Crystal Valley Blog

It’s our favorite time of year — outdoor exercise, outdoor concerts and outdoor Fourth of July celebrations! Enjoy all of that plus Kevin James and / or Marcello Hernandez and Josh Blue, archeology hiking and whiskey tasting – in and around Castle Rock, near the master-planned community of Crystal Valley!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, June 27

PABLO PICASSO
Born in Spain in 1881, Pablo Picasso would live a life that would redefine the structure and concept of visual art.  Over the course of his 91 years, his works as a painter and sculptor would be associated with various movements in 20th Century modern art, most notably Cubism.  Join Active Minds as we explore the life and revolutionary works of Picasso.

Castle Rock Senior Center, 2323 Woodlands Blvd., Castle Rock
1:00 p.m.
Free
RSVP: 303-688-9498

KEVIN JAMES: OWLS DON’T WALK
Kevin James began his career as a stand-up on the Long Island comedy scene. After being discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a network development deal to create his own sitcom. The King of Queens, which premiered in 1998, ran for nine seasons on CBS with James starring and executive producing, and it garnered him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. The show concluded its run in 2007 but continues to air daily in syndication across the country and around the world. James also starred in, and executive produced The Crew, a sitcom set in the world of NASCAR and is currently developing a single camera comedy (both for Netflix).

James was the producer, co-writer, and star of the hit comedies Paul Blart: Mall Cop 1 & 2, Zookeeper, and Here Comes the Boom. James made his feature film debut in Columbia Pictures’ Hitch starring opposite Will Smith, and starred alongside Adam Sandler in Pixels, Grown Ups, Grown Ups 2, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and Hubie Halloween. He starred in the feature True Memoirs of an International Assassin for Netflix, the independent action thriller Becky, and starred in and produced Home Team for Netflix.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $49-$187
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday-Sunday, June 27-30

MARCELLO HERNANDEZ
Marcello Hernandez is a Cuban-Dominican Stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who can currently be seen as a featured player on the 48th season of Saturday Night Live. Several performances have already sold out, so don’t wait! Performing stand-up since he was 18 years old, Marcello has toured all over the country and has opened for headliners such as Jo Koy, Dave Chappelle, Tim Dillon, Colin Jost, and Gilbert Gottfried, among others. A proud Miami native, in 2020 Marcello became the host and creative director for @onlyindade, a Miami-based account with over 1 million followers through which he has interviewed top celebrities such as Pit Bull, Floyd Mayweather, Nicky Jam, Mayor Francis Suarez, and more. He has had 10+ appearances on Telemundo’s Acceso Total & NBC’s 6 in the Mix, and was selected as a Just For Laughs New Face of Comedy in 2022. Sunday’s performance will be ion Spanish.  

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30; Fri. & Sat., 9:45 p.m.; Sun., 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$60
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, June 28

FITNESS FRIDAYS ARE BACK!
Fitness Fridays are for everyone! Open to all fitness levels, this series offers a variety of formats taught by our amazing fitness staff! Bring your whole family. Fitness Fridays’ classes are free and registration is not required. This Friday’s focus: Strength Cardio Mix.

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

WHISKEY TASTING AT THE CASTLE
Single malt whiskey offers the most rare, complex and enjoyable sipping whiskey experience in the world of whiskey. Enjoy a great night out with us, as we sample the rich diversity of whiskey styles. On June 28th we will delve into the barrels, which is the most influential ingredient in a whiskey’s final flavor, whether we are tasting bourbon barrels, olorosso sherry barrels, wine barrels, rum barrels or virgin oak barrels.

Make it a fun night out with your friends or family, a romantic date night, a birthday celebration night or just because you love or are curious about whiskey. Host Scott Beach will entertain you with skilled bagpiping, as he leads you deeper into the world of whiskey. Those new to whiskey and experts alike will all enjoy this night of fun at Cherokee Ranch and Castle.

The five tastings will be accompanied by heavy appetizers and a cash bar is available with wine, prosecco, beer, and whiskey specials.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:30 p.m. – Doors, Bar & Tours
7:00 p.m. – Appetizers
7:30 p.m. – Presentation
Cost: $83 (Reservations Required)
CALL: 303-688-5555

THE BRIT PACK
Tunes on the Terrace in Lone Tree brings you the British cover band THE BRIT PACK, this weekend.

