Well, lately the weather has been quite bipolar and I think consequently so have I…and maybe some others who are already pushing all their fall stuff out. Is it just me or is it a smidge too early? It's making my content decisions a little bit more difficult than they usually are…poor me. Anyways, I'm starting to work on some fall stuff so if you have any fall favorites: happenings, treats, leaf peeps, etc., let me know!
But before then…last call on the latest date that was dropped for the Sunset Supper Club. It's this Friday at 6:30pm (August 21).
Here's a photo of the Southern Seoul Wings that were our starter last week 🤤.
The Gochujang BBQ sauce was unreal. Of course, I was making fun of my sister and how much BBQ sauce she had on her face when apparently I had even more on mine. I'm just a walking example of calling out the speck in somebody else's eye when there's a plank in my own…oops. Glad they had wipes on deck.
Anyways, hope you can join us on Friday. Grab your seats here.
Summer Is Not Going Quietly
Alright, where are all my live music junkies at? I saw this event last year, maybe right after it happened, and was like oh, yeah, that looks sweet and I'll have to cover it next year. Well, since I didn't do any outreach or prep with the actual organizers, I'm going off of what I've been able to gather on their site. The Colorado Bluegrass Festival…formerly known as RockyGronk…is Saturday, August 29.
It was started in 2020 as a secret festival that I guess is not so secret anymore if they're on Eventbrite? Although they claim the magic of that first one will never be able to be replicated, they're doing their darndest…(darnedest?..is this a word? AI help me…) to continue to bring some magic to the community year after year. One of the things they've continued since their initial festival, which had 14 bands, is limiting each of the bands to three songs. This helps reduce the pressure on the musicians so they don't have to prepare an entire set and allows for additional collaboration and community, as well as great diversity for the guests (and other performers) to enjoy.
I honestly was sitting over here thinking, this looks like a really cool event with great community and an awesome laid-back vibe, but I'm not even sure what bluegrass really is and I don't think I like it and I'm definitely a glamper, not a camper, and so on, but then I watched the 2025 recap video and I'm not gonna lie…I really enjoyed the song that was playing in the background. So, I think I'm actually evolving and getting cooler, more sophisticated as I age.
Anyways, it's held here in Castle Rock at the McAwesome Ranch…which sounds…great? You can bring a trailer to camp overnight, you can bring your dog, you can bring your kids (free), you can leave your partner at home (I may have added that to their FAQs…you're welcome), grab food and drinks, and meet the talented artists who perform on stage.
"Doors" open at 5pm and you can gather, set up camp, and hang out until the performances begin at 7:30pm. They'll have around 10 acts that each perform three different songs, which'll run until 10:30pm. You can wind down and settle in for the night if you're camping there or linger awkwardly without a tent or camper like I'm sure I will. It looks like it's "stadium seating" outside, so if you want to bring chairs, blankets, or picnic gear you're more than welcome.
Tickets are $47 and include camping — and if that's the thing standing in the way, they straight up say to email them and they'll find a price that works. "Community above all else" is their line, and they apparently mean it.
Ticket link here
If you're looking for something to do in the interim, the Taste of Douglas County is back for its 24th year at the fairgrounds this Thursday, August 20, from 5pm to 8pm. Food samples from dozens of area restaurants, drinks, and live entertainment. It's all indoors and air-conditioned, which, after looking at the forecast, will be a necessity. Tickets are $10 in advance or $20 at the door, so buy them before you go. I'll be there working my way through as many samples as I can manage before I have to leave for our dinner club that night, which is either good planning or very bad planning depending on how you look at it.
Looks like the lineup includes some hometown favorites like Crave Real Burgers, Granelli's, Courtyard Social, and more! Looking forward to trying this event out and I'll be sure to report back!
More great events like Popcorn in the Park in the events section below.
Best of Douglas County
It's live.
Wanted to see what you all actually like around here, and you can see what others besides just me also like. Instead of a survey, I set it up so you can go back and change your vote, or add more as you try new places.
Tons of categories. Best burger, best green chile, best cinnamon roll, etc. Takes a minute or two, and I get to find out how developed my palate really is. Or something like that. No wrong answers.
Humane Colorado
This guy won the name lottery. I'm just imagining the amount of confidence I would walk around with if I had a name like Diesel. You know this 63lb Australian Cattle Dog has quite the engine in him, too.
NJR Handyman
A little taste of what Nick's been building
You've met NJR Handyman before. Here's what Nick's been up to lately: a custom mudroom bench he built and installed by hand, with a shiplap wall, bench seating, and built-in storage below.
That's the everyday NJR difference. One local guy, start to finish, no crew you've never met and no markup on materials. Built-ins, barn doors, flooring, trim, and the whole to-do list.
