Crystal Valley Blog

It’s Arts Month, so that means you should have at least one new cultural experience this month—and with the offerings near Castle Rock, you’ll have plenty to choose from! Chamber music, a harp-and-vocal concert a blues revue, and a dance performance celebrating Cajun culture—take your pick this weekend!

TODAY/TONIGHT, October 18

CLASSICAL MUSIC AT THE MANSION
Let an enchanting evening of chamber music transport you to another time and place at this special concert in the Highlands Ranch Mansion! History and culture collide as the classical works of Debussy, Takemitsu and Saint-Saens evoke a golden era that once resided in the Mansion.

The Ivy Street Ensemble features a magical combination of harp and flute joining together with the violin and viola. The evening also includes an open house for a self-guided tour of the Mansion and light appetizers at a reception.

Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Dr., Highlands Ranch
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24-$30
Phone: 720-348-9509

Thursday-Sunday, October 18-21

LOW DOWN DIRTY BLUES
For a smokin’ evening of songs filled with passion, soul, humor, and a zest for life, don’t miss this sizzling musical revue featuring Big Mama! An after-hours jam session finds a group of veteran blues musicians assembled to swap stories, have some laughs, and of course, make some music. Their favorite blues tunes include the likes of Muddy Waters, Mae West, Ma Rainey, Sophie Tucker, Howlin’ Wolf, Pearl Bailey, and many more. Featuring nearly two-dozen songs, these hot rhythms heat up the theater from the very first note.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:00 p.m.; Sat., 1:30 and 8:00 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 and 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$60
Phone: 720-509-1000

ROMANTIC COMEDY – FINAL WEEKEND
Shakespeare in Love is a clever play-within-a-play that supposes what might have been the inspiration for Romeo and Juliet. When a young Will Shakespeare meets the charming young Viola de Lesseps, he has no idea she also the newest actor in his production—she has dressed up like a boy to pursue her dream of acting!

Filled with the dramatic devices Shakespeare employed, including cross-dressing, mistaken identities, and sword-fighting, Shakespeare In Love is a romantic comedy delight!

Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:00 p.m., Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$45
Phone: 719-634-5581

Friday, October 19

HARP AND VOCALS
Armed with nothing more than a harp and powerhouse vocals, the musical duo Addi & Jacq have been dubbed the “best emerging band in NYC.” Their fresh approach to musical traditions from blues to jazz to classical puts a pop spin on a wide range of musical influences. All of their songs are grounded in great writing, singing and playing!

Schoolhouse Theatre, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $34-$39
Phone: 303-805-6800

CLASSIC FILM & COCKTAILS
The classics are back on the big screen at the Friday matinee series in Highlands Ranch! This week, enjoy the Hitchcock thriller Rear Window, starring Jimmy Stewart, as you munch on popcorn and vintage candies, and sip a signature cocktail! This series celebrating the Golden Age of Cinema is open to adults over 21 only.

Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch
2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5-$7
Phone: 303-888-0423

Friday-Saturday, October 19-20

HAUNTED FOREST
Bring the older kids for this two-night-only Halloween fright—a walk through the Haunted Forest! Nightmares are lurking behind every tree and bush! A community area with booths, an outdoor movie, and refreshments offers a place to regain your composure! Recommended for ages 10 and over.

Rocky Heights Middle School, 11033 Monarch Blvd., Highlands Ranch
6:30-10:30 p.m.
Tickets: $13
Phone: 303-688-5242

Saturday, October 20

TRUNK OR TREAT PIZZA PARTY
It’s a tailgater Halloween party in the parking lot at the Pinnacle, right here at Crystal Valley Ranch! This special two-in-one event is great for the entire family! ”Trunk-or-Treat” means that kids get to trick-or-treat through the parking lot, from the trunks of the cars! Throw some cool decorations in or on your car, bring a bag of candy to pass out to the kids, and show up at the Pinnacle parking lot by 3:45 to get set up!

After the kids have collected their candy, everyone heads inside The Pinnacle to hear the winners from the trunk-decorating contest and grab a slice of regular or gluten-free pizza! There’s even a DIY caramel apple bar!

The Pinnacle, 2160 Fox Haven Dr., Castle Rock
4:00-7:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE

CONFESSIONS OF AN ANGRY HOUSEWIFE
Women on the verge of a nervous breakdown—take note! This hilarious evening full of the truths of your life is just for you! This must-see confessional is full of honesty, vulnerability and too-funny true stories. Bring your girlfriends for a night of wit, wisdom and wine! This presentation contains strong language and adult themes, so leave the kids at home.

Schoolhouse Theatre, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35
Phone: 303-805-6800

IF YOU DARE – CASTLE OF TERROR
This haunted house is the real deal…it’s so scary that kids under 13 are not admitted without an adult. Set in a burned-out training center, the Castle of Terror is a reenactment of a small town’s horrifying event—and you become a part of the nightmare, as apocalyptic insanity takes over the community. Proceeds will go to the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue and Castle Rock Police Explorer programs.

Castle Rock Fire Training Tower, 333 Malibu Court, Castle Rock
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10
Phone: 303-663-3103

Saturday-Sunday, October 20-21

GUSTAV MAHLER’S SONG OF THE EARTH
A select ensemble of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic presents the most enduring work of Gustav Mahler, one of the last great figures of the late Romantic movement. 

Das Lied von der Erde (Song of the Earth) expresses Mahler’s life-long obsession with fate and the uncertainty of life and is especially poignant as it illuminates the sudden realization of his own mortality.

Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS, Shockley-Zalabak Theater, 5225 N Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $31.50-$75.50
Phone: 719-255-3232

WICKED BAYOU – A DANCE PERFORMANCE
Creole and Cajun folklore come together when childhood friends from different traditions explore their heritage through dance. When a terrible storm devastates the bayou, the two characters must work together to navigate the aftermath.

Wonderbound is an innovative dance company that honors tradition while exploring new approaches to artistic experiences. Their emphasis on collaboration guarantees ground-breaking performances and inspired storytelling!

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$40
Phone: 303-805-6800

Sunday, October 21

TRIO VIVANTE IN CONCERT
Join Trio Vivante for a performance of quality chamber music for flute, cello, and piano! Celebrate the changing of the seasons with a variety of colorful tunes to warm the heart and soul.

The three members of Trio Vivante are active performers and teachers in the community, working with organizations such as the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, the Fine Arts Center, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and the Colorado Springs Conservatory.

Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20
Phone: 719-634-5581

Nature and New Construction in Crystal Valley! 

With so many choices from Colorado’s top home builders in the master-planned community of Crystal Valley, you don’t have to wait to make your move! Tour the nine models from D.R. Horton,  Kauffman Homes and Richmond American Homes in one of the top five fastest-growing residential communities in the state! New homes here are available in ranch and two-story models and priced from the $300s.