Alright, another packed weekend in the books. I’m very disappointed to report that I was not a winner at the Ducky Derby. So many people were down in Festival Park and up and down Plum Creek. I was a little worried those ducks weren’t going to move very fast due to how low the water was, but once they got moving there was no stopping them. Congrats to the winners and I guess I’ll just have to buy more next year!

Things aren't slowing down this week, though. Plenty to do on the events front. Do note that as of Monday, June 29 we are under Stage 1 fire restrictions so personal fireworks of any kind are prohibited. Of all days, I was doing yard work on Monday, and can confirm it was hot and very windy. At this time, the fireworks show the Town is putting on this Saturday around 9:30pm is still a go. It would only be canceled due to inclement weather or if Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place.

If you want to show a little love for the USA before the 250th birthday bash on Saturday, the Men's National team will be taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the knockout round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1 at 6pm. I think you'll be hard-pressed to find a bar not showing it.

We’ve got another awesome business to spotlight this week, so let’s hop into it!

I've had the pleasure of getting to know Carissa and Conor Parker, the couple whose ranch became their wedding venue, which then led to them opening it up to others. And not just for weddings, but for just about everything.

The Parkers are Douglas County natives. Carissa grew up in Highlands Ranch, Conor grew up on a ranch in Larkspur, and in 2025 they made their way back home, bought the property, got married right there on it, and named it KB Ranch, after their two dogs, Kona and Bentley. Those two are actually the reason Carissa and Conor first got together back in Fort Collins. Kona kept jumping the fence to play with the local kids, and when Conor saw Carissa and her friends struggling to build one that could keep her in, he made a Home Depot run, built a proper fence himself, and used the chance to ask her out.

Naming the ranch after their two furry matchmakers felt like the perfect way to honor the dogs that brought them together. Turning it into a wedding and events venue, however, was never part of the plan. But when nearly every guest at their own wedding spent the evening telling them they needed to share the property with others, they decided to listen.

Now, the ranch serves as a place where couples can begin their own stories… just as Carissa and Conor did years ago, thanks to two adventurous dogs and a fence that needed fixing.

Today KB Ranch is a lot more than a home or a wedding venue. It sits on open acreage in Castle Rock, out toward Sedalia, with sweeping Front Range views, and it's quickly becoming one of those gathering spots people drive out of their way for. Honestly, there's almost too much to look at between the views and their growing family of Highland cows, Valais Blacknose sheep, fainting goats, and mini donkeys (including their well-known beer burros).

I first got to meet their Golden Girls, Blanche, Rose, and Dorothy, three of the ranch's fainting goats, at Alidade's St. Paddy's Day party. We fed them, pet them, and even held them for a photo. Now, as KB will tell you, their fainting goats don't actually faint. They've just got a harmless trait that stiffens them up for a second when something startles them. And sure enough, one of the Golden Girls turned around and came face to face with the smallest child in the room, stiffened right up and tipped over on the spot. Don't worry, she was back on her feet and getting fed again within seconds.

So what do they actually do out there beyond weddings? A lot. Here are a few:

Cowabunga Café
Great for families, coffee lovers who just want to sit and take in the views, date mornings, or anyone riding solo who likes to pet and feed the animals (not speaking from experience or anything). It runs Saturday mornings in one-hour blocks. You can hang out with the free-roaming animals or slow it down and take a walk out in the pasture.

Camp Moo Crew
For kids looking for a little more adventure, Camp Moo Crew is a two-day summer ranch experience for ages 6–10. Campers trade screens for sunshine as they spend their mornings feeding animals, creating farm-themed crafts, playing outdoor games, and learning what life is like on a working ranch. With only ten campers per session (July 21–22 & July 28–29), it's intentionally small, hands-on, and packed with unforgettable experiences.

And here's the one I'm really excited about, because we're throwing it with them: the Sunset Supper Club.

KB Ranch is launching it, and we're teaming up with them to host three of the dates: Wednesday, July 22, Tuesday, August 11, and Wednesday, September 16. Picture around 30 of us out on the ranch while a chef walks you through a four-course, farm-to-table dinner, each course paired with a handcrafted cocktail from a mixologist. Good food, good drinks, good people, and those Front Range views and the animals the whole time. Hard to do much better than that on a summer night in Castle Rock.

It's capped at 30 seats a night, so they fill up fast. If one of those dates is calling your name, grab your seat before it's gone:

Learn more about the Sunset Supper Club →

You can find KB Ranch out in Castle Rock on Mountain View Rd, or give them a follow at @lifeatkbranch on Instagram.

Support local and discover something new at Mod Mountain Boutique

“When it comes to other dogs, Gracie can sometimes be a little more enthusiastic than they are.” Story of my life…I guess I’ve found my literal spirit animal.

