The new businesses continue to come and I can't get enough of it. I knew Starbird Chicken was opening here soon, but I'm glad I stopped by on Saturday because they were having a training and I basically invited myself to their friends and family opening this week. They'll officially be opening on Monday (27th) at 5:00pm. Will report back…never tried Starbird before!
Oh, and I think we have one or two more spots open for our tour of The Aspen Effect this Wednesday from 6-7pm if you wanted to join! Email me.
Douglas County Seed Needs & AppleSeed: Castle Rock's Seed Library
"Introverted but willing to discuss plants" was on Devin Porch's t-shirt when we stopped by her pop-up in Centennial Park this past Sunday. And it was not false advertising…she was ready to talk gardening…
Devin and her husband Ronald are running Douglas County Seed Needs, a seed library based right here in Castle Rock, and AppleSeed (an app they made with their plants catalogued). They've been holding pop-ups around town and we decided to stop by this past Sunday at their pop-up at Centennial Park. For those of you who I haven't had the opportunity to tell, I've started an apprenticeship in gardening (aka free manual labor that has involved moving a lot of dirt for my mom)…After chatting with Devin for a bit and learning a little bit more about her and their mission, we happily ended up walking away with a little bit of everything: columbine, pumpkin, wildflower, and red Russian kale seeds.
For Devin, this isn't just a hobby. Gardening genuinely saved her life. She got deep into it during postpartum depression, and working with soil and seeds is what helped her heal. She knew firsthand what gardening had done for her, and she wanted to share that with her neighbors by making seeds free and accessible to anyone who wants them.
She's big on flowers, heirlooms, and the kind of stuff that moves the needle on biodiversity, the seeds you can't really find at the big box stores. She sources from reputable suppliers and some garden stores and brands have been kind enough to donate to her. She also greatly appreciates seed donations or monetary contributions from the community, all of which goes right back into purchasing more seeds.
While talking to her, we learned that the closest seed libraries are in Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Aurora, so filling this gap in Castle Rock is huge. She's planning more pop-ups around Douglas County and the greater Denver area soon, plus trades and pickups here in Castle Rock. Best way to keep up is following @dougcoseedneeds on Instagram or checking out appleseed-app.com.
Earth Day is tomorrow. Hard to think of a more fitting way to mark it than by tossing some seeds in the ground, courtesy of your neighbor. Unless you're holding firm to the typically later planting season around Mother's Day (I'm learning? Probably wrong…)
Are you planting this spring?
Featured Event: Wild in Our Town
Thursday, April 23 | 6:00pm–7:30pm
Philip & Jerry Miller Library, Event Hall A & B | Free
Sticking with the Earth Day theme...this one's a great follow-up. Wild in Our Town is an annual public education event where reps from the Town of Castle Rock, Douglas County Open Space, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance show up to talk all things local wildlife: coyotes, bears, mountain lions, bobcats, rattlesnakes, prairie dogs, beavers, turkeys, you name it.
You'll get tips on how to avoid human-wildlife conflicts, how to watch wildlife responsibly, and there will be real wildlife displays on hand to see and touch. Free, open to all ages, no registration needed.
More info here
We’re coming back to Castle Rock on Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30pm after having a very successful dinner in Parker this past week.
And as mentioned last week, we’re adding a Couples Dinner (55+) that same night and have a few spots remaining.
Couples Dinner (55+) | Wed, Apr 29 @ 6:30pm | Castle Rock
Here's how it’ll work:
Show up, grab drinks, mingle, order
Sit down at 7pm with 1 or 2 other couples
Have dinner, make friends
Join the regular Dinner Club for the after-party if desired
Use code COUPLECREW for $10 off (limited).
Pet Adoptions
This happy 2-year old pup, Banjo, is ready to bring the energy and join you on your adventures.
Sports
Broncos — The NFL Draft starts Thursday — we hold 7 picks this year after trading our first-rounder (#30) to Miami for Jaylen Waddle. Our first pick is #62 in the second round. We also have two 4ths (#108, #111), a 5th (#170), and three 7ths (#246, #256, #257). GM George Paton said it's "unlikely" we trade back into the first round, but they could move up in the second. Mock drafts have us taking a running back, linebacker, or tight end at #62. No 2026 schedule yet — that drops in May.
