Crystal Valley Blog

From the changing leaves, to the soft, fall breeze there is something special about this season and there’s plenty to do this weekend and next in Castle Rock and nearby locales! Just minutes from the new home community of Crystal Valley you’ll find music (like Alice Cooper’s shock rock!), comedy (like Monty Franklin), theatrical performances, music and light shows, trick or treating, murder mystery games and more!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, October 19

GHOSTLY STORIES AND TRAGIC TALES
Join historians for a walking tour of Downtown Castle Rock featuring tales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock’s history. Hear stories of The Rock, The Old Stone Church, The B&B Café, Hangman’s Gulch and more. Tours begin and end at the Castle Rock Museum. Please dress for the weather. The tour is free, but donations are encouraged. Reservations are required. 

Castle Rock Museum, 420 Elbert St., Castle Rock
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Free – Reservations Required

SPOOKTACULAR
It’s Halloween and time for fall fun with the entire family. Join neighbors and friends to celebrate all things not-so-spooky at Spooktacular. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged, but not required. Activities include games, prizes, food, and of course, Halloween candy. This free event is held outdoors, so please dress warmly. Sensory-friendly activities will be included from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Last names starting with the letters A-L will be invited to participate from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and from 3:00-4:00 p.m., last names beginning with the letters M-Z.

Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
1:00-4:00 p.m.
FREE
PHONE: 720-724-2083

SHOCK ROCK: ALICE COOPER
Alice Cooper pioneered a grandly theatrical brand of hard rock that was designed to shock.  Drawing equally from horror movies, vaudeville, and garage rock, the group created a stage show that featured electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood and boa constrictors. He continues to tour regularly, performing shows worldwide with the dark and horror-themed theatrics that he’s best known for.

With a schedule that includes six months each year on the road, Alice Cooper brings his own brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new, enjoying it as much as the audience does. Known as the architect of shock-rock, Cooper (in both the original Alice Cooper band and as a solo artist) has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo, continuing to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn, like a great horror movie, even in an era where CNN can present real life shocking images.

And, with his influence on rock and roll and popular culture long since acknowledged, there is little that Alice Cooper hasn’t achieved in his remarkable career, including platinum albums, sold-out tours and any number of honors and career achievement awards.  

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $59-$130
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday-Sunday, October 19-22

MAGIC OF THE JACK O’LANTERNS
Presented and produced by The Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns is perfect for all ages. Walk along a glowing trail of over 7,000 magnificent, hand-carved pumpkins. A magical light show illuminates larger-than-life displays. A nautical seascape, a pirate ship, dinosaurs, dragons, and much more, all softly aglow throughout the event.

You’ll find magic around every corner! This weekend and next!

Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $14.99
Questions: 720-802-0006

DREAMGIRLS
With dazzling storytelling and iconic musical numbers, Dreamgirls is a musical about the allure of fame and how it transforms the relationships of stars with their friends, lovers, and families. A sweeping and inspirational journey with an unforgettable soundtrack filled with pop, R&B, gospel, disco, and more, the Lone Tree Arts Center’s triumphant return to producing theatrical events will bring audiences to their feet. Book and lyrics by Tom Eyen and Music by Henry Krieger. 

“Sensational… emotionally infectious… bursts with joy, desire and ferocious passion” – Johnny Oleksinski, New York Post

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 8:00 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $50-$75
Phone: 720-509-1000

MISERY
Based on the novel by Stephen King, Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does. WARNING: The show does depict acts of violence.

FAC, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:00 p.m.; Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $53.50 to $60.50
Info: 719-634-5583

Friday, October 20

MURDER AND MYSTERY
Wear a costume! Wear a mask! Just be prepared, because anything could happen, from the frivolous to the frightful, as the spooky season descends upon New Orleans in 1923. Last month, the murder of a mysterious visitor from Chicago rocked the town and tensions are still high. Two members of the Prohibition Unit, the feds’ alcohol-busting thugs, were sent to the city to bust up the out-of-control boozy business. But they have decided to hang up their badges for a simpler, more enjoyable life in the French Quarter. Will the feds keep coming? Will Jean Bourguignon, the affable if wary and occasionally overbearing man about town, keep the good times rollin’ for the many revelers and musicians in the Crescent City? And what of the reports of a strange apparition that has been terrifying even the most hardened members of the community? Will there be yet another murder?! There’s only one way to find out. 

