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10,000 Ducks, One Big Splash for a Cause!

10,000 Ducks, One Big Splash for a Cause!

June 18, 2025

Welcome back to the midweek edition!
I hope everyone’s having a great week so far! This edition’s local poll is all about finding the best way to survive these summer temps (we're camping this weekend—wish us luck!).

The beloved Ducky Derby returns to Castle Rock this weekend, so be sure to stop by and support a great cause! While you're in town, swing by Lost Coffee for some top-notch latte art.

Plus, one of the cutest pups in Douglas County—Lola—makes an appearance this week.

And of course, don’t miss this week’s lineup of local events!

In today’s DougCo Download:

Get Your Ducks in a Row—It’s Derby Time!
Lola, Stay calm and corgi on.
Perk Up, Castle Rock! Lost Coffee is Brewing Community
Music, fun events, and more

Here we go.

Community Spotlight

Make a Splash at the 29th Annual Ducky Derby!
Saturday, June 22 | 9 AM – 3 PM | Festival Park, Downtown Castle Rock

Get ready for a fun-filled day at Castle Rock’s beloved Ducky Derby & Farmers Market Street Festival! Watch as 10,000 numbered rubber duckies race down Plum Creek at 1 PM for exciting cash prizes—will your duck be the lucky winner?

Start your morning exploring the vibrant Farmers Market, featuring local foods, crafts, and delicious bites from food trucks. Kids will love the face painting and balloon art in the family-friendly fun zone.

Best of all, every duck you purchase supports local nonprofits through the Castle Rock Rotary. Last year, the event raised $50,000 for community causes—making every quack count!

Grab your duck today and join us for a day of laughter, community spirit, and making memories! Find more information here!

Koelbel Breaks Ground on Senior Affordable Housing in Lone Tree

On June 12, Koelbel and Company, a longtime Colorado real estate leader, broke ground on Forte — a new senior affordable housing community in Lone Tree’s RidgeGate neighborhood. This marks Koelbel’s second affordable housing project in the area, offering 101 units sized between 594 and 1,074 sq. ft.

Designed for seniors with income levels averaging below 60% AMI, Forte features thoughtful amenities including a rooftop community room with outdoor BBQ, fitness center, lounge with coffee bar and game area, covered parking, and secure access.

Located at 10760 Crossfield St, Forte benefits from proximity to public transit, parks, retail, and Sky Ridge Medical Center — all within the growing Lone Tree City Center area, planned for walkable mixed-use living.

Koelbel’s commitment to affordable housing supports healthy communities by helping seniors find permanent, stress-free housing in a vibrant, connected neighborhood. Read more here.

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

Congrats Lexi from Highlands Ranch for winning the giveaway last week! Enjoy Gelato and Co this week and survive the hot temps this weekend! Thanks for supporting the newsletter!

This Giveaway ends next Sunday, June 22 at noon MST.

You can send in a submission by doing the following:

Answer a poll hidden in one of the weeks issues
Connect with our social accounts and submit your newsletter subscriber email to a a form I have posted on our instagram and facebook account!

All of these will count as individual submissions. And make sure the emails you submit on Facebook and Instagram forms are the same that are signed up here because this giveaway is just meant as a benefit to subscribers, not social media treasure hunters so any non subscriber emails submissions will not count.

Our Social Accounts: Instagram I Facebook

DougCo Brew

Lost Coffee Castle Rock: Brewing More Than Just Coffee

The kids and I checked out Lost Coffee last week, definitely a popular spot. Since opening its downtown Castle Rock location in 2011, Lost Coffee has become a beloved community hub known for its quality craft coffee and ethical sourcing. What started as a humble coffee truck has grown into a local favorite that blends great coffee with a commitment to fair wages and sustainability.

With a bright, welcoming space perfect for working, meeting friends, or relaxing, Lost Coffee serves expertly crafted drinks using ethically sourced beans from women-owned farms worldwide. Fans rave about their seasonal specialties and house-made syrups, alongside tasty pastries and gluten-free treats.

