September is finding its stride in Centennial. The school-year routines are settling in, the evenings are starting to feel just a little more like fall, and this week’s community calendar offers something beyond simply finding another pumpkin-flavored beverage.
From one of Centennial’s biggest arts events to opportunities to participate in local government, here’s what deserves a spot on the radar this week.
Centennial Chalk Art Festival Takes Over SouthGlenn
The sidewalks become the canvas on Saturday, September 12, when the Centennial Chalk Art Festival returns to The Streets at SouthGlenn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nearly 100 artists are expected to create elaborate works directly on the pavement, while visitors can enjoy live music, local vendors, food, a free kids zone and the returning Kids Markets, featuring more than 40 booths operated by young entrepreneurs ages 5–17.
Visitors can also vote for their favorite chalk creation. Admission is free.
This one is worth lingering over rather than simply walking through.
Grab lunch, explore the artwork as it develops and support some of Centennial’s youngest makers along the way.
Centennial Chalk Art Festival details
A Centennial Gathering to Remember September 11
On Friday, September 11, Koelbel Library will host a screening and discussion of “9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero,” with Colorado State Representative Gretchen Rydin participating in the conversation. The event takes place at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly Street in Centennial.
Rather than focusing only on the attack itself, the documentary explores what happened afterward as people wrestled with how Ground Zero should be rebuilt. For a week filled with festivals and fall activities, this offers something quieter: an opportunity for remembrance, conversation and reflection.
Check the City calendar for the latest event details before attending.
Centennial Community Calendar
A Neighborhood Decision Worth Watching
Centennial’s Planning and Zoning Commission meets Wednesday, September 9 at 6 p.m. to consider initial zoning for approximately 10.88 acres associated with the proposed Elevation Volleyball Annexation.
The property is currently under Arapahoe County zoning. If annexation is ultimately approved, Centennial is considering an Employment Center–Light Industrial zoning designation for the parcels. The September 9 meeting is part of that review process, not a final approval.
For residents who like knowing about development before the construction equipment arrives, City planning hearings are one of the best places to start.
Centennial legal notices and public hearings
SouthGlenn Continues to Evolve
While thousands of visitors will be enjoying Chalk Art Festival, the property beneath their feet is also part of a larger neighborhood story.
At the former Macy’s site on the northern end of The Streets at SouthGlenn, Alliance Residential Company has proposed a five-story residential building containing 358 units. The City received a formal development application in April, and the proposal remains in the planning-review process. The former Sears property on the southern end is also being marketed for potential residential redevelopment, although the City says no development application has been submitted for that site.
Follow The Streets at SouthGlenn redevelopment updates
One More Civic Issue Before the Week Closes
On Tuesday, September 15 at 7 p.m., Centennial City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Ordinance 2026-O-15, which would have Centennial opt out of Colorado’s graywater program and prohibit graywater treatment works and use within the City.
Residents may comment at the hearing or submit written comments to the City Clerk by 1 p.m. September 14.
Whether your week includes chalk-covered sidewalks, civic participation or simply knowing a little more about what is changing around town, there is plenty happening beneath Centennial’s increasingly autumn-colored surface. And that is really the point of staying local: the more we know about the place we live, the more opportunity we have to help shape what it becomes.
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Curious if the new SouthGlenn apartments will include affordable units or just luxury? Would be nice to see some more mixed options.
Greg SalingerI’m wondering that too. With rents going up everywhere, some affordable spots would make a big difference for folks just starting out or downsizing. Haven’t seen any mention in the city notices yet.
Wish they'd do more events at the Koelbel Library. That spot is a gem in Centennial.
Thank you for bringing some activities for all ages, not just the usual kid or seniors stuff. Chalk art is a great family option.
Thank you for noticing, we do aim to highlight events that welcome everyone, and the chalk art festival is a perfect way for families of all ages to participate and enjoy together.
Voting for chalk art is fun, but super hard to pick just one favorite. The talent level is wild every year.
I appreciate that the city emails reminders about these meetings now. I might actually attend one this time.
Every time I go to SouthGlenn, there’s a new plan on the horizon. Just hope some of the old character survives all the development.
The 9/11 event at Koelbel Library sounds respectful and worthwhile. Kind of nice to have something quieter to balance the busy fall things.
We appreciate you saying so, creating space for remembrance and meaningful conversation was exactly the intention behind this library event.
Will there be food trucks at the festival? Or is it mostly local restaurants? Planning my Saturday around snacks!
Not sure how I feel about graywater bans. Seems like a step backwards to me? Hope there’s a solid reason for it.
Wish the Kids Market had been around when I was younger. Cool to see them encouraging young business minds.
Does anyone know if pets are allowed at the Chalk Art Festival? Would love to bring my dog.
Thanks for listing the city meetings. It can be hard to keep track of all these hearings. Transparency matters!
Every year the chalk artists blow me away. Love watching their work unfold live. Will definitely be back for this!
We're thrilled you enjoy the festival, seeing so many artists transform the sidewalks is truly special, and we can't wait for another year of inspiring creations.
Hope the city keeps some green space with all these new apartment plans. Centennial needs trees, not just more concrete.
Glad events are spread throughout the week. Helps people with different schedules join in.
Anybody else miss when SouthGlenn had the old ice rink? Not sure these apartments will have the same community feel.
Graywater thing is interesting. Is there a good reason to opt out? I’m all for water reuse if it’s safe.
Love the idea of kid-run booths at the chalk fest! Those young entrepreneurs always have creative ideas. My daughter signed up and she’s so excited.
That's wonderful to hear, best of luck to your daughter at her booth! The Kids Markets are always a highlight, and it's amazing to see what local young minds come up with.
Thanks for the heads up about the Planning and Zoning meeting. I had no idea about the volleyball annexation. Gonna try to tune in.
Neat to see the city remembering 9/11 with a thoughtful event. I appreciate they’re talking about the rebuilding, not just the tragedy itself.
I honestly wish they'd focus less on more apartments at SouthGlenn. Traffic is already crazy. Does anyone know if they're planning any transportation upgrades with these new buildings?
Really looking forward to the chalk art festival this year! The kids zone sounds great for my little ones too. Glad to see free events like this happening in Centennial.