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

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:00 p.m. Doors/Tours/Cash Bar
7:00 p.m. Appetizers
7:30 p.m. Show Commences
Cost: $79.75 + $3.50 fee (Reservations Required)
PHONE: 303-688-5555

DESTINATION EUROPE!
Join the Colorado Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster and the Parker Symphony Orchestra as they embark on a musical cruise around the world to celebrate 30 years of bringing music to Parker and beyond! You’ll depart from home to the first destination, Europe, and begin the journey with Mozart’s thrilling “Overture to the Magic Flute” followed by the delightful melodies of Enesco’s “Rumanian Rhapsody #1” and Glière’s exhilarating “Russian Sailor’s Dance.”

The voyage culminates with Beethoven’s Violin Concerto featuring the exceptional Colorado Symphony Concertmaster, Yumi Hwang-Williams.

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $29
Phone: 303-805-6800

Friday-Saturday, October 20-21

MONTY FRANKLIN
Monty Franklin is an Australian-born stand-up comedian and actor based in Los Angeles. He headlines all over the world and is currently touring the US, he also opens for Rob Schneider and Joe Rogan. Monty appears in Netflix’s Real Rob – in its third season – and has had roles on FOX’s New Girl, HULU’s Becoming Bond and Hollywood Darlings. Monty is currently set to star in his first feature film that he co-wrote with Rob Schneider and John Cleese. The Great Emu War, which began filming in Australia in 2022 and also stars Schneider, Cleese, Rhys Darby and Jim Jefferies.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Fri. 7:15 p.m.; Fri./Sat. 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$26
PHONE: 720-274-6800

Friday-Sunday, October 20-22

MURDER FOR TWO
Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small-town policeman with dreams of making it to detective. One fateful night, shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney and the writer is killed…fatally. With the nearest detective an hour away, Marcus jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills—with the help of his silent partner, Lou. But whodunit? Did Dahlia Whitney, Arthur’s scene-stealing wife, give him a big finish? Is Barrette Lewis, the prima ballerina, the prime suspect? Did Dr. Griff, the overly-friendly psychiatrist, make a frenemy? Marcus has only a short amount of time to find the killer and make his name before the real detective arrives… and the ice cream melts!

Murder for Two is the perfect blend of music, mayhem and murder! In this hilarious 90-minute show, 2 performers play 13 roles – not to mention the piano – in a witty and winking homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries. You won’t want to miss this killer musical comedy!

“Ingenious! A snazzy double-act that spins out a comic mystery animated by funny, deftly turned songs.” – New York Times

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $32
Phone: 303-805-6800

Saturday, October 21

PETRIFIED WOOD HIKE
Hidden in our rugged backcountry lies Colorado’s largest Petrified Forest. After years of exploration and study, this unique natural wonder is ready for visitors. Join the Castle’s geology guides to see these ancient trees up close, examine the fossilized wood and learn about the fascinating process of petrification and theories about the ancient river that deposited these trees here. It’s an adventure made especially for those with an interest in geology and fossils, but you needn’t be a paleontologist to sign up. There is something for everyone and anyone 12 or older is welcome. This hike is short (2.5 hours), but rugged, so come prepared with sturdy boots that cover your feed and plenty of water —  a minimum of one liter of water for every two hours of hiking is recommended — as well as snacks. Most hikes are in open meadows and exposed slopes so hats and sunscreen are also highly recommended.

Cherokee Ranch Headquarters, 4036 US Hwy 85, Sedalia 
1:00 p.m.
Cost: $37.50 (With Waiver)
PHONE: 303-688-5555

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
This film is rated “R” for adult content, themes and brief nudity. Must be 17 or older to attend. Proof of age/identification required at entry.  

Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient presents an immersive interactive shadow cast performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Played in the PACE Center theater and acted out on stage, this is an audience participation movie where viewers are encouraged to dress up and have fun! One costume contest winner will win two free tickets to Murder for Two: The Musical! In this cult classic story, sweethearts Brad and Janet happen upon an eerie castle after their car breaks down during a rainstorm. The castle is home to the diabolical mad scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and his gang of henchmen. Once inside, Brad and Janet are swept in a whirlwind of dancing, rock ‘n roll, sex, and the creation of life itself.

