Crystal Valley Blog

This Fourth of July holiday makes for a three-day holiday weekend – whoo-hoo! –  and it’s time to plan for fun in Castle Rock and nearby environs! You’ll find plenty to choose from: including film, theater performances and a music-pallooza! – entertaining audiences all over town!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, June 30

SENIOR LIFE EXPO
If you are a senior or have a senior family member, this Douglas County “All Things Senior” event is for YOU. Visit with partnering senior organizations and businesses including housing, home care, insurance, transportation, estate planning, assistance and services along with activities for socializing and keeping busy. Participate in seminars, demonstrations, door prizes, giveaways and more!

Douglas County Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
1:00-5:00 p.m.
FREE

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Nestled in the beautiful Castle Rock setting of Philip S. Miller Park, The Amphitheater has become one of Colorado’s most sought-after live music venues. Each year, the featured acts get bigger and bigger. Tonight, the GRAMMY® Award-nominated multi-platinum rock band Fuel – which has been showing audiences since its rebirth in 2021 – that it was simply meant to be. After rebuilding their brotherhood, founder, guitarist, and songwriter Carl Bell and longtime drummer Kevin Miller didn’t just celebrate their history together. They rushed into the future joined by new blood and armed with their first album together in 18 years, Ånomåly. Much like the title suggests, it serves as the aberration rock music needs.

The opening act, The Record Thieves, a Denver-based five-piece band that’s about to drop its debut, Wasting Time, 11 tracks of melodious punk rock that recalls Millencolin and Face to Face. While the similarities were not intentional, drummer and songwriter Jim Wilcox, what they ended up with, says Westword, “is a sonic pallet that merges a strong vein of melodic hardcore with healthy dashes of pop punk.” 

Join with family and friends for one of the summer’s signature events that have become a much-anticipated community event.

The Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
Doors Open 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30

KEB’ MO’ COMES TO THE SPRINGS
Through the years, Keb’ Mo’ has proven that he is a musical force that defies typical genre labels. Album after album, 14 in total, he has garnered five GRAMMY awards, including his most recent 2019 release, Oklahoma, which won in the Best Americana Album category.  Mo’s list of GRAMMY recognitions continues with 12 GRAMMY nominations, in total, including his 2014 self-produced release, BLUESAmericana, which earned three nominations on its own, as well as a producer/engineer/artist GRAMMY Certificate for his track on the 2001 Country Album of the Year, Hank Williams Tribute – Timeless. The talented artist has also been awarded 14 Blues Foundation Awards and six BMI Awards for his work in TV and film. This performance was rescheduled from July 14.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Doors open 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $39-$220
Phone: 719-575-9632

Friday-Saturday, July 1-2

JOSH BLUE LIVE!
Following his third-place finish on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Josh Blue is hitting the road with his As NOT Seen on TV Tour. There’s nothing quite like the experience of seeing a Josh Blue show LIVE. 

After his groundbreaking win on Last Comic Standing in 2006, Josh Blue has risen through the ranks to become a well-established headliner at venues throughout the world. In 2018, Josh crushed his set on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In the same year, he was honored with a performance at the William H. Macy Gala at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, Canada. He wrapped up 2018 by recording his fifth hour special, Broccoli, at his home club, Comedy Works in Denver, CO. Josh does over 200 shows a year, continuing to spread laughter and break down stereotypes of people with disabilities. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are alike. Critics have said Josh is not a cerebral palsy comic; he’s a comic who happens to have cerebral palsy. 

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Fri., 7:00 p.m., Sat, 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $28
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday-Sunday, July 1-3

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.

To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top Forty score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $29
Phone: 303-805-6800

Friday, July 1

FIRST FRIDAYS: BROTHERS OF BRASS
Friday nights in the summer are made for spending time close to home, enjoying the beautiful weather, and unwinding from the long week. Why go anywhere else but Downtown Castle Rock? On the first Friday of each month, June through August, head to Festival Park to enjoy live music, food trucks, cocktails and kid activities. Start off the night with the First Fridays 5K, (this month’s theme: Patriot Run) then don’t miss the chance to make family memories Downtown. This Friday: Brothers of Brass — one of the premier street bands in the country.  You’ve seen them busking at the 16th Street Mall, Boulder’s Pearl St. Mall, and at Denver’s First Fridays’ art walk. With influences ranging from R&B to southern brass and psychedelic jam rock to hip hop, Brothers of Brass boasts a wide musical lexicon with a little something for everyone!

