Crystal Valley Blog

This weekend and next, in and around Castle Rock, you can take in stand-up comedy, extreme motocross races, magic, country and 80s music or you can run the stairs at Red Rocks! Plus get the information you need for Colorado Ballot 2024 — all near the master-planned community of Crystal Valley!

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, October 10

COLORADO BALLOT 2024
Join Active Minds for an objective review of the current initiatives and referenda on the Colorado statewide ballot this fall. Organizers will review each proposal, presenting the arguments on both sides. Participants will also review the referendum and initiative process in Colorado, including its history, pros and cons, and significant legislation that has resulted from this process in the past.

Koelbel Library, 5955 S Holly St., Centennial
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
RSVP: 303-542-7279

ELECTRIC AVENUE: 80s MTV EXPERIENCE
We don’t get to repeat one minute of our time here, but what if you could experience all the youthful energy and sonic celebration that was 1980s New Wave & Radio Pop? Every sound. Every nuance. Every time. That’s Electric Avenue. The best 80’s music hits performed the way you remember them.

An Electric Avenue show is a high energy space that reminds people of a time when they came home from school, put a record on, and listened with open ears and an open heart; conjuring first dates, first cars, prom nights, weekend movies, and meeting friends at the mall, while finding a sense of fashion and an identity all their own. At an EA show, 80’s music is as alive and well today as it has ever been.

From Duran Duran and The Cars to Queen and Tears for Fears, Electric Avenue is one band that will get you on your feet to sing, dance and remember the best of the 80s!

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $25.50
Phone: 719-575-9632

Thursday-Sunday, October 10-13

BOO AT THE ZOO
This beloved trick-or-treating experience is back and better than ever! This timed, ticketed event is designed to minimize crowds and maximize fun. Enjoy mysterious cryptid creatures, candy stations, seasonal snacks and maximized Halloween fun for little ones and everyone.

With something magical around every corner, it’s the best place in town to trick-or-treat!

Denver Zoo, 2300 N. Steele St., Denver
5:00-9:00 p.m.
Admission: $18.90-$25.20

Friday, October 11

GRAND OPENING EMERALD PARK
There’s no place like…your newest neighborhood park. Dress for a celebratory visit to the Emerald City and enjoy games, activities, music, food trucks and more.

If you live nearby, please plan to walk or bike to the celebration if you are able. A bit too far to walk? Hop on the ADA-accessible Town Trolley for a ride to Emerald Park. The trolley will loop through the Plum Creek area from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. picking up and dropping off passengers — look for the “Trolley Stop” signs. If driving, invite a neighbor to carpool as parking is limited at the park and is not allowed along Emerald Drive.

Emerald Park, 2225 Emerald Dr., Castle Rock
5:00-7:00 p.m.
FREE

LADY SINGS THE BLUES
Indulge in an evening of pure jazz elegance as the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra pays tribute to two of the most iconic voices in music history: Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. The music will invite you to immerse yourself in the timeless melodies and soulful stylings that defined an era and continue to captivate audiences around the world. Featuring Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield in a mesmerizing performance as she joins the CJRO in a tribute to Ella and Sarah.

PACE Center, The Schoolhouse, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $27

KANSAS: 50^TH ANNIVERSARY
The “Another Fork in The Road” Tour celebrates 50 years of the band’s illustrious music history with concerts featuring two full hours of memorable hits, fan favorites and deep cuts rarely performed live.

Composing a catalogue that includes fifteen studio albums and five live albums, KANSAS has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-Platinum albums (Leftoverture, Point of Know Return, Best of KANSAS), one platinum live album (Two for the Show), and two one million-selling gold singles, Carry On Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind. KANSAS appeared on the Billboard charts for over 200 weeks throughout the ’70s and ’80s and played to sold-out arenas and stadiums throughout North America, Europe and Japan. Carry On Wayward Son continues to be one of the top five most played songs on classic rock radio, and Dust In the Wind has been played on the radio more than three million times!

