Well well well…after another jam-packed weekend full of events, I find myself in an all too familiar situation. It seems like summer just started, but here we are with it on its last leg and then we'll have all the goodness of fall before we know it.
Stopped by Colorado Day while running around town and it was good to see some of you. The band was feeling it and I was fortunate enough to hear a nice cover of "Mud on My Boots" while I was there. And then later that day I was off to the Rodeo. The fair was absolutely packed, but I wasn't there for the rides. Woodhill BBQ, my go-to, was my priority. Brisket, pulled pork, baked beans — never disappoints. I thought that's where my consumption was going to end for the night, but when you walk by Glacier's Ice Cream truck it's hard to resist. Two scoops of birthday cake ice cream in a waffle cone…check. I figured you'd want to see the aftermath, so I took a selfie to document it:
Anyways, love the setting at the Rodeo with the star in the background. It was very cool when the sun went down and the star lit up, but the arena lights got the better of my photos…
And I had seen that Fitz & The Tantrums' show for the summer concert series was sold out, but wow…I don't think I've ever seen that many cars parked outside of Miller…looked like a good time.
Then, on Sunday, since I'm always running behind, I was caught a little flat-footed that the Ren Fair down in Larkspur was already on its last weekend, so I made sure I got there on its final day. There were so many people down there, but it was a good time. More on that in DougCo Drop on Thursday.
Top events for August in this newsletter and some unfortunate business closings further down in Noteworthy.
Your Castle Rock August, Sorted
August is stacked — concerts, a bluegrass festival, and outstanding food and drink events. Here are the ones worth putting on the calendar, roughly in the order they land:
First Fridays Family 5K and Concert — Friday 8/7 at Festival Park. Run the 5K, or just show up for the Six Million Dollar Band and stick around downtown. 5:30 to 9pm. This is the final one, so don't miss out on it!
Reece's Roundup 5K and 1 Mile Walk — The 21st year of this one. Saturday 8/8 at Miller Park, 7am. A good way to start your morning off and a great cause!
Sinatra Tribute Show — Friday 8/14 at Cherokee Ranch. Ol' Blue Eyes' songbook up at the castle, 6pm. I feel like these sell out more often than not, but think it's a little easier to get tickets in the summer if you want to take advantage!
Cheap Trick — The Summer Concert Series rolls on at the Miller amphitheater Saturday 8/15 — though heads up, it sold out, so you'll have to find a reseller.
Tunes for Trails: Santa Rios — Thursday 8/20 at the Miller amphitheater. Free live music, 6:30pm. Third of the four in this series. Parking lots were pretty much full by 6pm for That Eighties Band in July.
Taste of Douglas County — Thursday 8/20 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Sample your way through the county's local restaurants and food scene. Never been to this one, but hoping to attend even though we're holding a DougCo Social Dinner Club in Parker that night. Support local restaurants!
Worth the Drive (pun not originally intended — but AMC Castle Rock doesn't appear to be showing it) — the Fast & Furious is getting its 25th-anniversary re-release in theaters on 8/21. I'm considering shaving my head again so I can match my TORETTO license plate, and if for some odd reason you also like the Fast & Furious and don't find my jokes extremely stupid, I'll be seeing it at Emagine Parker.
Vino in the Village — The Castle Pines Chamber's wine walk through the Village Shops. Friday 8/21, 5:30 to 8pm.
John Denver: The Tribute — Cherokee Ranch does these right. Saturday 8/22 evening, with a matinee the next afternoon if you'd rather do daylight. Country roads, take me home — will it ever get old?
Popcorn in the Park: The Goonies — Also Saturday 8/22, the Town screens "The Goonies" free at the Miller amphitheater. Food trucks, yard games, and popcorn from 5pm, movie at 5:30. A cheap (free admission), easy family night. And I think "Hey you guyyyyyyyys" by Sloth has to be a top-ten movie quote of all time.