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
5:00-9:00 p.m.
FREE

Saturday, July 2

MEET THE BEEKEEPER
Stop by the Apiary while Hudson Garden’s beekeepers are nurturing their charges and observe live, active beehives and real-life management techniques. You can also join the Hudson Gardens Beekeeping Forum to share experiences and stay informed of all things beekeeping at Hudson Gardens! Some content will focus on beekeeping information specific to Hudson Gardens, but contributions and questions are welcome from anyone interested in honeybees. 

Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
9:00 a.m. -12:00 Noon
Free Event 

FOR KIDS: FRONT RANGE FABLES
Venture south to the Springs for three fantastical fables based on historic events in the Pikes Peak region, written by local playwrights to entertain, educate, and foster empathy. By filtering these stories through the lens of fairytale and fable, we invite students to experience a different slice of history. Bemis School of Art will provide creative activities during the breaks between plays.

Shepherd of the Great Mountain by Marisa Hebert
A princess defies tradition and scales an un-scalable mountain to prove to the king and the people of the kingdom that she is just as fit to rule as any man. This play is inspired by the story of Julia Archibald Holmes, the suffragist and abolitionist who, in 1858, became the first woman on record to summit Pikes Peak.

To Slay the Dragon by Jonathan Andujar
At the foot of a great mountain, there was a city. And in the heart of the city, there lived a dragon, who was much loved by the children of the city. But one day, a knight in shining armor showed up on horseback, on a mission to slay the dragon. This play is a parable based on the historic Conejos neighborhood, a tight-knit immigrant community in Colorado Springs. Themes include gentrification and the power of oral tradition.

The Stone Garden by Jessica Kahkoska
A man inherits guardianship of a magical stone garden where rock formations take human shape. But when greed overtakes the man, he learns a very important (and lasting) lesson about generosity and compassion. This story is inspired by Curt Goerke, who, in the early 1900s, owned the portion of Garden of the Gods that included the famous Balanced Rock. Angry that people were taking pictures of his rock for free, Goerke built a 20-foot high spite wall around the rock and began charging admission.

Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
10:00 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. 
Tickets: Must sign up but no charge

CHRIS YOUNG AND WALKER HAYES!
Recently invited to become the newest member of the iconic Grand Ole Opry, Chris Young has earned multiple ACM, BBMA, CMA, CMT, Grammy and RDMA nominations and scored three consecutive chart-topping singles – including his ninth No. 1 “Sober Saturday Night” with Vince Gill – from his “excellent” (New York Times) album I’m Comin’ Over (2015). He continues to set the bar even higher with the release of his brand new single, “Losing Sleep,” which amassed more than 1.25 Million on-demand streams in its first week of release.

With six albums to his credit, Chris is an international ambassador for country music, performing to packed houses around the world With nine chart-toppers and 15 Gold/Platinum certified projects, Chris has joined reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean as special guest on his They Don’t Know Tour through October before resuming his own headlining dates later this year.

Second act will be Walker Hayes the breakout country singer whose single “Fancy Like” became the summer fun anthem of 2021 after Hayes and his daughter Lela choreographed a dance to the tune on TikTok (30 million views!). Date nights with wife Laney was his inspiration and the platinum hit got so big that you can thank Hayes for the return of the Oreo Cookie Shake to Applebee’s. The restaurant chain is featuring “Fancy Like” in its ad campaign celebrating the cookie confection name-checked in the song. You’ll also find a photo of Hayes and wife Laney sipping one in the menu of every Applebee’s in America. And, he was cruising to star heights with a bevy of rocketing country tunes even before the Fancy Like phenom!

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
Doors Open 3:30 p.m.
Tickets $25-$99.95
Information: 303-229-7000

Sunday, July 3

ANOTHER PRINCESS PARTY!
The princess parties are held once a month and they are one of our most popular events and fill up quickly, therefore reserve your space at the Cherokee Ranch and Castle for a princess party themed for Pocahontas and Mowana!  Dress up, grab your feathers and fancy footwear and make some memories at the Castle. Reservations include delicious snacks with refreshing beverages and a photo opportunity.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40
Phone: 303-688-5555

FESTIVAL PARK FARMER’S MARKET
The Farmers Market at Festival Park, hosted by the Local Colorado, will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through September. Don’t miss locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, a variety of fresh produce, delicious baked goods, artisan-made products and more from nearly 40 vendors. Support local business and agriculture while getting outside, meeting neighbors and enjoying delicious local fare.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
2:00 p.m.

