Crystal Valley Blog

One of the 100 Best Standup Comics of All Time puts on a show this weekend—Paula Poundstone. Her sharp wit and distinctive voice are instantly recognizable. Plus, the Back Country Half-Marathon is happening Saturday, and the latest Warren Miller ski film is ready for screening,  And now that Halloween is over, it’s time to start thinking about the holidays with a flurry of craft shows and gift fairs in the Castle Rock area this weekend!

TODAY/TONIGHT, November 1

WRITING WORKSHOP WITH BESTSELLING AUTHOR!
If you have always wanted to write that novel that’s been swirling around in your head, this is your opportunity to get some great advice! Colleen Oakes, the bestselling author of the Queen of Hearts trilogy, will be on hand to talk about creating stories for teens and adults, from concept to plotting, writing, editing and finishing your manuscript. The author’s books will also be available to buy. This workshop is open for teens and adults.

Parker Library, 20105 E. Main St., Parker
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Registration: FREE
Phone: 303-791-7323

BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO
In a special performance that coincides with the Day of the Dead celebration, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico will bring to life the music, dance and costume of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations through the present. On the eve of one of the most memorable Mexican holidays of the year, this performance will highlight traditions that celebrate the beauty of the life cycle. Don’t miss this colorful performance that has been described as a “living museum” of Mexico’s cultural traditions.

Shockley-Zalabak Theater, 5225 N Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$78.50
Phone: 719-255-3232

AN EVENING WITH PAULA POUNDSTONE
Fans of NPR’s Wait, Wait—Don’t Tell Me will instantly recognize this hilarious comedian as a frequent panelist on the weekly comedy quiz show. With her smart, observational humor and a legendary spontaneous interaction with the crowd, Paula Poundstone is one of the preeminent comedians in the country.

Truly a legend, she was named on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Best Standup Comics of All Time. Her guest appearances include The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Star Talk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Late Night with Carson Daly, and Nerdist with Chris Hardwick. Poundstone voiced the character Forgotten Paula in Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out. She has had numerous HBO specials and starred in her own series on HBO and ABC. Her second special for HBO, Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard, marked the first time the prestigious university allowed its name to be used in the title of a television show.

Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $40
Phone: 719-634-5581

Thursday-Saturday, November 1-3

ERTH’S PREHISTORIC AQUARIUM ADVENTURE
The Australian theatre group, Erth, uses actors, technology, puppets, science, and imagination to create an amazing visual experience that connects young audiences to the real science of paleontology. Eons past, mysterious prehistoric marine reptiles dwelled in the depths of the ocean—and maybe still do today! Discover the mysteries of prehistoric times with giant puppets in a theatrical look at marine life from long ago — a mesmerizing experience for the entire family.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
Thurs., 10:00 a.m..; Fri., 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $5-$15
Phone: 720-509-1000

CHRISTOPHER TITUS TELLS IT LIKE IT IS
This is one comedian who doesn’t shy away from difficult material. Christopher Titus has even labeled his own brand of humor “hard funny,” and with an upcoming comedy special titled Amerigeddon, you can see why.

Comedy Central fans will know him from the six one-hour specials currently running, and his seventh, Born with a Defect, premiered in 2017. Titus has a reputation for leaving no stone unturned, especially when it comes to his own life. His live show will leave you exhausted—from laughter!

Comedy Works-South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$32
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, November 2

FRIDAY NITE X-TREME!
Treat the kids to their own night out with an evening of extreme fun! This supervised evening is jam-packed with activities including ice skating, laser tag, a climbing wall, bumper cars, Euro-bungy, and more! A slice of pizza and a drink are included! Parents are required to sign their children in to the program, and then can have some time for their own night out! This event is open to kids ages 6-13.

Family Sports Center, 6901 S Peoria St., Centennial
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $19-$22
Phone: 303-754-0552

OLD-TIMEY MUSIC CONCERT
If you are a fan of Americana music— bluegrass, old-time, folk, and acoustic—you will love the band Masontown and their exciting take on the American acoustic tradition. Their music is at the same time reminiscent of your favorite traditional songs and also fresh in the way they combine all the elements. 

