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Rainy Days, Bright Plans: Your Midweek DougCo Download

Rainy Days, Bright Plans: Your Midweek DougCo Download

May 07, 2025

May 7, 2025

Let’s all try to survive these few days of overcast skies and rain—it doesn’t come around too often in our neck of the woods. The weather is shaping up for a sunny and comfortable weekend, so let’s start planning! Up first: some cool community callouts, a cafe with a major mission, Pet of the Week in DougCo, and then a look at upcoming events around the county!

In today’s DougCo Download:

Stargazing event in DougCo!
Art Heals in Parker
Unique cafe in Parker offers chance to give back
Cute dogs, fun events, and more

Here we go.

Community Spotlight

Stargazing & Solar Viewing at Castlewood Canyon – Saturday, May 17

Get ready for a day (and night) of celestial exploration at Castlewood Canyon State Park! On Saturday, May 17, the park is hosting two astronomy events in partnership with the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society.

☀️ “Sun Day” | 9:00am–12:00pm
Start your morning by safely viewing the sun through solar telescopes, guided by expert astronomers who will share insights on solar activity and space weather.

🌟 Star Party | 8:30–10:30pm
Return after dark for a true night-sky adventure. With minimal light pollution and high-powered telescopes on hand, you’ll get a chance to observe planets, constellations, and maybe even a satellite or two.

🎟️ Both events are free with a valid Parks Pass or Keep Colorado Wild Pass.
📍 Castlewood Canyon State Park – 2989 CO-83, Franktown, CO

Don’t forget your layers, red flashlights, and curiosity—this is one of the best local opportunities to experience the wonders of the sky!

Healing Through Creativity: Parker Woman Launches Hospital Art Cart

Marie Williams knows firsthand how powerful art can be during recovery. After a life-threatening medical ordeal in 2023 that kept her in the ICU at AdventHealth Parker for 64 days, she’s now giving back with a deeply personal project: the Moxie Art Cart.

The cart—part of the hospital’s Healing Arts program—offers patients, visitors, and staff a chance to decompress and express themselves creatively. Stocked with art supplies, it brings a splash of color and control into a space often filled with stress and uncertainty.

“It doesn’t matter if they say yes or no—it’s the fact that they got to choose,” Williams said. “This activity gives a sense of control.”

Williams, who studied art and health at CU Boulder and the University of Houston, credits music and creative therapies for helping her stay motivated during recovery. Now, she hopes to expand the program further—with more volunteers, an art room, and even outdoor photo workshops for patients.

Want to see her work or support the cause? Visit mwilliamsart.com.
Read more here.

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

Congrats to Cindy from Parker as the winner of last week’s giveaway! Enjoy the coffee and thanks for supporting the newsletter!

This Giveaway ends on Sunday.

You can send in a submission by doing the following:

Be a new subscriber in that week
Answer a poll hidden in one of the weeks issues (whisper: look in this issue)
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

Convict Coffee Company: Second Chances Brewed Daily in Parker

Convict Coffee Company isn’t the average café we have around DougCO—it’s a powerful story of redemption, purpose, and community. Founded in 2024 by Dan Klehm, a former convict turned corporate executive, the Parker-based shop is built on the idea that everyone deserves a second chance.

After rebuilding his life and career, Klehm launched Convict Coffee with his sons to create a space where people from all walks of life could gather, connect, and enjoy great coffee. The shop features artwork from incarcerated artists, a bold heavy-metal vibe, and a menu full of fun offerings like “dirty sodas” and the Orange Jumpsuit (Orange Crush + vanilla creamer).

Beyond the drinks, Convict Coffee is deeply rooted in social impact—partnering with Redemption Roasters (who roast beans in a Denver women’s prison) and sourcing baked goods from Treasure House of Hope, a nonprofit helping people transform their lives.

I stopped by with the kids this weekend for a quick latte and really thought it was a great local cafe. The latte was great, I was able to check out Pikes Peak on a clear day as the kids played some MarioKart on one of the two tv’s with video games set up. Really unique vibe and very cool mission. And they were even having a workout class going on outside so I didn’t want to grab a picture and catch any of the ladies while they were exercising so bare bones pictures today.

