Alright, late night out at Wild Blue Yonder in Castle Rock last night. Good to meet some more of you. Looked like everyone was having a great time painting. To spare everyone endless nightmares, I decided to keep my negative artistic abilities on the sideline…

Hoping to do some more of these in the near future, so be on the lookout!

The library is sending you to the brewery, and it might be the best excuse to get out and explore the county all summer. Douglas County Libraries is kicking off its annual Brew Tour, and it runs from August 1 all the way through September 30, turning your library card into a two-month passport across sixteen local breweries, coffee shops, and tea cafes.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it: registering through the library's Beanstack app takes about five seconds, and you'll even get a registration reward to pick up at any branch after August 1. From there, you log a check-in every time you stop by a partner spot, and the points add up:

Everyone who plays gets entered into the grand prize drawing in October, and every stop counts as another entry.

The rewards are real, not just a sticker. Ninety points gets you a two-piece Brew Tour pint glass set, a hundred and fifty gets you a Brew Tour hoodie, and if you make it to every coffee and tea partner on the list, the Coffee Challenge unlocks a pour-over coffee set. It's the kind of thing that turns a regular Saturday into a mission.

The passport spans the whole county with sixteen stops in all, so there's a spot close to home no matter which corner you're in. Here's the full lineup, town by town.

Castle Rock

Parker

Highlands Ranch

Lone Tree

Sterling Ranch

Castle Pines

It all kicks off Saturday, August 1 at 6pm at the Castle Rock library, with local brews, live music, crafts, and giveaways out on the plaza. The kickoff alone is worth fifteen points, the single biggest haul of the whole tour, so it's worth getting on the waitlist just in case a spot opens up.

The best part is there's no pressure. You've got two full months, it's free to join, and it's a genuinely fun reason to finally check out that brewery two towns over or the coffee shop you always drive past. Sign up and see the full partner list here.

One more note for library fans. Douglas County Libraries is building a brand-new branch to serve Sterling Ranch and Roxborough, and they're hosting a public groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, August 26 at 10am. The Roxborough library will stay open throughout construction.

Local jobs and opportunities across Douglas County.

If you're hiring, reach out at [email protected] for a free posting.

Broadway in the Park: A Free Family Festival

Free family festival! The Performing Arts Academy brings Broadway in the Park to Highland Heritage Regional Park in Highlands Ranch. In the spirit of NYC's Broadway in Bryant Park, PAA students perform popular musical theatre songs and dances. The evening includes family activities, such as face painting and sing-alongs, plus a Kona Ice truck on site (available for purchase). The first 100 families get a special giveaway. Bring a picnic.

Friday, August 28 from 6 to 7:30pm at Highland Heritage Regional Park in Highlands Ranch. See the details here.

Music & Concerts
Highland Heritage Regional Park - HRCA Summer Concert Series: Thumpin' - Thu 7/30, 6:30pm–8:00pm
PACE Center - Lonestar Live in Concert at the PACE Center - Thu 7/30, 7:30pm–10:00pm - $84-$94
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Western Flyers at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Thu 7/30, 9:00pm–11:00pm
The Groove at Lyric - Friday Night Live: Emily Barnes at The Groove - Fri 7/31, 5:00pm–8:00pm
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel - Music on the Patio: 5 Minutes Late at Lone Tree Golf Club - Fri 7/31, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Vinyl Nation at Pines Bar & Grill - Fri 7/31, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Cowboy and The Rocker at Wide Open Saloon - Fri 7/31, 7:00pm–10:30pm
The Studio at Mainstreet - Dueling Days at The Studio - Fri 7/31, 7:00pm–11:00pm
Takoda Tavern - Mike G. Band at Takoda Tavern - Fri 7/31, 7:30pm–11:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Michael Reese — Live at the Altar - Fri 7/31, 8:00pm–10:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Saturday Acoustic Show at Wide Open Saloon - Sat 8/1, 2:00pm–5:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Live Music: Pat Foley at Honnibrook - Sat 8/1, 4:00pm–7:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: Fitz and The Tantrums with Sun Room (Colorado Day Show) - Sat 8/1, 6:00pm–10:30pm - $49-$85
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: These Guys at 105 West Brewing - Sat 8/1, 6:30pm–9:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Moonshine Bandits at Wide Open Saloon - Sat 8/1, 7:00pm–10:30pm - $33.85+
The Whiskey Lodge - Live Music at The Whiskey Lodge - Sat 8/1, 7:00pm–10:00pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Street Survivors (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute) at Tailgate Tavern - Sat 8/1, 7:00pm–11:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Barn Dance at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Sat 8/1, 9:00pm–12:00am
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Eric Golden at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Sun 8/2, 11:00am–1:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Zech Lumpkin at 105 West Brewing - Sun 8/2, 2:30pm–5:30pm
Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: Ken Earl Band - Wed 8/5, 6:00pm–9:00pm

Food & Drink
Max Taps Co. - Tap Takeover: Outer Range at Max Taps - Thu 7/30, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Downtown Parker (check in at Parker Chamber Office, 19751 E. Mainstreet) - Parker Wine Walk — July 2026 - Fri 7/31, 4:30pm–7:30pm - $25-$30
Country Club At Castle Pines - Brunch in the Pines - Wed 8/5, 11:00am–1:30pm - $180

