Sacred Slices & Sunday Sauce: Scileppi’s Delivers Divine Dining

June 13, 2025

Happy early Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Enjoy time with your family this weekend—and get out and have some fun!

This week, we’re featuring the reigning Best Pizza in DougCo champs: Scileppi’s! Who would’ve guessed a Civil War veteran from Rhode Island would eventually lead to the best damn county in Colorado, all these years later?

Sunset photos start looking just about perfect this time of year, and we’ve got a great one from Franktown.

There are some fantastic events happening this weekend, with Parker Days and Max Taps' Vetstock Music Festival leading the charge!

Don’t miss your last chance to enter this week’s giveaway—details later in the issue!

In today’s DougCo Download:

• Holy Pizza! Scileppi’s Turns History into Comfort Food

• Before Castle Rock Had Pizza, It Had Jeremiah Gould

• Gift Card Giveaway ends Sunday!

• Music, Markets, and more this weekend!

Let’s get into it.

Foodie Friday

Scileppi’s at The Old Stone Church: Where History Meets Homemade Italian

We have to give a shoutout to The DougCo Download’s defending best pizza champion, Scileppi’s at The Old Stone Church in Castle Rock. Located in the historic St. Francis of Assisi Church, built in 1888, Scileppi’s blends rich Italian flavors with the timeless charm of a preserved Gothic structure—think stained glass, soaring ceilings, and cozy corners.

The Scileppi family took over in 2018, bringing New York–style Italian dishes to Colorado with warmth and authenticity. You’ll find hearty classics like lasagna, meatballs, and chicken parmesan, plus creative favorites like eggplant fries and stuffed shrimp. A downstairs pizzeria serves pizza by the slice until 4 p.m., then shifts to a full dinner menu in the evening.

What sets Scileppi’s apart? Its unforgettable dining spaces. Book the “Confessional Booth” for a romantic dinner for two, or reserve the “Last Supper Table” which we have done before and it was very cool!

In 2024, part of the building collapsed during an expansion—but with overwhelming community support, Scileppi’s bounced back in just days. That resilience and local love make it more than just a restaurant—it’s a Castle Rock staple.

📍 210 Third St., Castle Rock scileppis.com
🕐 Open daily | Pizza by the slice until 4 p.m. | Full menu after 4 p.m.
📞 Reservations recommended, especially for specialty tables

DougCo Through the Years

Jeremiah Gould and the Birth of Castle Rock: A Civil War Veteran’s Lasting Legacy

The roots of Castle Rock trace back to one man’s vision and generosity. In 1870, Jeremiah Gould, a Rhode Island native and Civil War veteran, filed a homestead claim on 160 acres at the base of Castle Rock. With an additional 40 acres purchased privately, his 200-acre property—nicknamed “Uncle Jerry’s homestead”—would soon become the foundation of the town.

Just four years later, Gould platted the land and donated 120 acres to officially establish the Town of Castle Rock. He laid out the town’s first six streets—including one named after himself—and designated a Courthouse Square. Seventy-seven residential lots were auctioned off, raising $3,400—roughly $995 per lot in today’s dollars.

The land east of the railroad tracks became the Craig-Gould Addition, Castle Rock’s first residential neighborhood, named in part for Gould’s friend and former mayor, John Craig. Markers still identify this historic area today.

Gould later moved to Denver, became active in politics, and built the Hotel Narragansett. He passed away in 1903, but his early contributions live on in the streets, neighborhoods, and civic foundation of Castle Rock. Visit the Town of Castle Rock Government Facebook Page for more cool stories!

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

This Giveaway ends 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

@DougCoDownload

📍Franktown

📸 @jhopintheshop

Tag @DougCoDownload to get your photos in the Download!

Local Events This Weekend

This section includes only the major events happening soon. We will feature the events for next week in the Monday Issue. But first, let’s do the weekend right.

Family Fun

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 13 | 🕛 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!

PARKER DAYS FESTIVAL 2025
📅 Fri–Sun, June 13–15
📍 Downtown Parker

Three days of fun with 120,000+ attendees, 200+ vendors, 24+ food trucks, carnival rides, live music on two stages, beer & wine, free kids crafts, and tons of family activities! Admission is FREE — rides and attractions are extra.

🎟️ Save on carnival wristbands online by noon, June 12!

🕐 Festival Hours:
• Fri: 4:00–10:30 PM
• Sat: 10:00 AM–10:30 PM
• Sun: 10:00 AM–8:30 PM

🎶 Main Stage Highlights:
• Fri 8:30 PM – Patrick & The LVB
• Sat 8:30 PM – Last Men on Earth
• Sun 6:30 PM – Those Crazy Nights

More info: parkerdaysfestival.com

HRCA Happy Hour Half K
📅 Fri, June 13 | 🕕 6:00 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.

Climb4Change Stair & Trail Races
📅 Sat, June 14 | 🕡 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 Philip S. Miller Park, Castle Rock (1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy)

Take on the 200-step Challenge Hill in timed races or a fun family run. Proceeds support Castle Rock’s Therapeutic Recreation Program.

🎽 Events from $25–$45, including Power Hour, 5K/10K, Race to the Top, and more.

👉 Register early! Kids under 5 free.

16th Annual Classic Rock Cruise In Car Show
📅 Sat, June 14 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Wilcox Square, Castle Rock (Fourth St. & Wilcox St.)

Downtown Castle Rock shuts down for this Father’s Day weekend tradition! See 300+ classic cars, enjoy live bands, food trucks, local breweries, and free kids’ activities like bounce houses, face painting, and a rock wall. Free admission!