British born but American made, The Brit Pack was founded by two Brits in New York and have established a reputation as the most authentic British Invasion band in the US, playing some of UK’s best music from The Beatles and Rolling Stones, to George Michael and Oasis.

They also cover Adele, Coldplay, Tears for Fears, The Police and Queen! Expect to be entertained by their extensive repertoire spanning all the greatest decades of British Music.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$55
Phone: 720-509-1000

THE MAGIC OF ADAM TRENT
Broadway/TV star Adam Trent is bringing his signature brand of magic and illusion to Colorado Springs in a high-tech stage spectacle. Produced by the creative team behind The Illusionists, the world’s best-selling touring magic show, THE MAGIC OF ADAM TRENT (AdamTrent.com) is an immersive entertainment extravaganza of magic, comedy and music designed to entertain the entire family. Showcasing his “futuristic” brand of magic, Trent has mesmerized live audiences around the globe, in person and as a featured guest on America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, Ellen, Rachael Ray Show and Disney Channel among countless other TV appearances. The 32-year-old also stars in his own 10-episode TV series ‘The Road Trick’ on NETFLIX.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$65
Phone: 719-575-9632

Friday-Sunday, June 28-30

LEGALLY BLONDE
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!

Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

“Ridiculously enjoyable from start to finish.” – The Independent

PACE CENTER, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $39

Saturday, June 29

NEON TREES WITH CRASH ADAMS
With rock hits like “Everybody Talks”, “Habits”, and “Animal”  this quartet in known for blending new wave, dance, and indie into smart, catchy pop. If you’re going to something, do it with all you’ve got. That’s how Tyler Glenn approaches everything, from making music to living authentically to creating welcoming spaces for those around him. It’s also a sensibility that’s evident in Neon Trees’ upcoming fifth studio album, slated for spring 2024.

Philip S. Miller Amphitheater, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
7:00 p.m. (Opener) 8:30 p.m. (Headliner)
FREE
Info: 303-814-7453

TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS
Crystal Blue Persuasion, Crimson and Clover, Mony Mony, I Think We’re Alone Now, Draggin’ The Line, Hanky Panky, Sweet Cherry Wine, Three Times In Love and Mirage are just a few of the many hits – 23 gold records, nine platinum albums and over 100 million records sold worldwide…and 32 Billboard hot 100 chart hits!

Many artists around the world have covered and continue to cover his songs including Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Jett, Billy Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Rem, Dolly Parton, Carlos Santana, Cher, Tom Jones and even The Boston Pops.

Tommy’s music can be heard in 55 films and 39 tv shows and numerous commercials to date…..most recent, a film titled Finding Steve Mc Queen with Forest Whittaker features four of his songs (a first for a singer, songwriter.) 

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $34-$124
Phone: 719-575-9632

VANILLA ICE AND TONE LOC
With his hit single “Ice, Ice Baby” and its accompanying album, To the Extreme, Vanilla Ice became the second white rapper to top the charts. Unlike the Beastie Boys, he didn’t have any street credibility, so the Miami-born rapper decided to invent some of his own, claiming he had a seriously violent gangster past. Nevertheless, “Ice, Ice Baby” became a number one hit late in 1990, thanks to the pulsating bass riff from David Bowie and Queen’s “Under Pressure.” “Ice, Ice Baby” was a huge success, and radio stations everywhere received requests to play that song. To the Extreme sold over 15 million copies and holds the record for the highest-selling rap record ever.

Tone Loc is an actor and composer, known for Heat (1995), Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) and Titan A.E. (2000), but before getting involved in acting, Tone Loc had a successful career as a rap artist. His 1989 debut album “Loc-ed After Dark” was the second rap album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200 after the Beastie Boys’ debut album “Licensed to Ill”, which was released three years earlier. His biggest hits came in the late 80s with “Funky Cold Medina” and “Wild Thing”

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$100

Saturday-Sunday, June 29-30

ROCK THE MOUNTAIN
This summer is rockin’ at the Outlets at Castle Rock with the outdoor mall bringing live entertainment to the East 4^th Street Courtyard (next to H&M) for the second year running.  New bands every weekend perform a variety of genres and types of music, from cover bands, to independent artists. THIS weekend you can take in the sounds of Clay Cutler (left) on Saturday and Grizzly Gopher on Sunday. 

