I hope you were able to get out to some of the great events DougCo has had over the past week. I was super bummed I wasn’t able to make it to Parker Days this past weekend. It looked like an amazing time. Speaking of Parker, it’s been on a tear with new businesses and they’ve got even more coming down the pike with Emagine Theaters opening at the beginning of July. Rugby Scott Ranch Provisions is opening up. I also saw a sign for something called SuBourbon. Oh, and there’s that data center they’re building. I’ll need to dig into that one a bit more before circling back, but I’m interested to look into it all. Anyways, Lone Tree is trying to keep up with a new opening of its own, this one in the Lyric at RidgeGate development.

The whole neighborhood is named in music. Lyric. High Note. Bebop. Poet. So it tracks that its new gathering spot is called The Groove, and that the slogan out front reads “where the neighborhood finds its rhythm.” I stopped in Wednesday morning to check it out.

The Groove sits at the heart of Lyric at RidgeGate, the fast-growing Shea Homes neighborhood off RidgeGate Parkway in Lone Tree. It is a coffee house in the morning, a lunch spot midday, and a full restaurant and bar by night, and it doubles as the neighborhood's welcome center. It's all open to the public. The pool and fitness center next door are for residents only.

Breakfast runs 7 to 11am, and that is where I spent my money. The breakfast burrito was the winner of the morning, scrambled egg and crispy potato with a chipotle aioli that carries it, and you can add chorizo or bacon. The egg, ham and cheese empanada was a solid second (one for $6, three for $15). The avocado toast was the one that did not quite land for me. The lemon oil is a nice touch, but it was underwhelming next to the rest. The iced latte was good.

The menu reaches well past breakfast. The staff gave me the rundown, pointing me to the cast iron meatballs, said to carry a little kick, the house-made focaccia, and two sandwiches built on it, the Pane Porchetta and the Pane BLT, already early hits. The Mediterranean bowl got a nod too. There is a full bar with cocktails, wine, Lone Tree Brewery on tap, and even an Athletic Lite for the non-drinkers. Kids 12 and under get their own menu, and there are vegetarian and gluten-free options throughout.

The room earns a visit on its own. A 60-foot mural in 40-plus colors by magik.studios runs the wall, and windows facing both east and west pour in light all day. Outlets are everywhere, which makes it a genuinely good work-from-anywhere spot for now. Outside there is patio seating, high-tops, and picnic tables out on the turf. Friday nights bring live music, and the neighborhood turns out for it. The grand opening a week and a half ago drew around 200 people, mostly residents.

What The Groove is, right now, is a real perk for a neighborhood filling in fast: a good place to work from, an easy spot to meet someone halfway, and, with the laid-back scene and turf out front, an easy call for a casual hang or a playdate. Is it a place you drive across the county for? Not yet. But for the people filling in around it, that almost doesn't matter. Lyric is about 350 homes into a planned 1,900, and the area keeps taking shape around it. High Note Park, an 80-acre regional park (with a beer garden), broke ground right across the street and opens in 2027, and a new elementary school is on the way. Across the rest of RidgeGate, more keeps coming, from the King Soopers-anchored Lone Tree Village to a new Justice Center.

For now, the neighborhood is finding its rhythm with each new addition. The Groove is at 10930 Lyric Street in Lone Tree, open daily from 7am and closing at 6pm Monday and Tuesday, 8pm Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 9pm Friday and Saturday. Breakfast runs 7 to 11am.

You can see the full menu on our dougcosocial.com write-up → The Groove

We’ll be back in Lone Tree on Wednesday, June 24 before taking a little break. Be sure to sign up!

DougCo Social Dinner Club

We’ll also be hosting another Couples Dinner that night in Lone Tree at John Holly’s. If you’d like to join us, sign up below. Please note this sign-up is on a separate platform from the Dinner Club above.

Couples Dinner (55+)

Local jobs and opportunities across Douglas County.

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Alidade Brewing is turning ONE!

