Southlands marks 20 years with weeklong Aurora celebration

Southlands will celebrate its 20th anniversary Oct. 18-24 with seven days of events, giveaways and charitable partnerships in southeast Aurora. The shopping center says the milestone will support local nonprofits while highlighting two decades of growth alongside the city.

Why it matters: - Southlands is using its 20th anniversary to drive traffic, reward shoppers and raise money for community groups in Aurora. - The celebration underscores how the shopping center has become a long-running gathering place as southeast Aurora has grown. - The anniversary week will benefit Dress for Success Denver and the Aurora Police Foundation.

What happened: - Southlands announced a weeklong 20th anniversary celebration for Oct. 18-24 in Aurora. - The event lineup includes community activities, entertainment, charitable partnerships, giveaways and surprises. - The milestone marks 20 years since Main Street at Southlands opened in October 2006. - Southlands said the celebration is meant to thank shoppers, families, businesses and community organizations that have supported the center.

The details: - Southlands will hide 20 golden envelopes across the property during anniversary week. - The envelopes will contain prizes ranging from $25 gift cards to a $1,000 Southlands shopping spree. - Shoppers and diners may also receive surprise $20 gift cards during the week. - Guests who spend $50 or more at participating Southlands retailers can receive a limited-edition 20th anniversary tote while supplies last. - Sunday, Oct. 18: Southlands Style Speakeasy will benefit Dress for Success Denver with a golden afternoon of style, fashion and fun. - Monday, Oct. 19: Little Prospectors Gold Rush will let kids pan for gold and win prizes. - Tuesday, Oct. 20: Happy Birthday, Southlands will feature the official 20th birthday celebration, festive entertainment, sweet treats, anniversary cake and an artwork unveiling by Downtown Aurora Visual Arts. - Wednesday, Oct. 21: Pints & Putt-Putt will offer an evening of pints, putt-putt and hand-rolled cigars benefiting the Aurora Police Foundation. - Thursday, Oct. 22: Wonka's Golden Ticket Experience will be a movie night at AMC featuring "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." - Friday, Oct. 23: Sounds of Southlands 2.0 will feature live music from Spinphony, drinks and a 20-year celebration. - Saturday, Oct. 24: Fall-O-Ween will close anniversary week with trick-or-treating, festive activities and family fun. - Complete anniversary schedules, offers and event details are available at Southlands' anniversary page. - Southlands says the center is the largest outdoor shopping destination in Colorado. - The property spans 1.7 million square feet at E-470 and Smoky Hill Road in Aurora. - Southlands has more than 150 stores, restaurants and entertainment options. - Southlands is designed to look and feel like a small town with a Main Street of shops and restaurants.

Between the lines: - Aurora has grown from about 297,000 residents in 2006 to more than 410,000 today, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. - Aurora is Colorado's third-largest city. - Growth has been fastest in southeast Aurora. - The population in Southlands' ZIP code, 80016, grew 59% between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, about three times the rate of the city overall. - Southlands general manager Martin Liles said the center and Aurora have grown together over the past 20 years. - Liles said the anniversary is about thanking the community and celebrating what comes next. - The Cookie Company, which opened at Southlands in 2007, points to the center's role as a shopping and entertainment hub. - Co-owner Frankie Hoff said Southlands' concerts and public events help draw crowds and contribute to the community. - Dress for Success Denver/Colorado CEO Amara Martin said Southlands is a valued partner committed to supporting the Aurora community. - Aurora Police Foundation executive director Naomi Colwell said donations from Southlands events during anniversary week will go directly to support education, equipment and training not covered in the city's budget. - Colwell said Southlands has become part of the community and that the community supports Southlands in return.

What's next: - Visitors can expect daily anniversary programming throughout Oct. 18-24. - Southlands will continue to promote event schedules, offers and prize opportunities during the celebration. - The anniversary events will culminate with the Fall-O-Ween festival on Oct. 24.

The bottom line: - Southlands is turning a retail milestone into a community campaign, blending entertainment, prizes and nonprofit support to celebrate 20 years in Aurora.