FREE

Monday, July 4

ROCK IT RUN – 1K, 5K & HALF-MARATHON
Start your Independence Day morning with the town’s second annual ROCK-IT RUN 5K, Half-Marathon Relay, and FREE 1K Little Rock-It RUN (8 years and under). It’s time to start a new tradition on the 4^th of July and feel good about Changing Lives. The post-race concert is free and open to the public. We’ve got the Red and White, and all we need is YOU! The proceeds from the race events will go towards increasing awareness and raising funds for veterans’ organizations, first-responders, and others who experience PTSD.

Douglas County Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
6:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION: $30-$50

Credit: Denver Post

FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT
The Castle Rock Band will celebrate Independence Day with a free, all-American concert of patriotic and other music at Festival Park in downtown Castle Rock on Monday, July. Included in the program are John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “Nobles of the Mystic Shrine” march, and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” by Irving Berlin.

This is the second concert of Castle Rock Band’s outdoor summer concert series. The band will perform two more summer concerts in Festival Park on August 14 and September 25. All concerts are presented free of charge as a service to the community.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
2:30 p.m.
FREE

NEXT WEEK:  Wednesday, July 6

ROCKIN’ SUMMER MUSIC IN THE PARK
This is a midweek activation of Festival Park, whether it’s music, stories or a little fun entertainment. This is an event for all to enjoy!

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
5:30-6:30 p.m.
FREE

Thursday-Saturday, July 7-9

SAMUEL COMROE LIVE!
Samuel J. Comroe, a Los Angeles native, is a stand-up comedian who performs at over 100 clubs and colleges annually. Comroe made his television debut on TBS’ Conan and has appeared on BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart. In 2018 Samuel was a finalist on America’s Got Talent and was recently seen on America’s Got Talent Champions Edition. 

In addition to his television appearances Sam was featured on All Def Digital’sComedy Originals. He is also the winner of Ricky Gervais’ Comedy Competition, The San Francisco Comedy Competition, and has over 75,000 subscribers on his YouTube Channel. 

Samuel’s comedy is made up of the trials and tribulations of living with Tourette Syndrome since being diagnosed at age six and observational material based on his life experiences.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat, 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$30
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, July 8

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER
Five-time Grammy-winner Mary Chapin Carpenter’s 15th studio album, The Dirt And The Stars, finds the singer-songwriter pondering life’s intimate, personal moments and exploring its most universally challenging questions at an unprecedented time. Written at her rural Virginia farmhouse before stay-at-home orders became the “new normal,” the songs celebrate invaluable experiences and irreplaceable wisdom, while also advocating exploration of the best in all of us. As one of just 15 women voted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, with over 15 million albums sold, 5 Grammy awards (from 15 nominations) and the recipient of two CMA and ACM awards, Carpenter’s now-classic hits include “I Feel Lucky,” “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her” and “The Hard Way.” Produced by Ethan Johns (Ray LaMontagne, Paul McCartney, Kings of Leon) and recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in Bath, in southwest England, The Dirt And The Stars marks Carpenter’s first collection of all-new material since 2016’s The Things That We Are Made Of. 

Joining her will be John Craigie, the Portland, OR-based singer, songwriter, and producer who adapts moments of solitude into stories perfectly suited for old Americana fiction anthologies. Instead of leaving them on dog-eared pages, he projects them widescreen in flashes of simmering soul and folk eloquence. 

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$45
Phone: 719-575-9632

TUNES ON THE TERRACE: JARABE MEXICANO
Jarabe Mexicano invites audiences on a joyride through a versatile songbook of Mexican Folk as well as Rock & Roll, Tex-Mex, Latin Rock, and Reggae-Cumbia. Performing on stringed folk instruments accompanied by lively percussion, Jarabe’s dramatic, harmonized vocals in Spanish and English have gained them the admiration from audiences across the country. We will have wine, beer, and cocktails available for sale.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $14
Phone: 720-509-1000

Things to Do Near Crystal Valley!

Enjoy life in Castle Rock within minutes from the master-planned community of Crystal Valley – where nature is around every corner of the neighborhood! Looking for a new home you can add your signature style to? Check out the beautiful model homes from Kauffman Homes, Richmond American Homes, D.R. Horton, Century Communities, Taylor Morrison, and coming soon –Toll Brothers! Picture yourself in your very own dream house —  ranch style or two-story models priced from the $500s.