Tri Arts Project has launched its new Class Catalog running July through December which includes over 130 creative classes for you to explore, learn, and create. New additions include digital art kids camps, adult digital art classes, as well as performing arts classes. We've added new 3D book art and clay pot classes as well!

https://triartsproject.org/classes/

But don't miss the upcoming TAP Talk on Wednesday, July 8 from 6–7:30pm! Our newest exhibition opening ,"This Place, Our Time" showcases the creative lens of local artists' perspectives on the stories, landscapes, people, and moments that define where we are and who we are becoming through the theme of Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the United States’ 250th anniversary. This exhibition explores connection to place, community, history, identity, and the evolving spirit of the American West through a diverse collection of artwork. Guests are invited to experience the exhibition, meet participating artists, and enjoy an evening of creativity, conversation, and community connection. Open to the public, free refreshments and food. Drop in and see something new!

Wednesday, July 8, 2026
From 6–7:30pm
TAP Gallery at Cantril School
312 Cantril St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
https://triartsproject.org/exhibitions/

Broncos — Quiet at Dove Valley until training camp opens later in July. The contract question worth watching: cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian. He's set to play this season on a one-year tender (around $5.77 million), and locking him up longer-term is being framed as our most important piece of business before camp. Nothing has moved on it yet, but it's the storyline to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.

Nuggets — Our season has been over for a while, so this was a draft-and-roster week. At the NBA Draft we traded out of the first round, sending the No. 26 pick to San Antonio for No. 35 and two future second-rounders. We drafted Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile at 35, a high-flier who gives David Adelman another option behind the oft-injured Aaron Gordon, and wing Bryce Hopkins at 49. ESPN graded the class a C. The bigger storyline hanging over the summer is Nikola Jokic's contract: he is eligible for an extension this offseason, but per Marc Stein's reporting he may hold off again, so there is no deal in hand as free agency opens Wednesday, July 1.

Avalanche — The roster overhaul kept rolling. We traded longtime winger Valeri Nichushkin to Columbus for a package of draft picks (a 2026 second, a 2027 third, and a 2029 fifth), then shored up the blue line by re-signing defensemen Brett Kulak and Brent Burns — Kulak on a five-year deal, Burns on a one-year. Free agency opens July 1, which is also the first day we can put pen to paper on a Cale Makar extension — the one Joe Sakic said is coming this summer.

Rockies — We sit 33-52, last in the NL West, after going 2-4 on the week. We closed out the Red Sox at home by losing 5-2 and bouncing back to win 8-6 (taking two of three from Boston overall), then dropped two of three at Minnesota, including a wild 9-8 loss in 10 innings on Friday before salvaging the middle game 8-5. We opened our homestand by dropping the Marlins opener 7-10 Monday night. We stay home to finish the Miami series Tuesday through Thursday, then host the Giants for the Fourth of July weekend Friday through Sunday before heading to LA to face the Dodgers Monday.

Rapids — No club games with MLS still paused for the World Cup, but the front office stayed busy over the break: we traded defender Ian Murphy to San Diego FC for a 2027 SuperDraft pick and up to $100k in allocation money, and declined the permanent-transfer option on Alexis Manyoma's loan, sending him back to Argentina's Estudiantes de La Plata. The bigger story is still the World Cup, where the USMNT had already clinched a knockout spot before dropping the group finale to Türkiye 3-2. It didn't cost us anything — we're into the Round of 32, where we face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at 6pm.

Summit FC — Finally back this week. Summit FC has not played since a 0-1 loss to Racing Louisville on May 29, but the break ends Friday when they head @ the Kansas City Current at 7:30pm.

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

[email protected]

If you have walked Hangman's Gulch Trail lately, the stretch between Liggett Road and I-25, keep an eye on the south side of the path. Artist Bill LaFleur is carving an old tree, one of the oldest in town at around 200 years old, into a larger-than-life cowboy that honors Castle Rock's Western roots. It is not finished yet, but it is already unmistakable, hat and all. He is the same carver behind Billy the Beaver down at Festival Park.

Deputy District Attorney, County Court — Douglas County Government — $89K-$134K/yr

Estimator — HEI Civil — $75K+/yr

Urgent Care Technician — UCHealth Castle Rock — $21-$28/hr

My line-up this week:

Tuesday, 6/30:

KB Ranch - Story Time on the Farm at KB Ranch - 11:30am–12:30pm - $7.18

Pines Bar and Grill - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:00pm

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 - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Wednesday, 7/1:

Wide Open Saloon - Bike Night feat. Brian Hornbuckle at Wide Open Saloon - 5:00pm–9:00pm

Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: Rhett Haney (4th of July Kickoff) - 6:00pm–9:00pm

