Crystal Valley Blog

From live music in our beloved parks to outdoor markets, hikes, and family festivals, Castle Rock comes alive in the summer! Kick off the start of the Douglas County Fair and soak up the sunshine with neighbors and friends. In Crystal Valley, summer is all about community, connection, and making memories outdoors.

TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, July 17

2025 TASTE OF PIKES PEAK
Southern Colorado’s biggest culinary event is back! Taste your way through unlimited samples from 80+ top restaurants, breweries, and distilleries — all in one unforgettable evening. With live music, vibrant energy, and exclusive VIP upgrades, it’s a must for any foodie.

Park Union, Downtown Colorado Springs
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (VIP Early Entry at 5:00 p.m.)
Tickets: $65 General | $85 Early Entry | $125 VIP

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Experience the timeless story of tradition, change, and family with Fiddler on the Roof, presented by the award-winning Starz Theater Company. Set in the village of Anatevka, this beloved musical features unforgettable songs and heartfelt storytelling that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $18–$24

TUNES FOR TRAILS / PERKS FOR PARKS: THAT EIGHTIES BAND
Get ready to rewind the clock and dance the night away with That Eighties Band — one of Colorado’s most beloved ’80s tribute groups! This free outdoor concert is part of Castle Rock’s Tunes for Trails / Perks for Parks summer series, raising funds to support local parks and trails. Bring your lawn chairs, pack a picnic, or grab something tasty on-site while enjoying live music under the Colorado sky.

Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: ECHO
Step into a dazzling world of imagination and wonder as ECHO blends breathtaking acrobatics, whimsical storytelling, and cutting-edge visuals. Follow FUTURE and her dog Ewai on a fantastical journey sparked by a mysterious cube — where empathy, magic, and transformation come to life under the Big Top.

 Ball Arena–4Runner West Lot, 1000 Chopper Cir., Denver
7:00 p.m. (Showtimes vary by day through August 17)
Tickets: Kids from $47.50 | Adults from $59.50

Friday-Saturday, July 18-20

2025 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WARRIOR GAMES
Celebrate courage, resilience, and athletic excellence as more than 200 wounded, ill, and injured service members compete in 11 adaptive sports over 10 days. Representing all branches of the U.S. military, these warrior athletes inspire with every event.

Armstrong Hall – Colorado College, 14 E Cache la Poudre St., Colorado Springs
Fri.–Sat., All Day
Tickets: Free

Saturday, July 19

KIDS’ TRY-ATHLON (AGES 6–12)
Calling all young athletes! The Kids’ TRY-athlon at H2O’Brien Pool lets kids ages 6–12 swim, bike, and run their way through a fun, supportive race environment. It’s not about winning — it’s about TRY-ing something new!

Participants receive a t-shirt, bib, finisher medal, and post-race treats.

H2O’Brien Pool, 10795 Victorian Dr., Parker
Check in begins at 6:30 a.m., events vary by age
Tickets: $35

WHIMSICAL WONDERS OUTDOOR MARKET
Fairy hair, big pretzels, and live music — what more could you ask for? Head to the Whimsical Wonders Outdoor Market for a day of crafts, tunes from youth band Aquarius, and plenty of fun for all ages. Free admission with good vibes included!

Parker Senior Center, 10675 Longs Way, Parker
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission; prices vary by activity

SCHWEIGER RANCH OPEN DAY
Step back in time with a self-guided tour of Schweiger Ranch, where history and nature come together. Explore the historic house, charming outbuildings, and scenic grounds — plus, meet the friendly resident animals.

It’s the perfect peaceful weekend outing for families, history buffs, and curious wanderers alike.

Schweiger Ranch, 10822 Havana St., Lone Tree
12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (registration encouraged)

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES —ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE WITH THE WHO GENERATION
Get ready for a rockin’ night under the stars at Castle Rock’s most iconic venue! Philadelphia Freedom brings the glitter, glam, and greatest hits of Sir Elton John to life with energy, heart, and show-stopping style. Special guest The Who Generation opens the night with classic rock favorites, setting the stage for an unforgettable summer evening. Bring your crew, grab a drink, and sing along to “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and more.

Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35–$60

TUNES ON THE TERRACE: JOHN OATES ACOUSTIC QUARTET
Spend your Saturday night with a music legend under the stars! As part of Lone Tree’s outdoor concert series, John Oates (yes, that Oates from Hall & Oates) brings his Acoustic Quartet to the stage for a soulful, stripped-down set filled with storytelling, harmony, and iconic songs. Bring a blanket, settle in, and enjoy a summer evening you won’t forget.

Lone Tree Arts Center–Terrace Theatre, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $45–$70

Sunday, July 20

ALL AMERICAN 4 & 8 MILE
Celebrate summer with a patriotic run through Colorado Springs! The All American Four and Eight Mile offers scenic views, fun vibes, and a festive challenge for runners of all levels. Whether you’re tackling the full eight miles or joining your kids for the dash, every participant gets custom swag — including a bib, designer shirt, and finisher medal. Bring the whole family and run your stars and stripes off!

3320 Mark Dabling Blvd., Colorado Springs
8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Tickets: $18.83 for adults | $15 for ages 12 & under

CASTLE PINES SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: NINETY2K
Bring your chairs, your snacks, and your best ‘90s vibes — Castle Pines’ summer series continues with a high-energy set from Ninety2K! This throwback cover band will have the whole family singing along to pop-punk, grunge, and alt-rock favorites from the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Coyote Ridge Park, 7485 Serena Dr., Castle Pines
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Wednesday, July 23

JAZZ IN THE PARK
Cool down with smooth summer jazz at Festival Park. Every Wednesday evening, Jason Bower and Castle Rock Music bring mellow tunes to the heart of downtown — no stage, no vendors, just a laid-back vibe perfect for a picnic and some midweek unwinding.

