Crystal Valley Blog

TODAY/TONIGHT: Thursday, September 21

BIG JACK’S AT THE OUTLETS
 ” Big Jack” The World’s Biggest Pumpkin will be on site through November 1 at the Outlets at Castle Rock. Activities will be hosted on Halloween weekend October 27 – 31, so mark your calendars for fun and frivolity that weekend. The Big Jack display will be available during open hours for visitors to pose for family pictures, read about Big Jack’s adventure, and more! Don’t miss out on all the free fun in the offing!

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock
10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Free

TUNES FOR TRAILS: 5^TH GEAR FUNK
5th Gear Funk, Colorado’s premier party dance band is based out of the Boulder-Denver Metro area. Driving deep pocket grooves, killer harmonies, accompanied with one of the most stellar brass sections on the scene, the band plays all the dance hits of the 1970s, 1980s to contemporary sounds. 5th Gear Funk delivers all the ingredients to light up your night with booty shaking for a guaranteed party celebration! 

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy some time with the family before the show with yard games and bounce houses. Food and alcohol are available for purchase. While this is a free event, donations will be accepted for the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation

Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheatre, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
6:30 p.m.
FREE

Thursday-Saturday, September 21-23

JOHN HEFFRON
Energetic and accessible, acclaimed stand-up John Heffron shares an array of relatable experiences from childhood through life as a father. Audiences of all ages relate to his enthusiastic, hard-won wisdom, recognizing how often the path to maturity is marked by universal triumphs and failures.

Heffron was the winner of the second season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and has since performed on The Tonight Show, Chelsea Lately, The Late Late Show, HBO, FX, VH1, A&E, and CMT. Heffron remains one of a small handful of veteran performers to tape two separate Comedy Central specials and has an hour-long special, Middle Class Funny, on Netflix.

In the podcasting realm, Heffron has guested on WTF with Marc Maron, The Joe Rogan Experience, and Ari Shaffir’s Skeptic Tank. He has hosted several of his own podcasts including The State I’m In, Heffron and Reep Show, and The Critical 48.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. 7:15 p.m.; Fri./Sat. 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $22-$30
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, September 22

TEA AND CHOCOLATE

Join aficionados of these winter pairings for a Brew Tour event of a different sort – chocolate and tea togetherness! The Chocolate Therapist will guide attendees through a tasting of crafted chocolates and brewed teas (decaffeinated) guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth – and help fulfill the This is How You Brew It badge on your Brew Tour journey. Must be registered to attend.

Philip S. Miller Event Hall, 100 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock
6:15 and 7:30 p.m.
Registration

GRAMMY WINNERS: WAR
Multi-platinum-selling WAR, the original street band, has been sharing its timeless music and message of brotherhood and harmony for 5 decades before millions across the globe. WAR has sold more than 50 million records since its formation to include ten Billboard Top 10 hits. Top 40 hits include the timeless classics “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Low Rider,” “The World Is A Ghetto,” “The Cisco Kid,” and many more.

Fifteen of WAR’s albums have achieved Gold Status in the US and many of them have gone multi-platinum. The group has been honored numerous times by the City of Los Angeles for its community involvement, as well as many other communities throughout the world.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $29
Phone: 719-575-9632

GLOW DANCE PARTY
Don’t miss our annual Glow Dance Party benefitting the Therapeutic Recreation Program. Head to the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park to participate in fitness dance programs including Zumba, Rebel Groove, Mixxed Fit and D2G Soca Fit. There will be great music, dancing, prizes and more! You won’t want to miss this amazing event at our beautiful outdoor venue.

Free glow necklaces are provided at the entrance.

Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheatre, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock
6:30-9:00 p.m.
FREE

Friday-Sunday, September 22-24

MAGIC OF THE JACK O’LANTERNS
Presented and produced by The Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns is perfect for all ages. Walk along a glowing trail of over 7,000 magnificent, hand-carved pumpkins.