Finish the month off with a bang — 8/29 goes big. Three good ones all land the same Saturday:
The Colorado Bluegrass Festival — A full day of pickin' out at McAwesome Ranch. What started as a secret festival called RockyGronk in 2020 is now in its 7th year.
Still the Same, a Bob Seger Tribute — The Denver Pops Orchestra backs it at the Miller amphitheater to close out the concert series. 7pm.
Under a Wild Sky — The Douglas Land Conservancy's fundraiser out at the historic Maytag Ranch, 4 to 8pm. A pretty way to support open space.
We're firing these back up with a dinner in Parker on Thursday, 8/20. There's a general Dinner Club that welcomes singles, married solo, couples, anyone and everyone. If you're interested in learning more, click here.
If you're part of a couple and want to socialize with other couples, and are 55+, click here. We'll have the tickets dropped here shortly.
Pet Adoptions
I feel like Jack was literally jumping into my arms when I first saw this photo. I can tell this guy's a lover, not a fighter, and just looking for someone to cuddle with.
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 — Football's almost back. Camp opened last week out at the brand-new Broncos Park facility in Englewood. Bo Nix is healthy and cleared after ankle surgery, and the roster came in about as healthy as it gets. The preseason's set too: we open @ Atlanta on Friday, Aug 14, host Green Bay on Friday, Aug 21, and close with Minnesota on Friday, Aug 28.
Nuggets — Nothing happening on the court and not much happening off the court…
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 closed last week strong — after dropping two in San Diego (8-7 and 3-1), we came home and swept the Royals (3-1, 12-6, and 8-1) for three straight. The momentum didn't carry over, though: we dropped Monday's opener to Tampa Bay 13-9, snapping the streak and putting us at 45-68, still last in the NL West. We finish the Tampa Bay series at home this week, then head @ St. Louis for the weekend.
Rapids — We grabbed a road win over Austin (1-0), but we're still buried at 7-10-1, 11th in the West with a lot of ground to make up. No match this week — next up we head @ Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, Aug 15, at 7:30pm.
Summit FC — Denver Summit drew on the road at Boston Legacy (1-1) to sit 5-6-5, 11th in the NWSL. Busy week with two on the road: @ North Carolina Courage Wednesday and @ Utah Royals Saturday.
Want your business in front of 5,500 locals? Reach out if you're interested in sponsoring the newsletter.
Noteworthy
A rough stretch on the closings front. A handful of Castle Rock spots are calling it:
Black-eyed Pea (850 New Memphis Ct) served its last day. The longtime Southern comfort-food spot closed for good, and word around town is the staff got only a couple days' notice.
Trifecta Sports Bar & Grill (810 New Memphis Ct), right next door, shut its doors recently too.
Sawara Sushi (312 Metzler Dr) is closing as well, with a reported final day of August 15.
Stumpy's Pizza (138 S. Wilcox) is in its final weeks — the pizzeria has to be out by the end of August after the building sold, and they're still looking for a new home. Grab a slice while you can, and here's hoping they land somewhere close.
And just up the road in Sedalia, Encanto Mexican Kitchen (5457 Manhart Ave) is serving its final days before temporarily closing to reopen under new management with a new concept.