Rocky Horror Picture Show traditions like throwing rice and toast and blowing bubbles during the viewing will not be allowed. Instead, throw bags will be available for purchase before the start of the show that include all of the Rocky Horror classic essentials and help support future shadow casting experiences in and around Denver.

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $29
Phone: 303-805-6800

KEVIN GATES: ONLY THE GENERALS
Kevin Gates, the Baton Rouge-based rapper, doesn’t pull any punches, and his honesty fuels everything he does. Rap felt like destiny for him from a very young age. In a house with stacks of records and CDs, he became engaged by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and The Notorious B.I.G. as a child. Watching music videos religiously, the burgeoning MC would then perform for his aunts and uncles during family gatherings.

Gates has perhaps become one of the most impactful and inimitable rappers in the game by simply being himself. Nearly 15 years into an unbelievable career, he doesn’t chase trends and doesn’t hold back. Instead, he speaks his mind and fulfills every promise and has racked up over 6 billion streams and dozens of multi-platinum, platinum, and gold certifications. It’s why he’s logged four Top 5 entries on the Billboard Top 200 in addition to seven Top 5 entries on both the Top Rap Albums Chart and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts. 

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $49
Info: ticketoffice@broadmoorworldarena.com

Sunday, October 22

FALL FESTIVAL FEATURING CREEPY CRAWLIES
Experience the Fall Festival full of activities, seasonal vendors and all things autumn, as well as a Halloween-themed animal booth from Nature’s Educators. Stroll through dozens of harvest-themed vendors featuring food and craft products at this event put on by the LOCAL Colorado, the organizer of the Festival Park Farmers Market. Discover locally created fall-themed treats and holiday gifts, fall produce, and more. 

Families can also participate in activity stations such as outdoor games, pumpkin decorating, fall crafts and a decorated photo booth. Plus, don’t miss a chance to purchase a locally grown pumpkin. Local favorite food trucks – M&M Western Grill and Bloom & Grow Kitchen – will have food available for purchase.

Douglas Land Conservancy will also join the fun with Creepy Crawlies Around the Rock, presented by Nature’s Educators. This educational, Halloween-themed animal booth will include some of Castle Rock’s creepiest creatures such as snakes, toads and other invertebrates.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock 
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
FREE (Donations Suggested)
Questions: 720-733-2294

NEXT WEEK: Wednesday, October 25

BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY: EAGLES
Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish?  Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates the Eagles’ Hotel California live in its entirety—note for note, sound for sound—plus a full set of Eagles’ greatest hits.

Over the past 10 years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the US. The group of hand-picked musicians change based upon the album being performed—and no sonic detail is overlooked, with the artists doing whatever it takes to reproduce the album. It’s a full night of rock and roll magic—plus a visual experience unlike any other. Fans across the country flock to their shows—and once you see one, you won’t miss another!

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$40
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday, October 26

AN EVENING WITH EDGAR ALLEN POE
You are cordially invited to an evening with Edgar Allan Poe, whose ghost has annually graced the Cherokee Ranch and Castle these many years in celebration of the great-great grandfather of Tweet Kimball who took Poe in after he was orphaned by the death of his mother. Wear your most extravagant masque to ensure your spirit’s safety but know you’re in good hands as award-winning Colorado actor Seth Palmer Harris gives voice to Poe’s ghost, providing an opportunity to speak with the legendary author and literary critic. Poe will also be reading his celebrated short story, The Masque of the Red Death, a somber and appropriate yarn for the occasion.

Actor Seth Palmer Harris has been crafting theatrical experiences for audiences of all ages for many years, from immersive Shakespeare to murder mysteries to the halls of Meow Wolf in Denver, where you can currently find him regularly wandering. This evening with Poe will be wholly appropriate for all audiences and a unique opportunity to interact with the renowned pillar of American literature. There will be a meet and greet photo op with Mr. Poe after the performance. 

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:30-7:30 p.m. Castle Tour
6:30-8:30 p.m. Cash Bar
7:00 p.m. Appetizers
7:30 p.m. Performance
Cost: $55.75 Reservations Are Required
PHONE: 303-688-5555

WARREN MILLER’S ALL TIME
Get ready to go deep into the stuff of which snowy dreams are made with Warren Miller’s ALL TIME. Celebrate the birth of ski towns like Sun Valley and Aspen, icons and innovators like the original hotdoggers, and the most outlandish locations ever skied. Then, catch up with Maine’s finest athlete of today, Donny Pelletier, and meet the next generation at Woodward Park City. Through it all, Jonny Moseley and special guests will share their own stories to bring us to this moment.