A magical light show illuminates larger-than-life displays. A nautical seascape, a pirate ship, dinosaurs, dragons, and much more, all softly aglow throughout the event. You’ll find magic around every corner!

Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
10:00 a.m.
Registration

Saturday, September 23

PARKER FALL FEST: TWO WEEKENDS!
Fall Fest returns to downtown Parker Sept. 23 through 30, and this year’s celebration is bigger and better than ever! The Town of Parker invites residents and visitors of all ages to celebrate the start of autumn at O’Brien Park with an expanded offering of free family-friendly events and activities. Kick off the festivities at O’Brien Park with giant table games and an appearance by Sam the Scarecrow and Parker’s Mayor and Town Council on September 23 from noon to 1:00 p.m. 

A hay bale maze for young children will also be on display all week. Additionally, scavenger-hunt enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in our “Prowl for Pumpkins” contest. From September 23 through 30, pumpkin signs will be hidden throughout Parker for residents to discover. Those who find a pumpkin and take a selfie can enter to win prizes!

Highlighting the week-long celebration will be Fun and Games Day in O’Brien Park on Saturday, September 30, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Kids can participate in the Colorado Avalanche’s Game on Street Hockey Program, lawn games led by Sam the Scarecrow, inflatables and carnival games with prizes. Adult-friendly attractions will include a beer garden (tickets available onsite) hosted by the Downtown Business Alliance, as well as an axe-throwing booth. Several food vendors will be on site for visitors to grab a tasty snack.

Capping off Fun and Games Day will be a drone light show that takes to the sky above O’Brien Park beginning at about 7:15 p.m.

O’Brien Park, Main Street and Victorian Drive, Parker
Various Times and Days

PLEIN AIR PAINT OUT
On your marks…get set…paint!
Each year, the Oil Painters of America host the Great Paint Out.  As part of this celebration spread across many cities in North America including cities in the United States, the United States of Mexico, and Canada. Hudson Gardens in partnership with the REAL Academy of Art Colorado (RAAC) is inviting artists to paint our thirty-acre landscape. Bring your art supplies, and be ready to capture the beauty of an autumn afternoon at the gardens. At 10:00 a.m. the artists meet at the Victoria Water Lily Pond and Painting begins at 11:00 a.m. Guests are welcome to observe the artists at work! As always, garden admission is free to the public. Contact AnaGloria at 720-206-4097 and AnaGLoria@realacademyartco.org.

Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
10:00 a.m.
Registration

THE FROG AND THE TOAD
Based on Arnold Lobel’s well-loved books, and featuring a hummable score by Robert and Willie Reale, this whimsical show follows two great friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons.

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons. The jazzy, upbeat score of A Year with Frog and Toad bubbles with melody and wit, making it an inventive, exuberant and enchanting musical for the whole family.

Parker Arts Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker
2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $75
Phone: 303-805-6800

SKYTANIC: MURDER ON THE HIGH SEAS

Ahoy! Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, prepare to brave the “high C’s” of musical fun, intrigue and adventure! With a madcap, colorful cast of characters, and the seaworthy song stylings of Skyline Chorus, they just may need a bigger boat! If you’ve never experienced the Denver-based chapter of Sweet Adelines International, you’re in for an entertainment treat. Skyline began with 20 singers in 1962 and now boasts more than 100 members. Directed by the dynamic and talented Master Director 700 Vickie Maybury, the women of Skyline enjoy a love of singing and an enthusiasm for sharing the joy of music. In addition to its many performances in and around the Denver metropolitan area, the chorus is the 2022 Sweet Adelines International Silver Medalist.

PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$25

SALUTE OUR VETERANS CONCERT
This event is a free concert to bring awareness to the issue of suicide among military veterans in our midst. Guest speakers will include CO Senator Tony Exum and El Paso County Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez. Bands include: Sankey Sisters, Cous and the Brotherhood, Colorado Springs Conservatory and Julie Bradley & Friends.