Arts & Culture
PACE Center - Spotlight Abilities: Life is Sweet! at the PACE Center - Fri 7/31, 6:00pm–8:00pm
The Schoolhouse - Beetlejuice JR. Youth Musical at The Schoolhouse - Fri 7/31 7:30pm, Sat 8/1 2:00pm - $18
PACE Center - BYU-Idaho Dance Alliance: Limitless - Sat 8/1, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $10-$15
Sinners & Saints - Romancing the Rockies: Summer Edition at Sinners & Saints - Sun 8/2, 3:00pm–6:00pm - $28.52
Douglas County Libraries - Highlands Ranch - Author Event: Cara Black - Sun 8/2, 6:00pm–7:30pm
The Schoolhouse - Cinderella: From Slippers to Street - Tue 8/4, 6:00pm–8:00pm - $17

Nightlife & Entertainment
The Studio at Mainstreet - Luau at The Studio - Sat 8/1, 3:00pm–11:59pm
The Green at The Canyons - Dueling Pianos at The Canyons - Sat 8/1, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Sinners & Saints - DJ in the Lounge at Sinners & Saints - Sat 8/1, 9:00pm–11:59pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Sip & Spin Sundays at Wide Awake Eatery - Sun 8/2, 2:00pm–5:00pm
Purgatory Cellars Winery - August Mini-League with Evergreen Mahjong Collective - Tue 8/4, 5:00pm–7:15pm - $55
Takoda Tavern - Open Mic Night at Takoda Tavern - Wed 8/5, 7:00pm–10:00pm

Family
Civic Green Park - Highlands Ranch Ice Cream Social 2026 - Wed 8/5, 5:00pm–8:00pm

Fitness & Wellness
RNK Running and Walking - Chog (Chill Jog) with RNK Running - Thu 7/30, 6:00pm–7:00pm
Sterling Ranch CAB - Pickleball Social at Sterling Ranch - Fri 7/31, 6:00pm–8:00pm
RNK Running and Walking - Saturday Long Run with RNK Running - Sat 8/1, 7:00am–9:00am
Civic Green Park - Free Yoga in the Park at Civic Green - Sat 8/1, 8:00am–9:00am
Redstone Park - Summer Reset Flow with BODYBAR Pilates - Sat 8/1, 9:00am–10:30am
105 West Brewing Company - Yoga at the Brewery at 105 West Brewing - Sat 8/1, 9:30am–11:00am - $14-$18
Lost Coffee - Lost Runners Run Club with RNK Running - Sun 8/2, 8:00am–9:30am
RNK Running and Walking - Weekly Reset Walking Club with RNK Running - Tue 8/4, 5:30pm–6:30pm

Festivals & Fairs
Colorado Renaissance Festival Site - Colorado Renaissance Festival — A Final Huzzah (Closing) - Sat 8/1, 10:00am–6:30pm - $32+
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Colorado Day Festival - Sat 8/1, 10:00am–2:00pm
Highlands Ranch Town Center - Colorado 150 Celebration at Highlands Ranch Town Center - Sat 8/1, 1:00pm–9:00pm
O'Brien Park - Parker Honey Festival 2026 at O'Brien Park - Sun 8/2, 8:00am–1:00pm

Community
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Roughstock at the Rock — Bares, Broncs & Bulls - Thu 7/30, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $43.86
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Patriot Night at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Fri 7/31, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $43.86
Takoda Tavern - One Nation Walking Together Fundraiser at Takoda Tavern - Sat 8/1, 11:00am–5:00pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Barks & Brews at the Outlets at Castle Rock - Sat 8/1, 4:00pm–6:00pm
Douglas County Libraries - Castle Rock - Brew Tour Kickoff Party - Sat 8/1, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Ride for the Brand at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Sat 8/1, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $43.86
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Pancake Breakfast at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Sun 8/2, 8:00am–10:00am
Denver Polo Club - Disco Sunday Polo Tailgate at Denver Polo Club - Sun 8/2, 10:00am–3:00pm - $28.52+
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Cowboys for Cops at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Sun 8/2, 1:00pm - $33.26
Philip S. Miller Park - National Night Out 2026 - Tue 8/4, 5:00pm–8:00pm

Looking for more? Every Douglas County event we track lives on our events calendar: dougcosocial.com/events.

