Summer events are kicking off and there are two early on that caught my attention:

Highlands Ranch Beer Festival — this Saturday (5/30) from 2pm to 5pm at Civic Green Park.

Parker Days Festival — Thursday (6/11) – Sunday (6/14) in downtown Parker.

Oh, and I saw this the other day — stay tuned for UTV Tours for the bison that are returning to Highlands Ranch for the first time in more than 100 years.

Alright, so this one has been on my radar for a while, even before they opened their newest Lone Tree spot, but for one reason or another, I just hadn't made it over. Well, that was extremely foolish given how awesome my experience was at both of Monk & Mongoose's Lone Tree locations.

For those of you who don't know, Monk & Mongoose was founded 9 years ago by Jared and Lindsay Keiffer, and their original location is at 9580 RidgeGate Parkway in Lone Tree. You wouldn't know the Keiffers are the owners and operators of Monk & Mongoose by looking at their website, but that's by design. When I asked their manager why there's basically no information about them on the website, she stated that that's just who they are. They aren't about themselves, their focus is on the team and how they're working as a whole towards their goal. Seems to be working, since that type of community, respect, and service translates from the employees to the customers. Quick and attentive service with a smile. Oh, and the coffee and food are good too…

I started at their original spot and Jaimee was kind enough to correct my order from a cold brew to a Chocolate Cold Brew…nothing better than starting the day off with dessert. Plus, she hooked me up with a Tiramisu Latte that I honestly would make the drive for. Food-wise, I got French Almond Cake (GF Financier) and an Almond Cake with Fresh Raspberries (also GF Financier). They were both awesome, but if I had to opt for one it would be the one with raspberries. That sweet explosion is exactly what I needed after housing the Chorizo Chicken Breakfast burrito. Before I sat down, they were kind enough to offer boxes and cups to go…yeah, they had no idea who they were dealing with. ALL. GONE.

It's a great mix of people at that particular location. You've got plenty of "work from anywhere," business meetings, coffee dates, and some really cute dogs on the patio. The perfect spot if you work in that area, and I'm sure plenty of folks from the surrounding healthcare systems and other big employers frequent it.

Then it was off to their High Note location, which opened in November. Not that RidgeGate isn't cool, but High Note's just a very special setup.

It has this really cool loft area where I posted up to get some work done. I sat right where they just had someone paint an amazing mural of mountains with skiers, ice skaters, and yes, even a few snowboarders…it's got a comfortable little seating area up there too, in addition to a bartop with stools that appeared to be a hot commodity (no room in the inn for me to use), and basically functions as a standing desk where you can see down to the main area. The main area has floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in a ton of natural light. It's a very cool place.

The acoustics at High Note are apparently pretty good since they've had artists perform up there and I was told they sounded amazing. They rent out the space not just for that, but for other events as well. A really cool event Monk & Mongoose has hosted is a coffee art throwdown, with their most recent one over at COFF33. I honestly had never heard of one before, but would love to attend. Best way to describe it is a March Madness for baristas. It's a high-energy, friendly competition where baristas go head-to-head to pour the best and most beautiful latte art.

Pricing for after-hours rentals is $150 for the first two hours and then $150 for each hour thereafter. (monkandmongoose.com/reserve)

And if you want their coffee service but already have an event space, don't worry, they've got you covered. They've got a coffee cart that they can bring to weddings, grad parties, showers, you name it. They were even at the PGA Tour in Castle Pines two years ago for six days!

What they're pouring.

Their beans come from Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters in Lakewood, who are one of the most respected specialty roasters in Colorado. They've used Sweet Bloom exclusively since the beginning. Teas are loose-leaf via Spirit Teas. The pastries and food rotate with the season.

Where to go and when.

Both Lone Tree spots are conveniently located smack-dab in the middle of Douglas County, which makes them an easy meetup. My take: go to High Note now, before it's packed, because it's going to be. The build-out happening in that area is going to fill the place fast.

Then save RidgeGate for a great summer day coffee or breakfast. They can open up their garage-style doors onto the patio, which is just the move on a nice morning.

Oh, and if you find yourself in DTC for work or something else, they've got a location there too. Same good stuff, just outside of DougCo.

Try them this week, on them.

I picked up four $25 Monk & Mongoose gift cards. Two are going out on Instagram soon. The other two are for DougCo Drop readers.

To enter: Vote in the poll below for the location you'd hit first. Two winners drawn at random on Tuesday, June 2. I'll email both winners directly.

