This Is Aurora City Newsletter

June 4, 2026

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This image of Parade of Nations participants, performers and community members with the event logo links to a webpage on Aurora Fest

Aurora Fest 2026 brings more food, a drone show and unique headlining performances

Parade of Nations participants carrying flags links to page with more information

Aurora Fest is the city’s signature event, celebrating the colorful cultural diversity that makes Aurora “The World in a City,” with food, live performances and merchandise vendors representing countries from around the world. This free, family-friendly summer festival, sponsored by UCHealth, will be held from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 13, on the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.


Returning this year are some of the great, community-centered highlights that make Aurora Fest one of the most unique multicultural festivals in Colorado. That includes the festival-opening Parade of Nations during which volunteers will carry the flags of their home countries. This year, 68 countries will be represented. An expanded event footprint is making room for more international sights, sounds and flavors than ever before. There will be a curated collection of 29 food trucks and stalls offering dishes and treats ranging from Filipino lumpias to Jamaican jerk tacos to Pakistani kulfi pops.


The festival’s international marketplace will feature 58 craft and merchandise vendors showcasing goods ranging from handmade Brazilian jewelry and accessories to authentic African clothing. The festival’s two stages – the Aurora Stage and the UCHealth Stage – will host more than 20 live performances highlighting cultures from five continents. Offerings include martial arts demonstrations, cultural dances, and live music, all headlined by the return of 2025’s featured performer, a tribute to the music of Tejano music legend Selena by Aurora’s own Mayra Alejandra and her Latin Band. For the second year in a row, the Selena tribute performance will be proceeded by a Selena look-alike contest organized in parternship with Amigos de Mexico.


This year’s later start time sets the stage for a special event-capping attraction after the sun goes down. Brightflight Drone Shows, with support from the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission, the Colorado Tourism Office, UCHealth, Tallgrass and Chevron, will be putting on a special drone show performance that will celebrate the country and state’s milestone birthdays, as well as include special animations celebrating Aurora.


Both the Aurora Public Library central branch and the Aurora History Museum will also be open on the municipal grounds, offering Aurora Fest-related programs and activities. The museum will be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. with free admission all day. Visitors will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the “Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Filipino Community” exhibit directly from some of the local Filipino community members who contributed to its creation. The exhibit, created in partnership with the city’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, will also be the first that is available for live translation into any language through the Bloomberg Connects app.


For more, including the event schedule, map and details about parking and accessible shuttles to the event location, visit AuroraFest.org.

This graphic of a map pin contains text that says Aurora Eats and New guide and New map and New flavors and Start exploring and links to the Aurora Eats website
Report cover with the text 2026 Water Quality Report and an image a of a little girl holding a glass of water links to page with more information

Read Aurora Water's 2026 Water Quality Report


Aurora Water tests more than 85,000 water samples annually to ensure the water we deliver to over 400,000 residents is clean and safe. This info is reported year-round to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Aurora’s water surpasses the strict federal and state health standards. Learn more about Aurora’s water quality and water sources at

AuroraGov.org/CCR. For a mailed copy of the report, contact aurorawaterpr@auroragov.org.


Groundbreaking ceremony for Aurora’s new animal shelter, including shelter staff, elected officials and community members links to page with more information

Aurora breaks ground on new animal shelter


Construction is officially underway on the city of Aurora's new animal shelter. City officials celebrated the milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 2 for the future 42,000-square-foot, two-story facility.


The new shelter will replace the city’s current 13,000-square-foot shelter, which was built in the 1980s, and will provide expanded space and resources to better serve Aurora’s growing community and enhance care for animals in need.


Located southeast of the intersection of Chambers Road and East 32nd Avenue, a short distance from the city’s existing shelter, the new building will have space for 250 animals, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and other small mammals.


The facility will feature on-site veterinary spaces and outdoor play yards for animals in care and expanded adoption and foster areas. It is designed to create a more welcoming, efficient experience for residents while supporting public safety and animal welfare citywide.


Construction is expected to be completed in late 2027, with the new shelter scheduled to open to the public in 2028.


Read the complete news announcement.

News Aurora Jun 2026 cover with an image of a firework links to page with more information

This month's News Aurora


News Aurora is the citywide news and information publication distributed monthly in mailed water bills. This month, read more about how you can safely celebrate the 4th of July festivities, mark your calendar for this year's 4th of July Spectacular, join us for exciting summer events, and more!


Read the June issue of News Aurora



Paws and adopt

This image of a Basset Hound and Dachshund mix links to the Aurora Animal Shelter adoptable animals webpage

Name: Tita

Gender: Spayed female

Breed: Basset Hound and Dachshund mix

Age: 3 years old

About Tita: Tita is a petite pup with a big heart and an even bigger love for people! She thrives on attention and affection and is happiest when she's spending time with her favorite humans. We believe Tita could be a wonderful match for a family with children and the right canine companion. Her friendly, loving nature makes her a joy to be around. If you're looking for a unique, affectionate dog to add to your family, Tita may be the perfect fit.