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $44
Phone: 719-575-9632

Saturday, October 12

MIDLAND, JACKSON DEAN & COLBY ACUFF
Double Grammy® nominees Midland have sought to reintroduce the Western plains, Laurel Canyon-cum-Bakersfield and Lone Star juke joints to Country music since coming together at a friend’s wedding over common influences and the need for a return to this sort of post-Urban Cowboy Country. For lead singer/guitarist Mark Wystrach, bassist/vocalist Cameron Duddy and lead guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson, the 2X PLATINUM hit “Drinkin’ Problem” set the stage for their critically acclaimed On The Rocks and No. 1 Billboard Top Country Albums debut Let It Roll to unite classic country fans, hipsters and media including Entertainment Weekly, GQ, The Washington Post, Vogue, Esquire, Variety, Rolling Stone Country and NPR. Based in Dripping Springs, Texas, the trio of songwriters who developed their sound at Tornillo, Texas’ storied Sonic Ranch have been building a following that’s sold-out the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show, packed a multiple-night stand at Ft. Worth’s iconic Billy Bob’s and re-opened North Hollywood’s legendary Palomino Club for one night only. Bringing listeners a resurgence of their thick harmonies, sad melodies, tart lyrics, and steel guitar with their album The Last Resort: Greetings From (Big Machine Records) the retro-Nuevo trio has grown from bar band to an in-demand headliner.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $68

GHOSTLY STORIES AND TRAGIC TALES
Join other local ghosthunters for a walking tour of Downtown Castle Rock featuring tales of ghostly and tragic events in Castle Rock’s history. Come hear the eerie stories of The Rock, the haunted happenings at The Old Stone Church, the spooky history of The B&B Café, 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 p.m.
FREE – Reservations
Call: 303-814-3164 or Mail the Museum

THE COMEDY ZONE: LEAN BONNEMA
Leah Bonnema is a stand-up comedian, actor and writer who has been seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Chris Gethard Presents, Oculus & AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live, IFC’s Comedy Crib, TruTV’s Comedy Knockout, Elite Daily’s Schlep and Why It’s Ok To Be A Single Girl On Valentine’s Day, Don’t Tell Comedy, Broadway Video’s The Henkle Factor with Michael Che, Vh1’s 100 Greatest series and was a regular on Buzzfeed’s Did You See This?!

Huffington Post named her one of their Favorite Female Comedians and she was on The America Stands Up Showcase at The International Glasgow Comedy Festival. Leah has had the honor of performing for our troops overseas, touring with Lizz Winstead’s Lady Parts Justice and has been featured in The New York Comedy Festival, The Lucille Ball Comedy Fest at The National Comedy Center, Politicon, The Women in Comedy Festival, Bumbershoot, AfroPunkFest, Netflix is a Joke, and at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC for The District of Comedy Festival. Denver comic Austin Black, a Midwesterner from Iowa will open for Leah.

PACE Center, The Schoolhouse, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $27

FLAMENCO INTIMO
Flamenco Íntimo delivers a traditional flamenco experience—a dialogue between guitar, dance and vocals—that creates musical tension and releases in percussive crescendos, translating emotion into movement and sound. Don’t miss Flamenco Íntimo, where the nuances, subtlety and artistry of flamenco are center stage.

PACE CENTER, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $54

ENDUROCROSS: EXTREME DIRT BIKE RACING
Enduro Cross racing is an off-road motorcycle event that evaluates speed, skills, and endurance. What makes it wild is the track design that riders need to surpass. It contains extensive and almost dangerous obstacles simulating the typical off-road track for Enduro dirt biking. The sport screams adrenaline rush from start to beginning.

If you’re planning on watching an EnduroCross racing event, expect nothing less than entertainment. The entire event will leave you at the edge of your seat as riders showcase their exceptional skills in surpassing obstacles that could make your heart drop.

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $19

Friday-Sunday, October 11-13

PREACHER LAWSON
Lawson is best known for his appearance on season 12 of NBC’s hit series, America’s Got Talent where he made it to the final round. Based off his stellar performance in season 12, Lawson was invited to compete on America’s Got Talent: The Champions and Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions where he advanced to the finale after receiving the most fan votes. Most recently he was handpicked by Howie Mandell to participate in America’s Got Talent: 2024 Fantasy League Lawson shot his first stand-up special, Get To Know Me, which premiered on BET+ in 2019, then Amazon. His most recent special My Name Is Preacher was released globally on YouTube in March 2024.

Lawson has built a massive following on TikTok of 3.4 Million followers. His YouTube channel has amassed over 640,000 subscribers and features clips of stand-up, MMA training, and even Vegan cooking tips! He recently completed his residency hosting AGT Live in Las Vegas and continues to perform at sold-out venues around the world.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Fri., 7:15 & 9:45 p.m., Sat., 6:45 & 9:15 p.m.; Sun., 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25
Phone: 720-274-6800

Sunday, October 13

RUN THE ROCKS
Celebrating its 19th year, the American Lung Association in Colorado proudly offers the only timed race event at the iconic, gorgeous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. This unique run/walk challenge combines breathtaking scenery and a rock ‘n roll vibe for a 5K and 1.3-mile run/walk (well-behaved dogs welcome in these events).

