Crystal Valley Blog

As fall settles into Castle Rock, the season brings crisp air, golden leaves, and plenty of ways to get outside and celebrate community. From the Tunes for Trails/Perks for Parks concert series at Philip S. Miller Park to the Original Castle Rock Farmers Market and the Autumn Arts & Crafts Fest in Larkspur, there’s no shortage of hometown fun. Add in family favorites like the Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms and the high-energy Hops, Headphones & Hope Silent Disco Fundraiser, and September is shaping up to be full of music, markets, and seasonal traditions.

TONIGHT, Thursday, September 11

SILENT NIGHTStep away from the noise of everyday life and enjoy a peaceful evening at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. This after-hours event invites guests to silence their phones, quiet their voices, and connect mindfully with the animals and surrounding nature.

A rare chance to hear only the sounds of the zoo!

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs
5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $0.75–$17.75

TOMORROW, Friday, September 12

ENGLEWOOD LIBRARY STORYTIME IN THE PARK (AGES 0–5)
Enjoy stories, songs, and fun outdoors as Friday Storytime visits local parks. On September 12, join the Englewood Library team at Jason Park for a morning of reading and play. Two sessions are available — come at 9:30 or 10:30, whichever works best for your family. Don’t forget a blanket to sit on!

Jason Park, 4299 S. Jason St., Englewood
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Tickets: Free

SCFD FREE DAY AT WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES & EXPLORATION OF FLIGHT
Enjoy free admission to both Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver and Exploration of Flight in Englewood. Explore interactive exhibits, see rare artifacts, and get up close with iconic aircraft — perfect for families and aviation fans alike.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., Denver
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free (registration requested)

PALMER LAKE LIBRARY VILLAGE GREEN CONCERT SERIES
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a free evening of live music at the Palmer Lake Village Green. This family-friendly concert is part of a three-show summer series right next to the library. In case of bad weather, the event will move to Palmer Lake Town Hall or be canceled.

Palmer Lake Library, 66 Lower Glenway St., Palmer Lake
6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Saturday, September 13

THE ORIGINAL CASTLE ROCK FARMERS MARKET
Shop fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and more from local farmers, ranchers, and vendors at this long-running community market. Now in its 30th year, the Castle Rock Farmers Market runs every Saturday through early October.

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (vendor prices vary)

GLUTEN FREE FARMER’S MARKET
Shop a wide variety of gluten-free goodies at this monthly market hosted by Denver Celiacs. Enjoy food trucks, fresh produce, crafts, beauty products, house plants, dog treats, and more — all in one welcoming, gluten-free space.

Chase Tower Parking Lot, 333 W Hampden Ave, Englewood
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (vendor prices vary)

BREAKFAST FLY-IN
Start your Saturday with planes, pilots, speakers, and breakfast at Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight. This monthly event features a local food truck breakfast, live fly-ins, and hands-on exhibits and simulators.

A perfect outing for aviation fans of all ages!

Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight, 13005 Wings Way, Englewood
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $7–$13

HRCA FALL CRAFT SHOW
Shop a wide variety of handmade goods at this one-day craft show at the Eastridge Recreation Center. With vendors offering jewelry, pottery, wooden crafts, bath products, and more, you’re sure to find something special for yourself or as a gift.

Eastridge Recreation Center, 9568 University Blvd, Highlands Ranch
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free admission (vendor prices vary)

LONE TREE BREWING COMPANY OKTOBERFEST & MARKET
Raise a glass at Lone Tree Brewing Company’s annual Oktoberfest celebration! The day kicks off with the tapping of the 2025 Festbier at 11 a.m., followed by an outdoor vendor market, live polka music, a stein hoisting competition, and hearty food from Big Belly Bros BBQ.

Lederhosen and dirndls encouraged!

Lone Tree Brewing Company, 8200 Park Meadows Dr., Suite 8222, Lone Tree
11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (vendor prices vary)

Saturday/Sunday, September 13 & 14

ART ON THE GREEN
Stroll the lush grass of Curtis Park and explore the work of more than 90 Colorado artists at this two-day outdoor art fair. Enjoy artist demonstrations, take part in a community art project, and shop a variety of mediums — from painting and photography to handmade jewelry.

Curtis Center for the Arts, 2349 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village
Sat./Sun., 10:00 a.m.–5:00 pm
Tickets: Free admission (vendor prices vary)

Sunday, September 14

PLAZA PALOOZA–MUSIC FESTIVAL
Celebrate community, music, and fun at Plaza Palooza 2025! Enjoy live performances from top headliners, a family-friendly kids zone, food trucks, local vendors, prizes, and giveaways.

VIP sponsor tents offer a place to relax in style while you soak up the festival vibes. All ages welcome (21+ to drink).

