Crystal Valley Blog

From a number of comedy shows to jazzy concerts to an artistic acrobat show, you won’t have any problem finding something to do in the Castle Rock area this weekend! Art lovers will immerse themselves in ArtFest, a juried art show and community festival, and even the family dog can make a reservation for a pool and spa day! 

Thursday, September 9

WATER WISE WORKSHOP
Find out how to make the most of your sprinklers and conserve water—many sprinkler systems waste between 20 and 75 percent! You’ll learn about the right sprinkler for the job, how to fix common irrigation problems, and simple steps to understand your landscape-watering needs. There will even be tips about conserving water inside your house and information about rebates available to you.

Castle Rock Water Wiser Online Webinar
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Register: FREE

HIPPIE COMEDY
How can we solve all the problems facing America today? Ask a hippie! That is, ask John Novosad, aka Hippieman, a seasoned veteran of stand-up comedy. Novosad hosts a comedy variety show called Hippieman’s Plan for America, where he presents comedic solutions to contemporary problems.

He’s a favorite at Denver’s Comedy Works, with his disarming presence and sharp wit. Novosad has made two appearances on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and one on the nationally syndicated television show, Comedy.TV. He’s performed at many national comedy festivals, winning the comedy competition at the 7th Annual Laughing Skull Festival in Atlanta.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $14
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, September 10

FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ 
Kick back and relax as the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra recreates Miles Davis’ entire jazz album, Kind of Blue, in the order it was recorded. Performing classic tunes such as So What, Blue in Green, and Freddie Freeloader, CRJO will welcome guest vocalist Marion Powers. 

Powers is a six-time DownBeat Award-winning jazz vocalist with dynamic improvisation skills and a modern arranging style. She was influenced by classic jazz singers like Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae, and Sarah Vaughan, and mentored by Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Marshall Gilkes, Johnaye Kendrick, and Melissa Aldana.

Schoolhouse Theatre, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $24

PINK MARTINI IN CONCERT
Another jazzy concert, this one celebrating Lone Tree Arts Center’s 10th Anniversary! Pink Martini is a popular, audience-pleasing band that’s part big-band, part classical ensemble, and all fun! The Guardian says they combine “glamour and sophisticated easy-listening with multilingual songs and the unexpected” in a way that’s refreshing and accessible, no matter what your music tastes!

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50-$90
Phone: 720-509-1000

Friday-Saturday, September 10-11

OUTLAW COMEDIAN
This Wyoming-based comedian is known as one of the best storytellers in comedy today and proud of his outlaw bloodline. Brandt Tobler has toured overseas performing for our troops and has been featured on Comedy Central, Fox, and ESPN. He has recorded two CDs: Token White Boy and Ramblin’ and Gamblin, both of which reached #1 on both the iTunes and Amazon charts the week they were released.

In 2018 Tobler was a finalist in the Barstool Idol contest and was also named the “Best-Undiscovered Comedian from Wyoming” by Thrillist. Tobler’s best-selling memoir, Free Roll, was followed by his second autobiographical book, You Couldn’t and You Wouldn’t.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village
7:15 p.m.
Tickets: $22
Phone: 720-274-6800

Saturday, September 11

9/11 REMEMBERED
Take some time to honor and remember the events of 20 years ago by attending the visual display of 405 American flags in O’Brien Park that represent 405 first responders who sacrificed their lives in an attempt to save others on September 11, 2001.

Flags will be displayed throughout the Park and you are welcome to walk around the park throughout the day. A SMFD truck will sound a bell at 6:45 and 7:03 a.m. representing the times when each tower was hit. Taps will be played at 9:11 a.m., followed by the National Anthem played by bagpipers. Several areas of the park will be decorated with small exhibits, dedicated to those who have served and continue to serve our nation.

O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Dr., Parker
6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Information: FREE
Phone: 303-895-8229

DOGGIE SPLASH
Don’t dogs deserve a vacation, too? Let them have a day of swimming in the people pool—but today, no humans allowed! The outdoor pool closes out its summer season with a day for dogs to enjoy swimming away the summer heat. Chemicals have been cleared from the pool so it’s safe for your dog to swim.

Pre-registration is required, and you’ll be given a timed entry slot. You must show proof of current vaccinations and be up-to-date on rabies shot. Dogs must be accompanied by a responsible person age 16 or older, and you must stay poolside at the event with your dog.

