Alright, alright, alright. This past weekend was absolutely packed. It started a day early on Thursday evening when I hit the newly opened Izumi Sushi — the spot near the County building that's been under construction for quite some time. Photos from our visit on Instagram here.

Saturday I hit the Summer Kickoff concert. Safe to say there were plenty of you there…

There are a ton of town and other big summer events I'll write about more next week, but don't forget the Festival Park Farmers Market opens this Sunday, May 24, 9am-2pm — every Sunday through Oct 11.

Sunday afternoon was Champagne Velvet Proper Kitchen and Bar's opening day — this is the spot that rebranded from I.C. Brewhouse, which they shut down back in November. Really cool lounge feel, cool bar, plenty of drink options — cocktails, wine, and draft beer. Named after Upland Brewing's 1902 Champagne Velvet pilsner. Photos from our visit on Instagram here.

Sunday night was the Castle Pines Rotary Club fundraiser at Top Golf where it was awesome to hang out with some of you. My squad didn’t win the golf competition, but I can't say I'm surprised…it's been a while since I've played. It was a great event that I hope to attend again in the future. And it’s cool to see our local clubs contribute so much locally and globally.

If you didn’t catch our write-up on the incredible organization that is Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance last week, be sure to go back and read it here.

Hideaway Bar & Grill is a Castle Rock staple we feature every week in the events section — full update on what's happened since the fires, plus how to help the staff, in Noteworthy below.

LaLa's 1-Year Anniversary — celebrate with them this weekend

Details on their Instagram here

Had a great dinner in Lone Tree last week with 60 friends! If you’d like to join us next time, sign up below. Coming to Parker on 5/27.

DougCo Social Dinner Club

Our next Couples Dinner (55+) will be in Parker on 5/27 at Wolf Peach. If you’d like to join us, sign up below. Please note this sign-up is on a separate platform from the Dinner Club above.

Couples Dinner (55+)

A bunch of new faces over at the Buddy Center including this little cutie named Beck.

Learn to Lift — The Right Way

Ever walked into a gym and thought, “I have no idea what I’m doing?”

This 6-week summer program teaches safe, effective strength training for teens (16+) and adults. Build strength, confidence, and real results in a private, coached environment.

Solo, duo, and small group options available.
Classes: M/W 12:30 (women) | M/W 3–4 (all)
Starts June 8. Limited spots.

Book your free intro session!

Broncos — The 2026 schedule dropped Thursday night, and the front office got a brutal hand: three prime-time games in the first six weeks, 10 of 17 opponents made last year's playoffs, and the season ends with bookend playoff rematches against the Bills (Divisional Round) and Patriots (AFC Championship). Bye is Week 10 — earliest since 2023. All preseason and regular-season games will air locally on 9NEWS and on KOA radio.

Preseason (all times Mountain):

Regular season (all times Mountain; bold = primetime / Thursday Night / AFC West divisional / otherwise notable):

Nuggets — Trade talks keep swirling, same names as last week (Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon), with the new CBA's second apron driving the noise. Pick 26 in the upcoming draft. Otherwise quiet.

Avalanche — We did it. Clinched the Wild series in five with a 4-3 overtime win at Ball Arena Wednesday night, Brett Kulak sealing it — if you missed it, go back and watch it since we were down 0-3…we caught bits and pieces while at our DougCo Social Dinner Club in Lone Tree. Round 2 final: 4-1 over Minnesota. Now the Western Conference Final vs the Vegas Golden Knights starts at home Wed, May 20, with Game 2 also at home Fri, May 22, and Game 3 in Vegas Sun, May 24. Four wins from the Stanley Cup Final.

Rockies — We're 19-29, 5th in the NL West. Mixed week. The road trip wrapped @ Pittsburgh with a loss to Paul Skenes Tuesday (3-1), a 10-4 win behind Senzatela Wednesday, and a 7-2 loss Thursday. Came home Friday and dropped two of three to Arizona: 9-1 loss Friday, 4-2 win Saturday behind Sugano, and an 8-6 loss Sunday. Took the first game of the interleague series with Texas Monday (7-6). Rangers stick around for Tue, May 19 and Wed, May 20, then we head @ Arizona Thu, May 21 through Sun, May 24, and start a series @ the Dodgers Mon, May 25.

Rapids — We're 3-5-5 (14 points), 11th in the Western Conference. Two-game road trip went 1-1: beat Minnesota United 1-0 Wednesday in Minneapolis, then lost 2-1 at Real Salt Lake Saturday. Home stretch this week: we host the San Jose Earthquakes in a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match Wed, May 20, then host FC Dallas in MLS play Sat, May 23.

