Hopefully you were able to take some time off and enjoy your Labor Day Weekend…I was fortunate enough to have time to head down to The Springs to check out their Labor Day Liftoff, plus make an irrational pit stop at The Manitou Incline to punish myself for not working.
A shot from Labor Day Liftoff
That exertion made it basically impossible to do anything productive on Sunday, but I was able to catch part of the final Sunday Funday at the Denver Polo Club in Sedalia which we'll get into more.
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A Day on the Polo Fields
At the risk of being exposed as unsophisticated in public I stopped by the Denver Polo Club for their final Sunday Funday. This has been on my to-do list since last summer (and on the events list since then — so, I don't want to hear it!), but for whatever reason couldn't make them. Each summer they have 4 Sunday Fundays — this year that was Opening Day, a 4th of July party, Disco Sunday, and this final send-off.
I kind of knew what to expect, but didn't really at the same time. I had no idea if I was going to be slightly underdressed or really underdressed — I guess I did know I wouldn't be overdressed…but was pleasantly surprised I was in the middle of the pack. Not everyone was in a custom suit or dress of brands I don't even know how to pronounce. So, safe to say, it wasn't just G Wagons out there in the parking lot or at the tailgate — there were R8s and other exotics as well…
All jokes aside: this event is for anyone and everyone, and I look forward to going back next year with the comfort of knowing I don't need to have a luxury car, a custom suit, or a fancy hat. Though, they do have competitions for best dressed for guys and girls, and the guy who won was wearing a custom power blue suit, and impressively was without one bead of sweat dropping while my short sleeve (collared) shirt had gone from blue to purple in just under an hour.
The Setup
I got my GA ticket for $39 with the fees. Tailgate spots were basically entirely full — one spot covers your car and everyone in it, so pack the vehicle. Best tailgate went to the Pink Ponies, all in pink, and I'm already planning mine for next year: lots of props and a name that's probably not safe for work.
For GA you bring a lawn chair and hope for a decent spot up front or in the grandstands. Gates open at 10am, which I missed by about an hour and a half, so get there early. Golf carts run you from the lot down to the field, or you pay up for VIP and park right by it — I think you can guess which route I went. There's also the VIP tent hosted by Atlas Financial Group at UBS, which I walked past and quickly scurried away from after being intimidated by how many deals were getting done over the rosé. The GA tent was full by the time I got there and the sun was relentless.
Food & Drink
Wide Open Saloon runs the outdoor cocktail bar, and there was someone selling cigars as well. On the food side: Abbiocco slinging Italian street food (abbiocco is the Italian word for the drowsy fog that hits after a big meal, which tells you what they're going for), MC² Ice Cream Co., Wandering Waffles out of a mini Airstream, and OneTen Coffee Co. (my first time getting a coffee out of a Land Rover which was pretty cool — theirs is a 1988 Defender 110, which is where the name comes from).
Entertainment
They did have the Westernaires come down and kick things off (I missed that) and perform between matches. They're a Jefferson County nonprofit out of Golden — a thousand-plus riders aged 9 to 19 — and the group that rides here is the Precisionettes, precision being the operative word, because the intricate weaving is fun to watch. An announcer and NovaMeets handled the in-game coverage, the awards and the celebrities. 9NEWS' own Scotty Gange, who you'll recognize from the Broncos sidelines, did the celebrity throw for the second match — can't believe they chose him over me. Hannah Powers from Fox31 joined him for it.
The Polo
I thought I knew nothing about polo and then I heard the score was something to one and a half and realized I knew less than nothing. Half points…who would've thought. There are 4 chukkas in a match at 7.5 minutes each, plus a half-time. The mallet striking can get intense, especially when opposing players are swordfighting…one player had to rush off for a new mallet after she broke hers mid-play. Horses get swapped after every chukka, so one player rides four horses in a single match — and between matches they ride right up and let you meet them, which is a nice touch.
A Cherry Hills player coming in close so a young one could meet the horse
The one tradition I managed to miss was the divot stomp — officially the Land Rover Denver Sparkling Divot Stomp — where everyone's invited onto the field to stomp the turf back into place, sparkling wine in hand. It runs at 1:45pm with the trophy presentation. Next year.
For the record: Cherry Hills took down the UBS team in the match I saw through to the end. And unsure on Whiskey Pond and Fortune Wok to Table, as I had to leave before they ended.
Last polo of the year, but not the last reason to trek over to Sedalia — the Colorado Highland Games take over this same field Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27. Caber tosses, pipe bands, clan tents, and those Highland cows. We'll have more on that one in the Drop, likely in two weeks.
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September 11–13 | Mod Mountain Boutique | Downtown Castle Rock & Online
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And congratulations to Julie S., who won the $50 Mod Mountain Boutique gift card. If you didn't win and still want a crack at one, they're running a giveaway on Instagram too — watch the reel and enter here.