This family friendly event will highlight our military/veteran’s significance and impact in our communities while also increasing awareness about the pervasive suicide issue among our troops and their families. Interactive booths in the lobby will provide more resources available and offer activities for families with Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard available at their food truck. Please reserve your space with a free ticket below.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $33-$89
Phone: 719-575-9632

JUSTIN MOORE, SCOTTY MCCREERY AND MORE!
Arkansas native and 2014 ACM New Artist of the Year Justin Moore recently released his newest single, “You Look Like I Need a Drink” which is currently making its way up the Country radio charts. This follows his second consecutive #1 album release with OFF THE BEATEN PATH. The project produced Justin’s fourth and fifth GOLD-certified #1 hits, “Point At You” and “Lettin’ The Night Roll.” Combined with two previous GOLD–certified albums, he’s sold over 7 million digital downloads. The Valory Music Co. recording artist has been featured on The Voice, Fox and Friends, Nashville, NFL Rewind, The Washington Post, People Country, USA Today and more. He has earned multiple ACM, ACA and ACC Awards nominations. In 2015, Justin was direct support on Brad Paisley’s CRUSHIN’ IT WORLD TOUR. Justin will hit the road this summer for Brantley Gilbert’s TAKE IT OUTSIDE TOUR.

Scotty McCreery had to grow up quick after winning season 10 of American Idol as a 16 year old. A native of Garner, North Carolina, McCreery is now a husband and father and while he started out opening for Brad Paisley as a teenager, he’s had five straight No. 1 singles (including Five More Minutes and I Love You This Big), and has navigated the ups and downs of stardom and this year is featured in a CMT docuseries called STAGES.

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
4:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $28
Info: 303-220-7000

Sunday, September 24

DENVER CONCERT BAND
Reminisce on the joy, suspense, and adventure of classic movies with the award-winning film scores of John Williams. This concert features two guest soloists: Art Bouton, who will thrill you with the lively Catch Me If You Can theme, while Natalie Hill will guide you through the hauntingly beautiful Schindler’s List. With additional favorites like Star Wars, “Themes from E.T.,” and Jaws, this symphonic journey promises to stir your emotions with the movie soundtracks that have entertained us for decades.

The Denver Concert Band is an ensemble of about 90 adult musicians who have a passion for performing instrumental music. Entertaining audiences since 1968, the band is entering their 56th concert season. Tickets range from child prices to full adult prices.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $7-$25
Phone: 720-509-1000

NEXT WEEK: Monday, September 25

TIG NOTARO: HELLO AGAIN
Tig Notaro is an Emmy and Grammy nominated stand-up comedian, writer, radio contributor, and actor as well as a favorite on numerous talk shows, including “Ellen,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and “Conan.” Rolling Stone named her one of the “50 best stand-up comics of all time.”

Notaro currently appears in Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead” and “Star Trek: Discovery”; she wrote and starred in the groundbreaking TV show “One Mississippi” and hosts an advice podcast, Don’t Ask Tig as well as the documentary film podcast Tig and Cheryl: True Story.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $39
Phone: 719-575-9632

Tuesday, September 26

ELK BUGLING AT THE CASTLE
A fall tradition for many guests, the romantic elk will be speaking the language of love and you are invited! Learn about the mating rituals of the magnificent beasts while listening to their beautifully singular rutting calls. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy as you take in the Castle’s panoramic views and dazzling colors as autumn appears. Beer, Wine, soft drinks, water & snacks will also be available for purchase.

Be prepared for some time on the Terrace where a jacket is suggested.

Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N. Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia 
5:00 p.m. Doors/Tours
6:00-7:30 p.m. Viewing
Cost: $42.50 Reservations Are Required
CALL: 303-688-5555

DCL BREW TOUR: LITERARY TRIVIA

Moby Dick. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Canterbury Tales. Think you know authors and books and plots and storylines? We challenge you to test your knowledge in this Brew Tour event! Enjoy brews poured by our friends from 105 West Brewing as you pit your book smarts against other bibliophiles. The smarty pants with the top score will win a sweet Brew Tour prize!

