Crystal Valley Blog

**Given social distancing measures caused by the COVID-19 virus, we suggest you visit the 9News list of closures or individual venue websites to determine whether the following events are still being held or have been cancelled or postponed. We apologize for any inconvenience.**

It’s not too early to start celebrating everyone’s favorite Irish holiday! To get you in the spirit, check out the Philharmonic’s Celtic Concert, with a guest violist all the way from Ireland! Or dig out your running shoes and take part in the family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day 5K—you may even be the lucky person who spots the hidden kettle ball which will win you a $100 prize! There are many fun events going on this weekend in the Castle Rock area, so get out there and have some fun!

TODAY/TONIGHT, March 12

NEARBY WELLNESS WALK
Get away from it all without leaving the neighborhood! Take a hike on dirt roads in the reserved part of the Backcountry Wilderness Area and you’ll forget you’re only 15 minutes from home. Walking is a great stress-reliever and an awesome way to connect with friends and neighbors! Don’t forget your binoculars—there will be opportunities for spotting wildlife and birds. Best of all, this relaxed, guided excursion is FREE!

Backcountry Wilderness Area, 6005 Ron King Trail, Highlands Ranch
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Registration: FREE, but registration is required

FORENSIC FILES
You’ll feel like you’re a part of an investigative crime series at this intriguing talk about a real-life local crime and the way the coroner helped to solve it. Lora Thomas, former Douglas County Coroner, walks you through an historic Colorado case. All proceeds from the presentation are donated to suicide prevention.

The 1976 Holly Andrews murder in Columbine was a perplexing and horrific mystery. CBI Director Chris Schaefer will be on hand to discuss the many aspects and theories that arose during the investigation. Was it a cult? Was there a false confession? How did DNA factor in? Was justice ever served? 

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25
Phone: 303-688-5555

DOCUMENTARY ABOUT LOCAL WW II HEROES
During World War II, two U.S. Air Corps soldiers were among the many prisoners held at a northern Germany POW camp. Although they were there at the same time, they never met—that is, until 72 years later, when they were living 25 steps away from each other at a senior living facility here in Denver. 

This remarkable documentary narrated by Peter Coyote tells the story of survival, resilience, and serendipity. You will get to know the two local heroes who are featured in the award-winning documentary, 25 Steps, as they are honored in this film.

Wildcat Auditorium, Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE, but registration is required. 

Friday, March 13

UP IN THE AIR WITH MARCH MANIA! 
The entire family will be amazed at the breathtaking feats of these daring aerial performers! It’s an entertaining one-hour variety show, perfect for kids of all ages. Dancers transform the ground into air as they rise onto dance floors made of fabric! Trapeze artists swing through hoops high above your head! Don’t miss this evening of thrills! Two shows are available.

Aerial Works, 1050 Topeka Way Unit I, Castle Rock
6:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5-$15
Phone: 303-578-6456

LARGER THAN LIFE COMEDIAN
The colorful and dynamic Denver comedian Elliot Woolsey has a commanding stage presence: towering at 6’5” and weighing in at 250 pounds, he has a way of filling the room! But it’s his enormous repertoire of hilarious, relatable material that makes him larger than life. As the 2012 winner of Comedy Works’ New Faces Contest, Woolsey has become a regular at the club, opening for big acts like  T.J Miller, Todd Glass, and Josh Blue.

You don’t need to leave the neighborhood for a relaxing, enjoyable evening of laughs with friends—this Comedy Night takes place at Southridge in Highlands Ranch! This show is for adults only; there will be be cash bar, and you must be at least 21 to attend.

Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$15

DAY TO NIGHT
Witness the astounding work of photographer Stephen Wilkes, who has built his career capturing iconic images meant to inspire and create change. His signature project, Day to Night, seamlessly portrays a single image as it transforms from daylight into night. The effect is surreal, haunting, and beautiful—making you wonder if it’s really a photograph.

This National Geographic presentation takes you all over the country through Wilkes’ images. From the nostalgia of California’s Highway 1 to the decay of Ellis Island to the ravages of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, Wilkes has captured fleeting moments of humanity through his lens.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $22-$36
Phone: 720-509-1000 

Friday – Saturday, March 13-14

CELTIC CONCERT

Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day with a lively orchestral concert from the Colorado Springs Philharmonic as they celebrate great music from the Emerald Isle! Celtic music is among some of the most uplifting and inspiring, and this is the perfect time to treat yourself and your family to its lilting melodies! The concert features guest artist Eileen Ivers, an Irish superstar who the New York Times called “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin.”

Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$75
Phone: 719-575-9632

Friday – Sunday, March 13-15

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE
An epic adventure especially for children comes alive on stage with Colorado College’s adaptation of the popular Kate DiCamillo book, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. As a fragile porcelain rabbit, Edward Tulane is self-centered and arrogant. But the toy is forced to look at life in a new way when he is accidentally thrown overboard on an ocean voyage and sinking to the bottom of the sea. 

Edward goes on a journey that takes him to all kinds of places where he meets all kinds of people in different situations. He gradually comes to learn some hard life lessons that soften his heart. The play is a theatrical tour de force for a remarkable small ensemble of actors and musicians. Recommended for ages 7+.

Fine Arts Center at CC, 30 West Dale St., Colorado Springs
Fri., 6:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10-$20
Phone: 719-634-5581

Saturday, March 14

ST. PATRICK’S 5K
Running season has arrived! Head out of doors to begin St. Patrick’s Day mania by putting on your best Irish costume and running this family-friendly 5K! While you’re out on the course, keep your eyes pealed for a golden kettlebell hidden by a leprechaun—if you find it and bring it to the finish line, you’ll win $100! 

Once you finish your 5K, a pint of beer will be waiting for you (if you’re 21 or over). There will also be an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, Irish dancers, and entertainment. 

Town Center South, 9352 Dorchester St,, Highlands Ranch
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Registration: $25-$60
Phone: 303-471-7048

MINI DRONE RACES
Remember the pod races in Stars Wars Episode I with young Anakin’s victory? This multi-class mini drone competition will have you feeling like you’re in the stands at the pod races! 

Exploration of Flight becomes a drone-lovers’ paradise for a day as you watch mini and micro whoop size 1S drones zip around a custom-made track. Novice and advanced teams are welcome to compete. An Academy of Model Aeronautics membership is required to participate.

Boeing Blue Sky Aviation Galley, 13005 Wings Way, Englewood
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Admission $4-$10
Phone: 303-360-5360

PRINCESS TEA PARTY
Your daughter will love the chance to be a princess for a morning, as Cinderella shares her favorite songs and photo opportunities. Each guest will enjoy snacks, beverages, and a small gift from Cinderella! Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and tickets MUST be purchased for each participant (children and adults). Don’t forget to dress up in your favorite princess gown!

Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12-$15

A MAGICAL EVENING
“Illusionist of the Year” Rick Thomas is not only a mesmerizing magician but also a brilliant entertainer, as he weaves magic, music and dance into a seamless spectacle. Performing the most intriguing and innovative grand illusions in the world with a style unlike any other, this award-winning illusionist will have you wondering, “how did he do that?”

A sure sign of any entertainer’s success is how long they last in Vegas. Rick Thomas’ show has run consecutively for 15 years in Las Vegas, performing a staggering 600 shows a year! Additionally, Thomas tours the world, performing mystifying shows with a style that’s unlike any other magician. Thomas has also been featured on numerous national TV specials including the NBC series The World’s Greatest Magic, Masters of Illusion on the CW, and appearances on MTV, FOX, TLC, Animal Planet, and the History Channel.

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
4:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $44-$54
Phone: 303-805-6800

Sunday, March 15

SPOKE N MOTION
A love of dance is what unites everyone who participates in Spoke N Motion! This VERY special performance celebrates a passion for music and movement in a diverse population of dancers—with and without disabilities—in a unique, creative art form called Integrated Dance.

You’ll witness the beauty of talented dancers from youth through seniors, with and without vision, wheelchair-bound and able-bodied, individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury, some with Parkinson’s or autism, and all who share the LOVE of dance! This performance is part of the Passport to Culture program, which is specifically designed for children and families to experience arts and culture outside the classroom.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $5
Phone: 720-509-1000 

C.S. LEWIS ONSTAGE
Both a literary and theatrical event, The Screwtape Letters is a wickedly funny stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ novel about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view. The story takes you to an invented universe that could be considered the Office from Hell, where everything we believe is inverted. God is the “Enemy” and the devil is “Our Father below,” and “Screwtape” is Satan’s senior tempter, who trains apprentice demons to ruin the lives of unsuspecting humans on earth.

Best known for his children’s books, The Chronicles of Narnia (including The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe), C.S. Lewis is one of the most influential writers in 20th century literature.

Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $33

Meet You in Crystal Valley!

May the road rise up to meet you in the master-planned community of Crystal Valley! It’s where nature beckons in every direction, still with easy access to all your favorite activities around Castle Rock. With beautiful model homes from D.R. Horton, Century Communities, Kauffman Homes, and Richmond American Homes, it’s easy to picture yourself in your own new home, priced from the $300s.