Christmas Markets and Turkeys for Troops!
Castle Rock and its neighboring communities come together in gratitude and celebration this November. Veterans Day ceremonies and parades honor those who’ve served, while local markets, concerts, and tree-lighting events usher in the warmth of the holiday season. From reflective moments at Veterans Monument Plaza to festive gatherings downtown, every event invites you to connect, give thanks, and welcome the sparkle of the season ahead — where community pride and holiday spirit shine side by side.
Thursday–Sunday, November 6–16
SHREK JR. THE MUSICAL
Get ready for laughter, love, and a whole lot of green! Join Parker Performing Arts School for their all-school production of Shrek The Musical Jr., a heartwarming adventure filled with fairy-tale fun, catchy songs, and plenty of surprises.
Follow Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and the gang as they prove that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
Parker Performing Arts School, 15035 Compark Blvd., Parker
Thurs., Fri., Sat. 6:30 p.m.; Sat., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10
Friday, November 7
SCFD FREE DAY AT DENVER ZOO
Spend the day exploring Denver Zoo for free! Enjoy more than 3,000 animals, engaging exhibits, and family-friendly activities throughout the grounds. Tickets for Community Free Days are required and released 11 days in advance — be sure to register early to secure your spot.
Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., Denver
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (registration required)
FIREFALL
Enjoy an unforgettable night of classic hits and Colorado rock history as Firefall takes the stage at the Phil Long Music Hall. Founded in Boulder in 1974, Firefall’s signature harmonies and timeless sound span genres from rock to country, featuring hits like “You Are the Woman” and “Just Remember I Love You.”
Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 13071 Bass Pro Dr., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Prices vary
Friday–Saturday, November 7–8
‘TOP GUN: MAVERICK’ IN CONCERT
Feel the need for speed as Tom Cruise soars across the big screen with a full live orchestral score by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Experience Top Gun: Maverick like never before — the action, emotion, and adrenaline of this blockbuster film brought to life through an electrifying symphonic performance.
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs
Sat./Sun., 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Prices vary
ELECTRIC AVENUE: THE 80’S MOVIE SOUNDTRACK NIGHT
Relive the most iconic moments of the 1980s as Electric Avenue takes the stage for an unforgettable night of movie magic and music nostalgia. From Ghostbusters to Top Gun, Dirty Dancing to Back to the Future, this high-energy concert brings your favorite film soundtracks to life.
PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $49–$54
Friday, November 7—16
DENVER ARTS WEEK
Celebrate Denver’s thriving arts and culture scene during Denver Arts Week, a 10-day citywide festival featuring hundreds of creative events from November 7–16. Explore art districts, exhibitions, performances, and more, including Night at the Museums on Saturday, November 8, with free admission to many top attractions.
Multiple Locations Across Metro Denver
Check each event for time and location
Tickets: Prices vary by event
Saturday, November 8
MOUNTAIN PINE YULETIDE BAZAAR
Get your holiday shopping done in one festive stop at the annual Mountain Pine Yuletide Bazaar! Browse more than 100 local vendors offering handmade gifts and décor while supporting scholarships and community programs through the Mountain Pine Woman’s Club.
Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E Plaza Dr., Parker
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (prices vary by vendor)
CASTLE ROCK CRAFT SHOW EXTRAORDINAIRE
Kick off the holiday shopping season at Castle Rock’s biggest craft event of the year! With more than 150 vendors, the Craft Show Extraordinaire offers handmade gifts, door prizes, auctions, and delicious holiday treats.
Proceeds benefit senior citizens through the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center.
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd, Castle Rock
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (prices vary by vendor)
SCFD FREE DAY AT WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES
Take flight with free admission to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum! Explore aviation and space through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and iconic aircraft.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E Academy Blvd., Denver
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (registration requested)
VETERANS DAY CEREMONY
Join neighbors, service members, families, and local officials as we honor all Veterans — past and present — at this meaningful community gathering in downtown Castle Rock. The annual ceremony offers a moment of reflection, gratitude, and unity in recognition of the courage and service of those who have served our nation. All are welcome.
Veterans Monument Plaza, 301 Wilcox St., Castle Rock
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
IN THEIR HONOR VETERANS DAY PARADE
Join the community in honoring veterans and active-duty military members at the In Their Honor Veterans Day Parade.
Everyone is welcome to attend this annual tribute down the heart of downtown Colorado Springs.
Downtown Colorado Springs, CO
11:00 a.m.
Tickets: Free
Sunday, November 9
PARKER SCIENCE NIGHT
Discover the wonders of science through hands-on exploration at Parker Science Night! Meet experts from the Cave of the Winds, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Buckley Space Force, and more. Each booth offers interactive experiments and activities designed for curious minds of all ages — especially elementary-aged kids and their families.
PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (RSVP required)
SENSORY INCLUSIVE: DON’T LET THE PIGEON RIDE THE BUS
Join Friendship Circle of Colorado at the Lone Tree Arts Center for a special sensory-inclusive performance of Don’t Let the Pigeon Ride the Bus!