Got a project in mind? → njrhandymanservices.com
Sports
Broncos — Football's actually back. We opened the preseason with a 27-7 win in Atlanta on Friday, holding the Falcons to 11 total first downs, and Sean Payton came away pleased with the run game and with Davis Webb's play calling. Bo Nix sat this one out and is set to get his reps in the two home preseason games later this month. The bad news: linebacker Levelle Bailey broke his leg in Atlanta. And the weekend hailstorm did enough damage to the bleachers at the Englewood facility that Monday's practice got closed to fans. We host Green Bay on Friday.
Nuggets — The NBA dropped the full 2026-27 schedule on Thursday, so we finally know what the year looks like, including a trip to Mexico City. The Peyton Watson situation is still unresolved, with a few teams circling while restricted free agency drags on, and there are two roster spots left to fill.
Avalanche — Still no Cale Makar extension, and the clock is now a real thing. With the new CBA changes landing in about a month, Colorado has roughly four weeks left to get an eight-year deal done before that option disappears.
Rockies — Best stretch we've had in a while, right up until Monday. We went 4-1 last week, taking both in Arizona (3-2 and 6-4), then winning two of three in San Francisco (5-2 and a 13-7 finish, with a 7-1 loss in between). Then the Dodgers came to town and hung eleven on us Monday night in an 11-5 loss, which drops us to 50-75 and keeps us last in the NL West. We host the Dodgers again Tuesday and Wednesday, then Cleveland comes in for three over the weekend before we head to Washington on Monday.
Rapids — Back in the win column. We beat Sporting Kansas City 2-0 at home on Saturday, which moves us to 7-8-4 on the season. We host LAFC Wednesday, then head to San Diego Saturday.
Summit FC — We drew 1-1 in San Diego on Friday against the Wave. That leaves us 6-7-6 and 10th in the NWSL. Next up we head to Portland to face the Thorns Saturday at 6:45pm.
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Noteworthy
Parents, Fridays are changing this week. Starting Friday, August 21, Douglas County School District elementary and middle schools move to a 45-minute late start every Friday so teachers can meet for collaboration time. High schools already had that time built in, so this brings the younger grades in line with them. Buses run 45 minutes later too, including special education routes, and breakfast and before-school care still run as usual. That is every Friday going forward, not a one-off. Charter schools may run a different schedule, so check directly with yours before you plan your morning around it.
Fiber internet is coming to town. BAM Broadband announced on August 11 that it's building a new fiber network across a chunk of south metro Denver, and Castle Rock is on the list along with Castle Pines, The Pinery and the Cottonwood area that straddles Parker and the county. Work started in Castle Pines first. Castle Rock's construction start is planned for the next 30 to 60 days, pending permit approvals, and there's no word yet on which neighborhoods get it first. If you've been stuck with one option for internet, this one's worth watching.
And one closing. Spray, the spray tan studio in The Meadows, is closing after three years. The owner shared the news herself, calling it a personal decision to focus on her family, and the last day is Monday, September 15. They also did ear piercing and permanent jewelry, so if you're holding a package or a membership, use it before then rather than after.
Castle Rock Jobs
Looking for more? Every open job we track across the county lives at dougcosocial.com/jobs.
Events
Paint Night at Wild Blue Yonder
After a successful paint and sip with Emma a few weeks ago where we had 23 amazing painters, we're teaming up with Emma Paints again for a hummingbird planter painting and mosaic night at Wild Blue Yonder Brewing. Emma walks the whole room through it step by step, so you don't need any experience — just show up, grab a craft beer, and make something you'll actually want to take home. All the materials are included, and it's a fun one for a date night, a girls' night, or a creative night out with friends or clients.
Wednesday, August 26, 6 to 9pm at Wild Blue Yonder. Tickets are $57.33 and cover everything you need.