Festival Park, 300 2nd St., Castle Rock
6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

CAKE
Known for their sly lyrics, funky beats, and genre-bending sound, CAKE brings their signature alt-rock energy to the Ford Amphitheater this summer. With a new album on the way and a recent live release, the Sacramento-based band continues to push boundaries — powered, quite literally, by the solar energy of their own studio. Expect a night of inventive sound and deadpan brilliance as they take the stage in Colorado Springs.

Ford Amphitheater, 95 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $74

Thursday–Sunday, July 24–27

HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION
The Youth Repertory Ensemble takes center stage with a bold, heartfelt rendition of Hadestown: Teen Edition. After five weeks of professional theater training, these talented young performers bring the mythical underworld to life through folk opera and New Orleans–inspired jazz. Follow the intertwining love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, Hades and Persephone, in this defiant, resonant journey of hope, doubt, and devotion.

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W Dale St., Colorado Springs
Thurs.–Sat., 7:00 p.m.; Sun. 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $21

Friday, July 25

BLUE MOON TRAIL RUN 2025
Chase the sunset on Colorado’s trails! The final race in this summer’s Blue Moon Trail Run Series winds through the scenic terrain of Ute Valley Park, starting and finishing in Piñon Valley Park. Expect rocky climbs, sweeping views, wildflowers, and even a kids’ race to round out the evening. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or just looking for a fun outdoor challenge, this Friday night run is the perfect way to cap off your July.

Piñon Valley Park, 5585 Mule Deer Dr, Colorado Springs
4:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35 pre / $45 day-of

LARKSPUR MUSIC IN THE PARK: CHANCER’S HOOLEY
Get ready for Celtic-country-rock fusion and a whole lot of foot-tapping fun as Chancer’s Hooley takes the stage! Part of the annual Larkspur Music in the Park Series, this family-friendly evening invites you to bring a blanket, a chair, and your best sing-along voice. Admission is free, but $10 donations to local nonprofits are encouraged.

Larkspur Community Park, 8850 Spruce Mountain Rd., Larkspur
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free ($10 donation encouraged)

WESTERN HERITAGE WELCOME CATTLE DRIVE
Yeehaw! Kick off Douglas County Fair & Rodeo weekend with this one-of-a-kind Castle Rock tradition. Watch as real cowhands from Silverado Ranch drive a herd of Texas Longhorns through downtown, led by the powerful and moving processional performance of the Rocky Mountain Indigenous Dancers. After the drive, stick around Festival Park for old-time photo ops, food trucks, live entertainment, and family fun celebrating Castle Rock’s rich Western roots.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Friday, July 25–August 3

DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO
Get ready for 10 days of summertime excitement in Castle Rock! From July 25 to August 3, the award-winning Douglas County Fair & Rodeo returns, blending Western heritage with live entertainment, thrilling rodeo action, carnival fun, agricultural education, and more!

Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock
Tickets: $5/day

Saturday, July 26

DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR PARADE
Celebrate the spirit of summer and small-town charm at the Douglas County Fair Parade, presented by the Castle Rock Chamber in partnership with the Town of Castle Rock. This beloved tradition features marching bands, horse-drawn carriages, floats, local groups, and plenty of hometown pride.

Parade Route:
The parade begins at the south end of Town and winds through downtown, traveling north on Wilcox, west on 4th, south on Perry, and ending at 2nd Street.

Bring your lawn chairs, cowboy hats, and the whole crew — it’s the perfect way to start a Saturday of festival fun, live music, and rodeo excitement at the Fairgrounds!Downtown Castle Rock
9:30 a.m.
Tickets: FREE

BOOTS & BREWS
After the Douglas County Fair Parade, mosey over to Festival Park for Castle Rock’s favorite post-parade celebration. With live bands, food trucks, craft beer, cocktails, and even a mechanical bull, Boots & Brews brings a whole lot of Western flair to your Saturday. Fun for the whole family before heading to the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo!

Festival Park, 300 2nd St., Castle Rock
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free · All Ages

Monday, July 28

DESCENDANTS/ZOMBIES: WORLDS COLLIDE TOUR
Get ready for the ultimate Disney Channel musical mash-up! Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide brings together stars and songs from both beloved franchises in one electrifying live show. Featuring hits like “Rotten to the Core,” “Someday,” and “Do It Like the Zombies Do,” plus epic mash-ups, dazzling choreography, and over-the-top visuals, this is the family concert event of the summer.

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Vary by section

Wednesday, July 30

U.S. OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC MUSEUM 5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!
Celebrate five incredible years of excellence, inspiration, and athletic achievement at one of Colorado Springs’ most iconic museums! Join in the festivities with $5 admission, meet-and-greets with Olympic and Paralympic athletes, artifact demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all ages.

U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, 200 S. Sierra Madre St., Colorado Springs
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $5

Summer’s Sizzling in Crystal Valley!

Summer is in full swing, and there’s no better place to soak it all in than Crystal Valley. From outdoor concerts and lively fair days to scenic trails perfect for evening strolls, this vibrant Castle Rock community makes it easy to enjoy every sun-soaked moment. Explore beautifully crafted ranch-style and two-story homes by D.R. Horton, Richmond American, and Taylor Morrison (final opportunity!) starting from the $600s — where summer fun and everyday comfort go hand in hand.