Doors open at 6:15; trivia starts at 6:45pm. Attendees must be 21 years or older with a valid ID to attend. 

Philip S. Miller Event Hall, 100 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock
6:15 and 7:30 p.m.
Registration

Thursday, September 28

SPACE EXPLORATION: FROM THE MOON LANDING ON
The United States landed the first manned space mission on the moon in July of 1969. Join Active Minds as we reflect on President Kennedy’s challenge, the space race, the Apollo Mission, and the role NASA has played since the lunar landing. Experts will bring the topic up to date by discussing the current political context for NASA, the operation of the James Webb Space Telescope and the rise of private space companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and others. Please RSVP.

Castle Rock Senior Center, 2323 Woodlands Blvd., Castle Rock
1:00-2:00 p.m.
FREE
RSVP: 303-688-9498

Thursday-Saturday, September 28-30

STEVE SIMEONE
Steve Simeone developed his unique high-energy approach to storytelling by competing for laughs with his two brothers around the family dinner table. His positive, family friendly approach to comedy has delighted audiences around the world. 

Steve made his Comedy Central debut on Gabriel Iglesias’ Stand Up Revolution and since, has been featured multiple times on the network’s This is Not Happening storytelling show. His comedy is heard regularly on SiriusXM radio and his album, What’s Up Nerds?, debuted at number one on both the Apple iTunes and GooglePlay charts. A regular guest on Ari Shaffir’s podcast Skeptic Tank and Joey Diaz’s podcast The Church of What’s Happening Now, Steve also has his own podcast titled Good Times.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl., Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. 7:15 p.m.; Fri./Sat. 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $18-$26
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, September 29

OKTOBERFEST SYMPHONY!
The Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 2023-24 Season with an autumn festival of music in the German Oktoberfest tradition. Works will include Strauss’s “Blue Danube Waltz,” Mendelssohn’s “Beautiful Melusine” Overture, along with a festive number of polkas and waltzes for all to enjoy.

A highlight will be the Prelude to Wagner’s sumptuous and groundbreaking opera Tristan und Isolde.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $7-$25
Phone: 720-509-1000

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE
Are Queens of the Stone Age a band?  A concept? A variously shrinking and expanding group of friends and like-minded visitors?  Or a secret society? Whatever kind of strange and terrible mutation slouched out of the irradiated California wasteland in 1996, it’s evidently still around. It lives. It breathes. It can’t be stopped. Like Clockwork is the first QOTSA album since 2007’s Era Vulgaris and, according to its founder and only identifiable constant, Josh Homme, “ …Like Clockwork’ was the only thing that didn’t happen.”

After a lot of “personal ups and downs’, a “manic year”, Homme and the current iteration of the Queens – veteran Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman and Dean Fertita – along with the outgoing Joey Castillo and returning associate Dave Grohl, would decide to embrace The Beast, “ride shotgun on our emotional bandwagon…hold the horrible, lick the lunacy” and, instead of shying away from uncomfortable or painful subject matter – face it head-on.

Along the way, they picked up known associates Mark Lanegan, Nick Oliveri, Jon Theodore (now drumming full-time in the current live incarnation), Sir Elton John, Trent Reznor, Alex Turner and Jake Shears.

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $36
Info: 303-220-7000

Saturday, September 30

TYLER CHILDERS, WYNONNA & McCOURYS
Tyler Childers received a Grammy nomination and won the Americana Emerging Artist of the Year Award in 2018.  Three of his singles have gone platinum and one has gone double platinum, with the Purgatory album also certified as platinum. 

