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Celebrate Summer at the 41st Colorado Renaissance Festival Starting June 14

Celebrate Summer at the 41st Colorado Renaissance Festival Starting June 14

June 11, 2025

Welcome back to the midweek edition!
I’ll be sleeping in this morning since my wife and I were at the Coldplay concert in Denver last night and got back to Highlands Ranch late! But for the early birds, we have a great midweek edition this week. First, we’ll gain some clarity on the best places to take your dogs this summer for exercise. Then, we have community call-outs—including the announcement of Renaissance season in DougCo! My wife filled in for me with the kids at Atlas Coffee in Sterling Ranch on Tuesday while I was out of town. Next, we introduce our first horse addition to Pet of the Week! And last but not least, we break down some of the best events happening Wednesday and beyond!

In today’s DougCo Download:

Larkspur’s Colorado Renaissance Festival Opens June 14 with Fun for All Ages
Breadstick is ready for summer!
Check out Atlas Coffee in Sterline Ranch for top notch espresso
Music, fun events, and more

Here we go.

Best Dog Park in DougCo?

Our pup could use some fun, where is the best park to take him this summer?

Community Spotlight

Colorado Renaissance Festival Kicks Off June 14 with Magical Fantasy Weekend

The 41st annual Colorado Renaissance Festival opens Saturday, June 14, in Larkspur, marking the true start of summer with a lively celebration featuring jousting, fire eaters, magicians, parades, and family-friendly activities. The festival runs weekends through August 3, each with a unique theme like Ale and Art, Pirate Invasion, and Renaissance Romance. Special discounts are offered for first responders, military, and families, making it a festive event for all ages. Tickets are available online, at the box office, and discounted at King Soopers. Read more here.

June 14 & 15: Magical Fantasy Weekend — First responder appreciation with buy-one-get-one-free adult tickets; kids under 12 free for first responder families
June 21 & 22: Ale and Art Festival — Military Appreciation Weekend with BOGO tickets for prior and active military; kids under 12 free with ID
June 28 & 29: Celtic Weekend
July 5 & 6: Children’s Weekend — Kids 12 and under free with paying adult
July 12 & 13: Pirate Invasion Weekend
July 19 & 20: Wine and Revelry Weekend — Free wine sampling at the Dancing Bear Pub
July 26 & 27: Renaissance Romance and Masquerade Weekend — Renewal of vows ceremonies at noon on both days
Aug. 2 & 3: Time Travelers Weekend and Final Huzzah

Highlands Ranch Resident Grows Poster Hustle into Popular Englewood Record Store

Joe Magoonaugh, a Highlands Ranch local, turned his online poster-selling side hustle into Sold Out Vinyl Records, a thriving record store in Englewood. Opened in a new, larger location this March, the shop offers vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and music posters in a welcoming, organized space. With strong community support and a passionate staff, Sold Out Vinyl focuses on accessibility, local artists, and building relationships with music labels to bring exclusive releases to customers. Read more here.

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

Congrats Susmitha from Lone Tree! Thanks so much for all of the support for the newsletter and enjoy the ice cream!

This Giveaway ends next Sunday, June 15 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

Shoutout to my wife for filling in for me while I was in Montana for work!

☕ Local Spotlight: Atlas Coffee – Sterling Ranch, CO

Right in the heart of Sterling Ranch, Atlas Coffee isn’t just a coffee shop—it’s a neighborhood hub. Known for its welcoming vibe, top-notch espresso, and locally sourced pastries, Atlas is the go-to spot for morning meetups, remote work sessions, and weekend wind-downs.

Their menu features craft coffee, teas, smoothies, and seasonal specials (don’t miss their lavender cold brew or spiced honey latte!). With plenty of seating, rotating local art, and a strong community spirit, Atlas makes you feel like a regular—whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth.

📍 8155 Piney River Ave, Littleton, CO
🕒 Open daily | Dog-friendly patio | Free Wi-Fi
💬 Follow: @atlascoffeeco

Pop in for a pick-me-up and stay for the conversation—Sterling Ranch runs on Atlas.

🕰️ Open M - F
6:00 am - 4:00 pm M - F
7:00 am - 4:00 pm Sat
7:00 am - 4:00 pm Sun

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!

Our first horse friend in DougCo! Shoutout to Shefali from Highlands Ranch for sharing some pictures of Breadstick, the 9 month old filly rescue. You and Breadstick enjoy a summer full of rides, thanks for sharing!

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

Play Chess!
📅 Wed, June 11 | 🕠 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library, Event Hall B

All ages welcome! Drop in to play or learn—lesson starts at 5:30 PM.

🎷 Jazz in the Park
📅 Wed, June 11 | 🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock

Enjoy a relaxed evening of live local jazz in a cozy, vendor-free setting. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and soak up small-town vibes. No food or drinks served onsite, but downtown restaurants are just a stroll away!

🎶 Amanda V’s Material Girl
Thursday, June 12 | 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Highland Heritage Regional Park

A high-energy, family-friendly Madonna tribute with live music, choreography, and nonstop fun! Part of the HRCA Summer Concert Series.

