Crystal Valley Blog

From twilight concerts in the park to family nights under the stars, Castle Rock is closing out summer with music, laughter, and community spirit. As the season winds down, you can still catch live bands in beautiful outdoor settings, dance in the warm evening air, and enjoy those last, golden hours of sunshine. In Crystal Valley, we’re wrapping up summer the best way we know how — with connection, community, and a soundtrack worth remembering.

TONIGHT, Thursday, August 14

BRIGHT NIGHTS AT FOUR MILE HISTORIC PARK
Step into a glowing wonderland as Four Mile Historic Park transforms into a 12-acre illuminated art experience, featuring larger-than-life sculptures from Tianyu Arts & Culture — the largest producer of Chinese lantern festivals in North America. This year’s festival brings a brand-new theme, dazzling displays, and immersive magic for all ages.

Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S. Forest St., Denver
7:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. (Runs Wed–Sun, July 23–Oct 5)
Tickets: $19–$48

TOMORROW, Friday, August 15

AFTERNOON TEA AT THE CASTLE
Enjoy an elegant afternoon at the historic Cherokee Ranch & Castle with freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, and delicate pastries. After tea, take a one-hour guided tour through the castle’s hidden chambers, art collection, and fascinating history. Perfect for a special outing with friends, family, or a celebration.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
12:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $67.45

ELIZABETH FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET & MUSIC
The last night market of the season! Wrap up your week with live music, local vendors, food trucks, and family fun at Elizabeth’s Friday Night Market and Concert Series. Enjoy upbeat performances, shop from local makers, and let the kids join in activities while you soak in the small-town summer vibe.

Running Creek Park, 500 E. Kiowa Ave., Elizabeth
5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (vendor prices vary)

STERLING RANCH SUMMER CONCERT SERIES–THE FUZZHEADS
Head to Ascent Village Pavilion Park for an evening of live music as The Fuzzheads take the stage at Sterling Ranch’s summer concert series. Enjoy great tunes, grab dinner from onsite food trucks, and relax with neighbors and friends in the park.

Ascent Village Pavilion Park, Littleton
Friday, August 15 · 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (vendor prices vary)

LONESTAR–LIVE IN COLORADO SPRINGS
Catch Lonestar at Phil Long Music Hall, performing their chart-topping country hits including the beloved classic Amazed. The award-winning band is revisiting their greatest songs with a fresh spin on their TEN to 1 record. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m..

Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 13071 Bass Pro Drive, Colorado Springs
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $48

H2O GLOW SWIM
Light up your Friday night at H2O’Brien Pool with this after-hours, glow-in-the-dark swim party. Bring your glow gear, enjoy music, pool deck games, and concessions, and take home glow items at the end of the evening. Perfect for all ages — kids 10+ can attend without an adult, while younger swimmers will need a guardian in the water.

H2O’Brien Pool, 10795 Victorian Dr, Parker
8:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $29 Parker resident, $32 non-resident (walk-up $5 more)

Friday–Sunday, August 15–17

COLORADO SPRINGS COMIC CON
The ultimate 3-day celebration for fans of TV, movies, animation, and comic books! Meet celebrity guests, explore hard-to-find treasures from top vendors, and enjoy autographs, photo ops, and unforgettable memories.

3185 Venetucci Blvd, Colorado Springs
3:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: VIP–$199.99 | 3-Day–$109.99 | Friday–$45 | Saturday–$55 | Sunday–$50

Saturday, August 16

THE CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN RUN–10TH ANNIVERSARY
Celebrate a decade of scenic racing at the only race to the top of Cheyenne Mountain! This chip-timed event offers 25K, 10K, and 5K distances starting at 6,000 feet elevation, with a staggered start at 7:00 a.m.. The 25K serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Pikes Peak Ascent.

Enjoy breathtaking views, special anniversary activities, and support Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs
Saturday, August 16 · 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $54

SUNFLOWER DAYS
Celebrate the season in full bloom at Sunflower Days! Wander through vibrant sunflower fields, pick your own stems, and soak in a morning surrounded by golden beauty. Local food trucks, drink vendors, and craft booths add to the charm, along with picture-perfect photo ops for families, couples, and friends. Arrive early to make the most of this sunny, flower-filled experience.

5210 S. US-85-87, Colorado Springs
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tickets: Available online

GEOLOGY HIKE
Discover the dramatic history written in the rocks of Raccoon Knob and Cherokee Mountain. This guided hike explores sedimentary layers that reveal tales of ancient rivers, volcanic eruptions, and massive floods. With moderate climbs and stunning views, it’s perfect for curious adventurers in good shape. Wear long pants, sturdy hiking shoes, and bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia
9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $39.50

ROCK THE MOUNTAIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Groove to live local music at the Outlets at Castle Rock’s East 4th Street Courtyard. Shop your favorite stores, grab a bite from onsite food trucks, and enjoy a summer afternoon filled with good vibes. August’s lineup features Rick Reichstein on Saturday, Aleik Maddox on Sunday, and more performances through Labor Day.

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd, Castle Rock
3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

BACKYARD BEATS FEATURING TAYLOR HUNNICUTT
Bring a blanket and your dancing shoes for Lone Tree’s free Backyard Beats concert series at Sweetwater Park. Enjoy southern-inspired bites from Southern Street Eats and other food trucks before headliner Taylor Hunnicutt takes the stage at 6:30 p.m.. Tasting tickets for food are $10 for 15 tickets, so come hungry and ready for great music.

