We didn't have a winter, but it seems like people want to skip spring too with all these summer events being announced. Castle Rock just dropped their 10th anniversary concert series — Marshall Tucker Band, Cheap Trick, Fitz and The Tantrums — with tickets going on sale tomorrow at 10am. Parker's Discovery Park series is out too: eight free Thursday night concerts starting June 4.
Ladies’ Night Out last call — our DougCo Social Ladies' Night Out on this Friday, April 10 in Castle Rock is down to the last few tickets, so if you want to make sure you reserve your spot, do so before they’re gone!
Grab your tickets here.
Douglas County "Red Tape Reduction" Task Force Gets to Work
On April 2, the County's Red Tape Reduction Task Force held its first meeting — a group of leaders from development, construction, utilities, and economic development focused on making Douglas County "one of the fastest, most business-ready communities in the nation."
The goal: cut delays, eliminate duplication, and speed up permitting — without lowering standards.
"Today, we are raising the bar on ourselves," said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. "Douglas County is committed to moving at the speed of the private sector."
Douglas County EDC CEO Ellie Reynolds put it simply: "Our goal for business permitting is to be not only the most competitive place to do business in Colorado, but the leader in the nation."
Home Rule Lawsuit Update: Court of Appeals Reverses
The Colorado Court of Appeals reversed a trial court decision on April 2 in the ongoing lawsuit over Douglas County's Home Rule election. The County was sued in 2025 over alleged Open Meeting law violations. (County Statement)
What happened:
Trial court denied their injunctions multiple times in 2025
Court of Appeals reversed — said the trial court didn't make adequate findings
BUT: No injunction was issued (the request to stop the election was ruled moot since it already happened)
Court ordered a new hearing for additional evidence
What's next: The County is deciding whether to return to trial court or appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court.
The County says it "remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and adherence to Colorado Open Meeting laws."
Zebulon Sports Complex: It's Official
Douglas County Commissioners voted unanimously on March 31 to move Zebulon Regional Sports Complex into its next phase.
What got approved:
KT Development — $2.7M contract for Phase 1 design (they also have a $65M guaranteed max for construction)
SR Construction — $12M for infrastructure (grading, water/sewer, roads)
Stifel — $137K for financial advisory on the $100M financing
The 46-acre complex in northwest Douglas County will include 3 NHL-sized ice rinks, 8 multi-sport courts, a sports dome with turf field, a 15,000 sq ft fitness center, restaurants, and baseball/softball fields.
"Tonight, kids win," said Commissioner Abe Laydon. "Zebulon represents a trifecta for youth sports in Douglas County: A significant new amenity that responds to public feedback, while paying for itself."
Mod Mountain Boutique
Shop Mod Mountain’s newest spring styles here
Help Wanted
Local jobs and opportunities across Douglas County.
If you’re hiring, reach out at [email protected] for a free posting.
Lone Tree was a huge success, so thank you to everyone who came out. We ended up having 75 in the end, which is the largest event we’ve had so far. Next up is Parker on 4/15 with Castle Rock on 4/29. We’d love to have you join us!
Sign up here.
Saddle Up
Colorado Wine Walk returns to Denver on April 26 from 3pm–6pm at the historic Dairy Block.
Hosted by our friends at Blanchard Family Wines, the Grand Tasting features unlimited wine samples, a commemorative glass and tote, live music, and gourmet bites. Guests can also purchase bottles from participating wineries during the event.
If you are looking for a good excuse to head into Denver, this one is worth the drive.
DCD readers can use code CREW10 for 10% off tickets.
Music & Concerts
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Eric Golden Band Live (Patio) - Thu 4/9, 6:00pm–10:00pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Rhett Haney Live (Inside) - Thu 4/9, 7:30pm–11:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Logan Mize Live - Thu 4/9, 7pm–10:30pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Wicked Addicted Live (Patio) - Fri 4/10, 6:00pm–10:00pm
Stagecoach Saloon - The Band These Guys Live - Fri 4/10, 6:30pm–10:30pm
PACE Center - Pickering Academy Spring Student Concert - Fri 4/10, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Takoda Tavern - Songbird Duo Live - Fri 4/10, 7:30pm–11:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Hugh Phillips Live - Fri 4/10, 7pm–10:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Michael Reese Live at the Altar - Fri 4/10, 8:00pm–11:00pm
Sports Lounge Off Broadway - Hot Lunch Live - Fri 4/10, 8:00pm–12:00am
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Ninety2K Live (Inside) - Fri 4/10, 8:30pm–12:30am
Max Taps Co. - Live Music: Orchard Road - Sat 4/11, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - 90's Til Dawn Live (Patio) - Sat 4/11, 6:00pm–10:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Steve and the Cruisers Live - Sat 4/11, 6:30pm–9:30pm
Stagecoach Saloon - Mountain Magic Band Live - Sat 4/11, 6:30pm–10:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - John Denver 'The Tribute' - Sat 4/11, 7:00pm–10:00pm
