Music, Mazes and Masquerades!
It’s three days of alternative, gospel, German and jazz music, plus corn mazes and masquerade parties, and it’s all happening around the community of Crystal Valley in Castle Rock. And if you’re a fan of canines, don’t miss the agility competition and the Wag ‘n’ Trail fun and games this weekend!
TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, September 14
FOR THE LOVE OF PARKS!
As a fourth-generation Coloradan, Bart Berger from the Denver Mountain Parks Foundation knows the natural wonders and history of the foothills west of Denver more than most. When he realized that the mountain parks were well-loved but not loved well, Bart created the foundation to support Denver Mountain Parks. His hope is to improve and maximize the potential the park system’s 14,000 acres. The evening will begin with refreshments followed by the presentation at 7:00 p.m.
Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock
6:45-8:00 p.m.
Phone: 303-791-7323
10,000 MANIACS PERFORMS
The five leading members of this landmark rock group, 10,000 Maniacs put on a classic and awe-inspiring show that, if you’re not already, will undoubtedly make you a fan.
One of the most critically acclaimed bands of the last three decades, 10,000 Maniacs were founded by Robert Buck, Dennis Drew, Steven Gustafson, John Lombardo and Natalie Merchant in the fall of 1981. Together with artists like R.E.M. they defined college rock and created the first wave of alternative rock bands and what became known as the alternative rock format on FM radio. You’ll hear hits like Because the Night, More Than This, These Are Days and Candy Everybody Wants.
Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $49-$54
Friday, September 15
PARKER OKTOBERFEST!
It’s now the 12th year of the Parker Oktoberfest and it’s GROWING! This year’s event will feature “Das Maerchenland” (the German fairytale land), where you can learn German fairytales, Bavarian bands, German dancers, vendors will be lurking in the woods, and a new 2017 Miss Oktoberfest will be strolling the park for photo ops. The German-themed festival will also feature a Dachshund race and costume competition and a mustache contest!
O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Dr., Parker
Fri., 6:00-10:00 p.m.; Sat., 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
KENTON SWINGS
The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CRJO) is Colorado’s premier large jazz ensemble. Playing everything from big band jazz to exciting modern programs and special performances with renowned guest soloists, the CJRO has it all. This Colorado- grown ensemble performs tunes from Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington, Maynard Ferguson and many more.
Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $24-$29
BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
The Blind Boys of Alabama have the rare distinction of being recognized around the world as both living legends and modern-day innovators. They are not just gospel singers borrowing from old traditions; the group helped to define those traditions in the 20th century and almost single-handedly created a new gospel sound for the 21st century. Since the original members first sang together as kids at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in the late 1930s (including Jimmy Carter, who leads the group today), the band has persevered through seven decades to become one of the most recognized and decorated roots music groups in the world.
Lone Tree Arts Center,10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30-$35
Friday-Sunday, September 15-17
EXCITING AGILITY COMPETITION
Agility Dog Jump
The Front Range Agility Team (FRAT) is one of the largest and most active dog agility organizations along the Front Range of Colorado. Dog agility is a popular canine sport in which a handler directs a dog through a variety of obstacles such as a tunnel, teeter-totter, tire jump, weave poles, pause table, and standard jumps. You’ll have all day to drop in to watch this exciting sport, where the dogs aren’t the only ones in training!
Douglas County Fairgrounds/Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday, September 15-17
CORN MAZE MISCHIEF
Wind your way through seven acres of corn in a maze that can be viewed from two 15-foot tall illuminated bridges. Visitors under the age of 10 can explore the mini-maze.
Tickets include one hayride, a barrel train ride (for children 12 and under) and unlimited jumping on a giant pillow! Pony rides and hamster balls are available for an additional fee. An array of food vendors sell favorite fall foods like funnel cakes, hotdogs, freshly squeezed lemonade and kettle corn. Here is a map of Corn Maze.
Chatfield Farms, Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton
Fri./Sat. 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Sun. 10:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $9-$14
FOLK ART FESTIVAL
The Holly Berry House Folk Art Festival features 165 artisans from across the United States. Along with food, music and historic tours, visitors can view fine art, unique crafts, one-of-a-kind collectibles and antiques. The event benefits the preservation and restoration of the ranch.