DCSD Legacy Campus - Author Event: Devour Me — Emily Rath and SJ Tilly - Thu 8/6, 5:30pm–8:00pm - $35.00
Wide Awake Eatery - Dueling Pianos at Wide Awake Eatery - Thu 8/6, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $23.18-$28.52
Festival Park - First Fridays Family 5K and Concert: Six Million Dollar Band - Fri 8/7, 5:30pm–9:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Groove 'N Motion at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Fri 8/7, 6:00pm–8:00pm - $86.45
Philip S. Miller Park - 21st Annual Reece's Roundup 5K & 1 Mile Walk - Sat 8/8, 7:00am–11:00am - $40-$45
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Backcountry Hike - Sat 8/8, 8:30am - $39.50
Sterling Ranch CAB - Sterling Ranch Days - Sat 8/8, 9:00am–7:00pm
Larkspur Community Park - Hot Rods in the Park Car Show — Larkspur - Sat 8/8, 10:00am–2:00pm
O'Brien Park - Parker Brewfest 2026 - Sat 8/8, 1:00pm–5:00pm - $50-$80
Sterling Ranch CAB - Saddles and Spurs Horse Parade & Pancake Breakfast - Sun 8/9, 8:00am–11:00am
Rueter-Hess Reservoir - Castle Pines Day at Rueter-Hess Reservoir - Sun 8/9, 10:00am–4:00pm
Purgatory Cellars Winery - Mahjong 101 with Evergreen Mahjong Collective - Sun 8/9 2:00pm, Thu 8/20 5:00pm - $35
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Peter Kater Live at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sun 8/9, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $105-$124
Purgatory Cellars Winery - August Mini-League with Evergreen Mahjong Collective - Tue 8/11 5:00pm, Tue 8/18 5:00pm - $55
KB Ranch - Sunset Supper Club at KB Ranch - Tue 8/11, 6:30pm–9:30pm - $110
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Castle Rock Summer Home Show - Fri 8/14 12:00pm, Sat 8/15 10:00am, Sun 8/16 10:00am
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space - Stargazing with the Denver Astronomical Society at Lost Canyon Ranch - Fri 8/14, 8:00pm–10:00pm
Downtown Parker (Mainstreet & Pikes Peak Ave) - Parker Car Fest 2026 - Sat 8/15, 9:00am–2:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: Cheap Trick - Sat 8/15, 6:00pm–10:30pm - $49.35
Rueter-Hess Reservoir - Castle Rock Day at Rueter-Hess Reservoir - Sun 8/16, 8:00am–6:00pm
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel - City of Lone Tree Annual Golf Tournament - Sun 8/16, 8:00am–2:00pm - $150
Elk Ridge Park - Castle Pines Summer Concert Series — The Long Run (Eagles Tribute) - Sun 8/16, 5:00pm–7:00pm

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Parker Town Hall grand opening set for Aug. 12
TLDR: After two years of construction, the Town of Parker celebrates its completed Town Hall renovation with a ribbon-cutting and public reception on Wednesday, Aug. 12 from 4:30 to 6pm at 20120 E. Mainstreet. The 32,000-square-foot addition was funded without debt, and the first guests get a commemorative keepsake while supplies last.

Weigh in on Douglas County's first 2050 water plan
TLDR: Douglas County has released a draft of its first countywide 2050 Water Plan and is asking for public input at an open house on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 5:30 to 7pm at the Lone Tree Library, 10055 Library Way. No RSVP is required.

Douglas County will split the cost of wildfire mitigation
TLDR: With wildfire still the county's top natural hazard, Douglas County reopened its cost-share program, covering half the cost of defensible-space work up to $25,000 for individual properties, $50,000 for community projects, and $7,500 for chipping. The county's Helitack team has already flown 28 wildfire missions this year.

Crews quickly hold the Penley Fire west of Sedalia
TLDR: A brush fire broke out west of Sedalia on the evening of July 26 and briefly forced evacuations within a two-mile radius. Crews from South Metro, West Douglas, Castle Rock Fire, the Sheriff's Office, and the county's Helitack team held it to about three acres, and it reached 90% containment within two days.

County to reconfigure the U.S. 85 interchange near Titan Road
TLDR: Douglas County is moving forward with a redesign of the U.S. Highway 85 interchange near Titan Road to improve safety and traffic flow as the west side of the county continues to grow.

Highlands Ranch Parkway construction shifts traffic Aug. 2-3
TLDR: Crews are finishing the westbound lanes of Highlands Ranch Parkway between Broadway and Burntwood Way, so expect single-lane traffic in both directions and delays of up to 15 minutes. The next big traffic shift runs overnight from 7pm Sunday, Aug. 2 to 7am Monday, Aug. 3, when drivers move onto the newly paved lanes.

A local nonprofit is helping cancer patients feel strong, one box at a time
TLDR: After finishing her own breast cancer treatment at UCHealth Highlands Ranch, Amy Gannon founded Stronger Than Box, a nonprofit that sends newly diagnosed patients a curated box of self-care products and resources. Her mission, in her words, is to be the best part of someone's worst day.

Support local 4-H kids at the Fair's Junior Livestock Sale Friday
TLDR: One of the highlights of the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo is the Junior Livestock Sale, where local 4-H youth auction the animals they raised. It runs Friday, July 31 at 6:30pm at the Fairgrounds, and every bid supports the young exhibitors and funds scholarships. Last year's sale raised more than $601,000. Bidding is in person only this year, with no online auction.

Save the date: Open Space Fall Festival returns Sept. 26
TLDR: Douglas County's free Open Space Fall Festival returns to Sandstone Ranch at 10am on Saturday, Sept. 26 to kick off the fall season.

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