Humane Colorado
This big beautiful boy, Loki, literally looks like AI. I convinced myself the photo was real, and now I'm back to thinking it was at least enhanced. One of you is going to have to go meet him and tell me if he's real or not…just as a heads-up, he needs special supervising since he has PICA, but he'll make a great addition to any household!
Sports
Broncos — Preseason is over and the real thing starts Monday, September 14 at Kansas City. A division opener on the road is about as unfriendly a start as the schedule could have handed us. But don't worry, I have the Broncos defense on my fantasy team so I'll personally be in great shape.
Nuggets — Quiet stretch before camp. The roster work is done, DeMar DeRozan is in on a one-year deal, and the preseason opener is October 4 against Utah. Real basketball is about a month out.
Avalanche — Hockey is back before the month is out. Preseason opens Sunday, September 20 at home against Utah, then Winnipeg on the road the 21st, Winnipeg at home the 25th, and Utah on the road the 26th.
Rockies — We took two from Baltimore to open the homestand, 4-2 on Tuesday and 6-5 in eleven innings on Wednesday, then dropped the St. Louis series two games to one: lost 7-6 Friday, won 10-7 Saturday, lost 10-8 Sunday. That leaves us 55-88, last in the NL West and 31 games back, and officially eliminated from playoff contention. Three at the Yankees starting Tuesday, then three in Detroit over the weekend.
Rapids — We lost 3-0 at Columbus on Saturday, which is the road form in a nutshell: 8-3-0 at home this season, 2-9-1 away from it. We sit seventh in the West on 31 points at 10-12-1.
Summit FC — We're tenth in the NWSL at 8-8-6 with 30 points through 22 matches. Eight draws is the most in the league, which is either a compliment or a complaint depending on the day.
Sabercats Football - the Sabercats are 1-1 after beating Denver South (23-6) and then getting shut out at Ralston Valley (31-0). They host Rock Canyon on Friday, September 11th at 6:30pm. Check out their schedule.
Huskies Football - the Huskies are 3-0 after wins over Sand Creek (31-14), Dakota Ridge (28-11), and Thomas Jefferson (48-12). They are off this week and back home against Horizon on Friday, September 18th at 7:00pm. Check out their schedule.
Want your business in front of 5,500 locals? Reach out if you're interested in sponsoring the newsletter.
Noteworthy
There's a new Italian place in Castle Pines. Castello Italiano opened September 1 in the old Pino's space across from the library, from the family behind Farro in Centennial. Ten minutes up I-25 and worth the drive. We wrote up the menu and the remodel here.
ACC just landed one of seven national NASA hubs. The Colorado Space Institute at Arapahoe Community College was picked as one of only seven lead NASA Hubs in the country, and it comes with $1.3 million over three years to train aerospace technicians — deliberately the kind of career that doesn't require a four-year degree. It's a statewide program, but ACC's Sturm Collaboration Campus here in Castle Rock is where a good chunk of it actually happens: the Space Educator Bootcamp for local teachers runs there each summer, and two Intro to Space sessions are still open this month, Wednesday 9/16 and Wednesday 9/30 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, $49 each, taught by the institute's director and a former Lockheed Martin aerospace engineer.
Castle Rock Jobs
Looking for more? Every open job we track across the county lives at dougcosocial.com/jobs.
Best of Douglas County
Don't forget to get your vote in. You can always change it 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. No wrong answers.
Events
Paint Night Is Back in Castle Rock
Emma Paints is back in town for a collab, and she's leaning into spooky season with this one. On Friday, September 18 at Iron Mule Public House and Brewery, she's teaching Spooky Swing — a little ghost on a flower-covered swing under a moonlit tree, spiders and all. More cute than creepy, and it'll be on your wall in time for Halloween.
If you made it to the sea turtle night at Wild Blue Yonder in July, you know how these go. Emma brings everything — canvas, paints, brushes, all of it — and walks you through every step. No experience needed.
Friday, September 18, 6 to 9pm. Iron Mule Public House and Brewery, downtown Castle Rock.
