Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We had the perfect day on Saturday for the ShamROCK Stampede. It was awesome to get out there and get some fresh air, see some familiar faces, and support an amazing cause. They had 1,100 sign-ups, so thank you to those who supported!

And hopefully Sunday’s much-needed snow didn’t slow down your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Due to the snow, Alidade wasn’t able to have the mini highlands cows, but the goats were enough in and of themselves. The “Golden Girls” — Dorothy, Rose, and Blanche — were a hit with both kids and adults alike. They are half Nigerian dwarf and half fainting goat triplets. We saw the smallest toddler in there accidentally scare two of them into a half faint. And, yes, I was high maintenance and requested we hold them after seeing another group do it. Very fun times. And it was absolutely packed, but we stuck around to see the Manitou Strings play for a bit.

The Castle Rock Film Festival is back — and this year it’s bigger.

Now in its fourth year, the festival runs April 9–12 at Camelia's Garden at Teaology in Castle Rock. If you’ve never been, here’s what you’re missing: four nights of indie films, documentaries, music videos, and some genuinely weird experimental stuff — all shown in an intimate 75-seat venue with drinks and small bites.

This isn’t a corporate film festival. It’s local filmmakers, rising talent, and the kind of films you won’t find in theaters or on the big streaming platforms.

The Lineup

Each night brings a different type of screening:

• Locals Only — films made right here in Colorado
• Comedy & Drama Hour — shorts that make you laugh, cry, and laugh again
• The Midnight Club — horror, sci-fi, and the weird for the late-night crowd
• Rising Stars — student and emerging filmmakers
• Rock the World — documentaries and music videos from around the world
• Special Screening — Cain Came Home, competing for Best Picture, during the festival mixer (April 11, 6:00pm–7:30pm, $1 admission)
• Sunday Night Features — Quiet After Supper (5:00pm) and an adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s The First Man (7:00pm), both competing for Best Picture

New this year: awards for Best Animation and Best Feature, joining the festival’s usual categories (documentary, short film, music video, experimental). Winners take home “The Rock,” a custom trophy engraved with the filmmaker’s name and film title.

Why It Matters

Every dollar raised from the festival supports the Veterans and First Responders Art Therapy Program through the Castle Rock Artist Alliance.

That means free art classes for Colorado veterans, police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and paramedics — using art as a way to build community and help combat PTSD.

The organization is also currently working with AdventHealth to develop a similar program for nurses and doctors, expanding the same kind of creative support to healthcare workers.

So when you buy a ticket, you’re not just watching a movie. You’re helping fund something that genuinely supports people in our community.

The Details

• When: April 9–12, 2026
• Where: Camelia's Garden at Teaology, Castle Rock
• Capacity: 75 seats per night
• Tickets: here
• VIP: All-access pass available

Last year more than 500 people attended across the four nights, and several screenings sold out.

If you’re into film, want to support local artists, or just want a different kind of night out that isn’t just dinner — this is one worth checking out.

Most people don't think of home care and immediately think "great benefits." Comfort Keepers might change your mind.

They match your charitable donations dollar for dollar. They help cover part of your gym membership. They'll pay up to $1,500 toward your CNA certification. And once a year, they take a team to Mexico to build homes through Mission Ministries — grab your passport, expenses are covered.

That's on top of 50% employer-paid health insurance (30+ hrs/wk), a 401(k) with employer match after meeting eligibility requirements, and free counseling sessions.

If you're looking for work that gives back as much as you put in — this is it.

See what it's like to work with Comfort Keepers

Well, the Buddy Center is a little low on adoptions right now — at least on their website. I’ll take that as a good sign and that some of these pups are finding great homes…but, don’t worry if you’re looking to adopt, their other locations have some awesome dogs like Dot available for adoption. He’s a big fan of the snow, so welcome him home while he can still run around in some!

