Well, I hope you had a fun and safe 4th of July weekend. It was nice to get a little moisture on Saturday, but hopefully the forecast is right and we get a bit more in the middle of this week.
With the fireworks canceled due to Stage 2 restrictions, the Town said it "will explore opportunities to reschedule the professional fireworks display later this year when conditions safely allow." I will be on the lookout for those updates and will be sure to share them with you.
Also, great to see some of you at the ROCK-IT Run. It was their biggest one yet (1,500)! And it was the last piece of the puzzle for me to finish out each race in the series. See you for the Turkey Trot!
Sip & Stroll — Summer Edition
Last winter's Holiday Sip & Stroll packed downtown even though it had just snowed and was freezing out — people strolling shop to shop in the cold all evening. Now picture it on a beautiful evening in July. The Sip & Stroll is back for a summer edition on Thursday, July 16, from 5pm to 8pm.
Here's the gist — it's a passport crawl. Grab your Sip & Stroll passport at any participating shop, then work your way around downtown, collecting a stamp at each stop while you sample complimentary sips and snacks and dig into specials you won't find any other night. Hit 8 or more businesses, turn in your completed passport before the night's over, and you're entered to win one of several $20 gift cards to the participating shops. Close to 150 people filled out a full passport at the winter one — and that's just the folks who bothered with the card.
It's free to walk and an easy excuse to make an evening of it downtown — grab your people, bring a date, or just wander and see what's open. A variety of businesses across downtown are taking part, each cooking up their own specials and sips for the night.
The details:
When: Thursday, July 16, 5–8pm
Where: Downtown Castle Rock
Cost: Free to attend
The full lineup is still coming together — Mod Mountain Boutique and the downtown crew will have it locked in soon. Follow the Facebook event to see what drops and where to start.
Pet Adoptions
This 6-month-old, Daxster, is ready to bring the energy and play. Come meet him today!
And if your own furry friend is more the calendar-model type, Humane Colorado's 2027 Pet Photo Contest is open. Enter a photo (your pet doesn't have to be a shelter alum) and the top vote-getters become a Pet of the Month in next year's calendar. Voting runs through August 13.
Tri Arts Project
Join in the fun with Tri Arts Project's new digital arts programs! Give your child a summer filled with creativity, imagination, and digital fun! Our week-long Digital Arts Summer Camps are the perfect place for young artists to explore exciting tools like digital illustration, animation, stop motion, and more while creating projects they're proud to share. Campers will design original characters, bring stories to life, and discover new ways to express themselves in an encouraging environment with all supplies provided! Whether they're already passionate about art or just love technology and creating, our camps inspire confidence, problem-solving, and creativity while making new friends along the way. This isn't just screen time—it's creative time that turns imagination into art!
For the adults, it's never too late to discover a new passion or grow your skills! Whether you've always wanted to explore digital illustration, animation, photography, painting, writing, glass arts, fiber arts, or another creative pursuit, Tri Arts Project has a class for you. With Digital Arts joining a lineup of more than 100 creative classes, there's never been a better time to learn something new, build your skills, and connect with others. Step away from the everyday, try something inspiring, and discover just how creative you can be!
Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Cantril School in Castle Rock for our "TAP Talk" exhibition opening. "This Place, Our Time" is an incredible variety of 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 local 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 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
TAP Gallery at Cantril School
312 Cantril St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Sports
Broncos — Quiet at Dove Valley, but a couple of things worth noting heading into camp. ESPN ranked the Broncos' starting lineup 8th in the NFL, with the offensive line (the same starting five for a third straight year) as the big strength and tight end as the question mark. And Sean Payton made it clear he wants nickel corner Ja'Quan McMillian around long-term even as McMillian heads into a contract year, saying "the ball finds him." Camp opens later this month, with rookies reporting July 22.