🎶 Hutch
📅 Sat, June 14 | 🕒 3:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Outlets at Castle Rock
💲 Free

Live music, shopping, and summer vibes! Part of the Rock the Mountain series.
👉 More info

Parker Sunday Market
📅 Sun, June 15 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 19565 Mainstreet, Parker, CO

Start your Sunday at Parker’s busiest market with 100+ vendors offering local produce, meats, dairy, food trucks, art, and more. Open weekly from Mother’s Day through Halloween.

YOGA IN THE PARK
📅 Sun, Jun 15 | 🕣 8:30–9:30 AM
📍 Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, Castle Rock

Enjoy a free outdoor yoga class that connects you with nature and your breath. No registration required, but recommended for weather updates.

Festival Park Farmers Market
📅 Sun, June 15 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock, CO

Browse local fare with nearly 40 vendors offering fresh produce, locally raised meats, farm eggs, baked goods, and artisan products. Support local farmers and enjoy community vibes every Sunday through mid-October.

Father’s Day Brunch at the Castle
📅 Sun, June 15 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Cherokee Castle, Sedalia

Enjoy a royal brunch buffet with a cash bar and self-guided tours of Cherokee Castle. Reservations required. Space is limited.

Highlands Ranch Farmers’ Market
📅 Sun, June 8 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Town Center

Celebrate Colorado’s harvest with fresh produce, local goods, and farm-to-table flavors. Meet local farmers and enjoy food and community every Sunday through October 26.

Father’s Day Brunch
📅 Sun, June 15 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Reservations Recommended)
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia

Celebrate Dad with a special brunch! Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected] with your preferred time (10 AM–12 PM or 12 PM–2 PM), seating, room preference, and group size.

🎶 David Chapa Music
📅 Sun, June 15 | 🕒 3:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Outlets at Castle Rock
💲 Free

Live music, shopping, and summer vibes! Part of the Rock the Mountain series.
👉 More info

Adult Events

🎶 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!

🎶 Vinyl Nation Live
📅 Sat, June 14 | 🕠 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Prost Biergarten, Highlands Ranch

Enjoy an evening of live music with Vinyl Nation while sipping your favorite brews at Prost Biergarten. Great vibes and tunes await!

🎶 Kenny Perkins
🗓️ Sat, June 14 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Pines Bar and Grill, Castle Rock, CO

Catch Kenny Perkins live every Saturday at 6 PM!

🎶 Waterloo: The Grand Gatsby Gala
📅 Sat, June 14 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Cherokee Ranch & Castle, Sedalia, CO

Celebrate Tweet Kimball’s 111th birthday and Cherokee Castle’s 99th anniversary with an elegant evening of dinner, live auction, cultural performances, and Roaring Twenties glam. Reservations required.

🎶 Knucklehorn Live
📅 Sat, June 14 | 🕡 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Enjoy a night of live music with Knucklehorn while sipping on craft brews at 105 West Brewing.

An Evening with Bestselling Author Mark Stevens
📅 Sat, June 14 | 🕡 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Library

Join Colorado bestselling author Mark Stevens as he discusses his new thriller No Lie Lasts Forever. Book signing to follow. Adults only. Register now!

Saturday Night Music Bingo
📅 Sat, June 7 | 🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Parker (18425 Pony Express Dr #125)

Join us for interactive music bingo—hear song clips, mark your card, and shout “BINGO” to win prizes! Fun for all.

🎶 Aces & Eights Live
📅 Sat, June 14 | 🕖 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia

Rock out with Aces & Eights as they perform hits from Van Halen, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lita Ford, and more! Over 100 years of combined experience. $5 cover charge.

🎶 Live DJ in the Lounge with DJ Max
📅 Sat, June 14 | 🕘 9:00 PM – Close
📍 Sinners & Saints Cocktail Lounge, Castle Rock

Step into the lounge and let DJ Max set the tone with a curated mix of house, funk, and throwback beats. Perfect for cocktails, catching up with friends, or dancing the night away. Sophisticated sound, moody lighting, and legendary pours—more than music, it’s a vibe.

🎶 Father’s Day Celebration
📅 Sun, June 15 | 🕛 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Live Music 1–4 PM)
📍 Lone Tree Brewing, Lone Tree

Celebrate Dad with a free first beer, delicious BBQ from Jordy’s, and live music by Wayne Sutton! Perfect way to show some love with beer, BBQ, and tunes.

🎶 Kevin Austin
📅 Sun, June 15 | 🕝 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Enjoy an afternoon of smooth, soulful tunes with Kevin Austin as he brings his dynamic live performance to 105 West Brewing.

🏙️Outside DougCo🏔️

Friday the 13th at Improper City
📅 Fri, June 13 | 🕔 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 Improper City, Denver

There’s only one Friday the 13th this year—celebrate it in style with flash tattoos, tarot readings, and a FREE movie screening on the patio! Spooky vibes, great brews, and a night to remember.

🎶 Skyland Palooza 2025
📅 Sat, June 14 | 🕐 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 28th & York, Denver

It’s a Denver-style block party! Celebrate Skyland and Ephemeral Taproom’s 3rd birthday with live music, food trucks, local brews, vendors, games, and good vibes. Free and all-ages—furry friends welcome too!

🎶 City Park Jazz: ATOMGA
📅 Sun, June 15 | 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 City Park, Denver

Get ready to dance! ATOMGA brings high-energy afrobeat fused with jazz, funk, and rock to the City Park Jazz stage. All ages, free, and full of rhythm.

Weather 

Friday, June 13: 86° / 55° ⛅ | 40% chance of thunderstorms | 💨 S 8–12 mph
Saturday, June 14: 91° / 56° 🌤 | 10% chance of afternoon clouds | 💨 SW 5–10 mph
Sunday, June 15: 93° / 58° 🌤 | 10% chance of clouds | 💨 W 7–12 mph

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