Takoda Tavern - The Crossfades Live - Sat 4/11, 7:30pm–11:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Fireball Daddy Live - Sat 4/11, 7pm–10:30pm
Sports Lounge Off Broadway - Hot Lunch Live - Sat 4/11, 8:00pm–12:00am
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Ninety2K Live (Inside) - Sat 4/11, 8:30pm–12:30am
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - John Denver 'The Tribute' - Matinee - Sun 4/12, 2:00pm–5:00pm
Takoda Tavern - Open Mic Night - Wed 4/15, 7:00pm–10:00pm
PACE Center - Los Lonely Boys - Wed 4/15, 7:30pm–10:00pm
Family
PACE Center - Dinosaur World Live - Fri 4/10, 6:30pm–7:45pm
PACE Center - Dinosaur World Live - Sat 4/11, 10:00am–11:15am
Lone Tree Arts Center - Seedlings: Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta with Katherine Dines - Tue 4/14, 10:00am–11:00am
Food & Drink
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - Thu 4/9, 1:00pm–3:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - Sat 4/11, 1:00pm–3:30pm
COFF33 - Blanchard Family Wines Pop-Up - Sat 4/11, 5:00pm–9:00pm
COFF33 - Wine and Chocolate Tasting - Sat 4/11, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Arts & Culture
Philip S. Miller Library - Castle Rock Historical Society: Castlewood Dam Personalities - Thu 4/9, 7:00pm–8:00pm
Lone Tree Arts Center - Steel Magnolias - Thu 4/9, 7:30pm–10:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - Fri 4/10, 10:00am–11:30am
Magpie Art Center - Handbuilding Ceramics - Fri 4/10, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - Sat 4/11, 10:00am–11:30am
Douglas County Libraries - Highlands Ranch - Author Talk: Melissa Strong - Sat 4/11, 6:30pm–8:00pm
Magpie Art Center - Painting Made Easy - Sat 4/11, 9:00am–12:00pm
PACE Center - Peter Antoniou - Sun 4/12, 2:00pm–4:00pm
Douglas County Libraries - Highlands Ranch - Author Talk: Maria Gallucci - Sun 4/12, 5:00pm–6:30pm
Magpie Art Center - Handbuilding Ceramics - Mon 4/13, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - Tue 4/14, 10:00am–11:30am
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour - Wed 4/15, 10:00am–11:30am
Nightlife & Entertainment
Wide Open Saloon - Country Line Dancing - Thu 4/9, 6:00pm–10:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Bingo Night - Thu 4/9, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Lansdowne Arms - Trivia Night - Thu 4/9, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Max Taps Co. - Poker Night - Thu 4/9, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Sports Lounge Off Broadway - Thursday Karaoke - Thu 4/9, 8:00pm–12:00am
Lansdowne Arms - Saturday Night Karaoke - Sat 4/11, 8:00pm–11:00pm
Sinners & Saints - DJ Max in the Lounge - Sat 4/11, 9:00pm–12:00am
Sports Lounge Off Broadway - Sunday Karaoke - Sun 4/12, 8:00pm–11:30pm
Takoda Tavern - Trivia Night - Tue 4/14, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Max Taps Co. - Trivia Night - Tue 4/14, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Karaoke with Avery - Wed 4/15, 7:00pm–11:00pm
Sports Lounge Off Broadway - DJ Trivia - Wed 4/15, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Community
Takoda Tavern - Thursday Bike Night - Thu 4/9, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Lone Tree Arts Center - Taiko Workshop for Parkinson's - Sat 4/11, 9:30am–11:00am
HRCA - HRCA Job Fair - Sat 4/11, 10:00am–2:00pm
On the Horizon
Sinners & Saints - Spring Sparks After Fifty: Speed Dating - Thu 4/16, 6:30pm–8:30pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Steve Thomas Live - Fri 4/17, 5:30pm–9pm
Alidade Brewing - Bad Movie Good Beer: Plan 9 From Outer Space - Fri 4/17, 6:00pm–8:30pm
PACE Center - Parker Chorale: Your Choices, Our Voices - Sun 4/19, 2:00pm–4:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Viva Flamenco! - Sun 4/19, 3:00pm–6:00pm
PACE Center - The King of Pop Resurrected - Thu 4/23, 7:00pm–9:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE! - Fri 4/24, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Dueling Pianos - Sat 4/25, 7pm–10:30pm
Lone Tree Arts Center - Denver Concert Band: Young Artist Concert - Sun 4/26, 2:00pm–4:00pm
Need more events? Check out https://dougcoevents.com
Hometown Headlines
Free 'Link On Demand' Rideshare Expands to Parker
TLDR: Starting April 8, Parker residents can use the free Link On Demand rideshare to travel between Parker, Lone Tree, and Highlands Ranch. Service area includes downtown Parker, Crown Point, and AdventHealth Parker. Book through the Via app or by phone.
Douglas County Fair & Rodeo Seeking Volunteers
TLDR: The Fair & Rodeo runs July 24-Aug 2 in Castle Rock. They need volunteers 16+ to help run the event — volunteers receive four grounds admission passes.
Pine Drive and Pine Lane Construction Kicks Off in Parker
TLDR: Crews started a $13.2M project to widen Pine Drive and Pine Lane between Inspiration Drive and Lincoln Avenue. Four travel lanes, new signals at Ponderosa and Pine Lane. Expect delays Mon-Fri 7am-7pm through summer 2027.
Free Lamb Spring Archaeological Tours Open May-October
TLDR: Free guided tours at Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve run one Saturday each month (9am) from May through October — first available is May 16. Ice Age site with mammoth and camel fossils. RSVP required.
Older Adult Health & Resource Expo — Today
TLDR: 40+ vendors at Highlands Ranch Senior Center today (Thursday, April 9) from 1-4pm. Free health screenings for blood pressure, glucose, balance, and oral cancer. Free admission, no registration.
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