Lost Coffee also hosts fun community events and recently refreshed its brand, reflecting its focus on craft, care, and conscience. While expanding to other Colorado locations, the Castle Rock café remains a vital spot where locals gather, connect, and enjoy their daily cup with purpose.

Open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, Lost Coffee is more than a coffee shop—it’s a cornerstone of Castle Rock’s community and a symbol of quality with heart.

DougCo Pet of the Week

Everyones favorite segment! We all love our pets and they are part of the family! So email me at [email protected] with your best pet pics and we can feature them as part of the DougCo community! Keep them coming!

Everyone meet Lola, she recently celebrated her 5th birthday! Shoutout to Katie from Parker for sending her in! Stay cool this weekend Katie and Lola, thanks for supporting the newsletter!

Local Events: Wednesday-Friday

This section includes only the major events happening soon. Check the Weekend Lineup later in the issue for some help planning out your weekend!

Family Fun

Reading Buddies – Drop-In
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Parker Library – Kids Corner

Kids ages 6–10 can boost their reading skills by practicing with trained teen volunteers. No registration needed—just stop by and read!

Reading Buddies – Drop-In
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕐 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Library – Kids Corner

Kids ages 6–10 can drop in to practice reading with trained teen volunteers in a relaxed and encouraging environment. 📖✨ No registration required!

South Metro Water Festival
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕑 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🍻 Beer After-Party: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock

Dive into all things water with hands-on science, expert talks, fun activities, and food vendors. Great for kids and families! Stick around for the beer after-party! Free admission.

Jazz in the Park
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕡 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
🎟 Free

Enjoy a laid-back evening of cool jazz with no vendors or alcohol—just great music and small-town vibes. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and consider dining at a nearby downtown restaurant or grabbing dinner to-go!

Van Zeppelin – Tribute to Led Zeppelin & Van Halen
📅 Thu, June 19 | 🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St., Highlands Ranch

Rock out with Van Zeppelin—Colorado’s high-energy tribute band blending the best of Led Zeppelin and Van Halen! 🎸 Free and family-friendly. Bring chairs, blankets & your crew! Food trucks on site.

Tunes for Trails: Heavy Diamond Ring
📅 Thu, June 19 | 🕡 6:30–9:00 PM (Gates 5:30 PM)
📍 Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater, Castle Rock

Free summer concert! 🎶 Enjoy live music, food & drinks (no outside beverages). Bring your picnic gear & support Castle Rock Parks & Trails Foundation.

Free Fitness Fridays – Cardio & Stretch
📅 Fri, June 20 | 🕗 8:00–9:00 AM
📍 Amphitheater, Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock

All fitness levels welcome! Join this energizing class featuring cardio and stretching. Free and family-friendly. Registration recommended for weather updates.

Rock the Mountain at the Outlets at Castle Rock
📅 Fri, June 20 | 🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Family Fun Fridays)
📍 Outlets at Castle Rock – East 4th Street Courtyard (next to H&M)

Enjoy free kid-friendly activities from 12–2 PM. Fun for all ages!

Adult Community Events

Arts in the Afternoon: Sherlock Jr. with Live Music
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕜 1:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Arts Center
🎟 Tickets required

Enjoy the silent film Sherlock Jr. with live musical accompaniment by Colorado’s own Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra. This chamber quintet brings the magic of the 1920s to life with authentic period music.

Book Lovers Book Talk
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library – Event Hall A & B

Get inspired with fresh book recommendations, door prizes, and refreshments. Registration required for this fun evening with fellow book lovers! 📖✨

Face Vocal Band – Live in Concert
📅 Fri, June 20 | 🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Arts Center
🎟️ Get tickets now

Don’t miss Colorado’s own Face Vocal Band, the internationally acclaimed all-vocal rock group known for electrifying performances, beatbox rhythms, and stunning harmonies.

Adult Events

ADV Bike Night
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Co.

