The week of August 3 brings one of those distinctly Colorado calendar collisions: summer is still humming, school schedules are beginning to stir, and Centennial’s community calendar is preparing for one of its biggest nights of the year. From learning how the City sets its priorities to gathering beneath the evening sky, residents have several ways to know what is new, see what is next and feel more connected.
What’s New: Centennial’s Budget Conversation Continues
The Centennial Budget Committee will hold a hybrid meeting Thursday, August 6, at 3:30 p.m. at the Centennial Civic Center. The committee helps examine the City’s financial outlook, priorities and pressures as Centennial plans future services and investments.
(Centennial, CO)
Municipal budgets can feel like a thicket of columns and commas, but they eventually shape the things residents experience every day: transportation, public safety partnerships, parks, infrastructure and neighborhood services. Residents interested in seeing how local priorities move from ideas to funded plans can follow the meeting through the City’s calendar and meeting resources.
What’s Next: Centennial Under the Stars Returns
The brightest circle on this week’s calendar is the 20th annual Centennial Under the Stars, happening Saturday, August 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Centennial Center Park. The free event will feature live music, local food trucks and family-friendly activities. (Centennial, CO)
Lies or Lullabies will open the evening with familiar rock favorites before the Wash Park Band brings dance music from the 1970s through today. Younger visitors can explore an interactive children’s area with bubbles, face painting, LEGO activities and crafts. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, although tents, canopies and outside alcohol are not permitted. Parking at the park is limited, and the City recommends leaving pets at home because of the expected crowd. (Centennial, CO)
Residents should also be aware that a Stage 2 burn ban is currently in effect in Arapahoe County. Grills are temporarily prohibited at Centennial Center Park, so this is a week to let the food trucks handle the flames. (Centennial, CO)
Feel Connected: Summer’s Final Stretch Meets Back-to-School Season
For many Centennial households, August 3 is also when the school-year gears begin clicking. Arapahoe High School is holding schedule pickup and student photo sessions August 3 and 4, followed by an optional freshman orientation August 5. Littleton Public Schools begins classes August 11, while Cherry Creek Schools will follow individual school phase-in schedules later in the month. Families should check their school’s official calendar for orientation, registration and first-day details. (Littleton Public Schools)
There is still time for one more weekday splash before routines change. Ben Franklin Pool remains open daily through Sunday, August 9, before moving to weekends-only hours beginning August 10.
This week’s Centennial invitation is wonderfully uncomplicated: listen in, show up and share the city with someone else. Attend the budget meeting, take a final pool afternoon or spread a blanket beneath the music at Centennial Under the Stars. Connection often begins with nothing more elaborate than choosing to be present.
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Grateful for these reminders. Centennial feels more like a community when we get together like this.
Thanks so much, it really is special to connect in person, and we're glad these events help foster that community spirit.
The LEGO crafts are adorable. My daughter still has her creation from last year!
Will there be extra trash bins at the event? Last year they filled up quick.
Great question, we have notified event staff about trash bin needs, so you should see more bins and more frequent pick-ups this year.
Always forget how fast the summer goes once August hits. Will be at the pool every day we can!
City budget stuff is a slog but honestly, it’s important. Hope they address road repairs this year.
Absolutely, road repairs and infrastructure are a key part of Centennial's budgeting discussions, and the committee is working to prioritize resident concerns like this.
LOVE seeing that Wash Park Band is playing. Haven’t seen them in years. Excited for some 70s music.
Samira J.Same! Wash Park Band always gets the crowd dancing. Hoping they play some Earth, Wind & Fire this year.
Still so much to do before school starts but hoping to make it to the park Saturday. Could use a night out.
Hope you can make it! Centennial Under the Stars is a perfect way to enjoy a relaxing evening before the back-to-school rush.
Appreciate the heads up about the alcohol rule. Keeps things safe for families.
We appreciate your understanding, ensuring a safe, welcoming space for all families is a guiding principle for city events.
Any idea which food trucks will be there? Would love to try something new.
Centennial always does a good job with these summer events. Hope the weather holds up this weekend.