Tuesday, 8/18:
The Millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park - Reptiles Under the Rock - 6pm–7pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Trivia Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–8pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Line Dancing with Joyce - 6:30pm–9pm
Sinners & Saints - The D.I.Y. Social - 6:30pm–8:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Trivia Night at The Whiskey Lodge - 7pm–9pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Classic Trivia - 7pm–9pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Trivia Night: 70s TV Shows - 7pm–9pm
Wednesday, 8/19:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Arts Afield 2026 at Cherokee Ranch - 8:30am–1pm - $39
Wide Open Saloon - Bike Night feat. Brian Hornbuckle - 5pm–9pm
Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: Eric Golden - 6pm–9pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Karaoke Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–9pm
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6pm–8pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trails & Ales Mountain Bike Ride at 105 West Brewing - 6pm–7pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Wednesday Bingo at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Weekly Bingo at Sinners & Saints - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Thursday, 8/20:
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Taste of Douglas County 2026 - 5pm–8pm - $10-$20
RNK Running and Walking - Chog (Chill Jog) with RNK Running - 6pm–7pm
Wide Open Saloon - Thursday Line Dancing at Wide Open Saloon - 6pm–10pm
Crowfoot Valley Coffee & Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6pm–8pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Open Mic Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–9pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Trivia & Karaoke Night - 6pm–11pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night at 105 West Brewing - 6pm–8:30pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Tunes for Trails: Santa Rios - 6:30pm–9pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Poker at The Whiskey Lodge - 7pm–9pm
Sinners & Saints - Western Line Dancing Night with Gracee - 7pm–9pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Poker Night: Castle Rock - 7pm–9pm
Friday, 8/21:
The Village Shops at Castle Pines - Vino in the Village 2026 - 5:30pm–8pm - $30-$150
Wide Awake Eatery - Luke Story on Saxophone at Wide Awake Eatery - 5:30pm–8:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting at the Castle: California Wines - 6pm–9:15pm - $69.95
Pines Bar and Grill - Live Band at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–9pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Karaoke Night at The Whiskey Lodge - 7pm–11pm
Wide Open Saloon - Last Train to Juarez at Wide Open Saloon - 7pm–10:30pm
Alidade Brewing - Friday Night Trivia: FRIENDS Edition - 7pm–9pm
Magic Manor - The Chipper Lowell Experience - 7:30pm–9pm - $45-$50
Sinners & Saints - Mike Maurer — Live at the Altar - 8pm–11pm
Saturday, 8/22:
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Touch-A-Truck 2026 - 9am–2pm
Castle Rock Museum - Walking Tour of Downtown Castle Rock - 10:30am–11:30am
Wide Open Saloon - Saturday Acoustic Show at Wide Open Saloon - 2pm–5pm
Wide Open Saloon - Knock Knock Angels Benefit Concert - 3pm–10:30pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Greg Hoy & The Boys at Outlets - 3pm–6pm
Elk Ridge Park - Castle Pines Party in the Park - 5pm–9pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Popcorn in the Park: The Goonies - 5pm–8pm
Denver Polo Club - Denver Polo Club x Tiny Table Summer Dinner - 6pm - $225
Alidade Brewing - Cash Bingo Night - 6pm–8pm
Wide Open Saloon - SPARTA 112: MMA at Wide Open Saloon - 6pm–11pm - $60-$125
The Stagecoach Saloon - Mountain Magic Band Live at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - John Denver: The Tribute at Cherokee Ranch - 6:30pm–9:30pm - $89
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Mike Maurer Band at 105 West Brewing - 6:30pm–9:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Live Music at The Whiskey Lodge - 7pm–10pm
Magic Manor - The Chipper Lowell Experience - 7:30pm–9pm - $45-$50
Sinners & Saints - DJ in the Lounge at Sinners & Saints - 9pm–11:59pm
Sunday, 8/23:
Lost Coffee - Lost Runners Run Club with RNK Running - 8am–9:30am
Teaology Tea Cafe - Watercolor Class with Raelene: Lightning Bug - 1pm–3pm - $42
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - John Denver "The Tribute" Matinee - 1:30pm–4:30pm - $80.75-$86
Wide Awake Eatery - Sip & Spin Sundays at Wide Awake Eatery - 2pm–5pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Marcus Kruep at 105 West Brewing - 2:30pm–5:30pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Carlos & Crew at Outlets - 3pm–6pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke at The Whiskey Lodge - 6pm–9pm
Monday, 8/24:
Alidade Brewing - Mah Jongg Monday - 5pm–8pm
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space - RNK Monday Trail Run: Lost Canyon Ranch - 5:30pm–6:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Monday Bingo at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Looking for more? Every Douglas County event we track lives on our events calendar: dougcosocial.com/events.
Heads up on events that are further out:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Arts Afield 2026 - Wed 8/26, 8:30am–1pm - $39
Alidade Brewing - Plant Bingo by Fun With Ferns - Thu 8/27, 6–7pm - $30
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Hike: Setting of the Sun & Rising of the Full Moon - Fri 8/28, 6:15–9pm - $40
McAwesome Ranch - The Colorado Bluegrass Festival - Sat 8/29, 5pm - $47
The Historic Maytag Ranch - Under a Wild Sky (Douglas Land Conservancy fundraiser) - Sat 8/29, 4–8pm - $175-$350
Garner and Gather - Farm to Table Date Night - Sat 8/29, 6:30–9pm - $129-$250
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Still the Same, a Bob Seger Tribute - Sat 8/29, 7pm - $34-$44
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Murder & Mystery: Till Death Do Us Part - Fri 9/4, 6–9:15pm - $85.95
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Castle Rock Beer Fest Under the Stars - Sat 9/12, 4–9pm - $60-$90
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space - Twilight on the Trails 2026 - Sat 9/12, 5:30–9pm - $75+
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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