This image of a domestic shorthair links to the Aurora Animal Shelter adoptable animals webpage

Name: Twix

Gender: Neutered male

Breed: Domestic shorthair

Age: 2 years old

About Twix: Twix is a sweet but sensitive boy who can be shy and unsure at first, but once he feels safe, he becomes incredibly affectionate and enthusiastic about attention. He loves toys he can chase, especially wand toys and balls, and enjoys lounging in cozy spots like his cat tree. Twix can be skittish with loud noises, quick movements, and new people, and may prefer short, gentle interactions, but with time and a patient, experienced home, he truly blossoms into a loving and rewarding companion.

Hot city jobs

This image of the Aurora Municipal Center contains words that say Work for the City of Aurora and links to job openings

If you're seeking a career that offers excitement and fulfillment, along with excellent benefits, explore openings at AuroraGov.org/Jobs.


Featured city of Aurora jobs:


  • Public Safety Call Center Operator: Assist community members with obtaining records, answer incoming calls on the police records line and provide customer service at the Records service window. The hiring range for this position is $19 to $23.75 per hour. 
  • Park Steward (Variable Hour, Benefits Eligible): Responsible for maintenance and stewardship of public lands, resources, infrastructure and facilities in order to provide safe and healthy homes for plants and animals, as well as safe and pleasant human experiences. The hiring pay for this position is $18 per hour. 


Questions? Email careers@auroragov.org or call 303.739.7225.

Featured board and commission

This image of hands raised in the air and the words Youth Commission link to a webpage on the city boards and commissions

The Aurora Youth Commission has openings for young people and adults in the community who want to have a say in how the city of Aurora serves the younger generation.


The commission advises the City Council, city manager and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Space on the interests of youth in Aurora.


Make your voice heard! To find out more and apply, visit AuroraGov.org/Boards.

IN THE NEWS




AuroraTV
AuroraTV news anchors stand behind a desk in the studio

WATCH AURORA NOW

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EVENTS


Council Member Town Meetings

Council members are eager to hear from residents and are committed to forums where those conversations can take place. Visit AuroraGov.org/TownMeetings to confirm meeting dates and locations, and find links to join virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, visit AuroraGov.org/PropertyInfo and look up your address.


Meet with Mayor Mike (Mike Coffman)

  • Saturday, July 18, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Ward I (Gianina Horton)

  • Thursday, June 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Hoffman Heights Library, 1298 Peoria St.

Ward II (Amy Wiles)

  • Thursday, June 11, 6 to 8 p.m., Food Bank of the Rockies, 20600 E. 38th Ave.

Ward III (Ruben Medina)

  • Tuesday, June 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle

Ward IV (Stephanie Hancock)

  • Thursday, July 9, 6 to 8 p.m., Noonan's Event Center, 13521 E. Iliff Ave.

Ward V (Angela Lawson)

  • Tuesday, July 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place

Ward VI (Françoise Bergan)

  • Wednesday, July 15, 6 to 8 p.m., City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center, 25950 E. Quincy Ave.

At-Large (Rob Andrews, Alison Coombs, Curtis Gardner, Alli Jackson)

  • The previously scheduled May event has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon.


City Council Study Session

Monday, June 8 (start time varies based on agenda; go to AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings to learn more)

View online at AuroraTV.org, on Comcast Channels 8/880, or on the AuroraTV phone/streaming app. The Study Session will also be streamed live in the Paul Tauer City Council Chamber. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.

Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway


City Council Regular Meeting

Monday, June 8, 6 p.m.

View in person at the Aurora Municipal Center or online at AuroraTV.org, on Comcast Channels 8/880 or the AuroraTV phone/streaming app. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda. For details and deadlines for speaking on agenda items or for Public Invited to be Heard, go to AuroraGov.org/PublicComment.

Aurora Municipal Center, Paul Tauer City Council Chamber, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway 


Water-wise Day

Saturday, June 6, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Join Aurora Water Conservation and water professionals from across the region for a celebration of all things water-wise. Enjoy our beautiful garden, grab a free breakfast burrito, connect with local water-wise gardening and irrigation professionals at booths, and catch engaging talks from knowledgeable speakers. Whether you're a water nerd or just water-curious, this is a morning you won't want to miss.

Aurora Water-wise Garden, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway (just south of the Aurora Municipal Center's east parking lot)


Champion Change: Emerging Threats to National Security Virtual Series

Two remaining dates, noon to 1 p.m.