Tru Hotel by Hilton, 9741 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree
10:00 a.m.–6:00 pm
Tickets: Free admission (vendor prices vary)

GUIDED NATURE HIKES–URBAN COYOTES
Explore RidgeGate’s scenic bluffs trail system on a free, guided evening hike along Willow Creek Trail. Learn about urban coyotes while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Meet in the Prairie Sky Park parking lot just south of the baseball field, and come prepared with sturdy shoes, water, and sun protection.

Prairie Sky Park–Willow Creek Trail, 9381 Crossington Way, Lone Tree
6:00 pm–7:30 pm
Tickets: Free (registration required)

NEXT WEEK: Monday, September 15

DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE FREE DAY
Satisfy your science curiosity at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science! As part of SCFD Free Days, admission is free all day — no tickets required. Explore the museum’s exhibits and spark wonder for the whole family without spending a dime.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Tuesday, September 16

ELK BUGLING SIGHTINGS & SOUNDS
Experience the magic of autumn evenings at Cherokee Ranch & Castle. Learn about elk mating rituals while listening to their haunting rutting calls, set against panoramic mountain views and fall colors. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase drinks and snacks on-site, and dress for time outdoors on the terrace.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 16–October 2, 5:00 pm–7:30 pm
Tickets: $42.50

TUNES FOR TRAILS / PERKS FOR PARKS–DANCEX
Close out the summer concert series with DanceX, bringing high-energy dance hits to the Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater.

Gates open at 5:30 pm — pack a picnic, enjoy food and drinks on-site, and spend the evening supporting Castle Rock’s Parks and Trails Foundation.

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

Thursday–Sunday, September 19–November 2

LONE CREEK FARMS FALL FESTIVAL
Celebrate the season with more than 20 attractions and live shows every hour, including a corn maze, pedal karts, zip lines, pumpkin jump pads, hay wagon rides, a candy cannon show, live pig races, and even a fire truck pumpkin drop. Family fun runs all season long!

Lone Creek Farms, 3879 N. State Hwy. 83, Franktown
Thurs.–Sun., 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $24.78

Friday, September 19

STERLING RANCH SUMMER CONCERT SERIES–BADCO
Wrap up the Sterling Ranch Summer Concert Series with BadCO, Colorado’s tribute to Bad Company. Enjoy live music at Ascent Village Pavilion Park with food trucks on-site for a perfect Friday evening.

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

Friday–Sunday, September 19–November 2

CORN MAZE AT CHATFIELD FARMS
Navigate a birds-of-prey–themed maze featuring eagles, falcons, and vultures, complete with a 15-foot-tall bridge for a bird’s-eye view. Younger visitors can enjoy a mini maze designed just for kids under 10. A fall favorite at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms!

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Adults $20 · Children (ages 3–15) $10

Saturday, September 20

FALL FESTIVAL 2025
Enjoy carnival-style games and prizes, inflatables, dinner, and more at PEPC’s 4th Annual Fall Festival. A fun-filled evening for families and friends to celebrate the season together. Skip the line by pre-purchasing your wristbands and tickets online.

PEPC, 9030 Miller Rd, Parker
3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20 per person

Saturday/Sunday, September 20 & 21

LARKSPUR ANNUAL AUTUMN ARTS & CRAFTS FEST
Celebrate the season with unique arts and crafts booths, a farmers market, live music, food and drinks, kids’ activities, and more at Larkspur Community Park. This family-friendly festival also features face painting, a fire truck, and even medical helicopter visits — a true small-town tradition between Denver and Colorado Springs.

Larkspur Community Park, 8850 Spruce Mountain Rd., Larkspur
Sat., 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun., 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (vendor prices vary)

THE PATCH
Enjoy fall fun for the whole family with a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, field maze, hayride, 130-foot slide, Bucking Bronco Train, and more. Admission includes most attractions, with seasonal treats like apple cider and pumpkin butter available at the concessions stand. Pumpkins are sold separately by size.

The Patch, 7400 State Hwy 86, Kiowa
Sat./Sun., 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $27.95

Monday, September 22

OPEN SPACE FALL FESTIVAL
Celebrate 30 years of Douglas County’s Open Space program with a fall festival at Sandstone Ranch. Enjoy food trucks, games, booths, and educational activities highlighting three decades of preserved parks, trails, and natural resources.

Sandstone Ranch Guided Open Space, Larkspur
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission (vendor prices vary)

FALL IS COMING TO CRYSTAL VALLEY

As fall approaches, Castle Rock offers the perfect blend of crisp days and cozy nights. From outdoor concerts and hometown festivals to golden-hour walks along Crystal Valley’s scenic trails, the season is full of ways to savor the changing colors. 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 autumn traditions and everyday comfort come together.