Castle Rock Jobs
Events
Tuesday, 8/4:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
Philip S. Miller Park - National Night Out 2026 - 5:00pm–8:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Trivia Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–8:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Line Dancing with Joyce - 6:30pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Trivia Night at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Classic Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday, 8/5:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Arts Afield 2026 at Cherokee Ranch - 8:30am–1:00pm - $39
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
Country Club At Castle Pines - Brunch in the Pines - 11:00am–1:30pm - $180
Elk Ridge Park - Summer Splash Water Day - 3:00pm–7:00pm
Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: Ken Earl Band - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Karaoke Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Vinyl Night - 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Wednesday Bingo at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Weekly Bingo at Sinners & Saints - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Festival Park - Jazz in the Park - 6:30pm–8:00pm
Thursday, 8/6:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
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
Wide Awake Eatery - Dueling Pianos at Wide Awake Eatery - 6:00pm–9:00pm - $23.18-$28.52
Pines Bar and Grill - Open Mic Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Trivia & Karaoke Night - 6:00pm–11:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:30pm
Mercantile Park - Music in the Meadows: John Saunders Band - 6:30pm–8:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Poker at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Sinners & Saints - Western Night at Sinners & Saints - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Friday, 8/7:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1:00pm–3:00pm - $74.95
Festival Park - First Fridays Family 5K and Concert: Six Million Dollar Band - 5:30pm–9:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Live Band at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Groove 'N Motion at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 6:00pm–9:15pm - $86.45
The Whiskey Lodge - Karaoke Night at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–11:00pm
Rising Star Performing Arts - Mary Poppins - Rising Star Performing Arts - 7:00pm–9:30pm - $18
Alidade Brewing - Friday Night Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Wags and The Boys - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Magic Manor - David Deeble - TV Comedian - 7:30pm–9:00pm - $40-$45
Sinners & Saints - Live Music at The Altar: Scott Uhl - 8:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday, 8/8:
Philip S. Miller Park - 21st Annual Reece's Roundup 5K & 1 Mile Walk - 7:00am–11:00am - $40-$45
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Hike: Walk Through Time at Cherokee Ranch - 8:00am–10:30am - $39.50
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Backcountry Hike - 8:30am - $39.50
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1:00pm–3:00pm - $74.95
Wide Open Saloon - Saturday Acoustic Show at Wide Open Saloon - 2:00pm–5:00pm
Rising Star Performing Arts - Mary Poppins - Rising Star Performing Arts - 2:00pm–4:30pm - $18
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Crystal Visions at Outlets - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Gamer's Choice RPG: Top Secret - 5:00pm–10:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - The Band These Guys Live at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: The Jack Hadley Band - 6:30pm–9:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Live Music at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - 9's A Pair at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–10:30pm
Sinners & Saints - DJ in the Lounge at Sinners & Saints - 9:00pm–11:59pm
Sunday, 8/9:
Lost Coffee - Lost Runners Run Club with RNK Running - 8:00am–9:30am
Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - 9:00am–2:00pm
Teaology Tea Cafe - Watercolor Class with Raelene: Castle Rock - 1:00pm–3:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Sip & Spin Sundays at Wide Awake Eatery - 2:00pm–5:00pm
Sinners & Saints - Back-to-School Backpack Bar at Ecclesia Market - 2:00pm–4:00pm
Rising Star Performing Arts - Mary Poppins - Rising Star Performing Arts - 2:00pm–4:30pm - $18
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Giant Zero - 2:30pm–5:30pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Opal Grove at Outlets - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Peter Kater Live at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 6:00pm–9:15pm - $105
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Monday, 8/10:
Alidade Brewing - Mah Jongg Monday - 5:00pm–8:00pm
Metzler Ranch Community Park - RNK Monday Trail Run: Metzler Ranch - 5:30pm–6:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Monday Bingo at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Geology Hike at Cherokee Ranch - Sat 8/15, 8:00am–10:30am - $39.50
Garner and Gather - Besties Brunch & Charcuterie Workshop - Sat 8/15, 10:00am–12:00pm - $68.85
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting at the Castle: California Wines - Fri 8/21, 6:00pm–9:15pm - $69.95
Magic Manor - The Chipper Lowell Experience - Fri 8/21 & Sat 8/22, 7:30pm–9:00pm - $45-$50
Denver Polo Club - Denver Polo Club x Tiny Table Summer Dinner - Sat 8/22, 6:00pm - $225
Wide Open Saloon - Knock Knock Angels Benefit Concert - Sat 8/22, 2:00pm–10:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Hike: Setting of the Sun & Rising of the Full Moon - Fri 8/28, 6:15pm–9:00pm - $40
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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