Have you finished a scrumptious breakfast and now you’re looking for something fun to do in the Denver area? Try heading east to Aurora, Colorado. This Denver suburb is home to the Stanley Marketplace — one of the best places to visit in Denver!
Visiting the Stanley Marketplace
Part food court, part urban bazaar, the Stanley Marketplace is an entity all its own. This unique community gathering place is located at a former aviation manufacturing facility (the Stanley Aviation Corporation) that was once adjacent to Denver’s original international airport. Stapleton Field may be long gone but the Stanley is here to stay!
The Stanley Marketplace is a go-to destination on the border between Aurora and Denver. It attracts shoppers, diners, partiers, and those just looking for a cool place to hang out with friends. There are more than a dozen independently owned shops, a beer hall, and nearly a dozen bars and restaurants to frequent at the Marketplace. All told, there are more than fifty local, independently-owned businesses at this 140,000-square-foot much-loved community center!
Add in the fact that there’s an event center (appropriately called ‘The Hanger’), yoga studio, and co-working space, and you might be getting a feel for the vibe here. There’s also an early learning center and gymnastics studio in case you’re wondering how family-friendly it is.
The History Behind It
It all started with beer. Former social worker Mark Shaker was lamenting the lack of a place to hang out in the neighborhood. That desire for a beer hall eventually turned into an opportunity to save a historic factory and unite two disparate communities. Oh, and a great place to hang out, drinking beer with your friends!
Stanley Marketplace Events Abound
That’s right, there’s always something fun or exciting happening at the Stanley! After all, that’s part of the ‘Stanifesto‘ that makes the Stanley Marketplace so great. As these guidelines for the Stanley point out, “Every day is an opportunity to put goodness into the world.” Events that bring the community together to experience joy do just that!
Spring and Summer at the Stanley
Celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day with your family. Enjoy food tastings or pick up fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market. Attend art events and concerts. Join in one of the fitness gatherings so you can make the most of your summer.
Fall Festivities
Do some fancy pumpkin carving. Don your best costume to try to win a prize at the costume contest and then attend the spooky Halloween festivities. Celebrate your Thanksgiving blessings with family and friends.
A Winter Wonderland
Get into the holiday spirit with homemade holiday cards and caroling. Enjoy gingerbread houses, festival wreaths, and joyous people celebrating holiday happiness at the Stanley Marketplace!
Stop in for Breakfast on Your Way to the Stanley
Our Yelp Waitlist lets you call ahead and save your space in line. We’ll have you all fueled up and ready to hit the Stanley in no time. Once there, you’ll be extra thankful for taking the time to eat a good breakfast before you went. After all, there’s a lot to see and do at Aurora’s unique Stanley Marketplace!