Alright, ‘twas quite the week…
Started it off by stopping by Sunday Salmon’s food truck for Tuesday Tacos at Unity on Park. If you have not checked them out at one of their pop-ups or at their location for the OG Sunday Salmon menu, add it to the summer bucket list! Check the calendar on their site to find a date that works for you. Website here.
I was running so far behind that by the time I got downtown Friday for First Fridays, parking was a mess (who would’ve guessed) and Festival Park was packed. Awesome sunset if you stuck around for it. Friendly reminder — if you want a convenient spot for any of these summer events, go early.
Sunday I got down to the Farmers Market for the first time (FYI — the one on Saturdays at the Fairgrounds starts this Saturday and runs from 8am to 12pm). It was a scorcher down there, but had a really fun time. Will hopefully post a video or some photos on Instagram once I have time. The cherries I got were particularly a hit, but I also couldn’t resist some bacon and cheddar sourdough and a cinnamon sugar pretzel. Diet was a big loser that day.
I did also get my Ducky Derby tickets from the Rotary Club’s booth down there. If you want to compete with my ducks for the multiple cash prizes, be sure to get yours. I call dibs on winning the $2,500 though! This is their 30th annual Ducky Derby and it’ll be on Sunday, June 28 from 9am to 3pm. Proceeds from the event help support local organizations. Learn more here.
As if we don’t already have a stacked events line-up further below in this issue…another summer event series I kind of forgot about since it’s not in Douglas County is the Elizabeth Friday Nights, which is starting up this week. I went to one last year and actually ran into some folks from Castle Rock businesses over there. So, if you live closer to Elizabeth or are willing to make the drive for live music, food trucks, etc., you can learn more here.
With all of that, I’m trying to get ready to have a few friends in town. We’ll be going to a concert at Red Rocks one of the nights, but I’m trying to put together a list of things that they’d enjoy doing while they’re here. We’ll be up in Parker one of the two days so we’ll definitely be hitting Poulette Bakeshop for all the goodies if it’s not too crazy with Parker Days starting up, but the other day we’ll be down here in Castle Rock.
I’ve got Cados breakfast burritos as a must-have and based on my caffeine intake we’ll probably be hitting every coffee shop in town at least once. We’re going to try and get out to Devils Head for a hike. Thinking Bar Hummingbird and/or The Brinkerhoff for dinner and drinks around sunset.
I’m curious — when you’ve got people in town, where do you take them or what do you do? Coffee, food, activities — anything. Hit reply and let me know!
Will be back next week with a spotlight on a new spot you’ll want to check out very soon.
Move-In Ready
Move-in ready in Sapphire Pointe.
This fully renovated 5 bed, 4.5 bath sits on a corner lot near open space, with a spa-style primary suite, a main-floor office, and a finished basement. Offered at $799,000.
Pet Adoptions
One of the more unique coats I’ve seen…the Buddy Center describes it as Red Tick-White. And look at those eyes…Kieran wants you to take him home!
We are back in Castle Rock tomorrow night! And then we’ll be in Lone Tree on Wednesday, June 24.
Castle Rock Dinner is sold out for tomorrow night, so please join us in Lone Tree on Wednesday, June 24! Please note this sign-up is on a separate platform from the Dinner Club above.
Sports
Broncos — No football to report yet, but two storylines moved this week. First, the new-stadium saga took a real step: we finalized a formal agreement to buy the Burnham Yard site in Denver, paying the state $45.81 million with a closing expected this fall. The team's aiming to break ground in 2027 and open the new stadium for the 2031 season. The tougher note, and it's close to home: edge rusher Jonathon Cooper was arrested in Parker late Thursday night on misdemeanor domestic violence and criminal mischief charges. He was released on a personal recognizance bond and is due back in court this week. The Broncos and the NFL both say they're aware and gathering information.
Nuggets — The offseason's already busy. Per Marc Stein, we're set to explore trades for both Christian Braun and Cam Johnson to free up cap space to re-sign restricted free agent Peyton Watson — and with Braun just starting a new extension, Johnson looks like the more movable of the two. The NBA Draft (late June) and free agency (July 1) are up next.
NBA Finals — With our season over, the Finals roll on without us: the Knicks took a 2-0 lead on the Spurs and hosted Game 3 at Madison Square Garden Monday night, chasing their first title since 1973 (the Spurs got there by knocking off OKC in seven). The Spurs grabbed Game 3 in New York, 115-111, to cut the series to 2-1.