Camera doesn’t do it justice but Pikes Peak was great that day, and I needed coffee bad so no latte art exhibited today!

Located at 19519 E. Parker Square Dr., Convict Coffee is open daily and regularly hosts trivia, live music, and other community events. Swing by for a cup—and stay for the mission.

More info: convictcoffeeco.com | Instagram | Facebook

🕰️ Open daily
6:00 am - 8:00 pm on weekdays
8:00 am - 6:00 pm on weekends

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!

Let’s all hope we can enjoy a sleepy Wednesday half as comfortable as Scout here. Shoutout to Ricki from Highlands Ranch! Thanks for supporting the newsletter and reaching out!

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

Parker Arts Lecture: Sustainable Change for Planet Earth
🗓️ Wednesday, May 7 | 🕛 12:00–1:00pm
📍 Parker Arts

Join Catherine Praiswater, host of the 'Your Positive Imprint' podcast, as she shares ways you can make sustainable improvements in your community. Learn from global experts like Climate Elvis and Repair Cafes volunteers to create positive change locally.

💡 Free event – Don't miss it!

Slick Science: Engineering Fun!
🗓️ Wednesday, May 7 | 🕔 5:00–6:00pm
📍 Highlands Ranch Library – Kids Corner | Ages 8–12 | Registration required

Hands-on science fun for curious kids! This month’s theme: Engineering.

Basics of Birdwatching (Part 1)
🗓️ Wednesday, May 7 | 🕡 6:30–7:30pm
📍 Philip & Jerry Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock, CO

Join the Town’s Natural Resource Specialist for a beginner’s birdwatching class! Learn about bird identification, binoculars, field guides, and local birding spots. Recommended for ages 8+.

🔗 Preregistration required at CRgov.com/Registration

Family Book and Activity Club
🗓️ Friday, May | 🕓4:00–6:00pm
📍 Parker Library, Kids Corner, 20105 E Mainstreet, Parker, CO

A fun, family-focused book club that highlights children’s literature and fosters learning through play, art, and exploration.

🔗 Reading list and details at DCL.org/events or call 303-791-7323.

Adult Community Events

Adaptations – Book Club
🗓️ Wednesday, May 7 | 🕜 1:30–4:30pm
📍 Parker Library – 2nd Floor Conference Room | Adults

Discuss books and their film adaptations, with a movie screening included!
Questions? Call (303) 791-7323.

Your Health with UCHealth: Stroke Awareness
🗓️ Wednesday, May 7 | 🕕 6:00–6:45pm
💻 Virtual Event

Learn stroke prevention, warning signs, and the importance of quick action. 🔗 Free registration required. Reserve your spot!

Book Banter: Monthly Book Club
🗓️ Wednesday, May 7 | 🕡 6:30–8:00pm
📍 Lone Tree Library – Event Hall | Adults

Join fellow readers to discuss this month’s fiction or nonfiction pick. Meets the first Wednesday of each month.

View reading list or call 303-791-7323 with questions.

Great Decisions: U.S. Leadership in the World Economy
🗓️ Thursday, May 8 | 🕕 6:00–8:00pm
📍 Parker Library, Event Hall B, 20105 E Mainstreet, Parker, CO

Join Dr. Thomas Zeiler from CU-Boulder for an engaging discussion on America’s role in the global economy.

🔗 Registration required at DCL.org/events or call 303-791-7323.

Adult Events

Barista Bingo
🗓️ Every Wednesday | 🕠 5:30pm
📍 Convict Coffee Co., Parker

Free bingo, fun prizes, and great drinks—midweek fun starts here!

Trivia Night
🗓️ Wednesday, May 7 | 🕕 6:00–8:00pm
📍 Lone Tree Brewing 18425 Pony Express Dr, Parker, CO

Bring your crew and test your smarts over brews! Free to play, prizes for top teams.

Trails N' Ales (Mountain Bike Ride)
🗓️ Wednesday, May 7 | 🕕 6:00–7:00pm
📍 Meet at Bison Park | Afterparty at 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Hit the trails, then head back for $1 off beers with fellow riders!

