Crystal Valley Blog

This weekend, the issue of mental health is highlighted in both an art exhibit and through a poignant stand-up comedy show. A free community health fair also covers this important topic. For ways to stay on top of your own health, consider a nature walk in the wetlands with an Audubon Master Birder!

TODAY/TONIGHT, November 4

MEMBERS ONLY: GEMSTONE BRACELET MAKING
You couldn’t ask for a better reason to become a member of the PACE Center in Parker—exclusive Members Only events are gearing up and you won’t want to miss out on any of them. If you’re not a member yet, join now and you can participate in tonight’s jewelry-making workshop! Gemstone bracelets are more than just a decoration on your wrist—you can also create one to carry an intention or goal with you. Learn the meanings of different semi-precious stones and decide which appeal to you, then make up to three bracelets in this workshop! In addition to all materials, a glass of wine is included in the ticket price.

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15
Phone: 303-805-6800

START SPREADING THE NEWS…
It will be a classy night at the Mansion with a re-creation of Frank Sinatra and swing era music! Dress up in your finest and get ready to sway and dance to an evening of big band music in a venue that takes you back to a time when Ol’ Blue Eyes ruled. The evening is for adults only (21+) with a cash bar offering beer and wine.

Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Dr., Highlands Ranch
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $30
Phone: 303-791-0177

Thursday-Saturday, November 4-6

THROUGH THE EYES OF ARTISTS
Art has a special way of illuminating topics that are difficult to talk about—one such subject is mental health crisis and the panic, fear, sorrow, and frustration that can accompany it. This show exhibits works of artists who have been touched by mental health issues, including veterans, that have found their voices through the act of creating art. Some have even said that by giving veterans a place to create art and gather is what saved their lives.

The creator of the exhibit invites: “Take the time to look and connect with these artists and their work. We could all stand to listen more, realizing that there may not be ready-made solutions, that sometimes the only thing we can do is quietly listen with acceptance and, if possible, offer support—not in the way we think someone needs us, but in the way they truly need us.”

The PACE Center Art Gallery, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
12:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Phone: 303-805-6800

STAND-UP COMEDIAN GARY GULMAN 
Originally from Boston, Gary Gulman has been a scholarship college football player, an accountant, and a high school teacher. He has made countless television appearances as both a comedian and an actor. Over a 25-year career in comedy, Gulman has most recently completed a standup special for HBO, The Great Depresh, a universally-acclaimed look at mental illness, equal parts hilarious and inspiring.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 7:15 p.m.; Sat., 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $25-$30
Phone: 720-274-6800

Thursday-Sunday, November 4-7

CLUE ON STAGE
You’ve played the popular game, now see the musical! All of the suspects come to life and you are invited to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon? Everyone in the audience will receive a form to keep track of the clues and help deduce the solution. 

One tough detective onstage is qualified to unravel the mystery. Comic antics, witty lyrics, and a beguiling score carry the investigation from room to room. Even after the culprit confesses, a surprise twist will make for a delightful ending.

The Schoolhouse Theater, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
Thurs./Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sat./Sun., 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $29
Phone: 303-805-6800

Friday, November 5

KIDS NIGHT OUT COOKING EVENT
Give the kids a night out on their own (while you take advantage of the time on YOUR own) as they explore how to make fun fair foods! They’ll get to make (and then eat) pizza on a stick, churro cupcakes, and cotton candy lemonade! This event is appropriate for kids ages 5-12.

Flour Power Cooking School, 
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Register: $39

SCOTCH ON THE STRINGS
Join the Arapahoe Philharmonic as they explore the influence of Scotland on classical music. You’ll feel like you are traveling in the beautiful rolling Scottish hills as you listen to Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony, Malcolm Arnold’s Four Scottish Dances, and Scottish composer Thea Musgrave’s Song of the Enchanter. Finally, raise a glass with Brahm’s Academic Festival Overture.

Prior to the concert and during intermission, there will be a whiskey and scotch tasting in the Event Hall for those over 21, included in the cost of your ticket. At the request of the artist, masks are required for entry. Concessions will be open and drinks will be allowed in the theater, but masks must be worn at all times if not actively drinking.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $9-$34
Phone: 720-509-1000

Saturday, November 6

BREAKFAST WITH A PILOT
Greet small planes as they fly in and meet their pilots for breakfast! Wings Over the Rockies’ Exploration of Flight location gives you the chance to get up close and personal with what it’s like to be a pilot. There will be a food truck on site, as well as interactive exhibits and simulators. Please note – food is not included in the admission price.