Nuggets — We finished 54-28, 3rd in the West, and rode a 12-game win streak into the playoffs. Beat Minnesota in Game 1 (116-105) — Jamal Murray went 16-16 from the free throw line, dropping 30. Lost Game 2 (119-114) after blowing a lead in the 4th — Ant Edwards went off for 30 and 10. Series tied 1-1. Jokic was named an MVP finalist alongside SGA and Wembanyama. This week: @ Minnesota Thu and Sat, then back home vs Minnesota Mon.
Avalanche — We finished 55-16-11 (121 pts) and clinched the Presidents' Trophy — best record in the NHL. Beat the Kings in Game 1 (2-1) — Logan O'Connor scored his first goal in a year, and Scott Wedgewood stopped 24 shots in his first playoff start. This week: host LA Tue, then @ LA Thu and Sun.
Rockies — We're 9-14, 4th in the NL West. Went 2-2 against the Dodgers this week — took two out of four from LA, which we'll take at any point during the season. Lost the opener (7-1) and the finale tonight (12-3), but sandwiched wins in between (4-3, 9-6). Snow greeted both teams at Coors Field Friday — welcome to April in Colorado. This week: host San Diego Tue-Thu, then @ NY Mets Fri-Sun.
Rapids — We're 4-0-4 (16 pts), 8th in the West. Lost to Inter Miami (3-2) Saturday at Empower Field — Messi scored twice. This week: @ LAFC Wed, then @ Vancouver Sat.
Summit FC — We're 9th in the NWSL. No match last week. Next up: host San Diego Wave Sat, Apr 25 at 6:45pm.
Mammoth — We finished 12-6, 2nd in the NLL. Lost @ Calgary (8-9) Saturday to close out the regular season. Playoffs start this week — we host San Diego in the quarterfinals Sat, Apr 25 at 7pm at Ball Arena.
Noteworthy: Whataburger Eyeing Castle Rock
The Texas-based burger chain has submitted plans for a new drive-thru location in Castle Rock. If approved, it would be their first in the Denver metro area.
Location: Promenade at Castle Rock (near Promenade Parkway and Alpine Vista Circle)
Size: 3,380 square feet with drive-thru
Status: Proposal submitted — still needs Town approval
Whataburger returned to Colorado in 2022 after decades away. They currently have 9 locations in the state, all south of Denver (Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Pueblo).
No timeline yet. We'll keep you posted. (source)
Want your business in front of 5,500+ locals? Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter.
Events:
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.
Rotary of Castle Pines is having their 6th Annual Top Golf Event on Sunday, May 17th. Learn more here
Tuesday, 4/21:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - 10:00am–11:30am - tickets
Sudden Fiction Books - Book Bedazzling - 6:00pm–8:00pm - $35 - tickets
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Trivia Night - 7:00pm–8:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Trivia Night - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday, 4/22:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - 10:00am–11:30am - tickets
105 West Brewing Company - Earth Day Free Pint - 11:00am–9:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Summer Beer Tasting - 6:00pm–7:30pm - tickets
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales - Mountain Bike - 6:00pm–7:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Bingo Night - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - D&D Game Night - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Thursday, 4/23:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - 10:00am–11:30am - tickets
Rock Solid Fitness & Wellness Club - Wellness Night - 6:00pm–8:00pm - $35 - tickets
Crowfoot Valley Coffee & Crowbar - Castle Rock - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:00pm
Douglas County Libraries - Philip & Jerry Miller Library - Wild in our Town - 6:00pm–7:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Thursday Line Dancing - 6:00pm–10:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Texas Hold Em Poker - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Poker Night - 7:00pm–9:30pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke - 9:00pm–12:00am
Friday, 4/24:
Philip S. Miller Park - Arbor Day Tree Planting at Philip S. Miller Park - 9:00am–11:00am
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - 10:00am–11:30am - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1:00pm–3:30pm - tickets
COFF33 - Blanchard Family Wines Pop-Up - 5:00pm–9:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Teeny Tiny Bookshop Pop-Up - 5:00pm–8:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Luke Story Live - 5:30pm–9pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE! - 6:00pm–9:30pm - tickets