Tuesday, 9/8:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
The Millhouse at Miller Park - Batty About Castle Rock - 6:00pm–7:00pm - Free
Pines Bar and Grill - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Tuesday Trivia at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday, 9/9:
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
Magic Manor - Gary Conder: Music on the Patio - 4:00pm–6:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Bike Night feat. The Groove Makers - 5:00pm–9:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Plant Bingo by Fun With Ferns - 6:00pm–8:00pm - $35
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Mountain Bike Ride - 6:00pm–7:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Karaoke Night - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Sinners & Saints - Weekly Bingo - 6:30pm–8:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Wednesday Bingo - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Thursday, 9/10:
Ziggi's Coffee - Coffee Klatch with Mayor Tracy Engerman - 7:30am–8:30am - Free
Apres Coffee - Coffee with a Cop - 9:00am–10:00am - Free
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
Iron Mule Public House and Brewery - Hike Doggie Front Range South Grand Opening - 4:00pm–6:00pm - Free
RNK Running and Walking - Chog (Chill Jog) with RNK Running - 6:00pm–7:00pm
Bar Hummingbird - Live Music at Bar Hummingbird - 6:00pm–10:00pm
Crowfoot Valley Coffee & Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:00pm
Douglas County Libraries, Philip & Jerry Miller - History of Columbine/Maytag Lecture - 6:00pm–7:00pm - Free
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night at 105 West - 6:00pm–8:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Thursday Line Dancing - 6:00pm–10:00pm
Sinners & Saints - Latin Dance Night: Salsa & Bachata Lesson & Dancing - 7:00pm–10:00pm - $5-$10
The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Poker Night - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Friday, 9/11:
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
Bar Hummingbird - Live Music at Bar Hummingbird - 6:00pm–10:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Live Band - 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Friday Karaoke - 7:00pm–11:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Rhett Haney at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–10:30pm
Alidade Brewing - Friday Night Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE at Cherokee Ranch - 7:30pm–9:30pm - $86.80
Sinners & Saints - Derek Hall: Live at the Altar - 8:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday, 9/12:
RNK Running and Walking - RNK Marathon Training Run: 16 Mile & 10 Mile - 7:00am–11:00am
Douglas County Fairgrounds - Castle Rock Farmers Market - 8:00am–12:30pm
Festival Park - Castle Rock Artfest 2026 - 9:00am–6:00pm - Free
Douglas County Fairgrounds - Antique Bottle Collectors of Colorado Show & Sale - 9:00am–4:00pm - Free
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
Castle Rock Museum - Outdoor Model Train Day - 10:00am–12:00pm - Free
Outlets at Castle Rock - 21st Annual Shopping Extravaganza - 10:00am–6:00pm - $30-$40
The White Antler Home Decor & Gifts - Autumn Showcase at The White Antler - 11:00am–2:00pm - Free
Douglas County Fairgrounds - Douglas County Supercross - 3:00pm–10:00pm - $17.85-$60.54
Miller Park Amphitheater - Castle Rock Beer Fest Under the Stars - 4:00pm–9:00pm - $60-$90
Metzler Ranch Park - Skate & Deploy with Castle Rock Police - 5:00pm–7:00pm - Free
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space - Twilight on the Trails 2026 - 5:30pm–9:00pm - $75+
Alidade Brewing - Bingo Night Supporting Legend HS Softball - 6:00pm–8:00pm - Free
Bar Hummingbird - Live Music at Bar Hummingbird - 6:00pm–10:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Live Band - 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Saturday Live Music - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Uncle Kracker at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–10:30pm - $33.85-$135.23
The Stagecoach Saloon - Karaoke with Jammin Joes - 7:30pm–11:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Live DJ in the Lounge with 'DJ Marvin' - 9:00pm–12:00am
Sunday, 9/13:
Butterfield Crossing Park - Tri the Rock - 6:30am–11:30am - $60
Lost Coffee - Lost Runners Run Club with RNK Running - 8:00am–9:30am
Douglas County Wilcox Building Lawn - Festival Park Farmers Market, relocated for Artfest - 9:00am–2:00pm - Free
Festival Park - Castle Rock Artfest 2026 - 10:00am–5:00pm - Free
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Cherokee Ranch & Castle Community Day - 10:00am–3:00pm - Free
Mission Hills Church Castle Rock - Fall Fest at Mission Hills - 10:30am–1:00pm - Free
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Monday, 9/14:
Alidade Brewing - Mah Jongg Monday - 5:00pm–8:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N' Ales Run Club - 6:00pm–7:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Monday Bingo - 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 - Elk Bugling Sightings & Sounds - Tue 9/15, 5:00pm–7:30pm - $44
Sinners & Saints - Book Bingo with Sudden Fiction Books - Wed 9/16, 6:00pm–9:30pm - $15
Festival Park - A Rally of Hope for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - Wed 9/16, 5:30pm–7:30pm - Free
Douglas County Fairgrounds - Just Between Friends Children's Consignment Sale - Thu 9/17 through Sun 9/20 - Free-$3
Wide Awake Eatery - Comedy Night at Wide Awake Eatery - Thu 9/17, 5:00pm–9:00pm - $28.52
Miller Park Amphitheater - Tunes for Trails: Ninety Percent 90s - Thu 9/17, 6:30pm–9:00pm - Free
Iron Mule Public House and Brewery - Spooky Swing Paint & Sip with Emma Paints - Fri 9/18, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Wilcox Square, Historic Downtown Castle Rock - Oktoberfest - Sat 9/19, 1:00pm–9:00pm - Free
Sandstone Ranch Open Space - Sandstone Ranch Geology Tours - Sat 9/19, 9:00am–12:00pm and 1:00pm–4:00pm - Free
Larkspur Community Park - Autumn Arts & Crafts Fest - Sat 9/19 and Sun 9/20 - Free
Future Soaring Hawk Park - Castle Pines Drive-In Movie Night - Sat 9/19, 7:00pm–9:30pm - $10 per vehicle
Worth the drive: other Douglas County events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop — subscribe below.
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