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops, Castle Rock
3:00-6:00 p.m.
FREE

Sunday, June 30

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. Please join us for these free classes at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park on Sunday mornings to find a deeper meaning to your yoga workout. Led by the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department, each week a different format is featured including Yoga Foundations, Hatha, Flow to Yin, Elemental, Yin Yoga.

Philip S. Miller Amphitheater, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
8:30 a.m.
FREE
Info: 303-814-7453

FESTIVAL PARK FARMERS MARKET
Enjoy warmer temperatures and seasonal goods at The Farmers Market at Festival Park. 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. The market runs every Sunday through mid-October.

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

ARCHEOLOGY HIKE
Join your fellow hikers for this informative hike and explore the rich archeological history of Douglas County. Scientists at the Cherokee Ranch Institute have been excavating several sites here at the ranch. Learn about what they have found and hope to find in the future. You will visit the excavation site on Cherokee Mountain and examine an ancient quarry where the indigenous peoples were sculpting tools from local stone. Hike Difficulty: Moderate 2.5 miles off trail and includes some steep off-trail hiking. This hike is suitable for most people in good physical condition. Organizers recommend good hiking shoes, and long pants. It is also suggested to bring sunscreen and at least 1 liter of water. Signed Land Liability Forms are required for ALL Land Events Land Liability Form

Cherokee Castle Parking Lot, 6223 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
Check In: 8:45 a.m.
Hike: 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $39.50

PIXIES AND MODEST MOUSE
While Pixies have been acclaimed as the most influential, pioneering band of the late 80s alt/rock movement, having blazed the trail for artists from Nirvana to Radiohead to Pearl Jam, today, a whole new generation of music fans are discovering their iconic “loud-quiet-loud” signature sound. After five genre-defining studio albums, Pixies disbanded in 1993, and then launched their reunion tour in April 2004, playing to sell-out crowds all over the globe for seven years, a longer period of time than they were a band originally.  

In late 2016, Pixies went into a London studio and recorded their second post-reunion release, Head Carrier, released in 2016 and called, “…an inspired reaffirmation of all the spark, wit and weirdness, tempered by the occasional burst of emotional rawness, that made people fall in love with the Pixies in the first place.” – NPR.  

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35-$95

NEXT WEEK: Monday, July 1

YOGA IN FESTIVAL 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. Please join your fellow yoga fans for these free classes at Festival Park on Monday evenings to find a deeper meaning to your yoga workout.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Cstle Rock
6:30 p.m.
FREE

THE FUZZHEADS
The youngest, most electrifying rock and roll cover band in Denver comes to Discovery Park, enlisting their high-energy and raw riffs to bring the crowd to its feet!

Don’t miss this exciting group of performers – great music and tons of fun!

Discovery Park, 20115 Mainstreet, Parker
6:30 p.m.
FREE

Thursday, July 4

FIREWORKS IN CASTLE ROCK
If fireworks are a traditional part of your July Fourth celebration, you’ll want to turn your attention to the former Acme Brick facility on Prairie Hawk Drive for this year’s show.  
Starting at sundown (about 9:30 p.m.) a high-flying, 15-minute fireworks show will shoot off from the former Acme Brick facility. You’ll know the fireworks are about to begin because there will be a three-boom salute to start the show. 

In the event of rain or severe weather, the fireworks will be postponed to Friday, July 5. Please keep in mind that if the Town is under Stage 2 fire restrictions, the fireworks show will be canceled. Check CRgov.com/FireBans for updated fire restriction information.
Where to watch

• Downtown
• Metzler Ranch Community Park
• Miller Activity Complex
• Areas of the Red Hawk neighborhood
• Rock Park

If you’re parking in neighborhoods or business parking lots to see the show, please be courteous of driveways and adhere to any posted parking restrictions. Parking along major streets and roadways is not allowed.

Various Locations
9:30 p.m.
FREE

INDEPENDENCE DAY IN LONE TREE
Touted as the biggest event of the year, Fourth of July! There’s nothing quite like Independence Day in Lone Tree, starting at Lone Tree Elementary and ending at Prairie Sky Park. This one is for the whole family so come decorate your bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers, unicycles, or just yourself and join the leisurely ride at 9:00 a.m., and make your way down the Willow Creek Trail, on this one-mile trek. Check out the ride map here.

