The final week of July is arriving with plenty of ways to learn, participate and enjoy summer around Centennial. From neighborhood conversations and free library programming to live music and Colorado’s milestone birthday, here is what residents should have on their calendars.
Start the Week by Getting Involved
Residents interested in what is happening across Centennial’s neighborhoods can attend the Centennial Council of Neighborhoods meeting on Monday, July 27, at the Centennial Civic Center, 13133 E. Arapahoe Road. Commonly known as CenCON, the organization brings neighborhood representatives and residents together to discuss issues affecting the community. Meetings are open to the public.
The City’s calendar also lists meetings of the Centennial Senior Commission and Open Space Advisory Board on Tuesday, July 28. Residents can check the City of Centennial calendar for times, locations, agendas and participation details.
On Wednesday, July 29, the City is offering two free Residential Trash Container Workshops. The sessions are designed to help residents understand Centennial’s rules for storing trash and recycling containers. It may not be the most glamorous event on the summer calendar, but it could prevent confusion, complaints and a neighborhood trash-can standoff worthy of its own reality show.
Library Activities for Every Generation
Arapahoe Libraries is filling the week with storytimes, literacy activities, conversation groups and creative programming.
On Monday, families can attend toddler and family storytimes at Castlewood, Eloise May and Smoky Hill libraries. Smoky Hill Library also hosts an English Conversation Circle from 6:30 to 8 p.m., giving adults an informal place to practice English and build confidence through conversation.
Families visiting Smoky Hill Library can also explore the ongoing Welcoming & Belonging StoryWalk, featuring the French-English bilingual picture book Kende! Kende! Kende! The StoryWalk remains available through August 14, turning reading into a small indoor-outdoor adventure.
Programs and registration availability can change quickly, so visit the complete Arapahoe Libraries events calendar before heading out.
Rediscover Puma Park
Centennial families looking for a fresh place to play can visit the newly improved Puma Park.
The project includes updated playground equipment, rubberized safety surfacing, improved accessibility, new benches, ADA-accessible picnic tables, shade and public art. Construction is complete, and the park is open for families to enjoy. It is an easy option for a morning playdate, picnic or let-the-kids-burn-off-some-energy expedition. (South Suburban Game Plan)
Live Music Close to Home
South Suburban Parks and Recreation continues its free summer Music on the Patio series this weekend.
On Friday, July 31, Ellie D & Soul Mix will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. at the South Suburban Golf Course Bar & Grill, located at 7900 S. Colorado Boulevard in Centennial.
The music continues Sunday, August 2, when the Centennial Band performs from 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is free, tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and food and beverages are available for purchase.
Celebrate Colorado’s 150th Birthday
Saturday, August 1, is not an ordinary Colorado Day. It marks the state’s 150th birthday.
The Colorado State Capitol will host a free Colorado Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day includes the presentation of the colors, speeches, marching bands, a statehood proclamation reenactment, birthday cake, square dancing, art exhibits and the dedication of LEGO sculptures representing the Colorado House and Senate.
The celebration also includes an updated temporary Mile High Marker, the ringing of the Liberty Bell and displays honoring Colorado’s history, leadership and creative spirit.
For Centennial residents, the occasion carries an extra layer of local meaning. Both our city’s name and Colorado’s “Centennial State” nickname connect to the state’s admission to the Union during America’s centennial year.
One Final Week for Free Summer Meals
Cherry Creek School District’s free summer meal program concludes Friday, July 31. Breakfast and lunch remain available Monday through Friday for anyone 18 or younger at participating locations.
Families should also begin completing required parent forms, reviewing supply lists and checking school-specific back-to-school schedules through the district’s Back-to-School Hub. Cherry Creek’s phased return begins August 17, while families in Littleton Public Schools should consult the LPS calendar page for their school’s dates and instructions.
Looking Ahead in Centennial
Keep Saturday, August 8, open for the 20th annual Centennial Under the Stars. The free celebration runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at Centennial Center Park and will feature live music, food trucks and an interactive children’s area.
Whether you attend a neighborhood meeting, explore a new playground, enjoy patio music or help Colorado blow out 150 candles, this week offers several ways to step beyond the front door and reconnect with the people and places that make Centennial feel like home.
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Thanks for rounding all these up. Too easy to get stuck at home when there’s actually a lot going on. Challenge for me is just picking which event!
I’ve never been to a CenCON meeting—anyone know if it’s pretty casual or more official? Thinking of stopping by.
Glad our city still values community gatherings. A lot of places seem to have lost that after the last couple of years.
Nice to see open space and parks being improved, but are there any plans to fix the walking paths near my neighborhood off Arapahoe?
We need more diverse programming for teens at the library. My daughter’s aged out of storytime but still wants more to do in summer.
Might brave the square dancing at the Colorado Day thing – haven’t tried since elementary school!
LEGO sculptures at the Capitol sound neat! My son would lose his mind seeing those. Anyone know if there’ll be ones on display locally too?