Avalanche — The offseason opened with a front-office shake-up: longtime GM Chris MacFarland left to become president/GM in Nashville, so Joe Sakic will run the draft and free agency for us this summer. And the Stanley Cup Final's rolling: Vegas, the team that knocked us out, leads Carolina 2-1, with Game 4 in Las Vegas Tuesday night (Game 3 needed double overtime).
Rockies — Rough week, and we're down to 24-42, last in the NL West. We took the middle game in Anaheim (8-2) but dropped the finale to the Angels (11-4), then got swept at home by the Brewers (9-7 in 10 innings, 7-1, and 12-4) — four straight losses. We host the Cubs Tue 6/9 through Thu 6/11, then head to the Athletics Fri 6/12 through Sun 6/14, and open a series @ the Cubs Mon 6/15.
Rapids — We're on the World Cup break, so no Rapids match for a while (we sit 11th in MLS and don't play again until July). The bigger story is the tournament itself: the USMNT opens the World Cup on home soil Fri, Jun 12 vs Paraguay in LA at 7pm, then takes on Australia Fri, Jun 19 and Turkey Thu, Jun 25 to round out Group D.
Summit FC — Also on break — no NWSL match this week (we sit 9th). The women's national team is the one to watch: the USWNT wraps a two-game set of Friendlies in Brazil Tuesday night after dropping Friday's opener 2-1. And there's a Denver angle — incoming Summit signing and US captain Lindsey Heaps is on the roster.
Noteworthy: Grant money on the table for Castle Rock nonprofits
The Town just opened applications for this year's Philip S. Miller Grant program, with up to $45,000 to split among as many as five local nonprofits. It's narrowly aimed, though — your organization has to be based in Castle Rock, and your request has to show how you're helping Castle Rock residents meet basic needs: water, energy, food, or shelter. You'll also need to spell out how the money gets used and how you'll measure the results.
The Finance Department runs the process, the Public Safety Commission reviews applications and recommends who gets funded, and Town Council makes the final call. You can apply here by 5pm Saturday, August 1.
If you run or volunteer with a local group that fits the bill, it's worth a look before the deadline — and worth passing along to anyone who might.
Castle Rock Jobs
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Events
Alidade Brewing is turning ONE!
Join us for our Anniversary Luau Party on Saturday, June 20 from 12pm–6pm. We’re dropping an exclusive Tropical Hazy IPA with Exclusive Limited Releases all day long! Plus Year One Glassware, Tropical Slushees, a DJ, Island-Inspired Menu, Arcade Truck and Luau Games with Prizes! Follow our page for full tap lists and VIP updates!
Tap Learn More to follow us for exclusive anniversary event updates.
Tuesday, 6/9:
The Stagecoach Saloon - Line Dancing with Joyce at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Tuesday Trivia ($0.85 Wings) - 7:00pm–8:00pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Classic Trivia at Wild Blue Yonder Brewing - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday, 6/10:
Wide Open Saloon - Bike Night feat. The Groove Makers at Wide Open Saloon - 5:00pm–9:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm
Festival Park - Free Summer Trolley Rides - 6:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Mountain Bike Ride at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–7:00pm
Festival Park - Jazz in the Park - 6:30pm–8:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Wednesday Bingo - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Sinners & Saints EXTREME BINGO! - 6:30pm–9:30pm - $30+ - tickets
Thursday, 6/11:
The Stagecoach Saloon - Thursday Trivia by Myxed Music at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–8:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Thursday Line Dancing at Wide Open Saloon - 6:00pm–10:00pm
Mercantile Park - Music in the Meadows: Stu Miller Band - 6:30pm–8:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Poker - 7:00pm–10:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Karaoke with Jammin Joes at The Stagecoach Saloon - 8:00pm–11:00pm
Friday, 6/12:
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Fitness Fridays: Tone & Burn with Mindy - 8:00am–9:00am
Festival Park - Castle Rock Artisan Expo at Festival Park - 10:00am–5:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Wayne Wilkinson Guitar at Wide Awake Eatery - 5:30pm–9:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Country Music Project Live at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Friday Karaoke - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Karaoke Hosted by Wesley Greenlee at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–10:30pm
Sinners & Saints - André LaMotte - Live at the Altar - 8:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday, 6/13:
Philip S. Miller Park - Climb4Change Castle Rock — 5K, Trail, Stairs - 7:00am–11:30am - $25-$45 - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Geology Hike - 8:30am - $39.50 - tickets
Wide Awake Eatery - André LaMotte Spanish Guitar Brunch at Wide Awake Eatery - 10:00am–1:00pm
