, preparing your soil, selecting the right plants, and implementing water-wise practices, you’re setting the stage for a garden that not only thrives but also contributes positively to the beauty of your backyard and our community gardens.