Find them:

High Note
10920 High Note Ave, Suite 1-123, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Open 6:30am to 5:30pm daily

RidgeGate
9580 RidgeGate Parkway, Suite D, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Open 6:30am to 6:30pm daily

The Landmark at DTC
5370 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Suite 109, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Mon to Sat 6:30am to 5:30pm, Sun 7am to 4pm

Coffee Cart booking: monkandmongoose.com/coffee-cart
Space rental at High Note: monkandmongoose.com/reserve
Instagram: @monkandmongoose

We will be in Castle Rock on Wednesday, June 10. Hope to see you there!

DougCo Social Dinner Club

Our next Couples Dinner (55+) will be in Castle Rock that same night (6/10). If you’d like to join us, sign up at the link 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.

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

Music & Concerts

Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Sarah P and the Haypullers (Patio) - Thu 5/28, 6:00pm–10:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Blue Moon Band Live at The Pines Bar and Grill - Fri 5/29, 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - The Band Last Call Live at The Stagecoach Saloon - Fri 5/29, 6:30pm–10:30pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - El Loco Fandango (Patio) - Fri 5/29, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Studio@Mainstreet - Dueling Days — Dueling Pianos - Fri 5/29, 7:00pm–11:00pm - $28.52 - tickets
Takoda Tavern - These Guys - Fri 5/29, 7:30pm–11:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Grey Rails - Live at the Altar - Fri 5/29, 8:00pm–11:00pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - 90's Til Dawn (Inside Stage) - Fri 5/29, 8:30pm–12:30am
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Street Survivors (Patio) - Fri 5/29, 9:00pm–11:00pm
The Schoolhouse - The Dreamboats Matinee at The Schoolhouse - Sat 5/30, 2:00pm–4:00pm - $40-$44 - tickets
Wide Open Saloon - Acoustic Show - Sat 5/30, 2:00pm–5:00pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Jordan Yewey at Outlets at Castle Rock - Sat 5/30, 3:00pm–6:00pm
Happy Crew Coffee House - Midlife Mingle: Dance Floor Anthems - Sat 5/30, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $32 - tickets
The Stagecoach Saloon - Mountain Magic Band - Sat 5/30, 6:30pm–10:30pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Giant Zero at 105 West Brewing - Sat 5/30, 6:30pm–9:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - John Denver "The Tribute" - Sat 5/30, 6:45pm–10:00pm - $89 - tickets
Wide Open Saloon - Chainsaw Rodeo - Sat 5/30, 7:00pm–10:30pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - The Long Run (Patio) - Sat 5/30, 7:00pm–11:00pm
Studio@Mainstreet - Dueling Days — Dueling Pianos (Night 2) - Sat 5/30, 7:00pm–11:00pm - $28.52 - tickets
Takoda Tavern - Anthony Russo & The Takoda Boys - Sat 5/30, 7:30pm–11:30pm
The Schoolhouse - The Dreamboats Evening at The Schoolhouse - Sat 5/30, 7:30pm–9:30pm - $40-$44 - tickets
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - 90's Til Dawn (Inside Stage) - Sat 5/30, 8:30pm–12:30am
Studio@Mainstreet - Walker Williams Live - Sun 5/31, 1:00pm–4:00pm - tickets
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: David Chapa at 105 West Brewing - Sun 5/31, 2:30pm–5:30pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Blaze Duo at Outlets at Castle Rock - Sun 5/31, 3:00pm–6:00pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill - Buck Sergeant (Patio) - Sun 5/31, 5:00pm–9:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Soul School — Funk & Rock Dance Party - Sun 5/31, 5:30pm–9:00pm - $85.95 - tickets
Festival Park - Jazz in the Park - Wed 6/3, 6:30pm–8:00pm
Takoda Tavern - Open Mic Night with Anthony Russo & The Takoda Boys - Wed 6/3, 7:00pm–10:00pm

Food & Drink

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Tequila Tasting at the Castle (Currently Sold Out) - Fri 5/29, 6:00pm–9:15pm - $86.95 - tickets

Arts & Culture

Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Mead & Magic at Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Sat 5/30, 6:00pm–7:00pm
Teaology Tea Cafe - Watercolor Classes with Raelene - Sun 5/31, 1:00pm–3:00pm - $42 - tickets
Douglas County Libraries - Highlands Ranch - DCL Presents: Garrett Peck - The Bright Edges of the World - Sun 5/31, 2:00pm–3:30pm - tickets
PACE Center - Boutique Dance Academy Spring Recital — Show 1 - Mon 6/1, 5:15pm–6:30pm - $27 - tickets
PACE Center - Boutique Dance Academy Spring Recital — Show 2 - Mon 6/1, 7:30pm–8:45pm - $27 - tickets

