Crystal Valley Blog

This weekend and next enjoy all kinds of fun entertainment and activities to do and to watch during the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo – preceded by a cattle drive through the heart of downtown Castle Rock! There’s plenty of food and excitement at this two-week long series of events for the cowboy/cowgirl in all of us!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, July 27

THE CASTLE ROCK LIBRARY REOPENED YESTERDAY!
Just a reminder –construction is completed and the library is back in action!

TIM DILLON: NEARLY SOLD OUT!
Tim Dillon is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. He was a new face at the Montreal Comedy Festival in 2016. He won the title of New York’s Funniest 2016 at Caroline’s NY Comedy Festival. In 2017 he was named of the top ten comics you need to know by Rolling Stone magazine. He had two specials premiere in 2018, a Comedy Central Half Hour and a Netflix Quarter hour. He created and hosts Tim Dillon’s Real NY Tour which takes the audience on a double decker bus through Manhattan. He has performed at the Oddball Comedy Festival, the Glasgow Comedy Festival, SXSW, among others. He has been on The Chris Gethard Show on Fusion, Gotham Comedy Live on AXS tv, Fox’s Red Eye, TruTV’s Comedy Knockout, and season two of WYFD with Big Jay Oakerson on Seeso. He hosts a podcast called The Tim Dillon Show. Five of his six shows at the Comedy Works South have already sold out – don’t miss the last one!

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$55
Phone: 720-274-6800

6 MILLION DOLLAR BAND
6 million Dollar Band is Colorado’s premier 80s dance band, specializing in the best of 80s New Wave, 80s Synth Pop, and good old fashioned 80s Rock & Roll, all delivered with concert-quality show production that’s guaranteed to keep you moving all night long!

You’ll hear your favorite 80s progressive hits made famous by likes of: Depeche Mode, Talking Heads, Madonna, Prince, and many more.

Discovery Park, 20115 Mainstreet, Parker
6:00-8:00 p.m.
FREE

Friday, July 28

FITNESS FRIDAY
Fitness Fridays are for everyone! Open to all fitness levels, this series offers a variety of formats taught by an amazing fitness staff! Bring your whole family. Fitness Friday classes are free and registration is not required.

Amphitheatre at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
8:00 a.m.
FREE

WESTERN HERITAGE WELCOME CATTLE DRIVE
During the 1800s, large herds of Longhorn cattle were driven through Colorado. The route, known as the “Goodnight-Loving Trail,” started in West Texas and passed through the area on the way to the stockyards in Denver and on to Wyoming. This event helps honor that heritage.

Don’t miss the weekend of activities to celebrate Douglas County’s history and honor a longstanding tradition – the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo. The Western Heritage Welcome Cattle Drive kicks off the celebration.

Colorado Community Media

The Old West will truly come to life. Watch as cowhands drive a herd of longhorn cattle through Downtown. Starting at Rock Park, the herd will continue along Perry Street before completing the journey right in front of the Castle Rock Police Department.

Lots of Western activities will take place in Festival Park, too! The Park County Regulators, a team of Old West reenactment actors, will perform a wild west show. Take an old-time photo with the family, and more!

Rock Park Along Perry St., Castle Rock
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Free
Info: 720-724-2010

CONCERT: RANDY HOUSER WITH CHASE BRYANT
As part of the Douglas County Rodeo festivities, Randy Houser will perform along with, Chase Bryant!

With an inimitable voice, The New York Times describes as “wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a caldron bubbling over,” Randy Houser racked up three consecutive No. 1 hits and more than four million in singles sales to date with his Stoney Creek Records album How Country Feels. He topped the charts with the title track, “Runnin’Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight Kiss” (also his first No. 1 as a songwriter) and earned critical acclaim for his powerful delivery of the Top 5 smash and CMA Song of the Year-nominated “Like A Cowboy.” With multiple sold-out shows in 2022, including an at-capacity stop at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, Houser wrapped his co-headlining tour with longtime friend Jamey Johnson and is currently on the road with Cody Johnson. Along with preparing new music and a relentless touring schedule, Houser landed on-screen roles in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming film Killers of the Flower Moon starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro , and more, as well as the inspiring The Hills starring Dennis Quaid.

Born and raised in rural Orange Grove, Chase Bryant’s dreams of a life in music came true faster than he could have anticipated, and by 21, he already had two Top 10 singles and tours with the likes of Brantley Gilbert and Tim McGraw under his belt. Fame and success arrived with a hefty price, though. Most days, Bryant felt like he was playing a character with expectations he could never live up to, and the harder he pushed back, the worse things got until he barely recognized the man he saw in the mirror. Though the journey to find himself nearly put him in the grave, Bryant’s stronger now for his struggles, with a clear head, an open heart, and the most gritty, compelling work of his career to show for it.