Broncos — Free agency week wrapped up, and we kept the band together. After last issue’s re-signings (Dobbins, Singleton, Strnad, Trautman), we added more: QB Sam Ehlinger (1-year), FB Adam Prentice (1-year), WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey (1-year), and TE Lucas Krull (1-year). On Friday, CB Ja'Quan McMillian signed his 2nd-round RFA tender and we brought back Jaleel McLaughlin on a 1-year deal (yes, the same McLaughlin we said wouldn't be tendered — guess they worked something out).

Around the AFC West: The Raiders had a wild week. They agreed to trade Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for two first-round picks — then Baltimore backed out after Crosby reportedly failed his physical (knee concerns from his meniscus surgery). Now Crosby's stuck in Vegas on a team that tried to move him. The Raiders' official statement? "The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement." Ouch.

Nuggets — We're 41-27, sitting 5th in the West. We demolished the Rockets (129-93) on Wednesday — Murray went off for 30 points and looked healthy. Then we survived a thriller against the Spurs (136-131) on Thursday. Saturday we fell to the Lakers (127-125) in overtime — Luka had a triple-double (30/11/13) to beat us. We return Tue, Mar 17 vs the 76ers, Wed, Mar 18 @ the Grizzlies, Fri, Mar 20 vs the Raptors, and Sun, Mar 22 vs the Trail Blazers.

On Murray: he played through the ankle sprain and looked solid against the Rockets. Listed as probable for the Lakers game and gutted it out. Still managing it, but no missed games.

Avalanche — We're 44-13-9 (97 pts), sitting 1st in the Central. Rough week. We lost to Edmonton (4-3) on Tuesday, bounced back with a win in Seattle (5-1) on Thursday, then got shut down in Winnipeg (3-1) on Saturday, and Pittsburgh beat us (7-2) on Monday. We return Wed, Mar 18 vs Dallas, Fri, Mar 20 @ Chicago, and Sun, Mar 22 @ Washington.

On Kadri: he's settling in nicely after that trade deadline reunion. Made his second Avs debut on March 8 to a standing ovation. The deadline acquisitions (Kadri, Roy, Kulak) give us serious depth for the playoff push. Still monitoring Landeskog's lower-body injury — he's week-to-week.

Rockies — Spring training continues in Scottsdale. There's some optimism in camp with a few prospects turning heads, including 3B prospect Kyle Karros. Regular season opens March 27 @ the Marlins.

Rapids — Our two-game winning streak came to an end. We fell to NYC FC (1-3) on Saturday at Yankee Stadium — NYCFC outplayed us and we couldn't find an answer after going down early. We're 2-2-0, sitting 6th in the West. Next up: Sat, Mar 21 @ Sporting KC at 6:30pm.

Summit FC — Denver's NWSL team played its first game ever on Saturday — we lost to Bay FC (2-1) at PayPal Park in San Jose. Melissa Kössler scored the first goal in club history. Captain Janine Sonis got a controversial red card in the 26th minute, forcing us to play down a player for most of the match. Goalie Abby Smith was stellar with five saves. Two more road games (Fri, Mar 20 @ Orlando, Wed, Mar 25 @ Gotham FC at 5pm) before the home opener Sat, Mar 28 vs Washington Spirit at Empower Field at Mile High.

Mammoth — We're 9-5, sitting 2nd behind Saskatchewan. We lost to Buffalo (13-10) on Friday — couldn't contain them in the second half. Next up: Sat, Mar 21 vs Calgary at 7pm.

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The Town wants your input on how to spend federal grant money. Castle Rock gets about $280,000 annually through HUD's Community Development Block Grant program — past projects include ADA-accessible restrooms at Butterfield Park, pool lifts at the Rec Center, and home-delivered meals for seniors.

Now they're building a five-year plan (2026-2030) and want to hear from you. Take the short survey at CRgov.com/Plan through April 5, or show up to the community input meeting Mon, March 30 at 4:30pm at Town Hall.

Colorado Wine Walk returns to Denver on April 26 from 3pm–6pm at the historic Dairy Block.