Nuggets — Free agency opened July 1, and with our cap situation we were never going to be big players, so we have stuck to the bargain bin: veteran-minimum deals with guard Tyus Jones and forward Marvin Bagley III for depth. The bigger priority is still re-signing our own restricted free agent Peyton Watson. The fun one for the rumor mill: per the Denver Post, we have shown some interest in LeBron James, a free agent for the first time in his career, though realistically it is a long shot since we can only offer a minimum-type deal. And there is still no Nikola Jokic extension; he is eligible for a massive one but may keep waiting.
Avalanche — Joe Sakic got right to work when free agency opened July 1, signing veteran winger Jaden Schwartz to a three-year deal (a Colorado College product who took a discount to come to Denver) to reload the bottom six after losing Ross Colton and Jack Drury in trades. The bigger long-term story is extensions: July 1 was also the first day we could start a new deal for Cale Makar, who is a free agent next summer, and the reporting has us working to lock up both Makar and Artturi Lehkonen. Nothing is signed there yet, and with the cap jumping, neither one will be cheap.
Rockies — We're 37-55, still last in the NL West, but we actually had a decent week at home, going 4-2. We took two of three from the Marlins, getting blown out 14-3 to open before answering back 6-3 and 14-4, then took two of three from the Giants with a 15-3 rout, a 6-4 loss, and a 7-6 win to close the homestand Sunday. We opened a road trip Monday with a tough one at the Dodgers, falling 8-7 in 11 innings. We stay in LA through Wednesday before heading to the Giants Thursday through Sunday.
Rapids — Still no MLS action with the league paused for the World Cup, so the story stays on the tournament. The USMNT beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, its first World Cup knockout win since 2002, but the run ended Monday night in Seattle with a 4-1 loss to Belgium. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium and Malik Tillman had the lone US goal as the co-hosts bowed out in the Round of 16.
Summit FC — Finally back from a long layoff, and it didn't go well: we lost 0-3 at the Kansas City Current on Friday, our first match since May 29. We're now 4-5-3 (15 points), 10th in the NWSL. Next up we head to the Houston Dash on Sunday, July 12 at 5pm.
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Noteworthy: Northbound I-25 Ramps Now Open at Crystal Valley
If you live on the south end of town, your commute just got a little easier. The northbound I-25 on- and off-ramps at the new Crystal Valley interchange are officially open. You can now get on northbound I-25 from either direction of Crystal Valley Parkway via the ramps at the East Frontage Road roundabout, and drivers heading north on I-25 can take the new Exit 179 to reach Crystal Valley Parkway and southern Castle Rock. The southbound ramps are still under construction and slated for 2027, along with the rest of a project the Town has had on its list since the 1980s.
Castle Rock Jobs
SPED Teacher, Speech-Language Pathologist (2026-27) — Douglas County School District — $62K-$131K/yr
Events
Our July Sunset Supper Club at KB Ranch just sold out — thank you! Two more nights are open: Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, September 16. Grab a seat here before they fill up.
Save the date: we're teaming up with Emma Paints Colorado for a sea turtle sip and paint at Wild Blue Yonder Brewing in downtown Castle Rock on Wednesday, July 29 at 6pm. Paint a beach scene on a 16" round canvas, add baby sea turtles with glass stones, shells, and real sand, then grab a craft beer while you do it — no experience needed and all supplies included. Learn more here.