Join us for our Anniversary Luau Party on Saturday, June 20 from 12pm–6pm. We’re dropping an exclusive Tropical Hazy IPA with Exclusive Limited Releases all day long! Plus Year One Glassware, Tropical Slushees, a DJ, Island-Inspired Menu, Arcade Truck and Luau Games with Prizes! Follow our page for full tap lists and VIP updates!

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Music & Concerts

Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Rhett Haney on the Patio - Thu 6/18, 6:00pm–10:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Tunes for Trails / Perks for Parks Free Concert: The Rick Lewis Project - Thu 6/18, 6:30pm–9:00pm
Discovery Park - Discovery Park Summer Concert: Lucky Catch - Thu 6/18, 6:30pm–8:00pm
Highland Heritage Regional Park - HRCA Summer Concert Series: Red Rock Vixens - Thu 6/18, 6:30pm–8:00pm - tickets
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Red Mountain Highway on the Inside Stage - Thu 6/18, 7:30pm–11:30pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Live Music: Pat Foley - Fri 6/19, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel - Music on the Patio: Josh Blackburn at Lone Tree Golf Club - Fri 6/19, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Blue Moon Band at Pines Bar and Grill - Fri 6/19, 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Blinker Fluid - Fri 6/19, 6:30pm–10:30pm
Max Taps Co. - Open Mic Night at Max Taps - Fri 6/19, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Lies Or Lullabies on the Patio - Fri 6/19, 7:00pm–11:00pm
Takoda Tavern - Orchard Road Live at Takoda Tavern - Fri 6/19, 7:30pm–11:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Scott Uhl - Live at the Altar - Fri 6/19, 8:00pm–10:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Jeff Goodwin Live at Wide Open Saloon - Fri 6/19, 8:00pm–11:00pm
Max Taps Co. - Live Music: Vinyl Nation at Max Taps - Sat 6/20, 6:00pm–9:00pm - tickets
The Stagecoach Saloon - Mountain Magic Band - Sat 6/20, 6:30pm–10:30pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: These Guys at 105 West Brewing - Sat 6/20, 6:30pm–9:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Float Like a Buffalo (Outdoor Concert Series Kickoff) - Sat 6/20, 7:00pm–10:30pm - Starts at $23.18 (GA) / VIP $33.85 - tickets
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Dreamboat Annie on the Patio - Sat 6/20, 7:00pm–11:00pm
Takoda Tavern - Unleashed Live at Takoda Tavern - Sat 6/20, 7:30pm–11:30pm
Studio@Mainstreet - Whiskey Road - Sat 6/20, 7:30pm–11:30pm
Takoda Tavern - Hot Boots Duo on the Upper Patio at Takoda Tavern - Sun 6/21, 12:00pm–4:00pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Sarah P and the Haypullers on the Patio - Sun 6/21, 12:00pm–4:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Dan Soto at 105 West Brewing - Sun 6/21, 2:30pm–5:30pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Kingpin Posse Father's Day Patio Show - Sun 6/21, 5:00pm–9:00pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Josh Blackburn on the Patio - Wed 6/24, 5:30pm–9:30pm
Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Castle Rock Summer Concert Series - Wed 6/24, 6:00pm–9:00pm

Food & Drink

KB Ranch - Cowabunga Cafe at KB Ranch - Sat 6/20, 11:00am–2:00pm - $28 - tickets
Bar Hummingbird - Castle Rock - Bubbles & Beats Sunday Brunch at Bar Hummingbird - Sun 6/21, 11:00am–3:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting: Pasqua Vigneti e Cantine of Verona - Wed 6/24 - $72 - tickets

Arts & Culture

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Stones & Stories: The Geology Behind the Castle - Thu 6/18, 9:00am–11:00am - $38.50 - tickets
Lone Tree Arts Center - SPARK! Shall We Dance Mobile at LTAC - Thu 6/18, 1:30pm–3:00pm
Douglas County Libraries - Highlands Ranch - DCL Presents: Wendy B. Correa — My Pretty Baby - Sat 6/20, 6:00pm–7:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Craft & Cocktails: Moody, Magical Mini Terrarium Night - Tue 6/23, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $33.85 - tickets
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Fireworks Paint Party at Wild Blue Yonder - Wed 6/24, 6:30pm–8:30pm - $40 - tickets