Summit FC — We're 3-3-3 (12 points), 7th in the NWSL. Two wins in a row: Beat Orlando Pride 3-1 at DSGP Saturday after the 4-1 win at Houston Dash the week before. One match this week and it's a tough one — we head @ Utah Royals Sat, May 23 at 4:30pm.

If you missed it last week: Hideaway Bar & Grill was hit by two fires roughly 28 hours apart. The first started Monday night (Tuesday at ~12:30am). The second started early Wednesday morning, May 13. No one was hurt in either fire. Castle Rock Fire Chief Norris Croom confirmed the second fire was not a rekindle of the first.

On Friday, May 15, Castle Rock Police announced formal charges against the individual previously identified as a person of interest, including arson, trespassing, tampering, and theft. The individual remains in custody at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. CRPD says the investigation remains ongoing.

Bob and Becky Stroh, who have owned the Hideaway for 15 years, launched a GoFundMe for their 21-person staff the day after the first fire. As of Sunday night, the fund had crossed $24,900 of its $28,000 goal with 226 donors. Castle Rock's own Granelli's Pizzeria was among the early donors with a very generous donation.

We've been updating the story as it develops. The full piece, including the timeline, what investigators have shared, and the Strohs' own words on the loss, is on DougCo Social:

Read the full Hideaway update on DougCo Social →

RN Resident – M/S Surgical Unit (FT Days) — AdventHealth Castle Rock — $34-$59/hr

Project Coordinator – Construction — Douglas County School District — $61K-$77K/yr

Estimator with Bridge Experience — HEI Civil — $125K/yr

Want your business in front of 5,500 locals? Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter.

[email protected]

Save the date — Tuesday Taco at Unity on Park

Our friends over at Sunday Salmon — an amazing organization we've featured before — are bringing out their taco trailer for their first public no-cost Tuesday Taco, hosted by their friends at Unity on Park, in conjunction with Wellspring. If you've been wanting to try Sunday Salmon, this is the easy intro. Show up, eat, hang out. Everyone's welcome.

Unity on Park, 884 Park St - Tuesday, June 2 - 4:45pm-6pm - Free · event details on Facebook

Tuesday, 5/19:

Alidade Brewing - Team Trivia Night at Alidade Brewing - 6:00pm–8:00pm

Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Trivia Night: Castle Rock - 6:30pm–8:30pm

The Whiskey Lodge - Tuesday Trivia ($0.85 Wings) - 7:00pm–8:00pm

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Classic Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Wednesday, 5/20:

Teaology Tea Cafe - Bingo Night with Mike P - 4:00pm–6:00pm

Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm

105 West Brewing Company - Trails and Ales Mountain Bike at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–7:00pm

The Whiskey Lodge - Wednesday Bingo - 6:30pm–8:30pm

Thursday, 5/21:

Crowfoot Valley Coffee & Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:00pm

105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–8:30pm

The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Poker - 7:00pm–10:00pm

Friday, 5/22:

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Murder & Mystery: Live and Let Die! (Currently Sold Out) - $85.95 - tickets

Wide Awake Eatery - Jennifer Lane (Piano) - 5:30pm–9:00pm

The Stagecoach Saloon - Hot Boots Band Live at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm

105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Wirewood Station at 105 West Brewing - 6:30pm–9:30pm

The Whiskey Lodge - Friday Karaoke - 7:00pm–10:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - John Weeks Band - 7:00pm–10:30pm

Sinners & Saints - Guy and Norm - Live at the Altar - 8:00pm–10:00pm

Saturday, 5/23:

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Stones & Stories: The Geology Behind the Castle - 9:00am–11:30am - $38.50 - tickets

105 West Brewing Company - Yoga at 105 West Brewing - 9:30am–11:00am - $14-$18 - tickets

Wide Awake Eatery - Wayne Wilkinson (Guitar) — Brunch - 10:00am–1:00pm

The Emporium - SuperSaxy Live on the Porch at The Emporium - 2:00pm–6:00pm

Festival Park - Castle Rock Band Memorial Weekend Concert at Festival Park - 2:00pm–3:30pm

Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain Kickoff: Ryan Dart at Outlets - 3:00pm–6:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Steve Thomas (Guitar) - 5:30pm–9:00pm

The Stagecoach Saloon - Frontline - 6:30pm–10:30pm

The Whiskey Lodge - Saturday Live Music - 7:00pm–10:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Funk It Up - 7:00pm–10:30pm

Sinners & Saints - Live DJ in the Lounge with DJ Max - 9:00pm–11:59pm

Sunday, 5/24:

Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - 9:00am–2:00pm

105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Brett Hendrix at 105 West Brewing - 2:30pm–5:30pm

Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: LEE & Co. at Outlets at Castle Rock - 3:00pm–6:00pm

The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke - 6:00pm–9:00pm

Monday, 5/25:

Alidade Brewing - Mah Jongg Monday at Alidade Brewing - 5:00pm–8:00pm

105 West Brewing Company - Trails and Ales Run Club at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–7:00pm

The Whiskey Lodge - Monday Bingo - 6:30pm–8:30pm

The Stagecoach Saloon - Blinker Fluid (Memorial Day) - 6:30pm–10:30pm

Heads up on events that are further out:

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Tequila Tasting at the Castle (Currently Sold Out) - Fri 5/29, 6:00pm–9:15pm - $86.95 - tickets

Pines Bar and Grill - Blue Moon Band Live at The Pines Bar and Grill - Fri 5/29, 6:00pm–9:00pm

The Stagecoach Saloon - The Band Last Call Live at The Stagecoach Saloon - Fri 5/29, 6:30pm–10:30pm

Wide Open Saloon - Dueling Pianos - Fri 5/29, 7:00pm–10:30pm - $13-$34 - tickets

Sinners & Saints - Grey Rails - Live at the Altar - Fri 5/29, 8:00pm–11:00pm

Alidade Brewing - Retro Video Game Tournament at Alidade Brewing - Sat 5/30, 5:00pm–9:00pm

Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Mead & Magic at Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Sat 5/30, 6:00pm–7:00pm

The Stagecoach Saloon - Mountain Magic Band - Sat 5/30, 6:30pm–10:30pm

105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Giant Zero at 105 West Brewing - Sat 5/30, 6:30pm–9:30pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - John Denver "The Tribute" - Sat 5/30, 6:45pm–10:00pm - $89 - tickets

Wide Open Saloon - Chainsaw Rodeo - Sat 5/30, 7:00pm–10:30pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Petrified Wood Hike - Sun 5/31, 8:00am - $39.50 - tickets

The Ridge at Castle Pines North - Yoga & Abeille at The Ridge - Sun 5/31, 8:30am–11:00am - $44.52 - tickets

Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - Sun 5/31, 9:00am–2:00pm

105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: David Chapa at 105 West Brewing - Sun 5/31, 2:30pm–5:30pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Soul School — Funk & Rock Dance Party - Sun 5/31, 5:30pm–9:00pm - $85.95 - tickets

Wide Open Saloon - Bike Night feat. Brian Hornbuckle at Wide Open Saloon - Wed 6/3, 5:00pm–9:00pm

Festival Park - Jazz in the Park - Wed 6/3, 6:30pm–8:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Dueling Pianos at Wide Awake Eatery - Thu 6/4, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $23.18+ - tickets

Festival Park - First Fridays Family 5K and Concert: Mallrats - Fri 6/5, 5:30pm–9:00pm

Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Josh Blackburn: Live In Castle Rock (June) - Fri 6/5, 6:00pm–9:00pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting at the Castle: Summer Sippers of the West Coast - Fri 6/5, 6:30pm - $69.95 - tickets

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Leonard E. Barrett Jr. Combo: A Harry Belafonte Tribute - Sat 6/6, 6:30pm–10:00pm - $83 - tickets

The Stagecoach Saloon - Wags and The Boys - Sat 6/6, 6:30pm–10:30pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Denver Jazz Orchestra - Sun 6/7, 2:00pm–5:30pm - $83.25 - tickets

Douglas County Libraries - Castle Rock - DCL Presents: Scott Graham - Great Sand Dunes Massacre - Sun 6/7, 2:00pm–3:30pm

Wide Open Saloon - Bike Night feat. The Groove Makers at Wide Open Saloon - Wed 6/10, 5:00pm–9:00pm

Philip S. Miller Park - Climb4Change Castle Rock — 5K, Trail, Stairs - Sat 6/13, 7:00am–11:30am - $25-$45 - tickets

Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space - Twilight on the Trails 2026 - Sat 6/13, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $75+ - tickets

Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Tunes for Trails / Perks for Parks Free Concert: The Rick Lewis Project - Thu 6/18, 6:30pm–9:00pm

Wilcox Square (Downtown Castle Rock) - Castle Rock Car Show Weekend 2026 - Fri 6/19, 6:00pm-9:00pm and Sat 6/20, 10:00am-3:00pm

Sinners & Saints - Scott Uhl - Live at the Altar - Fri 6/19, 8:00pm–10:00pm

The Whiskey Lodge - Colorado Whiskey Fest 2026 - Sat 6/20, 11:00am–5:00pm - $35-$75 - tickets

Wide Open Saloon - Float Like a Buffalo (Outdoor Concert Series Kickoff) - Sat 6/20, 7:00pm–10:30pm - Starts at $23.18 (GA) / VIP $33.85 - tickets

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Father's Day Brunch - Sun 6/21 - $73.95 - tickets

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]

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