Hosted by our friends at Blanchard Family Wines, the Grand Tasting features unlimited wine samples, a commemorative glass and tote, live music, and gourmet bites. Guests can also purchase bottles from participating wineries during the event.

If you are looking for a good excuse to head into Denver, this one is worth the drive.

CRC readers can use code CREW10 for 10% off tickets.

Learn more

Tuesday, 3/17 (St. Patrick's Day):

Wide Open Saloon - St. Patrick's Day Celebration - 11am–8pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - St. Patrick's Day - 11am–10pm

Provision - Experience Michter's with Master Distiller Dan McKee - 6pm–9pm - tickets

Elizabeth Brewing - Trivia Night - 7:00pm–9:30pm

Wild Blue Yonder - Geeks Who Drink Trivia - 7pm–9pm

Wednesday, 3/18:

105 West Brewing - Tunes and Brews - 5pm–9pm

Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6pm–8pm

Honnibrook Meadery - D&D Night - 6pm–10pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia - 7pm–9pm

Thursday, 3/19:

105 West Brewing - Trivia Night - 6pm–8:30pm

Wide Open Saloon - Thursday Line Dancing - 6pm–10pm (lessons 6–7:30pm)

Crowfoot Valley Coffee - Trivia Night - 6:30pm–8:30pm

Sinners & Saints - Wine Tasting with Shabo Winery - 6:30pm–8pm

Honnibrook Meadery - Poker Night - 7pm–10pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke - 9pm–12am

Friday, 3/20:

COFF33 - Blanchard Family Wines Pop-Up - 5pm–9pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Luke Story Live - 5:30pm–9pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting: Celebrate Women Winemakers - 6pm–8pm - tickets

Stagecoach Saloon - Mountain Magic Band - 6:30pm–10:30pm

COFF33 - Wine Glass Tasting Seminar - 7pm–8pm - tickets

Wide Open Saloon - Dueling Pianos - 7pm–10:30pm - tickets

Sinners & Saints - André LaMotte - 8pm–11pm

Saturday, 3/21:

Wide Awake Eatery - Luke Story Live - 10am–1pm

COFF33 - Blanchard Family Wines Pop-Up - 5pm–9pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Shawn Peace Live - 5:30pm–9pm

105 West Brewing - Live Music: Knucklehorn - 6:30pm–9:30pm

Stagecoach Saloon - Blinker Fluid - 6:30pm–10:30pm

COFF33 - Wine and Chocolate Tasting - 7pm–8pm - tickets

Wide Open Saloon - Steve and The Cruisers - 7pm–10:30pm

Sunday, 3/22:

Sinners & Saints - Vows and Vices: Bachelorette Viewing Party - 7pm–9:30pm

Monday, 3/23:

Alidade Brewing - Puzzle Competition - 6pm–8pm - $50/team

Heads up on events that are further out:

Honnibrook Meadery - Trivia Night - Tue 3/24, 7pm–8:30pm

Stagecoach Saloon - The Hot Boots Band - Fri 3/27, 6:30pm

Wide Open Saloon - Trouble Bound - Fri 3/27, 7:00pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Murder Mystery: Unlucky Charms - Fri 3/27, 6:00pm - tickets

Sinners & Saints - Hot Girl Clothing Swap - Sat 3/28, 8am–11am

Front Range Church - Castle Rock Special Egg Hunt - Sat 3/28, 12:45pm

Stagecoach Saloon - Vetras - Sat 3/28, 6:30pm

Wide Open Saloon - Conaxx - Sat 3/28, 7:00pm

Sinners & Saints - Vows and Vices: Bachelorette Viewing Party - Sun 3/29, 7pm–9:30pm

Worth the drive: other Douglas County events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop — subscribe below

*We are working on an events calendar with a new URL that will provide both advance notice and greater variety for events. Feel free to provide feedback: https://dougcoevents.com/

⚠️ Please verify event details and availability with the respective venues or organizers, as schedules may change.

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