Nightlife & Entertainment

Alidade Brewing - Retro Video Game Tournament at Alidade Brewing - Sat 5/30, 5:00pm–9:00pm

Fitness & Wellness

Teaology Tea Cafe - Yoga with Karen - Sat 5/30, 9:30am–10:30am - $25 - tickets

Markets & Shopping

Lone Tree Brewing Company - Parker - Bad Moms of Parker Spring Market 2026 - Sat 5/30, 11:00am–3:00pm

Festivals & Fairs

Civic Green Park - Highlands Ranch Beer Festival - Sat 5/30, 2:00pm–5:00pm - $44.01 - tickets

Outdoor & Adventure

Bluffs Regional Park Trail - Guided Nature Hike: Blue Moon at Bluffs Regional Park - Sun 5/31, 8:30pm–10:00pm

Community

Wide Open Saloon - Dueling Pianos - Fri 5/29, 7:00pm–10:30pm - $13-$34 - tickets
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space - Beginner Bird Watching at Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space - Sat 5/30, 8:00am–10:00am - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Backcountry Hike (Currently Sold Out) - Sat 5/30, 8:30am - $39.50 - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Petrified Wood Hike - Sun 5/31, 8:00am - $39.50 - tickets
The Ridge at Castle Pines North - Yoga & Abeille at The Ridge - Sun 5/31, 8:30am–11:00am - $44.52 - tickets
Toepfer Park - Toepfer Park 2.0 Celebration - Mon 6/1, 4:30pm–6:30pm - tickets
Festival Park - Yoga in the Park at Festival Park - Mon 6/1, 6:30pm–7:30pm - tickets
Festival Park - Free Summer Trolley Rides - Wed 6/3, 6:00pm–8:00pm - tickets