Holly Berry House, 2409 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs
Fri., 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; Sat., 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Admission: $2-$6
Phone: 719-636-2752
Saturday, September 16
WAG ‘N’ TRAIL
Do you like dogs, hiking and craft beer? If so, you’ll love the Dumb Friends League Wag `n Trail™, a quintessentially Colorado event that combines all three to benefit homeless pets at its Buddy Center in Castle Rock. The dog-friendly 1.6-mile hike for you and your fur babies will end with a beer garden sponsored by Living the Dream Brewing Co., dozens of vendors, food trucks, music, adoptable dogs and access to a five-acre, off-leash dog park before and after the festivities. Registration includes a downloadable event photo, a photo frame, a bag of Hill’s Science Diet® treats, craft beer or root beer and ice cream for both you and your dog.
Glendale Farm Open Space,
12300 S. Havana St., Castle Rock
8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Registration: $50
A HILLTOP HAPPENING
The 1898 Hilltop Schoolhouse is the only remaining public structure from the railroad town, Hilltop and this Saturday a “back to school” Open House will give visitors a peek inside. They can learn about Hilltop in a multi-media presentation, take a 1933 arithmetic test, color using the eight colors created in 1903, and playing common school games from the early 1900’s.
Hilltop Schoolhouse, 5748 Flintwood Rd., Parker
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
MASQUERADE PARTY!
The Miracle Party is an event for childhood cancer patients, as well as their families, friends, caregivers, and the people who support their fight! Miracle Party is the nation’s largest event gala and festival of fun focused on the kids and this year’s theme is a masquerade party – Venice Italy style! Everyone is invited to join the celebration and honor the young heroes through live music, dinner, games, limo rides and more.
Douglas County Fairgrounds/Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
5:00-10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $25
PAUL REISER, LIVE!
Paul Reiser, author, actor, singer/songwriter, and comedian. Starring in classic films like Aliens and Concussion, the Emmy-nominated Paul Reiser has established himself in pop culture as a modern renaissance man. His comedy special is notoriously hilarious, with his interesting take on life adding a unique spice to his show. Also, featured this night is folk singer/songwriter Vance Gilbert, frequently declared to be an integral part of the national folk scene, who will open the show with his sophisticated melodies and harmonies.
Parker Arts Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $44-$49
AN EVENING WITH JIM BREUER!
With over 20 years of stand-up comedy experience, Jim Breuer remains one of today’s top entertainers and continues to win over audiences with his off-the-wall humor and lovable personality. Named one of Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time, Breuer is one of the most recognizable comedians in the business, known for his charismatic stage antics, dead-on impressions, and family-friendly stand-up. In addition to keeping busy on his current comedy tourThe Family Warrior, Breuer can be heard on his weekly podcast The Metal in Me.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $36-$40
Saturday-Sunday, September 16-17
TIME FOR OKTOBERFEST!
It’s the fall fest everyone’s waiting for, from the ceremonial keg tapping and hot Schnapps, to a climbing wall, obstacle course, bounce houses, balloon art for kids. The 20th annual Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest. And the food? Weiner Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Jagerschnitzel, German brats, funnel cakes, curly fries, cotton candy, kettle corn, beer and wine. German musical entertainment will keep your feet moving, along with country and rock ‘n roll. And the shuttle buses will take you from the parking lot, right to the event.
Parking at Woodland Park High School, 151 Panther Way, Woodland Park
11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Admission: $5-$6
CHOPIN UNPLUGGED
Lise de la Salle is a French concert pianist who first performed at age 9 on Radio France. At age 12, she started winning prizes and awards and is today an internationally acclaimed pianist who plays with intensity, concentration and bravura. She will be playing music by Chopin with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Josep Caballé-Domenech.
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets
Phone: 888-929-7849
Monday, September 18
COFFEE: A BRIEF HISTORY
Join Active Minds as they trace the history of coffee from its origins in Ethiopia to the Starbucks around the corner. The fascinating story of politics, power, chance and intrigue involves coffee’s cultural influences as well as the differences between various types of coffee. We suspect they’ll be serving coffee.
Parker Library, 10851 S Crossroads Dr., Parker
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Free
Phone: 303-791-7323
Crystal Valley: Music to a Home Buyer’s Ears
Home buyers who love Crystal Valley enjoy the proximity of the master-planned community to nature, recreation and downtown Castle Rock. Check out the beautiful new home designs from Richmond American Homes and D.R. Horton ;available in ranch or two-story models and priced from the high $300s. And – coming soon – new homes by Kauffman Homes!