This free, family-friendly event provides a welcoming environment for all audiences to enjoy the beloved story brought to life on stage with music, laughter, and heart.
Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (RSVP required)
Monday–Sunday, November 10–December 21
‘THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST’
Wit, romance, and mistaken identities take center stage in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, presented by Theatreworks at the Ent Center for the Arts.
This beloved comedy follows Jack and Algernon as they create alter egos to escape social obligations — only to become entangled in secret romances and witty mischief. Directed by Kathryn Walsh.
Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs
Showtimes vary
Tickets: Prices vary
Tuesday, November 11
TURKEYS FOR OUR TROOPS FUNDRAISER
Join the Parker community for an afternoon of music, honor, and gratitude as we celebrate Veterans Day and support military families in need.
Enjoy live music from Johnny Cash tribute artist David Chapa while helping provide turkeys and essentials for Fort Carson families this Thanksgiving.
Tailgate Tavern, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker
4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (donations accepted)
FREE NATIONAL PARKS ENTRANCE DAY
Celebrate Veterans Day by exploring the great outdoors — for free! On this special day, all U.S. National Park Service sites that normally charge entrance fees will offer complimentary admission. It’s the perfect time to connect with nature and honor those who served.
National Park Near You
All Day
Tickets: Free
Thursday–Saturday, November 13–15
‘SHE KILLS MONSTERS’
Join The Colorado Springs School for their Upper School Fall Play, She Kills Monsters, a high-energy, heartfelt adventure through the world of Dungeons & Dragons. When Agnes discovers her late sister Tilly’s game notebook, she’s thrust into a realm of swords, sorcery, and self-discovery.
Louisa Performing Arts Center, 21 Broadmoor Ave., Colorado Springs
Thurs./Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Sat. 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Friday–Saturday, November 14–15
RUE DE NOËL: A PARIS STREET CHRISTMAS MARKET
Step into the charm of a European holiday market at Rue de Noël, Castle Rock’s Paris Street Christmas Market. Five minutes from your front door in Crystal Valley in Castle Rock are dozens of booths and even more possibilities for shopping and saving the beginning of the holiday season. You know Christmas is coming when the holiday markets come to Castle Rock! Browse antiques, collectibles, artisanal jewelry, furniture, and festive treats while soaking in the magic of the season.
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
Sat./Sun., 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (prices vary by vendor)
Friday–Sunday, November 14–16
COLORADO COUNTRY CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOW
Kick off your holiday shopping at the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show! Enjoy three days of festive fun, unique gifts, and seasonal cheer as hundreds of vendors fill the Colorado Springs Event Center with holiday delights.
Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd, Colorado Springs
Fri./Sat./Sun., 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $10 online (through Nov 13) / $12 at the door · Children 13 & under free
Saturday, November 15
TREES OF LIFE
Honor and remember loved ones at the annual Trees of Life ceremony, a cherished Colorado Springs tradition hosted by Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the trees surrounding the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, including a red, white, and blue tree honoring military members and first responders.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs
5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Saturday–Sunday, November 15–16
BEETHOVEN 5
Experience the power of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony as the Colorado Springs Philharmonic storms the stage in a journey from darkness to light. The program also features Hannah Kendall’s Spark Catchers and Michael Daugherty’s Fire and Blood, celebrating resilience, struggle, and triumph.
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Prices vary
Sunday, November 16
RAPTORS OF COLORADO
Discover the fascinating world of Colorado’s birds of prey at this free program led by Park Guides at Garden of the Gods. Learn about falcons, owls, and other raptors while exploring their adaptations and conservation challenges.
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs
10:00 a.m.
Tickets: Free (no registration required)
MEADOW GUIDED WALK
Explore the beauty of Colorado’s open spaces on a Meadow Guided Walk at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Led by park naturalist Sam Owens, this 1–2 hour guided hike highlights local ecology and wildlife in the park’s serene meadow habitats.
Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Tickets: Free (park entry fee required)
Wednesday, November 19
BOULDER BALLET FAMILY SERIES: THE DANCE OF THE LARK
Experience the magic of movement as Boulder Ballet presents Lark Ascending — an inspiring blend of music, dance, and storytelling for audiences of all ages. Enjoy behind-the-scenes insights, meet the dancers, and discover the creative process behind this uplifting performance.
The Schoolhouse, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10
WHEEL OF FORTUNE LIVE
Get ready to spin the wheel and solve the puzzles as Wheel of Fortune Live! brings the excitement of America’s favorite game show to Colorado Springs. Audience members may be selected to play for trips, cash, and prizes in this interactive live experience.
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Prices vary
Celebrate the Season’s Joy in Crystal Valley
The holiday season has arrived in Castle Rock, bringing twinkling lights, cozy nights, and a spirit of togetherness that makes every moment shine. From festive weekends and community celebrations to peaceful strolls along Crystal Valley’s scenic trails, there’s magic in the air. Discover beautifully crafted ranch-style and two-story homes by D.R. Horton, Richmond American, and Taylor Morrison (final opportunity!) starting from the $600s — where warm gatherings, bright traditions, and lasting memories feel perfectly at home.