On the Horizon

Discovery Park - Discovery Park Summer Concert: The Elegant Plums - Thu 6/4, 6:30pm–8:00pm
Civic Green Park - HRCA Summer Concert Series: Shelvis and the Roustabouts - Thu 6/4, 6:30pm–8:00pm - tickets
PACE Center - Aurora Dance Arts — Dance Me A Story - Thu 6/4, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $20 - tickets
Wide Awake Eatery - Dueling Pianos at Wide Awake Eatery - Thu 6/4, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $23.18+ - tickets
Sterling Ranch CAB (The Overlook) - First Friday — June Edition - Fri 6/5, 5:00pm–6:30pm
Festival Park - First Fridays Family 5K and Concert: Mallrats - Fri 6/5, 5:30pm–9:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Josh Blackburn: Live In Castle Rock (June) - Fri 6/5, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel - Music on the Patio: Rick Lewis Band at Lone Tree Golf Club - Fri 6/5, 6:00pm–9:00pm
PACE Center - Kid's Zone Princess Ball - Fri 6/5, 6:15pm–7:45pm - $26+ - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting at the Castle: Summer Sippers of the West Coast - Fri 6/5, 6:30pm - $69.95 - tickets
The Stagecoach Saloon - These Guys - Fri 6/5, 6:30pm–10:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Tyler Stainfeld - Fri 6/5, 7:00pm–10:30pm
PACE Center - Aurora Dance Arts — Dance Me A Story - Fri 6/5, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $20 - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Hike: A Walk Through Time - Sat 6/6, 8:00am - $39.50 - tickets
Fly'n B Park - Kids Fishing Day at Fly'n B Park - Sat 6/6, 8:00am–1:00pm - tickets
Gateway Mesa Open Space - National Trails Day Guided Hikes - Sat 6/6, 8:30am–11:30am - tickets
Backcountry Base Camp - Backcountry Summer Kickoff - Sat 6/6, 8:30am–11:00am - $8-$15 - tickets
Coyote Ridge Park - Castle Pines Food Truck Frenzy 2026 - Sat 6/6, 4:00pm–8:00pm
Studio@Mainstreet - Rion Evans Presents: Game Show Live - Sat 6/6, 5:00pm–7:00pm - $15.18 - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Leonard E. Barrett Jr. Combo: A Harry Belafonte Tribute - Sat 6/6, 6:30pm–10:00pm - $83 - tickets
The Stagecoach Saloon - Wags and The Boys - Sat 6/6, 6:30pm–10:30pm
Prairie Sky Park - Guided Nature Hike: Birds at Sunset at Prairie Sky Park - Sat 6/6, 6:30pm–8:00pm
PACE Center - Aurora Dance Arts — Dance Me A Story - Sat 6/6, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $20 - tickets
The Schoolhouse - Hoofbeats of Hope Fashion Show — The Schoolhouse - Sun 6/7, 12:00pm–2:30pm - $50 - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Denver Jazz Orchestra - Sun 6/7, 2:00pm–5:30pm - $83.25 - tickets
PACE Center - Aurora Dance Arts — Dance Me A Story - Sun 6/7, 4:00pm–6:00pm - $20 - tickets
Lone Tree Arts Center - Seedlings: Inside the Orchestra - Tue 6/9, 11:30am–12:30pm - $5 - tickets
O'Brien Park - Parker Days 50th Annual Festival — Day 1 - Thu 6/11, 1:00pm–11:00pm - tickets
Discovery Park - Discovery Park Summer Concert: The Violet Pines - Thu 6/11, 6:30pm–8:00pm
Civic Green Park - HRCA Summer Concert Series: Tumbledown Shack - Thu 6/11, 6:30pm–8:00pm - tickets
Lone Tree Arts Center - Gerald Albright's Lone Tree Sessions: Patti Austin - Thu 6/11, 7:30pm - $55-$87 - tickets
Festival Park - Castle Rock Artisan Expo at Festival Park - Fri 6/12, 10:00am–5:00pm
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel - Music on the Patio: Nikki Z at Lone Tree Golf Club - Fri 6/12, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park - Climb4Change Castle Rock — 5K, Trail, Stairs - Sat 6/13, 7:00am–11:30am - $25-$45 - tickets
Civic Green Park - KidFest 2026 at Civic Green Park - Sat 6/13, 9:00am–12:00pm - tickets
ThunderRidge High School - Highlands Ranch Car Show 2026 at ThunderRidge HS - Sat 6/13, 10:00am–2:00pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Castle Rock Outdoor Summer Fest 2026 - Sat 6/13, 1:00pm–4:00pm
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel - FREE Golf Clinic: Birdie Bound at Lone Tree Golf Club - Sat 6/13, 1:00pm–3:00pm
Backcountry Base Camp - Backcountry Nature Night Out - Sat 6/13, 5:30pm–7:30pm - $15 - tickets
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space - Twilight on the Trails 2026 - Sat 6/13, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $75+ - tickets
Backcountry Base Camp - Backcountry Outdoor Movie: The Goonies - Sat 6/13, 8:00pm–10:00pm - $30 - tickets
Lone Tree Arts Center - Passport to Culture: Top Hogs - Sun 6/14, 1:30pm–2:30pm - $9 - tickets
Prairie Sky Park - Summer Beats Concert: Red Rock Vixens at Prairie Sky Park - Tue 6/16, 6:00pm–8:00pm
Lone Tree Arts Center - Arts in the Afternoon: Rob Mullins Trio at LTAC - Wed 6/17, 1:30pm–3:00pm - $24 - tickets
Studio@Mainstreet - Girls Night Out: Australia's Thunder with Excitement - Wed 6/17, 8:00pm–11:00pm - $25-$45 - tickets
Lone Tree Arts Center - SPARK! Shall We Dance Mobile at LTAC - Thu 6/18, 1:30pm–3:00pm - tickets
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
Civic Green Park - HRCA Summer Concert Series: Red Rock Vixens - Thu 6/18, 6:30pm–8:00pm - tickets
Wilcox Square (Downtown Castle Rock) - Castle Rock Car Show Weekend Kickoff Concert 2026 - Fri 6/19, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Rueter-Hess Reservoir - Dash Across the Dam Father's Day 5K - Sat 6/20, 8:00am–10:00am - $43.65 - tickets
Prairie Sky Park - Guided Nature Hike: Raptors of RidgeGate at Prairie Sky Park - Sat 6/20, 9:00am–10:30am
Wilcox Square (Downtown Castle Rock) - Castle Rock Car Show 2026 — Main Show Day - Sat 6/20, 10:00am–3:00pm
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
Backcountry Base Camp - Backcountry Nature Night Out - Sat 6/20, 5:30pm–7:30pm - $15 - tickets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Waterloo: The Centennial Gala at Cherokee Castle - Sat 6/20, 6:00pm - $180-$381 - tickets
Studio@Mainstreet - Rion Evans Presents: Comedy Night - Sat 6/20, 6:00pm–7:30pm - $9.85 - tickets
Backcountry Base Camp - Backcountry Outdoor Movie: The Wild Robot - Sat 6/20, 8:00pm–10:00pm - $30 - tickets