Beer for Bucks
🗓️ Thursday, May 8 | 🕕 6:00–8:00pm
📍 Living the Dream Brewing Co., 12305 Dumont Way, Littleton, CO

Raise a glass for a good cause! For every beer sold during the event, $1 will be donated to the HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area to support local conservation efforts.

🍺 No registration required — just show up and sip for a cause!

Trivia Night
🗓️ Thursday, May 8 | 🕕 6:00–8:00pm
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Lone Tree, CO

Test your knowledge and compete for a chance to win free Lone Tree beer! Each trivia round winner takes home a crowler of beer.

Music Video Bingo
🗓️ Thursday, May 8 | 🕖 7:00–8:30pm
📍 Honnibrook Craft Meadery, Castle Rock, CO

Join the fun at Honnibrook Craft Meadery for a night of Music Video Bingo! Enjoy a unique twist on the classic bingo game, where you match music videos instead of numbers. It's a fun, interactive way to enjoy great tunes and win some cool prizes!

Live Music from The Bobbitts
🗓️ Friday, May 9 | 🕔 5:00–9:00pm
📍 Prost Brewing, Highlands Ranch, CO

Enjoy live music from The Bobbitts while sipping on your favorite brew at Prost Brewing! A perfect way to wind down your week with great tunes and good vibes.

Live Music: Asha Blaine
🗓️ Friday, May 9 | 🕕 6:00–9:00pm
📍 Honnibrook Craft Meadery, Castle Rock, CO

Enjoy a night of live music at Honnibrook Craft Meadery with Asha Blaine! Asha will be performing a mix of acoustic tunes that will set the perfect mood for an evening of mead tasting and good company.

Live Music: Kenny Perkins
🗓️ Friday, May 9 | 🕕 6:00pm
📍 Pines Bar and Grill, Castle Pines, CO

Enjoy a night of live music with Kenny Perkins at Pines Bar and Grill! Kenny’s acoustic tunes will keep the vibe lively as you unwind with great food, drinks, and a fantastic atmosphere.

Live Music: Above Treeline at Lone Tree Brewing
🗓️ Friday, May 9 | 🕕 6:00–9:00pm
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Lone Tree, CO

Come enjoy a night of live music with Above Treeline! This Centennial-based band brings their love of high alpine terrain to life with an acoustic twist. Don’t let the instruments fool you – their eclectic mix of indie rock, punk, metal, Americana, bluegrass, and more will have you dancing all night long!

Crime and Wine: May Edition
🗓️ Friday, May 9 | 🕕 6:00–8:00pm
📍 The Schoolhouse, 19650 Mainstreet, Parker, CO
💵 $30 | Ages 21+

Sip wine, snack on charcuterie, and uncover the chilling story behind a 1950s Colorado plane crash. This immersive walking tour features live actors and rotating stations that reveal the crime’s twists, turns, and local history.

🔗 Limited spots available — register at ParkerArts.org

That Eighties Band – Live
🗓️ Friday, May 9 | 🕖 7:00–10:30pm
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia, CO
🎟️ Tickets: $12.51

Get ready to relive the decade of big hair and neon with That Eighties Band, one of America’s top '80s tribute acts! Known for high-energy shows and authentic throwback vibes, this band has rocked over 1,800 concerts across the country.

Live Music at The Altar: Christopher C. Romero
🗓️ Friday, May 9 | 🕗 8:00–10:00pm
📍 Sinners & Saints, Castle Rock, CO

Join the congregation of music lovers at The Altar inside Sinners & Saints for a powerful performance by Christopher C. Romero. Every Friday night, this intimate stage hosts soul-stirring sets from local and touring artists in a setting unlike any other.

Weather

Weekend Lineup

Got something to share? We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s a can’t-miss event, a standout local business, or a story worth telling, send it our way at [email protected].

Your tips and stories help keep DougCo connected and full of life. Thanks for being part of the community—let’s keep building it together!

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Rainy Days, Bright Plans: Your Midweek DougCo Download

Weekend Lineup

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