The ALA will host over 1,500 participants on a course that begins in the upper parking lot at Red Rocks and continues along the beautiful park roads, concluding with the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre stairs. Bands will be present along the route to entertain and motivate you.

Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.®

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
9:00 a.m.
Questions/To Enter: $23.39-$66.18

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

VIENNA LIGHT ORCHESTRA
Vienna Light Orchestra’s world-class musicians and vocalists from seven different countries bring to life the powerful music from one of the world’s most popular musicals, The Greatest Showman! This is a highly entertaining show featuring the iconic music of The Greatest Showman and other classic favorites, including “Once Upon a December” from Anastasia, “Let it Go” from Frozen, music from Pirates of the Caribbean, and Phantom of the Opera. Whether you’re looking for a unique Colorado Springs event, a romantic evening out, or a memorable experience for the entire family — this event is for you! Vienna Light Orchestra’s awe-inspiring performance is a positive interruption from the noise of the world — elevating audiences into an atmosphere of inspirational, motivational music. In the same way Barnum and those in the circus stayed focused, embraced who they are, and disregarded the negativity around them through the magical message of — “All things being possible to those who believe.” Audiences have loved The Greatest Showman because it’s a classic rags-to-riches story that has become one of the most successful musicals of all time! “Ladies and Gents—this is the moment you’ve waited for.” 

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

NEXT WEEK: Wednesday, October 16

THE MAGIC OF JEN KRAMER
Jen Kramer is magic. She turns the impossible into the impossible-to-ignore, wowing audiences with her contagious smile and world-class sleight-of-hand. Headliner of her own show in Las Vegas, Jen was named Female Magician of the Year by the International Magicians Society and named a 40 Under 40 honoree by VEGAS INC. She has been featured on television shows including Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, and NBC’s TODAY Show.

PACE Center, The Schoolhouse, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker
6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $44

Thursday, October 17

WARREN MILLER’S 75
Warren Miller is going big for 75 years! Stacked with unbelievable action and unexpected stories, Warren Miller’s 75 will bring fans to powder stashes and chutes around the world, from Canada, Colorado, California, and Utah to Finland, Japan, Austria, and New Jersey. Catch a diverse lineup of snowsports legends, Olympic hopefuls, world champions, X Games stars, and emerging talents on the big screen this fall, including snowboarders Shaun White, Jeremy Jones, Danny Davis, and Toby Miller, plus skiers Max Hitzig, Lexi duPont, Caite Zeliff, Mark Abma, and Aaron Blunck. With original segments and unique collaborations, this year’s film will set the tone for the next 75 years of ski and snowboard filmmaking.

PACE CENTER, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $25

Thursday-Sunday, October 17-20

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
In 1956, one legendary jam session brought together four icons of rock ‘n’ roll. Jerry Lee Lewis. Johnny Cash. Carl Perkins. Elvis Presley. On that storied night in Memphis, the MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET was born. Now, in this theatrical production, these four musical legends come to life in a story of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and celebrations – all tied together with some of the most well-known songs in history. Directed by LTAC favorite Randal Myler (Muscle Shoals, Low Down Dirty Blues, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play), this show will have you lacing up your “Blue Suede Shoes” for an unforgettable theatrical experience!

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 1:30 p.m.; Sun., 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $55

Saturday, October 19

REUNION ‘85
It’s the party of a lifetime— and you’re invited! Reunion uses nostalgia to unite guests in an evening of celebration. The centerpiece of each reunion is a masterful musical concert— our live band of singers and musicians expertly recreates chart-topping hits of the era. Between sets, a comedic host guides our audience (the “alumni”) through interactive scenes, jokes, and games—each of which is designed to inspire playfulness, build community, and celebrate the joy of a bygone era. This unique combination of environment, entertainment, and interaction has made Reunion an innovative brand of “Experiential Entertainment.”

Please note: when you choose your seat, you choose your own adventure! Reunion ’85 is an interactive show in which audience members are invited to directly engage with our hosts, musicians, and singers. To promote this interactivity, we offer a unique seating location—on stage! If you are a social butterfly and enjoy being highly engaged and close to the action, please select the on stage seats—these general admission seats allow you to sit onstage at banquet tables with other Reunion “alumni.” If you are a wallflower and prefer to sit back and observe the show, we encourage you to buy seats in the house—you may choose your preferred location in the traditional seating layout.

PACE CENTER, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $49

Things to Do Near Crystal Valley!

Just minutes from downtown Castle Rock 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