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

105 West Brewing Company - Vinyl Night at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–9:00pm

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

Pines Bar and Grill - Karaoke Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm

Sinners & Saints - Summer Connections: Speed Dating Night at Sinners & Saints (Ages 38-50) - 6:30pm–8:30pm - $28.52

Festival Park - Jazz in the Park - 6:30pm–8:00pm

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

Thursday, 7/2:

RNK Running and Walking - Chog (Chill Jog) with RNK Running - 6:00pm–7:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Thursday Line Dancing at Wide Open Saloon - 6:00pm–10:00pm

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

The Stagecoach Saloon - Trivia Night at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:00pm–8:00pm

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

Pines Bar and Grill - Open Mic Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Dueling Pianos at Wide Awake Eatery - 6:00pm–9:00pm - $23.18-$28.52

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

The Stagecoach Saloon - Karaoke Night at The Stagecoach Saloon - 8:00pm–11:00pm

Friday, 7/3:

Festival Park - First Fridays Family 5K and Concert: That Arena Rock Show - 5:30pm–9:00pm

105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Grey Madderz at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–9:00pm

Pines Bar and Grill - Live Band at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Front Range Revival at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–11:00pm

The Whiskey Lodge - Karaoke at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–11:00pm

Sinners & Saints - Kyle O'Brien — Live at the Altar - 8:00pm–10:00pm

Saturday, 7/4:

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - 6th Annual July 4th ROCK-IT RUN (5K, Half Marathon, Free 1K Kids' Run + Concert) - 6:00am–11:00am - $43+

Alidade Brewing - 4th of July BBQ at Alidade Brewing - 11:00am–10:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Saturday Acoustic Show at Wide Open Saloon - 2:00pm–5:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - 4th of July with Kingpin Posse - 2:00pm–6:00pm

Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Radio Revolution (July 4th) - 3:00pm–6:00pm

Festival Park - Castle Rock 4th of July at Festival Park - 5:30pm–10:00pm

Festival Park - Fourth of July Pie Bake-Off - 5:30pm–6:30pm

The Stagecoach Saloon - Walker Williams Live at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm

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

Sunday, 7/5:

Lost Coffee - Lost Runners Run Club with RNK Running - 8:00am–9:30am

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

Denver Polo Club - 4th of July-themed Polo Tailgate at Denver Polo Club - 10:00am–3:00pm - $49.87+

Bar Hummingbird - Castle Rock - Bubbles & Beats Sunday Brunch at Bar Hummingbird - 11:00am–3:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Sip & Spin Sundays at Wide Awake Eatery - 2:00pm–5:00pm

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

Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Def Trio at Outlets - 3:00pm–6:00pm

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

Monday, 7/6:

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

Heads up on events that are further out:

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Groove 'N Motion (Powered by The Rocky Mountain Horns) - Fri 7/10 - $86.45

Spray - Tone & Tan: Fitness on the Patio with HOTWORX Castle Rock - Sat 7/11, 8:30am–9:00am - $35

Festival Park - Sudden Fiction Books Annual Book Hunt at Festival Park - Sat 7/11, 9:00am–11:00am

Festival Park - Pedal the Moon - Sat 7/11, 6:30pm–10:00pm - $16-$20

KB Ranch - Bovine and Crime: The Summer Farm Tour - Sat 7/11, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $80

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - The Jersey's Rock the Veranda at the Castle - Sun 7/12 - $85.45

Sudden Fiction Books - Book Club with K.J. Ramsey (Women of the West Author Series) - Sun 7/12, 6:00pm–8:30pm - $7.18

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting at the Castle: Featuring Shannon Ridge Family of Wines - Wed 7/15 - $72

Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Tunes for Trails: That Eighties Band - Thu 7/16, 6:30pm–9:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Comedy Show featuring Kevin Fitzgerald at Wide Awake Eatery - Thu 7/16, 7:00pm–10:00pm - $20-$40

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Lookin Back Band - Sat 7/18 - $79

Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: Jackson Dean with Tigirlily Gold - Sat 7/18, 6:00pm–10:30pm - $35+

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Captain Quirk & Friends: A Celebration of Beatles Music & Stories - Sun 7/19, 7:00pm–10:00pm - $89.45

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Face Vocal Band - Fri 7/24 - $85.95

Downtown Castle Rock - Western Heritage Welcome: Cattle Drive - Fri 7/24

Wide Open Saloon - Buckcherry at Wide Open Saloon - Fri 7/24, 7:00pm–10:30pm - $33.85+

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Trace Adkins Live at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo 2026 - Fri 7/24, 7:00pm–10:00pm - $65-$75

Festival Park - Douglas County Fair Parade 2026 - Sat 7/25, 9:30am–12:00pm

Festival Park - Boots and Brews 2026 - Sat 7/25, 11:00am–4:00pm

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.