Hope you had a great week and got out to some of these awesome events that are going on. I've unfortunately been tied up with a few too many things, so I haven't gone out to as many as I'd like and had to rain check on a few others, but I'm hoping that'll change here this week and beyond, considering we've got so many good ones to choose from. And I definitely need to get back out to Lost Canyon Ranch now that it’s open — I can’t believe it’s basically been a year since I went on one of their sneak-preview hikes.
We're Throwing a Paint Night
Excited to announce that we're teaming up with Emma Paints Colorado to throw a sip and paint night at Wild Blue Yonder Brewing on Wednesday, July 29. Sea turtles. It should be a great night of painting, sipping (and eating, if you'd like, they've got great food), and community.
Before we get to the details, you should know who's running it.
Emma has been painting since she was ten. A family friend gave her an art kit that had belonged to her late father. Acrylics, watercolors, pastels, a wooden easel. She says the moment the brush hit the canvas, that was it. She painted landscapes, flowers, butterflies, animals, whatever she could see or imagine.
She went to Colorado State and almost majored in art, then talked herself out of it. She was worried that turning her favorite thing into homework would ruin it. So she studied teaching instead, spent years in early childhood education, and eventually did the obvious thing. She built her own art program inside the curriculum. Each week she'd introduce the kids to a new artist, Van Gogh, O'Keeffe, Picasso, Kahlo, and they'd paint in that style.
In 2014 she finally put the two halves together and went to work for a paint-and-sip studio. Eleven years there. She worked her way from studio assistant to top lead instructor and created hundreds of original paintings for their classes. When that studio closed at the start of 2025, she didn't go looking for another job. She opened her own LLC and became Emma Paints Colorado.
She's based right here in Douglas County and teaches all over the metro. Wild Blue Yonder is one of the rooms she already works.
Not Wild Blue Yonder, but this is what a typical class looks like
And she doesn't just do canvases. She'll run a class on wood signs, live-edge wood slices, tote bags, ceramic coasters, wine bottles, flower pots you plant something in when you're done, paint pouring, even needle felting, which she calls painting with wool. On the custom side, she'll paint just about anything you ask her to.
So that's who you'll be painting with on the 29th.
Wednesday, July 29 at 6pm. Wild Blue Yonder Brewing, 519 Wilcox St. About three hours, start to finish. You'll paint a beach scene on a 16" round canvas and build baby sea turtles out of glass stones, shells, and real sand. Emma brings everything, canvas, paints, brushes, even an apron so you don't wreck your shirt, and walks you through every step. No experience needed. All painting supplies included. $55, about $61 once Eventbrite takes its cut. Food and drinks are on your own tab, so you only pay for what you actually want.
Seats are live now if you want to lock one in.
Sip & Stroll — Summer Edition
Last winter's Sip & Stroll drew over 150 completed passports—even in the snow! Now we're bringing it back for summer. Join us this Thursday, July 16, from 5pm to 8pm to explore 23 downtown businesses offering complimentary sips, snacks, and exclusive specials. Visit 8+ stops to enter for a chance to win one of several $20 gift cards. Free to attend!
Pet Adoptions
If you can handle a larger dog, sweet-looking Nala is ready to be taken home!
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.
Sports
Broncos — Camp is almost here. The Broncos open training camp Friday, July 31, with the first of 14 practices open to fans. One catch worth knowing before you make plans: construction at the facility has capped attendance at roughly 1,000 fans per practice, so free tickets are required, and they were claimed almost immediately after going up on July 1. People do return them, so it's worth checking Ticketmaster if you want in.
Nuggets — We signed Alpha Diallo, and it's a fun one: he's the reigning EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year, and he played high school ball at Denver West. He's coming home on a one-year deal, and he left real money on the table in Europe to do it. That helps a defense that finished 21st last season. Elsewhere, Summer League is underway with draft picks Bryce Hopkins and Trevon Brazile, Peyton Watson's restricted free agency is still unresolved, and the front office is working with almost no room after waiving Jonas Valanciunas.
Avalanche — We signed Fabian Lysell to a one-year deal, a prove-it contract for a former first-round pick. The bigger story hasn't moved: Cale Makar's extension is still the top item on the front office's list, and still unsigned.
Rockies — We're 39-59, last in the NL West, and we went 2-4 on the road to close out the first half. We beat the Dodgers (4-3), then lost to them (4-3), then dropped three of four in San Francisco, losing (8-2), winning (4-3), then losing (4-2) and (3-1).
The part that matters: Hunter Goodman is an All-Star again. Second straight year, and once again he's the only Rockie going. He's at 27 home runs and on pace to beat last season's 31-homer, Silver Slugger campaign. The All-Star Game is tonight in Philadelphia. If you watch one thing this week, watch our catcher.
After the break, the second half opens at home. We host Cincinnati Friday through Sunday, then Washington on Monday.
Rapids — Still nothing. We're 5-9-1 (16 points), 11th in the West, and we haven't played since May because of the World Cup break. We're back Wednesday, July 22, hosting San Diego FC.
Summit FC — Two reasons to pay attention on Saturday. We drew Houston 2-2 on Sunday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in front of 15,131, with Yazmeen Ryan opening the scoring in the 14th minute. We're 4-5-4 (16 points), 11th in the NWSL.