Their sonic melting pot of sound includes references to favorite icons, including the Matt Flinner Trio, Bill Monroe, Cahalen Morrison, and Eli West. It’s no coincidence, since they’ve also shared the stage with many of these artists!

Buck Community Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$12
Information: debbiez@sspr.org

Friday-Saturday, November 2-3

ARTHUR MILLER’S ALL MY SONS
Don’t miss your chance to see this powerful cautionary tale of deception and its destructive consequences by New York Drama Critics’ Circle and Tony Award winning playwright Arthur Miller. Set in the 1940s, this timeless story is as riveting and powerful today as it was when it was first produced.

All My Sons follows a seemingly-perfect All-American family, whose destiny hinges on the success they have built for themselves and can’t get away from. Based on the true, heartbreaking story of an Ohio man whose manufacturing plant landed a government contract to make airplane parts during World War II. Because of the mature nature of the themes, parental discretion is advised. 

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$22
Phone: 303-805-6800

FACE OF WINTER SKI FILM
Ski-film buffs won’t want to miss this latest installment from the phenomenal action sports cinematography pioneer, Warren Miller Entertainment. Face of Winter is the 69th chapter in its feature film library, and it visits some of Miller’s favorite locations, from the mountains of Switzerland and France to British Columbia and Alaska, with stops in Chile, Iceland, New Zealand, Washington, and more.

You will be on the edge of your seat as you watch world-class athletes Ann Segal, Dash Longe, Forrest Jillson, Amie Engerbretson, Simon Hillis, Seth Wescott, Jim Ryan, Jess McMillan, and others carve the faces of remote mountain ranges and pursue the thrills of a life lived in high places.

Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs              
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $21-$23
Phone: 719-520-SHOW

Saturday, November 3

HIGHLANDS RANCH BACKCOUNTRY HALF-MARATHON
The spectacular views of this half-marathon are the reason it’s a runners’ favorite! This year’s course will be on the same trail as last year—but reversed! The course is a single loop which is 100% on dirt or gravel. You may be able to view wildlife along the way and you’ll definitely be taking in amazing mountain views!

This 13.1-mile scenic trail run follows a course in the Douglas County East/West trail system and the beautiful Highlands Ranch Community Association’s Backcountry Wilderness Area trails. Considering that it’s November in Colorado, there is always a chance of a mud, snow or ice on the trail, but the race goes on nonetheless! 

Paintbrush Park, 11033 Monarch Blvd., Lone Tree
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration: $80

CRAFT SHOW EXTRAORDINAIRE IN CASTLE ROCK! 
November marks the start of the holiday shopping season, and you won’t want to miss the biggest craft event in the area! This FREE show features over 150 vendors selling their handmade and unique items, including “Grandma’s Attic” and “Grandma’s Kitchen.” There will be a wreath auction, a silent auction and door prizes—and proceeds from the show will benefit area senior citizens through the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center. 

Douglas County Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Phone: 720-733-2292

HIGHLANDS RANCH HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR
With an emphasis on jewelry and personal accessories, this holiday gift fair offers something for everyone on your list! Unique necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves, purses and more will be on display and for sale by local artisans. The quality and selection of the merchandise will pleasantly surprise you!

Eastridge Rec Center, 9568 University Blvd., Highlands Ranch
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Phone: 303-471-8888

HOLIDAY PIE BAKE-OFF
Fruit or no fruit—that’s the question! When you enter this pie-baking competition, it’s the first decision you need to make since the two categories are fruit and non-fruit pies. After that, it’s just a matter of baking your specialty and entering it! Pies will be assessed based on appearance, crust, filling and overall flavor and taste.

Not much of a baker? No worries! You can come to the competition free of charge and try the pies by the slice or bid on your favorite flavor in an auction.

The Millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park, 1381 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Registration: $25

Music, Comedy and Pies Near Crystal Valley!

The master-planned community of Crystal Valley is growing right along with the surrounding town of Castle Rock, with lots of recreation and entertainment options – plus all sorts of shop, dine and enjoy a great cuppa joe. Explore the nine models from top Colorado home builders: D.R. Horton,  Kauffman Homes and Richmond American Homes. New homes here are available in ranch and two-story models and are priced from the $300s.