Douglas County Fairgrounds, Outdoor Arena, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $25

Saturday, July 29

DOUGLAS COUNTY PARADE, FAIR, AND RODEO
The Fair Parade, which originated in 1954 and has long since become a staple of the summer’s liveliest weekend of the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo’s public events. The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo is a family tradition featuring two entertainment stages, three PRCA Rodeos, Xtreme Bulls, Petting Zoo, Big Bubble Bonanza, Carnival, Antique Tractor Pull, Mutton Bustin’, Stick Horse Rodeo, Pancake Breakfast, 4-H and FFA exhibits – including livestock, general projects and the Jr. Livestock Sale.

The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. The old-fashioned parade starts on the south end of Town and continues through Downtown. Following the parade, join an old-fashioned-themed fair — Boots and Brews. The festival will have food trucks, beer and live music in Festival Park, as well as the chance to take a shot at an “eight-second ride” on a mechanical bull before heading to the rodeo.

PARADE, South end of Town, Castle Rock
9:30 a.m.
Free

BOOTS AND BREWS, Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Free

RODEO, Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
Tickets: See individual events

AMBROSIA
It’s a story of Happily Ever After both professionally and personally for the band members of Ambrosia who garnered five Grammy Nominations, five hit singles, sold out concerts, heavy FM airplay and the admiration and respect of the musical community for their Rock and Soul style music founded on progressive, classical and world influences; yet, rooted with the soul of the blues and R&B.

After 50 years of Ambrosia’s first appearance in the musical world, when most people might think of retiring, they still find so much joy in what they are doing and continue creating music with the hopes of putting out a new album in the near future.

They continue to push the safe boundaries of retirement to take fresh music off the shelf and produce new albums, even without the support of a record label. Still today, the band is more alive and compelling than ever and is exploring uncharted musical territory while continuing to wow life-long fans and new converts alike.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $49
Phone: 719-575-9632

LOS LONELY BOYS
Family has always been at the center of things for Los Lonely Boys. Henry, Jojo, and Ringo Garza have been playing and touring together since they were teenagers. Three years ago, they decided to take a break to focus on their own growing families. But Summer 2022 saw them back at it again, returning to life on the road alongside The Who.

The story of how the Garza brothers rode their bluesy “Texican rock & roll” sound from San Angelo, Texas, to worldwide fame is one of rock’s great Cinderella tales. The three young brothers formed a band, got signed to a major label, and had a hit single that propelled them to stardom. They sold 2.5 million records, won a Grammy, and received five more Grammy nominations in the span of their career.

The Boys have been making music together for seventeen years now, and they show no signs of slowing down or losing inspiration. Today, you’ll find them in the studio, working on their newest album.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $46
Phone: 719-575-9632

BUDDY GUY & KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD
The title of Buddy Guy’s latest album says it all: The Blues Is Alive and Well. The legendary blues artist’s eighteenth solo LP showcases his raw and unadulterated sound, its 15 tracks a true pleasure for aficionados and genre newcomers alike. The record is arriving on the heels of a spate of high visibility for the 81-year-old performer: at the 2016 Grammys, he picked up a trophy for “Best Blues Album” and that same year he hit the road for a U.S. tour opening for Jeff Beck. He recently appeared on David Letterman’s Netflix talk show My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. A truly restless and energetic performer, The Blues Is Alive and Well is the latest triumph in an already-legendary career.

And even as Guy pushes forward with his astounding career, he’s careful not to forget his late contemporaries who inspired him along the way. “I went to sleep yesterday and woke up and all the great blues players are no longer with us. Muddy, Wolf, B.B.—they’re all gone. Before they passed away, when they were in their prime, we used to have a drink and a laugh and talk about how when one of us is gone, the others have to keep it going. I’m trying to do something to keep this music that I love so well alive.”

Utter the phrase “young blues rock guitarist” within earshot of anyone with even a cursory knowledge of the modern musical vanguard and the first name they are most likely to respond with will be Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The Louisiana born axeman and songsmith has sold millions of albums while throwing singles into the Top 10, shining a light on the rich blues of the past and forging ahead with his own modern twist on a classic sound he has embodied since his teens.

In a 20-year recording career that began when he was just 16, Shepherd has established himself as an immensely popular recording artist, a consistently in-demand live act and an influential force in a worldwide resurgence of interest in the blues.

Fiddler’s Green, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $45

Sunday, July 30

YOGA AT PSM AMPHITHEATRE
Making the practice of yoga a habit each morning allows the body to get into the habit of switching off the sympathetic ‘fight or flight’ stress response, and instead able to finally tap into the healing benefits of the parasympathetic nervous system – increasing the health of both body and mind immensely.

Amphitheatre at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
8:30 a.m.
FREE

FARMER’S MARKET IN THE PARK
Enjoy warmer temperatures and seasonal goods at The Farmers Market at Festival Park. Hosted by the LOCAL Colorado, the farmers market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through October.