And this is the one: Saturday is the first match ever played at Centennial Stadium, the club's new home at 13740 E. Fremont Ave., and it's also Lindsey Heaps' debut. Heaps is the captain of the U.S. women's national team, she grew up in Golden, and she signed here back in January but couldn't actually play until the secondary transfer window opened this week. She captained the U.S. to gold in Paris in 2024. New stadium, hometown captain, first kick. Noon, against the Portland Thorns.
World Cup — Christian Pulisic's injury turned out to be much worse than it looked. U.S. Soccer said he fractured his right leg, a bone bruise and a microfracture of the tibia and fibula, which happened when he struck Youri Tielemans' leg taking a shot in the 52nd minute against Belgium. He's out for several weeks and is expected back before AC Milan opens its season August 23.
As for the rest of it, Belgium, the team that put us out, didn't get much further, losing 2-1 to Spain in the quarterfinals. The semifinals are France vs. Spain today at 1pm and England vs. Argentina tomorrow at 1pm. The final is Sunday.
Want your business in front of 5,500 locals? Reach out if you're interested in sponsoring the newsletter.
Noteworthy: Lost Canyon Ranch Is Open
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space opened to the public on Monday. It's 681 acres on the southeast edge of town, and it's the largest open space the Town has ever bought. There are 10 miles of hiking trails open now, with another 5 miles still under construction, running through grassland, forest, hoodoo rock formations and canyon cliffs. One of the trails connects into Castlewood Canyon State Park.
Two things to know before you drive out there. No dogs, and no pets of any kind, anywhere on the property. And there's no drinking water on site, so bring your own.
It's at 6581 Lost Canyon Ranch Road, open 5:30am to 9pm through August 31. Trail map, directions and hours are on the Town's page: CRgov.com/LostCanyonRanch.
Castle Rock Jobs
Events
Teaology Tea Café Turns One!
Join us as we celebrate an incredible first year of tea, friendship, and community! Spend the day enjoying free activities, giveaways, hands-on experiences, and exclusive one-day-only savings.
Sunday, July 19
8am to 4pm
330 Third Street, Castle Rock
Our Sunset Supper Club at KB Ranch is sold out. All three nights, even after we added capacity. The waitlist is deep and still growing, so we're working with KB on adding more dates. We'll let you know here the moment we do.
Tuesday, 7/14:
Provision - Widow Jane Bourbon Tasting - 6:00pm–8:00pm - $70
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Classic Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Trivia Night - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday, 7/15:
Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: Scott Hunter - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting at the Castle: Featuring Shannon Ridge Family of Wines - 6:00pm - $72
Festival Park - Jazz in the Park - 6:30pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Mountain Bike Ride - 6:00pm–7:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Game Night: Daggerheart - 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Wednesday Bingo - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Thursday, 7/16:
Downtown Castle Rock - Downtown Castle Rock Sip & Stroll - 5:00pm–8:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Tunes for Trails: That Eighties Band - 6:30pm–9:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Comedy Show featuring Kevin Fitzgerald - 7:00pm–9:00pm - $20-$40
RNK Running and Walking - Chog (Chill Jog) with RNK Running - 6:00pm–7:00pm
Crowfoot Valley Coffee & Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Poker - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Friday, 7/17:
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Josh Blackburn: Live in Castle Rock - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Sinners & Saints - Ashton Lee Duo — Live at the Altar - 8:00pm–10:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Charlie Zanichelli on Saxophone - 5:30pm–9:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Friday Night Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Karaoke Night - 7:00pm–11:00pm
Saturday, 7/18:
Castle Rock Museum - Walking Tour of Downtown Castle Rock - 10:30am–11:30am
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Rayna Marie - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: Jackson Dean with Tigirlily Gold - 6:00pm–10:30pm - $35+
105 West Brewing Company - '80s DJ Dance Party - 6:30pm–9:30pm
105 West Brewing Company - Yoga at 105 West - 9:30am–11:00am - $14-$18
Wide Awake Eatery - Tony Crank on Spanish Guitar - 10:00am–1:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Game Night (Player's Choice RPG) - 5:00pm–10:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Cash Bingo Night - 6:00pm–8:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Live Music - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Sinners & Saints - Live DJ in the Lounge with DJ Max - 9:00pm–11:59pm
Sunday, 7/19:
Teaology Tea Cafe - Teaology One Year Anniversary Celebration - 8:00am–4:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Beats, Brunch & Baby Goats - 11:00am–2:00pm
Castle Rock Museum - Summer Ice Cream Social - 2:00pm–4:00pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Ryan Mecillas - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - The Magical History Tour: A Beatles Experience at the Castle - 5:30pm–10:00pm - $89.45
Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - 9:00am–2:00pm
Lost Coffee - Lost Runners Run Club with RNK Running - 8:00am–9:30am
Bar Hummingbird - Bubbles & Beats Sunday Brunch - 11:00am–3:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Sip & Spin Sundays - 2:00pm–5:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Tony Pitschka - 2:30pm–5:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Monday, 7/20:
Alidade Brewing - Puzzle Competition - 6:00pm–9:00pm - $50 per team
RNK Running and Walking - RNK Trail Run: Memmen Ridge Trail - 5:30pm–6:30pm
Festival Park - Monday Evening Yoga in the Park - 6:30pm–7:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Monday Bingo - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
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
Looking for more? Every Douglas County event we track lives on our events calendar: dougcosocial.com/events
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.