Westridge Recreation Center, 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd., Highlands Ranch
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., timed entry slots
Tickets: $7 per dog

HIGHLANDS RANCH PIONEER DAYS
Enjoy life as it was in the Pioneer Days! Join your friends and neighbors at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion for historical reenactments, blacksmithing, fry bread, a petting zoo, livestock displays, and more. You can even take a hayrack ride into areas of the ranch not typically seen by the public. 

Performances include banjo playing, nature programs, and Native American dancing. Food and drink will be available for sale or you can bring your own. There will be a picnic tent on site!

Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Dr., Highlands Ranch
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $3-$5
Phone: 303-471-8870

WAG-N-ROMP
It’s a doggie day camp! Bring your dog for a refreshing dip in the pool or test their skills at the agility course. Local pet vendors will have booths with the latest and greatest in the pet world, and you can enter to win a grand prize gift basket filled with goodies for your furry friend. 

There’s even a doggie spa where your pup can get a free nail trim and you can stock up on professional grooming products. Pre-registration is encouraged, but there will be limited day-of tickets at the door.

Cook Creek Pool, 8711 Lone Tree Pkwy., Lone Tree
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $6-$10
Phone: 720-509-1011

DREAM MACHINE SHOWCASE
Can’t decide which is cooler—a vintage aircraft or a classic sports car? That’s okay, the Dream Machine Showcase has both! Head over to Exploration of Flight to check out their awesome display of Cirrus aircraft and a variety of sports and classic cars. Witness the performance and style of the best-in-class Cirrus SR20, SR22 and Vision Jet along with your favorite sports cars!

Exploration of Flight, 13005 Wings Way, Englewood
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $4 – $10

SUPER DIAMOND AND THE POPS
You know it will be a feel-good show when Neil Diamond’s greatest hits are featured! The Denver Pops Orchestra will perform all his classic songs like Sweet Caroline and September Morn together with the well-known tribute act Super Diamond.

Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15-$20

THE COMEDY ZONE
This fun evening of comedy puts together a team of some of the funniest people on earth! Emcee Stephanie McHugh, known from her appearance on the TV show, America’s Funniest Mom, will keep the evening going at a brisk, hilarious pace. 

First up will be Zac Maas from Deadwood (yes, that one), South Dakota, followed by headliner Michael Harrison, who has performed at clubs all over the world. His relatable energy makes him a favorite wherever he goes.

Schoolhouse Theatre, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $24

Saturday-Sunday, September 11-12

ART FEST
This two-day juried art show is a favorite end-of-summer tradition for locals and art enthusiasts alike. Held in downtown Castle Rock, the town is transformed by the impressions of more than 90 artists from all over the country. The festival vibe is carried by continual live entertainment, featuring favorite local and regional musicians.

With a wide range of works from life-size sculptures to photography and jewelry, there are a multitude of opportunities to appreciate—and purchase—art. Kids will get a kick out of strolling entertainers and have fun at the Imagination Zone. The ArtFest store and a silent auction provide even more chances to take home a souvenir!

Downtown Castle Rock
Sat., 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: FREE

BLACK IRIS CIRQUE
A cross between a Cirque du Soleil-style show and the incredible singing of the Black Iris Collective, this artistic acrobatic show is accompanied by hit covers from artists like Billie Eilish, Sia, Lourde, Radiohead, JP Saxe, Julia Michaels, Shawn Mendes, AJR, and more.

You’ll be dazzled by the artistry of Circus Foundry as they perform acrobatics, aerials, juggling, silks, Chinese pole, and bullwhip acts. The show’s stars have international performing credits with Cirque du Soleil, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and more. This show is recommended for audience members 10 years old and up.

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $39-$45

Sunday, September 12

TRI THE ROCK
Castle Rock’s annual youth triathlon lets kids compete within their age bracket and get a great sense of accomplishment at what they can do! Kids ages 5 to 18 will run, swim, and bike on a course that’s achievable. Even if they’ve never heard of a triathlon before, they’ll have a chance to get out and give it a try!

Butterfield Park, 3952 W. Butterfield Crossing Dr., Castle Rock
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Register: $65
Phone: 303-814-7455

Castle Rock Convenience, in Crystal Valley

There’s no shortage of things to do near the master-planned community of Crystal Valley! You can get back to nature and still have easy access to all your favorite activities in the Castle Rock area. With beautiful model homes from D.R. Horton, Kauffman Homes, Richmond American Homes, and Century Communities, it’s easy to picture yourself in your own new home, priced from the low $400s.