Anyone know if there’s a spot for bikes near the park entrance? I hate dealing with the parking mess.
Face painting and crafts are a must for my little ones. Thanks for organizing family-friendly stuff!
Food trucks + live music = my favorite night of summer. See everyone Saturday!
We couldn’t agree more, enjoy the music, food, and community on Saturday night!
I miss when there was a fireworks show at the end, but the music is still a blast.
My daughter starts at Arapahoe High this year. Glad for the reminder about orientation, don't want to miss it!
I agree about the parking. Maybe next year they could run a shuttle from the Streets at SouthGlenn?
I wish pets could come to the park events but I understand it gets crowded. Maybe a pet-focused event in the fall?
Honestly, those budget meetings are confusing but I like that we can watch online. Makes it more accessible.
We're glad you find the online option helpful! Making city processes more accessible is something Centennial continually strives for.
Nothing like live music at sunset. Proud to see Centennial keep these events going for 20 years!
Always nice to have a heads up about what’s going on with city budgets. More transparency is good.
Thank you for reading. Transparency and open dialogue around city budgets are top priorities for Centennial's leadership.
I didn't know the city streamed meetings. Makes it easier for us working folks to keep up.
Thanks for the heads up on no outside alcohol. Saw a few people get turned away last year.
You’re welcome! We want everyone to have a smooth experience at Centennial Under the Stars, so thanks for helping spread the word about event guidelines.
Under the Stars is one of the things that makes Centennial great. 20 years already? Wow.
Forgot about Ben Franklin Pool shifting hours! Going to get in one last weekday swim before it’s just weekends.
I always look forward to Under the Stars but not so much to school routines. Trying to enjoy these last few days!
Limited parking is always tricky at these events. Wish they’d run a shuttle from somewhere nearby!
Our kids love the interactive area at Under the Stars. Bubbles and LEGOs are a big win. Appreciate the info!
Stage 2 burn ban again? Hopefully people take that seriously this year. Glad they're making the rules clear.
Thanks for the reminder about school stuff! It always sneaks up on us. Can’t believe it’s almost time already.
Bummed about no grills but food trucks are always good. The music lineup looks fun. Will definitely bring my lawn chair.
FYI the Ben Franklin Pool gets extra busy this last week before hours change, but it’s still worth it if you get there early.
Blankets and lawn chairs are perfect. Last year we sat right up front for Lies or Lullabies. Hope they play Fleetwood Mac again!
Gianna R.We tried to get close last time but ended up off to the side. Still a great spot! Fingers crossed for some Fleetwood Mac covers again.
Budget talks might not sound exciting but it does affect everything. I might tune in just to see what’s up for parks this year.
Please don’t bring tents, it gets so packed you can’t even walk between them.
Stage 2 burn ban is serious, folks. Glad the city is being careful.
Wish there were more events for teens. The kids area is always for the younger ones.
Went to the budget meeting last spring and learned a lot about what gets funded. Not as boring as it sounds.
That's great to hear. The budget process can be surprisingly engaging and it's helpful to see how decisions shape daily life in Centennial.
Arapahoe High photo day already? Summer flew by. Good luck to all the new students!
We agree, the summer really did go by in a flash! Best wishes to all students as they head back for a new school year.
Remember folks, bring cash just in case. Some food trucks don’t take cards.
Excellent reminder, having cash on hand at events like this can definitely come in handy, especially for food trucks.
Grills are out but food trucks are in! I’ll take someone else cooking over a hot grill any day.
Those food trucks are always the highlight for my family. The street tacos last year were unbelievable.
Love that the city is hosting events like Centennial Under the Stars! Always a highlight for our family. Glad they're thinking of safety with burn bans too.
Bummer about no pets. My dog loves music in the park but I get it with the crowds.
Love budget transparency. I may actually tune in this time to see where our tax dollars are going!
I wish there was more parking at the park. Last year we had to park all the way down the street and haul our cooler. Still fun though.
Excited for Under the Stars again! Always feels like Centennial summer isn’t complete without it. Hope Wash Park Band brings the disco!