Sweetwater Park, 8300-1/2 Sweetwater Rd, Lone Tree
5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

NATURE WALK: NATIVE AMERICAN PLANT USES
Explore the natural landscape of Schweiger Ranch while learning how Native Americans historically used local plants for food, medicine, and tools. This guided walk, led by professional naturalists from South Suburban Parks & Recreation, blends history, ecology, and hands-on discovery in a beautiful, historic setting. Bring water, snacks, and a journal to capture your observations.

Schweiger Ranch, 10822 Havana St, Lone Tree
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free · Registration Required

Sunday, August 17

CASTLE PINES SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: BOOGIE MACHINE
Bring your lawn chairs, snacks, and favorite beverages for an evening of live music at Coyote Ridge Park. Dance along to the high-energy tunes of Boogie Machine and enjoy a summer night with friends and neighbors.

Coyote Ridge Park, 7485 Serena Dr, Castle Pines
Sunday, August 17 · 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
🔗 Event Info

Monday, August 18

FILM ON THE ROCKS: SHREK 2
Enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars as Film on the Rocks returns for its 26th season. This special screening of Shrek 2 kicks off with live entertainment before the movie begins.

AND, it is all set against the stunning backdrop of Red Rocks Amphitheatre!

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
6:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25

Tuesday, August 19

CURIOSITY CLUB AT ELIZABETH LIBRARY
Spark your creativity and explore hands-on S.T.E.A.M. activities at Curiosity Club! Designed for ages 6–12, this monthly program encourages kids to experiment, create, and problem-solve through engaging science, technology, engineering, arts, and math projects.

Elizabeth Library, 651 Beverly St., Elizabeth
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

311–UNITY TOUR 2025
AEG and KRXP present The 311 Unity Tour 2025, with support from Badflower and Sitting on Saturn. Get ready for a night of alt-rock energy under the summer sky. All ages welcome.

Ford Amphitheater, 95 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: From $55

REPTILES UNDER THE ROCK
Meet the fascinating reptiles and amphibians that call our region home! Nature’s Educators will share a one-hour presentation on their habitats, diets, defenses, and conservation — perfect for nature lovers of all ages. Arrive early to enjoy a picnic before the show.

Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family

Thursday, August 21

TUNES FOR TRAILS / PERKS FOR PARKS FREE CONCERT–LINGER
Celebrate summer with live music and a good cause at the Tunes for Trails / Perks for Parks free concert series. Bring a picnic, enjoy family time before the show, or grab food and drinks from vendors (no outside beverages allowed except one sealed water bottle per person). Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the Cranberries tribute band Linger takes the stage at 6:30 p.m.

Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (donations accepted for the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation)

Friday, August 22

WOMEN ON WHEELS
Join Ranger Lindsay for a guided women’s mountain bike ride through the scenic Palmer Divide loop at Lincoln Mountain Open Space. This 4.5-mile beginner/intermediate trail winds from upland meadows to Cherry Creek, climbing to forested rocky ledges before looping back. Bring your own bike, helmet, water, sunscreen, snacks, and a backpack for the ride.

Lincoln Mountain Open Space, 7333 Jones Road, Larkspur
6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free

LARKSPUR MUSIC IN THE PARK SERIES: LOOKIN BACK
Wrap up summer with an evening of classic rock at Larkspur’s annual Music in the Park series. Hosted by the Larkspur Chamber of Commerce and Town of Larkspur, this community favorite invites you to bring a chair, a blanket, and your best sing-along energy. While the concert is free, a $10 donation to the event’s featured nonprofit is encouraged.

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

AUGUST STAR PARTY AT SANDSTONE RANCH
Spend an evening under the stars at Sandstone Ranch with fellow astronomy enthusiasts. Set up your telescope before sunset, enjoy an informational talk at dusk, and then explore the night sky together. Don’t have equipment? No problem — you can look through members’ telescopes and ask questions. Please note: all attendees must stay with the group due to wildlife on the ranch, and registration is required for entry.

Sandstone Ranch Guided Open Space, Larkspur
6:30 p.m.–11:59 p.m.
Tickets: Free (registration required)

Saturday, August 23

2025 SUMMER BALL: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
Join the adventure at the 2025 Summer Ball, featuring high-energy fun for the whole family with live music from The Man Cubs — a Denver-based Disney cover band that transforms classics into rock, pop, and punk hits. Enjoy games, activities, photo ops, and delicious eats from local food trucks. Music kicks off at 6:15 p.m., so bring your dancing shoes and your wild side!

Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
6:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $18

Wednesday, August 27

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS FREE DAY
Enjoy free admission to Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street and explore 24 acres of stunning gardens and global plant collections. This Free Day is part of the Gardens’ partnership with the City and County of Denver — tickets are required in advance and often sell out quickly. Free Days are valid for regular hours only and do not include special ticketed events.

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (advance registration required)

Savoring Summer in Crystal Valley

With the first day of school just around the corner, there’s still time to savor the last days of summer in Crystal Valley. Enjoy outdoor concerts, farmer’s markets, fair festivities, and golden-hour strolls along scenic trails before the season slips away. This vibrant Castle Rock community is the perfect place to make the most of every moment — and with beautifully crafted ranch-style and two-story homes by D.R. Horton, Richmond American, and Taylor Morrison (final opportunity!) starting from the $600s, you can enjoy late-summer fun and everyday comfort all year long.