Exploration of Flight, Centennial Airport, 13005 Wings Way, Englewood
8:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Tickets: $4-$10
Phone: 303-360-5360 ext.160

NATURE PLAY DAY
Have a play day out in the wilderness! Kids from six months to 5 years old (with parent supervision) can play in and interact with nature at the Backcountry Base Camp.

In order to help facilitate play, various materials will be available, including pots and pans for the mud kitchen, bug boxes, blocks, and more.

Backcountry Wilderness Area Base Camp, 6005 Ron King Trail, Highlands Ranch
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Register: $4-$6
Phone: 303-471-7054

BACKCOUNTRY HALF-MARATHON
One of the most beautiful trail runs in the area is along the Douglas County East/West trail and the Backcountry Wilderness Area trails. This 13.1 mile scenic trail has spectacular views on a single loop which is 100% dirt/gravel/single track. You’ll have the potential to view wildlife along the way as you soak in the amazing mountain views. 

Rocky Heights Middle School, 11033 Monarch Blvd., Lone Tree
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Register: $75
Phone: 720-240-4922

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR
This is a one-stop opportunity to learn about adult health and wellness offerings in the community. Check out active adult programming, nutrition and fitness planning, legal and financial information, medication review, handyman services, wellness screenings, real estate specialists, and more! 

Eastridge Recreation Center, 9568 University Blvd., Highlands Ranch
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Information: FREE
Phone: 303-471-7048

CRAFT SHOW EXTRAORDINAIRE
The best holiday shopping opportunity has arrived—for one day only! This is the biggest craft event in the area, featuring over 150 vendors selling their special handcrafted items, plus door prizes, a silent auction, a wreath auction, Grandma’s Attic, Grandma’s Kitchen, and much more. Proceeds from this event 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.
Admission: FREE
Phone: 303-688-9498

PIE BAKE-OFF
Whether you love to make pies or eat them, this is the event for you! Community pastry chefs will compete in this eagerly-anticipated annual pie-baking competition. There will be two categories for judging: fruit and non-fruit pies, as well as a youth category. 

Pies will be assessed based on appearance, crust, filling, and overall flavor and taste. If you don’t have baking skills, no worries! Come to the competition free of charge and try the pies by the slice.

The Millhouse, 1381 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Register: $30 entry fee; FREE to attend and taste!
Phone: 720-724-2083

Saturday-Sunday, November 6-7

HOCKEY FOR A DAY
This is the chance for your kids to try out hockey for FREE and see how they like it! Kids ages 4 to 9 will have the opportunity to try on equipment, skate, and learn the basics of hockey in a fun and safe environment. No previous skating or hockey experience is required to participate. 

South Suburban Sports Complex, 4810 E. County Line Rd., Highlands Ranch
Sat., 9:00 a.m. (Coed); Sun., 1:00 p.m. (Girls only); Sun., 3:10 p.m. (Coed)
Register: FREE (but registration required)

Sunday, November 7

WALK THE WETLANDS
Take an invigorating bird walk along the South Platte wetland in the southernmost area of the park. An Audubon Master Birder will lead you through open fields, deciduous woodlands, and by ponds and marshes, pointing out migrant songbirds, waterfowl such as ducks and gulls, and shorebirds such as sandpipers and plovers.

Chatfield State Park is one of the largest staging areas for migrating and breeding songbirds in Colorado. The walk is about three miles long and takes about 3.5 hours; the time may vary due to weather conditions.

Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield, 11280 S. Waterton Rd., Littleton
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Register: FREE
Phone: 303-973-9530

Family-friendly activities in the Crystal Valley area!

Castle Rock News Press

There’s always something to do near the family-friendly community of Crystal Valley! Enjoy the  relaxed lifestyle of Castle Rock and surrounding area where cultural and entertainment activities abound! Tour the nine amazing models from Richmond American Homes, D.R. Horton, Century Communities, and Kauffman Homes and and find out why our community is among the top five fastest-growing in the state with new homes priced from the low $400s.