Crystal Valley Blog

May in Castle Rock means the return of lively festivals, outdoor concerts, and bustling farmers’ markets. From the heart of downtown to scenic ranchlands and sunny town centers, the season is packed with ways to celebrate community, music, and the great outdoors. Whether you’re dancing to live bands at Festival Park, shopping fresh at a weekend market, or sipping mimosas with mom for Mother’s Day, Castle Rock has something for everyone to enjoy this spring.

TODAY/TONIGHT, May 8

VENARDOS CIRCUS
Venardos Circus returns with an all-new production, Far Beyond, combining Broadway-style storytelling with classic circus flair. Join this magical, intimate show under a vintage-style big top, featuring acrobats, comedy, aerialists, and more. Performances run May 1–18 at Aspen Grove in Littleton.

Aspen Grove, 7301 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $16.95 youth, $27.95 adults

CHECKERED TABLE TALKS: ORCHESTRATING MAGIC – A BACKSTAGE PASS TO THE PHILHARMONIC
Join the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club for a unique evening with Nathan Newbrough, President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Learn what goes on behind the scenes—from musical selection to orchestral collaboration—in this engaging indoor picnic-style speaker series. Bring your own food, drinks, and tableware; checkered tablecloths and community spirit provided!

Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr., Monument
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 (supports the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club grant program) 

TOMORROW, Friday, May 9

LTSO PRESENTS ROCOCO AND RHYTHMS
Embark on a musical journey of virtuosity and passion as cellist Matthew Zalkind mesmerizes audiences with Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. Enjoy the exciting rhythms of the “Dance Bacchanale” from Samson and Delilah, music from Chicago, and the timeless elegance of Mozart’s Symphony No. 25.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $10

DWIGHT YOAKAM WITH THE MAVERICKS & 49 WINCHESTER
Legendary country artist Dwight Yoakam takes the stage at Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs with support from The Mavericks and 49 Winchester. Get ready for a night of classic hits and country rock under the open sky.

Ford Amphitheater, 95 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs
5:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $43

Friday – Saturday, May 9-10

STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE IN CONCERT
Experience the iconic film like never before as the Colorado Springs Philharmonic performs John Williams’ legendary score live alongside a full screening of Star Wars: A New Hope. This immersive symphonic concert brings the galaxy far, far away to life in an unforgettable evening for fans of all ages.

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Fri./Sat., 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $35

Saturday, May 10

PARKER FARMERS MARKET
It’s the hottest place in Parker on a Sunday morning with over 100 vendors selling local produce, meats/dairy, food trucks, artwork, home/body products, and much more! Hosted by The Local Colorado, the Farmers Market in downtown Parker opens on Mother’s Day and runs every Sunday through October.

Downtown Parker, 19565 Mainstreet, Parker
8:00 a.m. (Sundays through October 26, weather permitting)
Tickets: Free Admission

MOTHER’S DAY 5K
The HRCA Mother’s Day 5K is a family-friendly race taking place on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This course is suitable for participants of all levels, whether they are first-time 5K runners, elite athletes, kids, or parents with strollers.

Come together for a morning of shared activity and community fun!

Cresthill Middle School, 9195 Cresthill Ln., Highlands Ranch
8:15 a.m. (race starts at 9:00 a.m.)
Tickets: $30–$40

MOTHER’S DAY AT FARM AND RANCH DAY
Enjoy a day at the ranch with a Mother’s Day pancake breakfast, a chance to visit the livestock, sit with the babies, pet the mamas, and shop at the Annual Plant Sale hosted by CALF (Colorado Agricultural Leadership Foundation).

CALF Lowell Ranch, 2330 Interstate 25, Castle Rock
9:00 a.m.
Tickets: Free – Registration Required

2025 FLORAFEST
Celebrate the muse of spring with FloraFest at Cottonwood Center for the Arts! Just in time for Mother’s Day, this vibrant festival features 30+ local artist and garden vendor tables, plant starts, and kids’ crafts in the Main Gallery. Enjoy brunch-time libations, food trucks, and courtyard fun in Penrose Alley.

Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 427 E. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs
11:00 a.m.
Tickets: Free

MOMS & MIMOSAS
Celebrate Mom in style at the annual Moms & Mimosas event at the Outlets at Castle Rock! For just $15, guests enjoy mimosas, brunch bites, a build-your-own bouquet experience, a swag bag with a gift card, and the chance to win golden ticket prizes. Proceeds benefit The Help & Hope Center of Castle Rock.

Outlets at Castle Rock, 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Suite 340, Castle Rock
11:00 a.m.
Tickets: $15 adults, $5 kids (5 & under free)

GISELLE
Enjoy a full-length performance of the beloved classical ballet Giselle, presented by Rachael’s School of Dance and brought to life by over 60 talented young dancers from Colorado Springs.

This timeless tale of love, betrayal, and redemption will be accompanied by a bonus opener inspired by Tangled, making it a perfect family-friendly afternoon of dance and storytelling.

Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs
4:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $15.15

Sunday, May 11

STROLLER SAFARI – SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION: MAGNIFICENT MOMS FOR MOTHER’S DAY
Celebrate moms—human and animal alike—on this special holiday edition of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Stroller Safari. Enjoy a guided adventure through the zoo visiting animal moms and engaging in fun, themed activities along the way. A perfect way to honor Mother’s Day with your little ones in tow!

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs
9:30 a.m.
Tickets: $15.75 (members), $29.75 (non-members); infants under 12 months free

MOTHER’S DAY ROYAL-TEA PARTY & PLAYTIME
Celebrate mom in royal style at Play Street Museum Highlands Ranch! This magical Mother’s Day event includes 1.5 hours of playtime, a sweet treat, and a special drink for both kids and moms. Crowns, tiaras, and festive attire encouraged for this truly regal celebration!