Tuesday, 7/7:
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Raptors Over the Rock - 6:00pm–7:30pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Trivia Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–8:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Line Dancing with Joyce at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–9:00pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Classic Trivia at Wild Blue Yonder - 7:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Tuesday Trivia at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday, 7/8:
Wide Open Saloon - Bike Night feat. The Groove Makers at Wide Open Saloon - 5:00pm–9:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Spotlight Redux at 105 West Brewing - 5:00pm–8:00pm
Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: David James and the JWB - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Cantril School Building - TAP Talk: This Place, Our Time Exhibition Opening - 6:00pm–7:30pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Karaoke Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Mountain Bike at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–7:00pm
Bar Hummingbird - Castle Rock - Rainy Eyes Live at Bar Hummingbird - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Festival Park - Jazz in the Park - 6:30pm–8:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Wednesday Bingo at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Thursday, 7/9:
880 3rd Street, Castle Rock - WeSoThey Summer Sale - July 9–11
Festival Park - Poundcake Pop-Up - 10:00am–1:00pm
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
Pines Bar and Grill - Open Mic Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–8:30pm
RNK Running and Walking - HOKA Clifton Pro Launch Party at RNK Running & Walking - 6:00pm–8:00pm
Mercantile Park - Music in the Meadows: Premium Diesel - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Western Night: Line Dancing - 7:00pm–9:00pm
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, 7/10:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Groove 'N Motion (Powered by The Rocky Mountain Horns) - $86.45
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Live Music: Pat Foley at Honnibrook - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Live Band at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - The Band These Guys Live at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Colton James at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–11:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Karaoke at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–11:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Friday Night Trivia at Alidade Brewing - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Sinners & Saints - Hot Boots Duo — Live at the Altar - 8:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday, 7/11:
Spray - Tone & Tan: Fitness on the Patio with HOTWORX Castle Rock - 8:30am–9:00am - $35
Plum Creek Golf Club - Pars With Purpose Golf Tournament at Plum Creek - 8:30am–1:30pm - $190
KB Ranch - Cowabunga Cafe at KB Ranch - 11:00am–2:00pm - $28
Wide Open Saloon - 11th Annual Devils Head Choppers Bike Show at Wide Open Saloon - 12:00pm–4:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Saturday Acoustic Show at Wide Open Saloon - 2:00pm–5:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Aged & Confused at 105 West Brewing - 2:00pm–5:00pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Blues Frequency at Outlets - 3:00pm–6:00pm
The Green at The Canyons - Concert at The Canyons — That Eighties Band - 5:00pm–8:00pm
Festival Park - Pedal the Moon - 6:30pm–10:00pm - $16-$20
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Off Ramp at 105 West Brewing - 6:30pm–9:30pm
Alidade Brewing - Rotating Tap Comedy at Alidade Brewing - 7:00pm–9:00pm
KB Ranch - Bovine and Crime: The Summer Farm Tour - 7:00pm–9:00pm - $80
Wide Open Saloon - Fireball Daddy at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–11:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Live Music at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Sunday, 7/12:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - The Jerseys Rock the Veranda at the Castle - $85.45
Lost Coffee - Lost Runners Run Club with RNK Running - 8:00am–9:30am
Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - 9:00am–2:00pm
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: Sarah P and the Dirty Logger at 105 West Brewing - 2:30pm–5:30pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: The Dollhouse Thieves at Outlets - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Sudden Fiction Books - Book Club with K.J. Ramsey (Women of the West Author Series) - 6:00pm–8:30pm - $7.18
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Monday, 7/13:
Alidade Brewing - Mah Jongg Monday at Alidade Brewing - 5:00pm–7:00pm
RNK Running and Walking - RNK Trail Run: Franktown to Castlewood Canyon - 5:30pm–6:30pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Run Club at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–7:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Monday Bingo at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
Provision - Widow Jane Bourbon Tasting at Provision - Tue 7/14, 6:00pm–8:00pm - $70
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting at the Castle: Featuring Shannon Ridge Family of Wines - Wed 7/15 - $72
Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: Scott Hunter - Wed 7/15, 6:00pm–9:00pm
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
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
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
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Colorado Farm-to-Table Brunch - Sun 7/26, 10:00am–12:00pm - $70-$133
Elk Ridge Park - Castle Pines Summer Concert Series — Narrow Gauge - Sun 7/26, 6:00pm–8:30pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Sea Turtles Paint & Sip in Castle Rock - Wed 7/29, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $55
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Colorado Day Festival - Sat 8/1, 10:00am–2:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: Fitz and The Tantrums with Sun Room (Colorado Day Show) - Sat 8/1, 6:00pm–10:30pm - $49-$85
Denver Polo Club - Disco Sunday Polo Tailgate at Denver Polo Club - Sun 8/2, 10:00am–3:00pm - $28.52+
Sinners & Saints - Romancing the Rockies: Summer Edition at Sinners & Saints - Sun 8/2, 3:00pm–6:00pm - $28.52
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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