Family fun begins at 10:00 a.m. (to 1:00 p.m.) at Prairie Sky Park, with inflatables, live entertainment, food trucks, and more. Register here. More fun and shuttle service begins at 6:00 p.m., with live music from Ryan Cowell at 6:30, and at 8:00, PG.6IX: Icons of Soul, a tribute band covering the music of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Prince. Fireworks at dusk, or 9:30 p.m.., visible from the park and many other spots in Lone Tree.

Lots of event guidelines to adhere to and an interactive map, so check them ALL out here. 

LONE TREE ELEMENTARY / PRAIRIE SKY PARK, 9373 Heritage Hills Cir, & 9381 Crossington Way, Lone Tree
9:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
FREE (REGISTRATION FOR FAMILY FUN EVENT)

STAR SPANGLED SYMPHONY
Celebrate Independence Day with a FREE CONCERT. Gather in the comfort of the Pikes Peak Center and hear an exhilarating array of patriotic favorites and fanfares that resonate with the spirit of America.

Enjoy stirring and memorable music as you celebrate the fourth of July with some of the best musicians within driving distance!

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
4:30 p.m.
FREE

JAZZ IN THE PARK
Each Wednesday of June, July and August local musicians gather in Festival Park to entertain locals and visitors in Downtown Castle Rock. Come and give a listen to his satisfying talent and enjoyable tunes. This event is low-key, pop-up style, intentionally paired down so there will be no stage, vendors, food trucks and no alcohol served. However there are a good many downtown restaurants to try, and plenty of sandwich shops so bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the evening!

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
6:30-8:00 p.m.
FREE

Friday-Saturday, July 5-6

JOSH BLUE
After his groundbreaking win on Last Comic Standing in 2006, Josh Blue rose 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. In 2021, following his 3rd place finish on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Josh Blue hit the road with his As NOT Seen on TV Tour. 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. 

An avid soccer player; he once represented the United States in eight countries, as a member of the U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team. He is a proud single father living in Denver with his son and daughter.

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

Saturday, July 6

TOTALLY TUBULAR FESTIVAL
In a thrilling throwback to the vibrant 1980s music scene, legendary bands Thomas Dolby, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Modern English, Men Without Hats, The Tubes, Bow Wow Wow, and Eddie Munoz of The Plimsouls have united to announce the “Totally Tubular Festival”. This sensational lineup promises to deliver an unforgettable journey through some of the most iconic hits of the decade.

Fans can look forward to singing along and dancing to live performances of chart-topping classics like “She Blinded Me with Science,” “Hold Me Now,” “I Melt with You,” “The Safety Dance,” “What I Like About You,” “I Want Candy,” “867-5309/Jenny,” and “A Million Miles Away.” Each night will be a nostalgic celebration of the era that reshaped the musical landscape.

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
5:30 p.m.
Tickets: $50-$254

Sunday, June 23

Wednesday, July 10

RICKY SKAGGS & KENTUCKY THUNDER
A life full of music. That’s the story of Ricky Skaggs. By age 21, his talent and mastery of the mandolin catapulted him to popularity and success in the mainstream of country music. His life’s path has taken him to various musical genres, from where it all began in bluegrass music, to striking out on new musical journeys, while still leaving his musical roots intact.

Ricky struck his first chords on a mandolin over 60 years ago, and this 15-time Grammy Award winner continues to do his part to lead the recent roots revival in music. With 12 consecutive Grammy-nominated classics behind him, all from his own Skaggs Family Records label, the music made by the gifted Skaggs comes from a life dedicated to playing music that is both fed by the soul and felt by the heart.

Ricky Skaggs has often said that he is “just trying to make a living” playing the music he loves. But it’s clear that his passion for bluegrass puts him in the position to bring this lively, distinctively American form of music out of isolation and into the ears and hearts of audiences across the country and around the world. Ricky Skaggs is always forging ahead with cross-cultural, genre-bending musical ideas and inspirations.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $40 
Phone: 719-575-9632

Things to Do Near Crystal Valley!

Looking for a residential community in Castle Rock with new homes for sale? Look no further! Just minutes from downtown is 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 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.