Nightlife & Entertainment

Studio@Mainstreet - Rion Evans Presents: Comedy Night - Sat 6/20, 6:00pm–7:30pm - $9.85 - tickets

Family

Prairie Sky Park - 9-1-1 Safety Fun Day - Thu 6/18, 10:00am–12:00pm
Backcountry Base Camp - Backcountry Outdoor Movie: The Wild Robot - Sat 6/20, 8:00pm–10:00pm - $30 - tickets

Fitness & Wellness

Rueter-Hess Reservoir - Dash Across the Dam Father's Day 5K - Sat 6/20, 8:00am–10:00am - $43.65 - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Archaeology Hike - Sat 6/20, 9:00am - $39.50 - tickets

Markets & Shopping

Garner & Gather Barn - Summer Market at the Barn - Sat 6/20, 5:00pm–8:00pm

Festivals & Fairs

Wilcox Square (Downtown Castle Rock) - Castle Rock Car Show Weekend Kickoff Concert 2026 - Fri 6/19, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Wilcox Square (Downtown Castle Rock) - Castle Rock Car Show 2026 — Main Show Day - Sat 6/20, 10:00am–3:00pm
Colorado Renaissance Festival Site - Colorado Renaissance Festival — Renaissance Weekend - Sat 6/20, 10:00am–6:30pm - $32+ - tickets
Alidade Brewing - Alidade Brewing Year One Anniversary Luau Party - Sat 6/20, 12:00pm–6:00pm - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Waterloo: The Centennial Gala at Cherokee Castle - Sat 6/20, 6:00pm - $180-$381 - tickets

Outdoor & Adventure

Prairie Sky Park - Guided Nature Hike: Raptors of RidgeGate at Prairie Sky Park - Sat 6/20, 9:00am–10:30am
Backcountry Base Camp - Backcountry Nature Night Out - Sat 6/20, 5:30pm–7:30pm - $15 - tickets

Community

Schweiger Ranch - Schweiger Ranch Guided Public Tour (June) - Sat 6/20, 10:30am–12:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds & Event Center - Colorado Whiskey Fest 2026 - Sat 6/20, 11:00am–5:00pm - $35-$75 - tickets
Schweiger Ranch - Schweiger Ranch Open Day Self-Guided Tour (June) - Sat 6/20, 12:00pm–4:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Afternoon Dave Chapa (Father's Day) - Sun 6/21, 12:00pm–4:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Mah Jongg Monday at Alidade Brewing - Mon 6/22, 5:00pm–8:00pm
Teaology Tea Cafe - Microdosing & Motherhood - Tue 6/23, 10:00am
Lone Tree Arts Center - Blood Drive at Lone Tree Arts Center - Wed 6/24, 11:00am–4:00pm