Join fellow adventure riders for drinks, a tire repair demo, shop tour, food truck, and giveaways—including a free oil change! Hosted by Adventure Motorcycle Works.

Trivia Night
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Parker

Test your trivia skills and enjoy great brews! Bring friends and have fun.

Trivia Night @ Parker Pour House
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Parker Pour House, Parker

Grab your team and your thinking cap for a fun-filled evening of trivia, drinks, and prizes!

Trails N' Ales Mountain Bike
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Meet at Bison Park, then 105 West Brewing

Ride the trails and earn $1 off beers back at the brewery!

Flash Jam – Classic Rock Night
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Wide Open Saloon – Sedalia

Rock out to an epic mix of ’80s and ’90s classics with Flash Jam! 🎶 Free show, good vibes, and great tunes all night long.

Wednesday Night Dart League
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕡 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Max Taps Co, Highlands Ranch

Join weekly dart fun with teams, house darts (or bring your own), and gift cards for top teams at season’s end!

Barrel Buddies: RD One Bourbon Dinner
📅 Wed, June 18 | 🕡 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Ecclesia / Sinners & Saints – Castle Rock

Savor a four-course dinner from Chef Nathalie Porraspita, perfectly paired with bold bourbons from RD One Distillery. An unforgettable night of flavor, fellowship, and fine whiskey. 🍽️🔥 Tickets here.

Trivia Night
📅 Thu, June 19 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Lansdowne Arms

Join us every Thursday at 6 PM for Trivia Night—fun questions, great vibes, and good times!

🎶 Country Dance Night
📅 Thu, June 19 | 🕕 6:00–10:00 PM
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia

Free dance lessons with instructor Marla Gifford from 6–7:30 PM, followed by a DJ spinning your favorite country hits and taking requests until 10 PM. Free to join and fun for all!

Trivia Night
📅 Thu, June 19 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Lone Tree

Test your trivia skills for a chance to win free Lone Tree beer! Winners of each round take home crowlers. Cheers and good luck!

Music Video Bingo
📅 Thu, June 19 | 🕖 7:00–8:30 PM
📍 Honnibrook Meadery, Castle Rock

It’s bingo—with a twist! 🎶 Watch music videos, match your card, and win prizes. Great mead, good vibes, and free to play!

Free Poker Night
📅 Thu, June 19 | 🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Max Taps Co, Highlands Ranch

Grab a drink and your poker face—it's free to play and full of fun. All skill levels welcome!

🎶 Hard 45
📅 Fri, June 20 | 🕕 5:00–9:00 PM
📍 Prost Biergarten, Highlands Ranch

Enjoy an evening of Hard 45 with a live band performance. Great vibes and cold drinks await!

🎶 Kenny Perkins
🗓️ Fri, June 20 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Pines Bar and Grill, Castle Rock, CO

Catch Kenny Perkins live every Friday at 6 PM!

🎶 Motley 2
📅 Fri, June 20 | 🕖 7:00–10:30 PM
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia

Get ready to rock! 🎸 Motley 2 brings the full Mötley Crüe experience—loud, wild, and unforgettable. The look, the sound, the energy… it’s all here.

🎟️ Tickets available now!

🎶 LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALTAR: Andre Lamotte
📅 Fri, June 20 | 🕗 8:00–10:00 PM
📍 Sinners & Saints, Castle Rock

Join us every Friday for intimate, soul-stirring live shows at The Altar. Come worship with great music and good vibes!

Weather

Weekend Lineup

🎶 Live music

We love spotlighting what makes Douglas County shine—local gems, community happenings, and stories that inspire. If you’ve got a lead, a favorite place, or an idea we should cover, send it our way: [email protected].

Thanks for helping us keep the DougCo Download rooted in the heart of our community!

Thanks to those who have reached out about sponsorship. I want to keep the newsletter sponsor free for a bit longer as we tweak the content for the community. I have your info and will shoot you an email when we open up spots. Cheers!

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