His latest — Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven? isn’t really a gospel album. “I feel it’s more of a spiritual record,” Tyler Childers says. “Growing up in church I was scared to death of going to hell. But a lot of it shaped me for the better, too. Getting through that and finding the truth and beauty…has been something I’ve thought about my whole life.”

The title track uses rural sensibility to imagine an inclusive heaven and is inspired by Childers’ thoughts on how he’d want his own dogs with him. His gravel-tinged voice reveals Childers’ take on his life experiences and the different philosophies and religions that have formed who he is today 

 “I hope that people take away from it that race, creed, religion—none of that matters. The most important part is to protect your heart, to cultivate love and to do something useful for the world.”

And Wynonna. She is returning to the stage, her first tour since the death of her mother Naomi last year, to take a trip down memory lane. The 59-year-old will be revisiting her first two albums, “Wynonna” and “Tell Me Why,” in nostalgic performances that will leave fans wanting more.

Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $40
Info: 303-220-7000

FARMER’S MARKET
For the last 30 years, the Castle Rock Farmer’s Market has provided Douglas County residents with a local market where they can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other products from local farmers, ranchers, bakers and other vendors.

Our goal is to build and strengthen a local, healthy, sustainable food supply chain, while nurturing a vibrant community where food producers and growers can thrive and expand, where all residents have the opportunity to purchase farm fresh food, and to nourish and inspire our community.

Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Info: 303-660-7400

Saturday-Sunday, September 30-October 1

HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS
Don’t miss the only opportunity to watch your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Boneshaker™, Bigfoot®, and more, plus the all-new Gunkster™ – light up the floor in outrageous monster trucks competitions and battles. Event performances will also feature a dazzling dance party, spectacular laser light shows, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Plus, a special appearance from the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot MEGASAURUS, and the electrifying high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Freestyle Motocross! Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a great value for the whole family!

The Hot Wheels Crash Zone Pre-Show Party is an event that gives fans exclusive access to their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks up close! This unique experience allows fans to enter the competition floor before the show and get their minds blown by the outrageous design and epic size of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.

 Experience the heart of where all the epic crashes and thrilling stunts will take place. This party also features exclusive games, contests and giveaways. If you want to go big, you gotta go Hot Wheels at the Crash Zone Pre-Show Party!

The Crash Zone Pre-Show Party is available for your enjoyment starting 2 1/2 hours before each showtime. Crash Zone lasts an hour and 15 minutes. Admittance into Crash Zone will end 15 minutes before Crash Zone concludes.

Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs
Sat., 12:30 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $14
Info: ticketoffice@broadmoorworldarena.com

BRAHMS: CS PHILHARMONIC
Johannes Brahms — that genius of the Romantic era — has captivated audiences for 150 years.  Hear his jubilant 2nd Symphony, along with cornerstone works by Verdi and the violin mastermind Max Bruch.  Brought to the stage in two performances by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, conducted by our guest, Ari Pelto, and concertmaster Michael Hanson.

PROGRAM: VERDI: Overture to Nabucco; BRUCH: Violin Concerto No. 1 and BRAHMS: Symphony No. 2.

Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $31
Phone: 719-575-9632

Monday, October 2

COLORADO GHOST STORIES
Join Active Minds as experts tiptoe through the haunted houses and ghoulish graveyards of the area. They will tell you the hair-raising ghost stories associated with the Stanley Hotel, Cheesman Park, the Molly Brown House, and more as they visit the past and the past visits with you! Please RSVP.

Castle Rock Library, 100 S. Wilcox, Castle Rock
6:30-7:30 p.m.
FREE
RSVP: 303-791-7323

Things to Do Near Crystal Valley!

Enjoy life in Castle Rock within minutes from the master-planned community of Crystal Valley – where nature is around every corner of the neighborhood! Looking for a new home you can add your signature style to? Check out the beautiful model homes from Kauffman Homes, Taylor Morrison, D.R. Horton, Richmond American Homes, and Century Communities. Picture yourself in your very own dream house – ranch-style or two-story models priced from the $600s.