🌅 Bring a blanket, grab a bite, and enjoy the music at sunset!

Free Fitness Fridays – Sculpt, Cardio & Stretch
📅 Fri, June 13 | 🕗 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 sculpting, cardio, and stretching. Free and family-friendly. Registration recommended for weather updates.

Rock the Mountain at the Outlets at Castle Rock
📅 Fri, June 12 | 🕛 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!

HRCA Happy Hour Half K
📅 Fri, June 13 | 🕕 6 PM
📍 Civic Green Park, Highlands Ranch

Join this easy 1,640-ft fun run with live music, snacks, and 2 free drinks for participants. Family-friendly and non-timed! Benefits HRCA Therapeutic Recreation.
Register here.

Car Show Street Party & Concert
📅 Fri, June 13 | 🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Wilcox Square, Fourth St. & Wilcox St., Castle Rock

Kick off the 16th Annual Classic Rock Cruise In with a free concert and over 50 vintage cars on display! Fun for the whole family.

Adult Community Events

Teen Reads for Grown-Ups
📅 Wed, June 11 | 🕡 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Castle Rock Library, Event Hall A

Adults, join us the second Wednesday of each month to discuss popular young adult books from various genres. Register now!

Inquiring Minds Book Club
📅 Thu, June 12 | 🕖 1:30–3:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library – Event Hall A

Join fellow readers for a monthly discussion of fiction and nonfiction picks. All adults welcome!

Newbie Adults Book Club
📅 Thu, June 12 | 🕖 6:30–8:00 PM
📍 Castle Rock Library – Conference Room C

A book club for adults diving into stories of early adulthood. Meets monthly—new members welcome! Register Now!

Early Auto History: Castle Rock Edition
📅 Thu, June 12 | 🕖 7:00–8:00 PM
📍 Philip & Jerry Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock

Discover the evolution of cars and Castle Rock’s racing past with local historian and retired racer Steve Williams. Free and open to all!

Adult Events

Trivia Night
📅 Wed, June 11 | 🕕 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 11 | 🕕 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 11 | 🕕 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!

Music Bingo @ Iron Mule Brewing
📅 Wed, June 11 | 🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Iron Mule Brewing, Castle Rock

Test your music knowledge and win prizes in this fun twist on bingo—great brews, good vibes, and tunes all night long!

Wednesday Night Dart League
📅 Wed, June 11 | 🕡 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!

Trivia Night
📅 Thu, June 12 | 🕕 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 12 | 🕕 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 12 | 🕕 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 Bingo
📅 Thu, June 12 | 🕡 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Living the Dream Brewing, Highlands Ranch

Free to play with chances to win prizes! It’s Bingo with a musical twist—new theme every week. Bring your friends, test your music knowledge, and have a blast!

Poker Night
📅 Thu, June 12 | 🕖 7:00–10:00 PM
📍 Honnibrook Meadery, Castle Rock

Enjoy a fun evening of poker with great mead and good company!

Free Poker Night
📅 Thu, June 12 | 🕖 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!

Vetstock Music Festival – Supporting Warrior Bonfire Program
📅 Fri, June 13, 5:00 PM – Sun, June 15, 10:00 PM
📍 Max Taps Co, Highlands Ranch

Join us for a free 3-day celebration of music and community to support Purple Heart veterans. Enjoy 25+ artists, yoga sessions, and a Sunday bonfire honoring veterans.

Friday Kickoff:
6:00 PM Budrow | 7:00 PM Splinter Cell

Saturday Highlights:
11:00 AM Yoga with David | 1:00 PM Chancer’s Hooley | 2:30 PM Missing Pieces | 5:30 PM Hip Replacements | 8:30 PM Kyle Harrison

Sunday Highlights:
12:00 PM Bad Decisions | 3:30 PM Jack Hadley Band | 5:00 PM Graham Good & The Painters | 7:00 PM The Talbott Brothers | 8:30 PM Bonfire Ceremony

Free admission – donations support veterans.
Learn more: warriorbonfireprogram.org

Let’s raise a glass and support our heroes!

🎶 Alternative Sound Band
📅 Fri, June 13 | 🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Prost Biergarten, Highlands Ranch

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

🎶 Kenny Perkins
🗓️ Fri, June 13 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Pines Bar and Grill, Castle Rock, CO

Catch Kenny Perkins live every Friday at 6 PM!

🎶 Asha Blaine
📅 Fri, June 13 | 🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 Honnibrook Meadery, Castle Rock

Enjoy an evening with Asha Blaine’s live music in a cozy Meadery setting!

🎶 Chancey Williams – Miles On Me Tour
📅 Fri, June 13 | 🕖 7:00–10:30 PM
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia

From saddle bronc athlete to neo-traditional country star, Chancey Williams brings authentic cowboy vibes and big-name tour experience to the stage. Don’t miss this live show! Get tickets now!

🎶 LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALTAR: Derek Hall
📅 Fri, June 13 | 🕗 8:00–10:00 PM
📍 Sinners & Saints, Castle Rock

Country, rock, and Americana with soul. 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

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