Are you concerned about the rising threat of violent extremism and its impact on our nation’s security? The city has partnered with the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL) to host a thought-provoking speaker series that sheds light on this pressing issue and explores effective strategies to counter extremism. These engaging events bring together experts, practitioners and community members to foster meaningful dialogue and promote a united effort to safeguard our nation. Remaining events include:

  • Tuesday, June 9: "From Gaza to Tehran: Global Conflict and Modern Extremism"
  • Tuesday, June 23: "Strategy Under Strain: Adapting Defense Policy for a Changing World"

This virtual series is at no cost to participants

Register for this series at TinyURL.com/CELLBBAurora2026. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with links to access each program in the days leading up to each event. The password to join the virtual room is CELLAurora26.

Questions? Email officeofee@auroragov.org.


Volunteer at Aurora Fest

June 11, 12 and 13

Volunteer opportunities are available to help with a variety of event-related tasks, including checking in fellow volunteers and entertainers, assisting with the Parade of Nations, event setup and breakdown and more. Invite friends and family to join you for this incredible volunteer opportunity.

Volunteer shifts available:

  • Thursday, June 11, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Friday, June 12, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 13, 10:30 a.m. to midnight

The minimum age for volunteering is 16. 

Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda


Aurora First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

Seminar in Spanish: Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Seminar in English: Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Are you a potential first-time homebuyer, or do you know someone who is? The city offers first-time homebuyer seminars to help prospective homebuyers understand the home-buying process. Classes are offered monthly in English and Spanish. Registration is required by emailing auroraed@auroragov.org or calling 303.739.7900. Classes are also available online for a fee.

Learn more: AuroraGov.org/Housing


Aurora Fest: The World in a City

Saturday, June 13, 3 to 10 p.m. 

Aurora’s signature, family-friendly summer festival celebrating the many international cultures represented in the city is back with a new name, new start time and a special headlining attraction in 2026. Aurora Fest: The World in a City will feature dance, musical and other cultural performances; an international market featuring clothing, crafts and more from countries around the world; and food trucks and stalls offering a variety of international cuisine. This year, the festival will start in the afternoon and end after dark. This sets the stage for a special festival-capping drone show! Keep an eye on the official festival website for more information, including entertainment lineups and schedules, food and craft vendor applications and more.  

Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

More information: AuroraFest.org


Fired Up: I Want to Buy a Business!

Wednesday, June 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Discover why business acquisition can be a low-risk path to entrepreneurship in this comprehensive two-hour workshop. Topics covered will include why buy a business, where to find a business, the acquisition process, what is due diligence, financing options and free one-on-one advising. Register by June 1 to pay the early bird rate of $30 (or $60 to register after June 1). Facilitated by the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center

Virtual webinar (link will be provided after registration is complete)

Register at this link


BEFABA's annual Juneteenth Celebration

Wednesday, June 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join Black Employees for a Better Aurora (BEFABA) for their fourth annual Juneteenth celebration. Enjoy food trucks, music, games, face painting, giveaways, education and more! No RSVP needed. 

Questions? Email befaba@auroragov.org

Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway 


"Innovation Unlimited 2026: African Business Conference"

Saturday, June 27, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join the City of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, Colorado and the African Chamber of Commerce Colorado USA for the "Innovation Unlimited 2026: African Business Conference." Register now to connect with local business leaders, partner organizations and city staff through informative panels and presentations designed to support local businesses and entrepreneurs from Aurora’s African community. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman will offer opening remarks, and a light breakfast will be provided. This event is free, but registration is required.

Registration: Tinyurl.com/OIIABusinessConference.

APS Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 E. First Ave.


Nomination Deadline for Community Spirit Awards
Tuesday, June 30, 5 p.m. 
Community Spirit Awards recognize individuals, organizations and businesses who demonstrate outstanding leadership, volunteerism and dedication to serving our community. Questions? Email volunteer@auroragov.org.

More information: AuroraGov.org/CommunitySpiritAwards


"The Local Cost of Freedom" exhibit 
Through July 11

The Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites commemorates 150 years of Colorado statehood and 250 years of an independent United States with an exhibit honoring Aurora servicemembers who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms. “The Local Cost of Freedom: Aurora’s Fallen in the Sesquisemiquincentennial Story” connects these local stories to the broader American experience, honoring their sacrifice while inviting reflection and remembrance.

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Learn more: AuroraMuseum.org


"Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Filipino Community" exhibit

Through April 2027

The Aurora History Museum and the city’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs celebrate Aurora’s vibrant Filipino community with the new exhibition “Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Filipino Community.” The exhibit highlights the stories of individuals, business owners and their cultural traditions and history, and features cultural objects provided by community members, archival images, interviews and immersive elements to bring the essence of the Philippines to life, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about and appreciate this community’s cultural heritage.

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Learn more: AuroraMuseum.org

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Have a comment, question, or need our assistance? Contact Access Aurora online, at 303.739.7000, or via iOS or Android app. 


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This image of the city of Aurora seal links to the AuroraGov website

This newsletter is produced by the city's Communications and Marketing Department


Questions?

Email communications@auroragov.org

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