COFF33 - Wine and Chocolate Tasting - 7:00pm–9:00pm - tickets
The Whiskey Lodge - Karaoke Night - 7:00pm–11:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Cody Cozz Live - 7:00pm–10:30pm - $23+ - tickets
Sinners & Saints - Mike Maurer Live at the Altar - 8:00pm–11:00pm
Saturday, 4/25:
105 West Brewing Company - Yoga at the Brewery - 9:30am–10:30am - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - 10:00am–11:30am - tickets
Wide Awake Eatery - Tony Crank Live - 10am–1pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Crawfish Boil - 11:00am–5:00pm - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1:00pm–3:30pm - tickets
Wide Open Saloon - Acoustic Show - 2pm–5pm
COFF33 - Blanchard Family Wines Pop-Up - 5:00pm–9:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Jennifer Lane Live - 5:30pm–9pm
Alidade Brewing - Adult Spelling Bee - 6:00pm–8:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Mead & Magic - 6:00pm–7:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Frontline Live - 6:30pm–10:30pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Mike Maurer Band - 6:30pm–9:30pm
COFF33 - Wine and Chocolate Tasting - 7:00pm–9:00pm - tickets
The Whiskey Lodge - Live Music - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Dueling Pianos - 7:00pm–10:30pm - tickets
Hideaway Bar & Grill - Saturday Karaoke - 8:30pm–12:30am
Sinners & Saints - DJ Max in the Lounge - 9:00pm–12:00am
Sunday, 4/26:
Teaology Tea Cafe - Yoga with Karen - 9:30am–10:30am - $25
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Princess Party at the Castle - 11:00am–2:00pm - tickets
Sinners & Saints - Boozy Book Fair with Sudden Fiction Books - 2:00pm–6:00pm - $10 - tickets
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke - 6:00pm–10:00pm
Monday, 4/27:
Cobblestone Ranch Park - Arbor Day Tree Planting at Cobblestone Ranch Park - 9:00am–11:00am
Wide Open Saloon - Sedalia Community Blood Drive - 10:00am–3:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Mah Jongg Monday - 5:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales - Run Club - 6:00pm–7:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Bingo Night - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
105 West Brewing Company - Blind Wine Tasting - Tue 4/28, 5:30pm–7:00pm - tickets
Alidade Brewing - 80's Trivia Night - Tue 4/28, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Colorado Pint Day - Wed 4/29, 12:00pm–9:00pm - $12
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales - Mountain Bike - Wed 4/29, 6:00pm–7:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - Thu 4/30, 10:00am–11:30am - tickets
Alidade Brewing - Rip & Sip TCG Night - Thu 4/30, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Comedy Show - Thu 4/30, 6pm–9pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Texas Hold Em Poker - Thu 4/30, 7:00pm–10:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Josh Blackburn Live - Fri 5/1, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Sideways 7 - Fri 5/1, 7:00pm–10:30pm
Alidade Brewing - Cinco de Burro at Alidade - Sat 5/2, 11:00am–8:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - 9's A Pair - Sat 5/2, 7:00pm–10:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Cinco De Mayo - Tue 5/5, 11:00am–8:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Kelsey Jo and The Wildcards - Fri 5/8, 7:00pm–10:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts - Sat 5/9, 7:00pm–10:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Mother's Day - Sun 5/10, 11:00am–8:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Rhett Haney - Fri 5/15, 7:00pm–10:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - One Way to Rock - Sat 5/16, 7:00pm–10:30pm
Worth the drive: other Douglas County events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop — subscribe below.
⚠️ Please verify event details and availability with the respective venues or organizers, as schedules may change.
Let us know of any events, locations, establishments, or businesses that you would like us to highlight in coming editions. [email protected]
If someone forwarded this to you, join the crew and subscribe here! And/or subscribe to our sister newsletter at the county level.
Local partners and occasional affiliate links help support Castle Rock Crew and keep it free for readers.