Don’t miss locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, a variety of fresh produce, delicious baked goods, artisan-made products and more from dozens of vendors. Support local business and agriculture while getting outside, meeting neighbors and enjoying delicious local fare.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
FREE

NEXT WEEK: Monday, July 31

YOGA IN THE PARK
Yoga means “union” and when practiced outside, you can experience union with nature, humanity and the universe. Being outside deepens the yoga experience in many ways and helps focus awareness, breathe deeply and practice stillness. Join your neighbors and friends for these free classes on Monday evenings to find a deeper yoga workout.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
6:30-7:30 p.m.
FREE

Tuesday, August 1

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
National Night Out was created to help foster positive relationships between police departments and the residents they serve. Traditionally, this nationwide event consists of neighborhoods hosting officers. In Castle Rock, we want to throw the party and showcase what makes the Castle Rock Police Department unique!

Those in attendance will have a chance to interact with the various divisions and specialized units at CRPD, participate in a number of hands-on activities and watch demonstrations put on by members of our team. In addition, there will be plenty of giveaways for kids! Castle Rock Police will also be manning the grills, serving up free hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks to attendees.

Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
6:30 p.m.
FREE

CHEROKEE MOUNTAIN MOON HIKE
Imagine the sun slipping behind the mountains; the sky glowing with golds and oranges, the subtle shift to pinks and purples as twilight comes to Cherokee Mountain. A short time later, the full moon rises over Racoon Knob. Hear tales of the past and listen to the animals settling for the night as the peace and beauty envelop you.

This is considered a moderate hike—participants should be physically fit and over 10 years in age. The hike begins in the upper parking lot and will last about 45 minutes each way. Hikers will enjoy the top Cherokee Mountain a bit before sunset and return after dark. Long pants and good hiking shoes and a liter bottle of water are recommended, as well as a walking stick and a headlamp for night hiking. Please be aware that flipflops and sandals are not allowed.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
7:00 p.m. Check in (Castle Parking Lot)
Cost: $37.50 – Reservations Are Required
CALL: 303-688-5555

Wednesday, August 2

JAZZ IN THE PARK
Each Wednesday of June and July local musicians gather in Festival Park to entertain locals and visitors before they head off to dinner in Downtown Castle Rock or begin their commute home.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
5:30-7:00 p.m.
FREE

Thursday, August 3

NURSE BLAKE
Hailed as a “genuine phenomenon” by The New York Times, Blake worked in trauma centers around the country before his career in comedy. As a way to cope with the stress of his nursing job, Blake started posting original comedy videos aimed at his profession. His lighthearted videos connected with nurses, nursing students, and healthcare workers around the world gaining Nurse Blake 3.5M followers on social media and over 300M views. He now takes his comedy to stages around the world bringing nurses together through his humor and inspiration. Nurse Blake’s sold out 2022 PTO Comedy Tour began as a 14 show run and grew to 55 shows due to demand. Nurse Blake will follow that with his massive Shock Advised Comedy Tour which hits 100 cities across North America in 2023.

Blake is also the is the creator of NurseCon at Sea, one of the largest and most popular nursing conferences, and the NurseCon App which provides the free continuing nursing education courses. Blake is also the author of the best-selling children’s book “I Want To Be A Nurse When I Grow Up”.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $46
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday-Saturday, August 3-5

TAMMY PESCATELLI
Arguably one of the hardest working women in comedy today, Cleveland’s own Tammy Pescatelli combines brassy sexiness with a bold female voice and witty sarcasm.  Tammy Pescatelli’s: Way After School Special, was released and hit number three on iTunes. She appeared on the highly acclaimed Showtime Comedy Special, Women Of A Certain Age 2 and most recently had a guest star role on Blue Bloods. Tammy is also the host of Circle TV’s stand-up show, Stand Up Nashville: Live From Zanies, which is currently airing.

Tammy’s career jump started after appearing – and being one of the Final 5 – on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Her season played out to more than 18 million viewers, garnering her a legion of loyal new fans. It solidified her as one of the sharpest comics in the comedy world.

Tammy recently starred as the flawed, yet lovable lead in in That’s Amore–  an independent “grown up rom-com” that is available Amazon Prime. She is also a regular on USO Comedy tours, Tammy is honored and humbled to have been privileged to have entertained our troops all over the world.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $17-$25
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, August 4

FIRST FRIDAYS: DOUBLE WIDE
Friday nights in the summer are made for spending time close to home, enjoying the beautiful weather and unwinding after a 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 Boot Scootin’ Boogie!), then don’t miss the chance to make family memories Downtown.