Play Street Museum Highlands Ranch, 9370 S. Colorado Blvd Unit A2, Highlands Ranch
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $22 per child (includes playtime and refreshments for both child and parent)

NEXT WEEK: Monday, May 12

DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE FREE DAY
Celebrate curiosity, and hands-on science fun — free with general Museum admission, no tickets needed! In collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Center and part of our SCFD Free Days and Free Nights, this special event invites families to explore the wonders of science while honoring the joy and creativity of children.

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

Tuesday, May 13

SCFD FREE DAY: DENVER ART MUSEUM
Engage with art, explore onsite activities, and experience exhibitions on view all while enjoying free admission! Advance ticket reservations are encouraged. Children 18 years and younger are FREE every day of the year!

Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy., Denver
10:00 a.m.
Tickets: Free with reservation

SEEDLINGS: FARMYARD FUN
Are you ready for a fun adventure on Old MacDonald’s Farm? Join Magic Dave as he takes you on a magical tour of the farm, featuring funny animal puppets, magical illusions, and music! Plus, experience the Magical Portal where Magic Dave transforms into a puppet! This Seedlings program is designed for young children and their caregivers to enjoy arts, culture, and science together.

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
11:00 a.m.
Tickets: $5 (Children under 1 are free but must have a ticket)

Saturday, May 17

KIDS TO PARKS DAY
Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play, celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. Families are encouraged to explore local, state, or national parks and connect with the outdoors through discovery and play. Use the ParkPassport app to find events nearby or simply plan your own day in nature!

Any local, state, or national park!
All Day
Tickets: Free

PRIDE OUTSIDE GROUP HIKE
Get outside and connect with the LGBTQIA+ community and allies during this monthly group hike. Held on the third Saturday of each month, the location varies but typically features an easy, family-friendly trail. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the trailhead listed on AllTrails; if weather doesn’t cooperate, head to Lost Coffee in Castle Rock instead. RSVP to receive location updates and tips.

Chuck’s Loop and Legacy Trail
9:00 a.m.
Tickets: Free – RSVP Requested

2ND ANNUAL TOUCH-A-TRUCK
Kids of all ages can explore, climb on, and even flash the lights of their favorite big vehicles at this free family event! From garbage trucks to helicopters (weather permitting), the Norris-Penrose Indoor Event Center will be packed with construction, emergency, military, and community vehicles from across Colorado Springs.

Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd., Colorado Springs
9:00 a.m.
Tickets: Free

MOUNTAIN OF AUTHORS
Join the Pikes Peak Library District for the 19th Annual Mountain of Authors, featuring keynote speaker Pete McBride.

This free event brings together readers and local writers for a day of author talks, networking, and insights into the craft and business of writing. No registration required—just come and enjoy!

PPLD: Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr., Colorado Springs
12:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

VICTORIA’S TEA FUNDRAISER
Enjoy a lovely afternoon of tea, scones, and living history at the Castle Rock Historical Society & Museum’s 8th Annual Victoria’s Tea Fundraiser. This year features Janice Baker re-enacting her great-great-grandmother Marian Russell, sharing tales from Land of Enchantment about life along the Santa Fe Trail.

Kirk Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Rd., Castle Rock
2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40 general / $35 members / $15 children under 12

SPRING KICKOFF CONCERT
Celebrate the start of the 2025 Downtown Castle Rock event season with live music, food trucks, local breweries, face painting, and vendor booths. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a fun evening with the whole family in Festival Park!

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Saturday-Sunday, May 17-18

GARDEN OF THE GODS ART FESTIVAL
Held at the scenic Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, this fine art and craft festival features over 150 juried artists and craftsmen from around the country. Enjoy a weekend filled with beautiful works of art, live music, kids’ activities, and delicious bites from local food trucks—all set against the stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak.

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, 3105 Gateway Rd., Colorado Springs
Sat./Sun., 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10 Adults / $8 Seniors

RUN TO THE SHRINE
Join Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for this unique 4-mile run/walk fundraiser that winds through the zoo and up to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. With scenic views, animal sightings, and nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Registration includes evening zoo admission and a commemorative T-shirt. All proceeds support the zoo’s animals and operations.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs
Sat./Sun., 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: Registration begins at $20, see site for details

MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Puccini’s iconic opera Madama Butterfly plunges into a world of love, betrayal, and heartbreak. This semi-staged production from the Colorado Springs Philharmonic brings to life the story of Cio-Cio-San, whose unwavering  to life the story of Cio-Cio-San, whose unwavering devotion leads to a love that may destroy her. Don’t miss this unforgettable performance. Pre-concert talks begin one hour before each show.

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 South Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs
Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $40

Sunday, May 18

LOST IN THOUGHT
Join the Pikes Peak Philharmonic for the final concert of the Thoughts Season at the Ent Center for the Arts. This powerful performance features Borodin’s Polovetsian Dances, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and Williams’ Tribute to the Film Composer. Arrive early for a pre-concert lecture by Maestro Silvestri at 2:15 p.m..

Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs
3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20.75 Adults / $14.75 Seniors, Teens, Military, Educators / Free for children under 12

COME HOME TO CRYSTAL VALLEY!

With warm weather on the rise and summer festivals just around the corner, there’s no better time to explore Crystal Valley, a master-planned community just minutes from downtown Castle Rock. Surrounded by scenic trails, rolling bluffs, and parks perfect for outdoor adventures, it’s an ideal setting for everything from early morning walks to evening picnics. Discover beautifully crafted ranch-style and two-story homes by D.R. Horton, Richmond American Homes, and Taylor Morrison (final opportunity!) priced from the $600s, and find your next chapter in a place that truly feels like home.