Hope you had an amazing weekend. I had grand plans of so many different things I was going to do and per usual very few of them happened…I do have a loaded week this week and am looking forward to the Rodeo on Saturday night.

I did however get a chance to try Jet's Pizza — which is Detroit-style — really enjoyed the Hawaiian (don't want to hear the hate) and the Chicken Bacon Ranch (aka the quickest way to a man's heart), but got an education on what Detroit-style pizza is. It's very, very thick pizza which I am not used to eating and it sent my blood sugar straight through the roof. So, while it tasted amazing, there's a lot more bread than topping so I may need to hold it for special occasions or when I really need to carbo load. And since you're reading this on a Tuesday: they run $2 Slice Tuesdays — a Detroit-style slice with mozzarella and pepperoni for two bucks, walk-in only, limit four per person.

Oh, I almost forgot, I did attend the Supper Club at KB Ranch on Wednesday. It was great to meet a few of you for the first time! And hopefully I can meet more of you at the future ones. The forecast had me a little nervous since it was supposed to rain, and it did sprinkle, but it cleared up beautifully before everyone got there. These suppers are rain or shine (tents were set up). Here's a shot:

And looking forward to meeting a bunch of you at the Sip & Paint on Wednesday. I think we sold out even after adding a few more spots. Hoping to do some more…maybe doing a painting event at the ranch? If you're interested in being the first to know if that comes together, let me know on the next poll:

This Saturday, August 1, is Colorado Day, and it's a big one. Colorado became a state back in 1876, the same year the country turned 100, which is how we ended up as the Centennial State. That makes this year our 150th, the same summer the country marked its 250th, as I'm sure you've seen a million times at this point. Anyways, the town is throwing a free Colorado Day Festival at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park from 10am to 2pm, with live music, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, family activities, and a 5K/1K fun run to kick it off.

Here's the schedule of events:

9am — Cornhole Tournament (Turf Field West), registration now full
10am — Festival begins
10am — Live music: Off Ramp
10:30am — Colorado Day Fun Run
11am — Contest: Musical Coolers
11:15am — Live music: LoCo Country
12:15pm — Contest: Centennial Beard Contest
12:30pm — Live music: Chris Daniels & The Kings
1:30pm — Cornhole tournament winners announced
2pm — Festival ends

The Fun Run has a one-mile, kid-friendly run on paved trails or a 5K trail option, both starting from the Amphitheater. It's free, but registration is required — register here, and it runs through July 31.

Here's the list of activities:

Then it rolls into the evening. Fitz and The Tantrums headline the Amphitheater on their Man on the Moon tour, with special guests Sun Room. Gates open at 6pm, Sun Room takes the stage at 7, and Fitz at 8:30. It's all ages, and general-admission lawn tickets start around $49 on TicketWeb.

You might not know the name, but you've almost certainly heard the songs — Fitz and The Tantrums are the band behind "HandClap" and "Out of My League." It's upbeat, “horn-and-handclap pop with a soul streak”, made for a summer night at the amphitheater. I thought I had no idea who they were until I threw on Out of My League and instantly recognized the song.

And for a free way to mark the milestone, swing by Rock Park. The town just put up Big Drive, a bull, cow, and calf standing about 11 feet tall. It's a nod to Castle Rock's ranching roots, built by artists Lisa Adler and Don Kennell, and it makes for a great photo with the Rock itself behind it.

Guppy — yes, I don't believe that's a typo of Puppy — is ready to bring the energy if you want to take this big guy 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.

Broncos — Real football is almost here. Camp opens this week, with the veterans reporting Tuesday, July 28 and the first practice Friday, July 31 out at our Englewood facility. The preseason is set too: we open @ Atlanta on Friday, August 14, host Green Bay on Friday, August 21, and close with Minnesota on Friday, August 28. And if you want in on a game, the Broncos' annual half-price ticket sale hits Ticketmaster this morning at 10am — single-game seats start at just $23, limit four per household, and they go fast every year.

Nuggets — Quiet on the court in the offseason, but the front office has stayed busy keeping the roster together. This week we matched Oklahoma City's two-year, $12 million offer sheet to hang onto forward Spencer Jones, the latest in a summer spent re-signing our own guys. We’re now into the second apron and paying luxury tax out the wazoo if we don’t offload some others. And a little good news for the West: LeBron James left the conference entirely, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, so that's one fewer contender to climb over out here.

Avalanche — Not much moving in Avs land with the roster mostly set for the fall. The most recent tweak was adding depth forward Georgii Merkulov on a one-year, two-way deal after he came over from Boston. Otherwise it's a waiting game until training camp in September.

Rockies — We went 2-3 on the week. At home we split a pair with Washington, taking the opener 8-7 before getting shut out 8-0, then went up to Milwaukee and grabbed the first one 5-2 before dropping the last two, 8-5 and 11-2. That leaves us at 42-65, still last in the NL West. This week we head @ San Diego to open, then come home to Coors to host Kansas City and Tampa Bay.

Rapids — A split week. We lost a tight one 1-0 on the road at San Diego, then came home and beat St. Louis CITY SC 1-0 at DSGP. That leaves us 11th in the West at 6-9-1 (19 points). Next up we head @ Austin FC on Saturday, Aug 1 at 7:30pm.

Summit FC — We kept it going at home, beating the Washington Spirit 1-0 at Centennial Stadium, which has us 11th in the NWSL at 5-6-4 (19 points). This week we head @ Boston Legacy FC on Sunday, Aug 2 at 7pm.