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24
PHONE: 303-805-6800

Friday, October 27

HOMESCHOOLERS: FANGTASTIC FESTIVAL

Every Friday before Halloween the Downtown Merchants Association hosts a Booth-to-Booth Trick-or-Treat event for families and care givers with home schooled kids or children not yet in school. Halloween music, vendor booths, and of course candy, this event is always one of the cutest in town.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
12:00-3:00 p.m.
FREE

IRISH WHISKEY TASTING
Come celebrate Halloween at the castle, with an Irish Whiskey Tasting of epic proportions, with live skilled bagpiping, kilts and a toast to the magic of the Emerald Isle on Cherokee Ranch and Castle’s beautiful grounds. You will learn about the birthplace of whiskey, what makes Irish whiskey special, how Irish whiskey is made, and will enjoy a great night of delving deeply into Ireland’s amazing whiskies (whiskey is Gaelic for the water of life!). 

Bring a romantic date, a friend, a workmate, or a family member and celebrate Halloween together in style, with the Irish whiskey that started it all!

The five tastings will be accompanied by heavy appetizers. 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/Tour
7:00 p.m. Appetizers
7:30 p.m. Presentation
Cost: $83.25 Reservations Are Required
PHONE: 303-688-5555

Saturday, October 28

CARMEL APPLE MAKING!
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is hosting a caramel apple-making class at the Outlets Boo Bash! Make your very own spooky apple with the help of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory staff. 

🍎 $20 per person
😋 Leave with your delectable masterpiece or take a bite right after!
🍫 Yummy fun for the young and the young at heart

Secure your child’s spot in this sweet adventure! Limited spots available. Register now to guarantee a place in the class as space is limited. 

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
11:00-11:45 a.m.
Cost: $20

BOO BASH AT THE OUTLETS
Get ready for a Spooktacular time at the Outlets at Castle Rock’s Boo Bash with lots of family-friendly fun and ghoulish delights. Kids can trick or treat with local heroes, have their photos take with Big Jack (O’Lantern), take part in the Halloween Scavenger Hunt, learn how to make caramel apples with the help of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (see above for registration information) and take selfies at the Spooky Selfie Station. 

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
12:00-3:00 p.m.
Free

VAMONOS PEST
Vamonos Pest is a five-piece rock and roll band covering music from 1968 to 2021. Formed in 2019, Vamonos Pest plays throughout the Denver metro area.  You’ll hear familiar music from the 60s (The Beatles, Joe Cocker), 70s (Bill Withers, Doobie Brothers) 80s (Billy Squire, The Police), 90s (Oasis, Train), 2000s (Dirty Heads, Jack Johnson) and the 2010s (Manchester Orchestra, Twenty-One Pilots). The band members span generations themselves including Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers and have been a part of the Denver music scene for over three decades.  “Vamonos” is distinguished by their pure enjoyment playing music and how crisply and tightly they execute each performance, prompting smiles, tapping toes, and even dancing by night’s end.

Tickets include touring the castle, live music performance, heavy appetizers and cash bar.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
6:30 p.m.
Cost: $57.75 (Reservations Are Required)
PHONE: 303-688-5555

TRUNK OR TREAT OFF MAINSTREET
Join the Downtown Business Alliance for our second annual Trunk or Treat off Mainstreet. Come dressed up and ready to enjoy treats from many local businesses. This is a free event however sign up through SIGN UP GENIUS is required as there will be limited ticketed entry for a safe and enjoyable event. The event “sold out” last year so get your registrations in early!

NOTE: the first hour of the event is for sensory sensitive kids only.

Parker Station, 19751 E Mainstreet, Rear Parking Lot, Parker
1:00-6:00 p.m.
Registration Required

Sunday, October 29

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR
This illustrious group of child musicians has been delighting music lovers across the globe for six centuries with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and diverse repertoire which includes everything from medieval to contemporary to experimental music.

These gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty are part of four touring choirs that hail from dozens of nations and together give over 300 concerts a year around the world.

Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $59
Phone: 303-805-6800

Things to Do 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.