From local business resources and civic meetings to family activities and an important summer safety reminder, here is what Centennial residents should know for the week of July 20, 2026.
Know What’s New
Unincorporated Arapahoe County remains under a Stage 2 burn ban, reflecting heightened fire danger across the area. Open burning and fireworks are prohibited, and residents should review the current restrictions and exemptions before using grills, fire pits or other outdoor flame sources. With Colorado’s dry summer conditions, one tiny spark can grow teeth quickly, making this a week to choose caution over convenience.
See What’s Next
Tuesday, July 21, brings two opportunities to learn more about what is shaping Centennial. Local entrepreneurs, students and curious residents can attend SPARK Centennial’s free Technology and Data for Business Growth program from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Space by Arapahoe Libraries. The session will explore AI tools, library data resources and practical ways technology can support local businesses.
Later that evening, Centennial City Council meets at the Centennial Civic Center, with the study session beginning at 6 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7 p.m. The Planning and Zoning Commission follows Wednesday evening. These meetings give residents a window into local decisions before the projects, policy changes and inevitable orange cones appear in daily life.
Feel Connected
Smoky Hill Library has a lively community calendar this week. Monday includes Family Bingo, Family Storytime and an English Conversation Circle. On Wednesday morning, the bilingual Discover Colombia program celebrates Colombian Culture Week. Friday evening’s Main Character Energy event gives teens and tweens an after-hours festival inspired by popular books, movies and shows.
Local connection continues Thursday with FORE! The Love of Local at Golf Haus, bringing Centennial businesses, vendors and neighbors together in a relaxed setting.
One More Thing for Your Radar
Applications for Centennial 101 remain open through 5 p.m. on July 31. The free seven-week program gives 30 residents a behind-the-scenes look at City operations, public spending and civic engagement. It is an especially good opportunity for anyone who has ever wondered, “Who actually decides that?”
Centennial is busy this week, but not merely busy for busy’s sake. The invitation is to pay attention, participate where it matters and keep weaving the small threads that make a city feel like a community.
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I wish more cities kept residents in the loop like this. Thanks for putting all the info together.
Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad this roundup helps keep everyone informed and connected in Centennial.
If fireworks are banned, does that include sparklers? My kids keep asking.
Love reading about how busy Centennial is during the summer. Makes me feel connected to the neighborhood.
We love hearing that, it's exactly why we put these updates together! Centennial is truly at its best when neighbors feel connected.
Any updates about pool or splash pad closures lately with the heat? Keeping the kids cool isn’t easy.
Thanks for asking! As of this week, no new pool or splash pad closures have been announced, but we recommend checking the city's Parks and Recreation updates page for the latest information during the heat.
AI tools for business is such a hot topic. Are these sessions beginner friendly?
Would be nice if more business programs happened on weekends for working folks. Just a thought!
Family bingo night is a hit in our house! Love seeing it back on the calendar this week.
Always forget about city council until the orange cones show up. Thanks for listing the meeting times.
Wish there was more notice before applications for Centennial 101 close. Just heard about it!
We appreciate your interest! Applications for Centennial 101 close July 31 at 5 p.m., so there’s still a little time to get yours in, feel free to share with others who might be interested.
FORE! The Love of Local event at Golf Haus sounds fun. Will there be food trucks this year?
Lucas FinleyLast year they had a couple food trucks parked by the driving range, so I hope they do it again! I haven't seen a list yet though.
Glad to see bilingual programs at the library. More Spanish and other languages, please!
Kind of wild that grills can be risky right now. Maybe stick to sandwiches this week, folks.
Not sure why planning commission meetings always feel so mysterious. Maybe I’ll check it out this time to see what’s brewing.
I signed up for Centennial 101 last year and learned a ton. Anyone interested in how the city works should give it a try.
The burn ban goes on forever, but I’d rather have no fireworks than wildfires. Thanks for making it clear what’s allowed.
More family events at the library! My kids always have a blast at storytime. Thanks Smoky Hill!
Discover Colombia at Smoky Hill Library sounds cool. Glad they’re celebrating different cultures in Centennial.
Really appreciate the heads up about city council meetings. It’s easy to forget when they’re coming up.
Anyone ever try the SPARK Centennial sessions before? Wondering if it’s good for someone starting out with tech.
The burn ban is a bummer but totally get it with how dry it’s been. Grilling at the park might have to wait.
That Main Character Energy event for teens actually sounds pretty awesome. Wish they had stuff like that when I was in school!
Wow, so much going on! Glad for the summer safety reminder, feels like fire danger is high everywhere lately.