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

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Castle Rock is now in Stage 2 drought
The town moved from spring's voluntary advisory to mandatory Stage 2 restrictions on July 21: watering just two days a week, no power-washing driveways, sidewalks or fences, and water on request at restaurants, all aimed at cutting use 25 percent. There's a grace period until enforcement begins August 1. And if you've been caught between the town and your HOA, brown-grass violations can't be enforced while a drought stage is in effect.

The county will split the cost of wildfire mitigation
With Douglas County Helitack already on 28 wildfire missions this year, the cost-share program reopened this week: it covers half of defensible-space work up to $25,000, with more for community projects and slash pickup.

Assistant Nurse Manager, Labor & Delivery — AdventHealth Castle Rock — $39-$72/hr

Cook — Champagne Velvet Proper Kitchen & Bar, Castle Rock — $18/hr

Caseworker B, Adult Protection — Douglas County Government — $62K-$93K/yr

Tuesday, 7/28:

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

Provision - Pendleton Whiskey Tasting at Provision - 6:00pm–8:00pm - $70

105 West Brewing Company - IPA Beer Tasting at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–7:00pm - $25

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

The Whiskey Lodge - Trivia Night at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Wednesday, 7/29:

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Arts Afield 2026 at Cherokee Ranch - 8:30am–12:00pm - $39

Elk Ridge Park - Summer Splash Water Day — Castle Pines - 3:00pm–7:00pm

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Country Roads Showcase at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 3:00pm–6:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Bike Night feat. Nikki Z at Wide Open Saloon - 5:00pm–9:00pm

Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: David James and the JWB - 6:00pm–9:00pm

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Sea Turtles Paint & Sip in Castle Rock - 6:00pm–9:00pm - $55

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

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

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

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

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Jeff Goodwin at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Thursday, 7/30:

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

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

Alidade Brewing - RIP & SIP + N64 Game Night at Alidade Brewing - 6:00pm–9:00pm

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

The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Poker at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Roughstock at the Rock — Bares, Broncs & Bulls - 7:00pm–9:00pm - $43.86

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Western Flyers at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 9:00pm–11:00pm

Friday, 7/31:

Wide Awake Eatery - Steve Thomas on Guitar at Wide Awake Eatery - 5:30pm–9:00pm

Pines Bar and Grill - Vinyl Nation at Pines Bar & Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Cowboy and The Rocker at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–10:30pm

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

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Patriot Night at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 7:00pm–9:00pm - $43.86

Sinners & Saints - Michael Reese — Live at the Altar - 8:00pm–10:00pm

Saturday, 8/1:

Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Colorado Day Festival - 10:00am–2:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Charlie Zanichelli on Saxophone at Wide Awake Eatery - 10:00am–1:00pm

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

Outlets at Castle Rock - Barks & Brews at the Outlets at Castle Rock - 4:00pm–6:00pm

Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Live Music: Pat Foley at Honnibrook - 4:00pm–7:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Steve Thomas on Guitar at Wide Awake Eatery - 5:30pm–9:00pm

Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: Fitz and The Tantrums with Sun Room (Colorado Day Show) - 6:00pm–10:30pm - $49-$85

The Green at The Canyons - Dueling Pianos at The Canyons - 6:00pm–9:00pm

Douglas County Libraries - Castle Rock - Brew Tour Kickoff Party - 6:00pm–8:00pm

105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: These Guys at 105 West Brewing - 6:30pm–9:30pm

Wide Open Saloon - Moonshine Bandits at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–10:30pm - $33.85+

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

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Ride for the Brand at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 7:00pm–9:00pm - $43.86

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Barn Dance at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 9:00pm–12:00am

Sunday, 8/2:

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

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Pancake Breakfast at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 8:00am–10:00am

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

Denver Polo Club - Disco Sunday Polo Tailgate at Denver Polo Club - 10:00am–3:00pm - $28.52+

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Eric Golden at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 11:00am–1:00pm

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Cowboys for Cops at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 1:00pm - $33.26

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

105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Zech Lumpkin at 105 West Brewing - 2:30pm–5:30pm

Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: High Lonesome at Outlets - 3:00pm–6:00pm

Sinners & Saints - Romancing the Rockies: Summer Edition at Sinners & Saints - 3:00pm–6:00pm - $28.52

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

Monday, 8/3:

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

Heads up on events that are further out:

Country Club At Castle Pines - Brunch in the Pines - Wed 8/5, 11:00am–1:30pm - $180

Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: Ken Earl Band - Wed 8/5, 6:00pm–9:00pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Groove 'N Motion at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Fri 8/7, 6:00pm–8:00pm - $86.45

Philip S. Miller Park - 21st Annual Reece's Roundup 5K & 1 Mile Walk - Sat 8/8, 7:00am–11:00am - $40-$45

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Backcountry Hike - Sat 8/8, 8:30am - $39.50

Teaology Tea Cafe - Watercolor Class with Raelene: Castle Rock - Sun 8/9, 1:00pm–3:00pm - $42

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Peter Kater Live at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sun 8/9, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $105-$124

Garner and Gather - Besties Brunch & Charcuterie Workshop - Sat 8/15, 10:00am–12:00pm - $68.85

Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: Cheap Trick - Sat 8/15, 6:00pm–10:30pm - $49.35

Wide Open Saloon - Struggle Jennings at Wide Open Saloon - Sat 8/15, 7:00pm–10:30pm - $33.85+

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.

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