Thanks for the heads-up about forms and supply lists. Back-to-school sneaks up every year.
A little sad to see the free meals end, but at least they gave us plenty of heads-up. Time to get ready for back-to-school chaos.
I moved here from out of state and these sort of roundups help a lot. Excited to check out local music and maybe make new friends.
Our kids loved last year’s Centennial Under the Stars! Hope they keep the interactive area for children again—it was a hit.
Colorado Day at the Capitol looks super packed this year. Might brave the crowds for the parade and cakes.
Mike GentryIt does look busy! I’m thinking of heading there early to grab a spot. The cakes are worth it though!
Wish more public events were on weekends. Some of the city meetings are tough to get to for folks who work.
Honestly, not into sit-down meetings but the StoryWalk sounds like a cool way to mix reading and fresh air.
My family does park picnics every Sunday. Can’t wait to try out the new benches at Puma Park!
Alicia WellsWe just tried the new tables after school. They’re super sturdy and the shade was really nice too!
The upgrades at Puma Park sound fantastic. We need more shaded areas in parks—thanks for listening, city planners.
Sad summer meals are ending so soon. Feels like summer flew by faster than usual.
Is it just me, or do all the good events happen on the same weekend? I’ll have to do some serious planning to hit the music and State Capitol birthday!
It’s nice the article lists all these events in one spot. I get overwhelmed trying to keep track of everything for my family.
Love these little neighborhood meetings, wish more people would show up and get involved instead of just complaining online.
Anyone know if there’s gluten-free options at the patio music events? Would love to come if there is.
Supriya R.I went last year and they had a couple of gluten-free snack options, but it was pretty limited. Maybe call ahead to check for this week?
Great question! While food options vary by event, the South Suburban Golf Course Bar & Grill does typically offer some gluten-free items, calling ahead is a good way to check what's available on concert nights.
First come tables for live music is dicey. If you want a seat, better get there early!
Glad the library has activities for different ages. Always something for my grandkids and me.
Thank you for sharing! Arapahoe Libraries truly go the extra mile to offer engaging activities for all generations.
Anyone know if there will be food trucks at the Under The Stars event? Last year’s selection was awesome.
Glad to read about the CenCON meeting. More of us should be attending and staying involved with neighborhood decisions.
LEGO sculptures at the Capitol?! My kids will lose their minds, that’s a fun idea.
Big thanks to Cherry Creek Schools for offering free meals all summer. Not everyone realizes how much that helps local families.
We always look forward to StoryWalks at Smoky Hill Library. Kende! is such a sweet book—great way to get little ones moving and learning.
Those trash container workshops made me laugh…only in the suburbs! But seriously, some neighbors need a reminder on where to put bins.
Did not realize Colorado is turning 150 this year—pretty cool milestone. The LEGO sculptures sound fun for the Capitol celebration.
Happy to see Centennial Band performing this weekend—always a good time. Those patio shows fill up fast, so get there early for a table!
Already marked my calendar for Under the Stars! The food trucks last year were delicious.
Thanks for your enthusiasm, Under the Stars is always a highlight, and the food trucks are popular for good reason!
Really appreciate the English Conversation Circles at Smoky Hill. Great resource for newcomers.
The Open Space Board meetings are actually interesting. Lots of trails news and updates.
Thanks for including a note about ADA picnic tables at Puma Park. Accessibility matters.
We appreciate you noticing! Inclusive improvements like ADA picnic tables are a top priority in the latest Puma Park upgrades.
Am I the only one who thinks trash container rules are a little much? Hope those workshops are useful!
Kelsey M.You're not alone! Sometimes it feels like overkill, but maybe it'll keep things tidier. At least the workshops are free if we have questions.
Would be nice if more playgrounds got those rubber surfaces. Makes a big difference for safety.
Roberto D.Totally agree! My kids barely fall now with the rubber stuff. Wish every playground in town had it.
My daughter loves StoryWalks. Will check out Kende! At Smoky Hill before it ends!
I wish I’d heard about CenCON sooner. Neighborhood issues are so much easier to talk about in person.
Love seeing the city add new playground gear at Puma Park! My grandkids will be thrilled. Makes you appreciate how much thought goes into accessibility these days.
Ellie D & Soul Mix on a Friday night? Patio + live music is the perfect summer combo.
Nelson V.Right? We went last year and had such a good time. Love that it's close by and easy to get a table if you go early.
Thanks for the reminder on the free summer meals! Cherry Creek Schools really step up for families.
gary_bAbsolutely. That meal program was a lifesaver for us last summer. Grateful they keep it going!
Can’t believe Colorado is turning 150! Love the cake and square dancing at the capitol, hope I can make it downtown.
Linda HornerI know! Feels special to be here for the big milestone. Hope you get to enjoy some of the fun at the Capitol!
Puma Park sounds awesome after the updates! Always looking for new spots to take the kids.