Festival Park - Castle Rock Artisan Expo at Festival Park (Saturday) - 10:00am–5:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Backcountry Offroad Expo (Saturday) - 10:00am–5:00pm
The Green at The Canyons - The Canyons Maker's Market — Inaugural - 10:00am–2:00pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Jordan Yewey (12-3 PM Special) at Outlets - 12:00pm–3:00pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Castle Rock Outdoor Summer Fest 2026 - 1:00pm–4:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Acoustic Show in the Sedalia Room - 2:00pm–5:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Charlie Zanichelli Saxophone at Wide Awake Eatery - 5:30pm–9:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Bingo Night at Alidade Brewing - 6:00pm–8:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Walker Williams - 6:30pm–10:30pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Chancer's Hooley - 6:30pm–9:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Iron Filly Live at Wide Open Saloon - 8:00pm–11:00pm
Sinners & Saints - Live DJ in the Lounge with DJ Marvin - 9:00pm–11:59pm
Sunday, 6/14:
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Yoga in the Park at Philip S. Miller Amphitheater - 8:30am–9:30am
Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - 9:00am–2:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Backcountry Offroad Expo (Sunday) - 9:00am–3:00pm
Festival Park - Castle Rock Artisan Expo at Festival Park (Sunday) - 10:00am–5:00pm
Festival Park - Flag Day Celebration - 11:00am–1:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Blinker Fluid Outside Afternoon Show - 12:30pm–4:30pm
Teaology Tea Cafe - Watercolor Classes with Raelene - 1:00pm–3:00pm - $42 - tickets
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Marcus Kruep - 2:30pm–5:30pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Hot Boots Duo at Outlets at Castle Rock - 3:00pm–6:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Monday, 6/15:
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Run Club at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–7:00pm
Sudden Fiction Books - Book Club with Kathryn Wilder (The Last Cows) - 6:00pm–8:30pm - $7.18 - tickets
The Whiskey Lodge - Monday Bingo - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Festival Park - Yoga in the Park at Festival Park - 6:30pm–7:30pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Stones & Stories: The Geology Behind the Castle - Thu 6/18, 9:00am–11:00am - $38.50 - 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 Kickoff Concert 2026 - Fri 6/19, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Archaeology Hike - Sat 6/20, 9:00am - $39.50 - tickets
Wilcox Square (Downtown Castle Rock) - Castle Rock Car Show 2026 — Main Show Day - Sat 6/20, 10:00am–3:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds & Event Center - Colorado Whiskey Fest 2026 - Sat 6/20, 11:00am–5:00pm - $35-$75 - tickets
Alidade Brewing - Alidade Brewing Year One Anniversary Luau Party - Sat 6/20, 12:00pm–6:00pm
Garner & Gather Barn - Summer Market at the Barn - Sat 6/20, 5:00pm–8:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Waterloo: The Centennial Gala at Cherokee Castle - Sat 6/20, 6:00pm - $180-$381 - 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 - Wine Tasting: Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine of Verona - Wed 6/24 - $72 - tickets
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: The Marshall Tucker Band with Ben Chapman - Fri 6/26, 6:00pm–10:00pm - $35+ - tickets
COFF33 - Battle of the Brushes - Fri 6/26, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $23.18 - tickets
Alidade Brewing - From the Ashes: Hideaway Bar & Grill Benefit - Sat 6/27, 3:00pm–6:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Castle Rock Chamber Sip & Savor - Sat 6/27, 5:00pm–8:00pm - $50-$90 - tickets
Festival Park - Castle Rock Ducky Derby - Sun 6/28, 9:00am–3:00pm - $10-$20 - tickets
Elk Ridge Park - Castle Pines Summer Concert Series — That Eighties Band - Sun 6/28, 6:00pm–8:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Hike: Cherokee Setting of the Sun and Rising of the Full Moon - Mon 6/29, 7:15pm - $40 - tickets
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - 6th Annual July 4th ROCK-IT RUN (5K, Half Marathon, Free 1K Kids' Run + Concert) - Sat 7/4, 6:00am–11:00am - $38+ - tickets
Festival Park - Castle Rock 4th of July at Festival Park - Sat 7/4, 5:30pm–10:00pm
Denver Polo Club - 4th of July-themed Polo Tailgate at Denver Polo Club - Sun 7/5, 10:00am–3:00pm - $49.87+ - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Groove 'N Motion (Powered by The Rocky Mountain Horns) - Fri 7/10 - $86.45 - tickets
Festival Park - Pedal the Moon - Sat 7/11, 6:30pm–10:00pm - $14-$18 - tickets
KB Ranch - Bovine and Crime: The Summer Farm Tour - Sat 7/11, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $40+ - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - The Jersey's Rock the Veranda at the Castle - Sun 7/12 - $85.45 - 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.
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