On the Horizon

Downtown Parker (check in at Parker Chamber Office, 19751 E. Mainstreet) - Parker Wine Walk — June 2026 - Fri 6/26, 4:30pm–7:30pm - $25-$30 - tickets
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: The Marshall Tucker Band with Ben Chapman - Fri 6/26, 6:00pm–10:00pm - $35+ - tickets
COFF33 - Battle of the Brushes - Fri 6/26, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $23.18 - tickets
Lone Tree Arts Center - Tunes on the Terrace: New Orleans Suspects at LTAC - Fri 6/26, 7:30pm–9:30pm - $40-$45 - tickets
PACE Center - All Shook Up — Opening Night at PACE Center - Fri 6/26, 7:30pm–10:00pm - $40-$45 - tickets
Colorado Renaissance Festival Site - Colorado Renaissance Festival - Sat 6/27 10:00am, Sat 7/4 10:00am, Sat 7/11 10:00am, Sat 7/18 10:00am - $32+ - tickets
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Castle Rock Chamber Sip & Savor - Sat 6/27, 5:00pm–8:00pm - $50-$90 - tickets
Festival Park - Castle Rock Ducky Derby - Sun 6/28, 9:00am–3:00pm - $10-$20 - tickets
Elk Ridge Park - Castle Pines Summer Concert Series — That Eighties Band - Sun 6/28, 6:00pm–8:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Hike: Cherokee Setting of the Sun and Rising of the Full Moon - Mon 6/29, 7:15pm - $40 - tickets
Highland Heritage Regional Park - Star-Spangled Birthday Bash at Highland Heritage Park - Thu 7/2, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - 6th Annual July 4th ROCK-IT RUN (5K, Half Marathon, Free 1K Kids' Run + Concert) - Sat 7/4, 6:00am–11:00am - $38+ - tickets
Highlands Ranch Town Center - HRCA Independence Day 5K - Sat 7/4, 7:30am–10:00am - $25-$45 - tickets
Highlands Ranch Parkway - Highlands Ranch Independence Day Parade 2026 - Sat 7/4, 8:45am–10:30am
Prairie Sky Park - Lone Tree Independence Day Celebration - Sat 7/4, 9:00am–10:00pm
Providence Park - Sterling Ranch Stars & Stripes — Bike Parade + USA 250 / CO 150 Aerial Photo - Sat 7/4, 9:00am–11:00am
Festival Park - Castle Rock 4th of July at Festival Park - Sat 7/4, 5:30pm–10:00pm - tickets
Salisbury Regional Park - Parker Independence Day Fireworks Show - Sat 7/4, 9:30pm–10:00pm
Denver Polo Club - 4th of July-themed Polo Tailgate at Denver Polo Club - Sun 7/5, 10:00am–3:00pm - $49.87+ - tickets

Need more events? Check out https://dougcosocial.com/events

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Douglas County partners with Children's Hospital Colorado on youth mental health
TLDR: The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with Children's Hospital Colorado to expand youth mental health crisis stabilization services for children, adolescents, and families across the county.

Douglas County puts land records back to 1866 online
TLDR: The Clerk and Recorder's office finished a multi-year project to digitize the county's historic land records, and 3,877,662 documents dating back to 1866 are now free to search and view at DouglasCOClerk.gov/Recording (click on Search Recorded Documents). The final stretch of 375,717 pages was completed with $440,000 in state Electronic Recording Technology Board funding.

Lone Tree's Independence Day celebration returns July 4 with Sophia Scott and fireworks
TLDR: Lone Tree is throwing an all-day Fourth of July celebration at Prairie Sky Park, with a morning Family Fun Ride and Stroll, a Family Fun Park with inflatables and games, and Party in the Park. Colorado native Sophia Scott headlines at 8pm, with fireworks at 9:30pm. Registration for the Family Fun Park opened to everyone June 15.

Highlands Ranch wants your input on the future of the Mansion and Historic Park
TLDR: This spring Shea Homes conveyed 197 acres of the original ranchland to the Highlands Ranch Metro District, a big step toward the planned 250-acre Highlands Ranch Historic Park (the park is under 50 acres today). The site wraps the 140-plus-year-old Mansion in a working ranch, with historic barns, a bunkhouse, corrals, the iconic windmill, a maintained orchard, and about 1.4 miles of trails. The Mansion itself reopened in 2012 after a roughly $6 million restoration. Now the District is asking residents how to grow the park and tell its story, with community meetings July 22 and August 17 at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center (200 E. Highlands Ranch Parkway).

A new Friday Night Market debuts at Westridge in Highlands Ranch
TLDR: The Highlands Ranch Community Association is launching a Friday Night Market on Friday July 17 from 5 to 8pm in the pool parking lot at the Westridge Recreation Center (9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd). The all-ages event brings local vendors, food trucks, and live music. It's free to attend, and you can pair it with a dip in the outdoor pool.

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