Doublewide is an American Southern Rock / Country Music act consisting of an impressive ensemble of multitalented singers and musicians. They perform a variety of classic cult country mainstays and current Nashville hits along with an occasional classic rock anthem thrown in for some arena rock thunder.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
5:30 p.m.
Register for 5K
Info: 720-724-2010

MURDERY & MYSTERY

It’s August 1923 and New Orleans and it is HOT. But that won’t stop guests from celebrating the birthday of one of the Crescent City’s most eccentric citizens. Everybody who’s anybody will be there, and that includes you! Prohibition is in full swing, but don’t worry; New Orleans hasn’t let the law get in the way of a good time. The host is particularly well-connected to those who can make sure that the party is well-supplied. So come for the fun, maybe even fit in a little song and dance. And hope nothing tragic happens to interrupt the proceedings, but if something does happen surely you’ll be able to help figure out who the culprit is! As they say, laissez les bons temps roules, even if there’s a touch of murder here and there trying to dampen our spirits.

Food shall be served, and a cash bar will be available! Although all ages are welcome, naughty words may occur so use your parental discretion.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
Bar: 6:00 p.m.; Appetizers: 7:00 p.m.; Show at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $78.50 – Reservations Are Required
CALL: 303-688-5555

TUNES ON THE TERRACE: FACE
Local favorites Face Vocal Band have been captivating audiences for over two decades with their infectious energy and acapella style. Familiar popular tunes are punctuated with captivating harmonies and brilliant beat-box rhythms to take audiences on a musical journey that is unlike any other.

Please note NO CHAIRS may be brought into the theater. You may bring blankets or cushions. No umbrellas will be allowed in the theater. Also, there can be NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL brought into the theater. This is a State of Colorado regulation and not a policy we can change. We will have wine, beer, and cocktails available for sale. Limited seating – mostly on the LAWN at this point, so HURRY to book your space now!

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$45
Phone: 720-509-1000

JOSH TURNER: 20^th ANNIVERSARY TOUR
With his deep bass voice, Turner has sold more than six and a half million records, reached 4.8 billion global streams, and has become a favorite and unforgettable hitmaker on country radio. With timeless songs like “Long Black Train” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” Turner’s five No. 1 singles include “Your Man,” of which the official music video surpassed 100 million views.  Turner released Your Man Deluxe Edition, celebrating 15 years of Turner’s iconic double Platinum-selling album, as well as the mini documentary “Josh Turner Your Man 15^thAnniversary” (Mini Doc). 

A native of South Carolina, Turner has been nominated for three GMA Dove awards and won his first GMA Dove Award in 2021 for “I Saw The Light” featuring Sonya Isaacs, off his I Serve a Savior album. Turner has received six Inspirational Country Music Awards, and has been nominated for two GRAMMY Awards, five CMA Awards, two ACM Awards, one CMT Award, and seven ACA Awards. Turner released his first Christmas album, King Size Manger, in 2021 and accompany vinyl and DVD in 2022.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $47
Phone: 719-575-9632

Sunday, August 6

16^th ANNUAL HONEY FESTIVAL
The festival will welcome between 20-25 vendors, local beekeepers and beekeeping organizations who will showcase their wares and share their knowledge on all things bees! In addition, attendees can look forward to a kids corner, music performances and artistic displays. This year’s Honey Festival promises to be an unforgettable experience that celebrates the beauty and importance of the honeybee.

Discovery Park, 20115 Mainstreet, Parker
8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
FREE (BUT PLEASE REGISTER)

Monday, August 7

ZZ TOP AND LYNYRD SKYNYRD
Don’t miss what might be a once in a lifetime chance to see these two legends in concert. ZZ Top, is that legendary rock group famous for its rugged blues-driven guitar work, irreverent music videos, embrace of its Texas roots, as well as for the musicians’ distinctive facial hair. Hailed by fans and critics alike as being some of the finest roots musicians around, ZZ Top has managed to bridge the divide between commercial success and critical acclaim to spectacular effect. They first joined forces (albeit with a slightly different line up) in 1969, with their debut single, Salt Lick, coming out that same year. Some of their favorites, like Legs, Tush, Cheap Sunglasses and Sharp Dressed Man are sure to be on the playlist.

Legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd returns with a fiery slice of Southern style guitar rock heaven in Last of a Dyin’ Breed, their newest release on Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records due August 21, 2012.This is the kind of record guaranteed to feed the needs of the multi-generational Skynyrd Nation, and continue the renewed vigor the band exhibited with their last album, 2009’s God & Guns. For the passionate, longtime fans of the band, this is Skynyrd at the top of their game, complete with instantly memorable songs like Simple Man, Call me the Breeze, Tuesday’s Gone, Gimme Three Steps, Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird, and a blistering three-guitar attack at full power.

Fiddler’s Green, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $35

It’s all Happening 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, Taylor Morrison, D.R. Horton, and Richmond American Homes. Picture yourself in your very own dream house – ranch-style or two-story models priced from the $600s.