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

Lone Tree welcomes new City Council members Michelle Béchamps and Tara Meekma
TLDR: Lone Tree certified the May 5 Municipal Election results on May 15. Michelle Béchamps won the District 1 seat with 729 votes (vs. Greg Jewell's 574), and Tara Meekma won District 2 with 561 votes (vs. Glenn Hertzler's 550 and Chris Weir's 307). Both were sworn in at the May 19 City Council meeting, filling the seats previously held by Jay Carpenter and Mike Anderson. Turnout was 23.64% (2,721 of 11,512 registered voters).

Castle Pines major road construction begins June 1: Castle Pines Parkway + Buffalo Trail
TLDR: Two major Castle Pines road projects start the week of June 1. The westbound lanes of Castle Pines Parkway between Monarch Boulevard and Forest Park Drive will be fully reconstructed (with a new water line under the road from Castle Pines North Metro District) through early fall. Traffic will share the eastbound lanes both directions during the work. Buffalo Trail between Monarch Boulevard and Twisted Oak Drive will be closed for full reconstruction through early August (local traffic only; neighborhood detours posted). Crews are scheduled to finish work near Timber Trail Elementary before school resumes in August.

Castle Pines Happy Canyon and I-25 interchange open house Thursday June 4
TLDR: The Happy Canyon Road and I-25 interchange improvement project is hosting a public open house Thursday, June 4 from 4:30pm to 6pm at the Castle Pines Library Event Hall, 360 Village Square Lane. No formal presentation. Drop in to see the new interchange design, learn the construction timeline, and ask the team questions. Construction expected to begin July.

HRCA CEO Mike Bailey receives inaugural national community management award
TLDR: Highlands Ranch Community Association announced May 21 that CEO/GM Mike Bailey is the inaugural recipient of the Nico March Hero of Community Management Award from the Foundation for Community Association Research. HRCA serves more than 30,000 households. Bailey will be formally recognized at the 2026 Community Associations Institute Annual Conference on Thursday, June 4 in Fort Lauderdale.

DCCF awards $32,000 to HRCA Community Scholarship Fund — 13 additional Douglas County students supported
TLDR: The Douglas County Community Foundation contributed $32,000 to the Highlands Ranch Community Association's 2026 Community Scholarship Fund, allowing HRCA to award 13 additional scholarships in its largest applicant pool to date. 33 total scholarships were granted from 160+ applicants. The funds originated from the dissolved Joe Roos Legacy Scholarship Fund (formerly Hide in Plain Sight nonprofit). Awards ceremony was May 19 at the Wildcat Auditorium, Southridge Recreation Center.

South Metro Fire Rescue's 911 systems administrator wins national award
TLDR: Russ St. Myers, the 911 systems administrator for South Metro Fire Rescue, received the CentralSquare 2026 ENGAGE Smart Safety Award for his work on system reliability and public safety readiness. He oversees the 911 communications center that serves more than 287 square miles across three counties.

Highlands Ranch gets a Graze Craze charcuterie storefront
TLDR: International charcuterie brand Graze Craze opened May 18 at 2670 E. County Line Road. It's the sixth Colorado location and the first in the Denver metro. Owner Sara Clay runs it as a family-owned shop building boards from Boar's Head meats, cheeses, fresh produce, and house-made dips. A Castle Rock location is coming next.

Wide Open Saloon partners with Riot BBQ in Sedalia
TLDR: Wide Open Saloon on Highway 85 in Sedalia has handed its kitchen over to Riot BBQ, the Denver-based pitmaster duo of James Beard semifinalist Manny Barella and Michelin-recognized Patrick Klaiber. The menu blends Northern Mexican fire tradition with Texas barbecue, with brisket driving the lineup.

Douglas County slash-mulch operations now run six days a week
TLDR: Starting Tuesday, May 26, Douglas County's slash-mulch sites expanded to six days a week to handle the spring cleanup and wildfire mitigation rush. The program lets residents in unincorporated DougCo drop off branches and yard waste.

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