Weekend Vibes: Celebrating Growth, Great Food, and Local Fun!

May 2, 2025

The weekend is here! I usually save the thanks for the end of the issue, but I have to say I am blown away by how quickly the DougCo Download is growing and the amount of feedback I've received! Thank you to everyone who has reached out. I created this newsletter to benefit the folks who live here and help bring everyone together, so please let me know what you like or don’t like about it. You can email me at [email protected]. And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

In today’s DougCo Download:

• Taste the Twist on Comfort Food at Block & Bottle in Downtown Castle Rock

• Gift Card Giveaway ends Sunday!

• Cinco De Mayo, the circus, and more this weekend!

Let’s get into it.

Foodie Friday

Spotlight: Block & Bottle – Elevated Eats in Downtown Castle Rock

Located at 20 Wilcox Street, Block & Bottle brings a fresh twist to comfort food in the heart of Castle Rock. This locally owned eatery offers elevated American classics like chorizo blue mussels, pot roast and eggs, and expertly crafted burgers and steaks made from a custom chuck-brisket-short rib blend. Brunch is served daily until 2 p.m., and the bar features craft cocktails, local beer, and a curated wine list.

With its modern industrial vibe and spacious patios, Block & Bottle is perfect for casual meals, date nights, or weekend brunch. Enjoy specialty cocktails, an extensive beer and wine list, and 30+ elevated recipes. Stop by this weekend to enjoy the beautiful weather on the patio along with some great food and drinks!

Open 7 days 
M - Th I 8 am - 10 pm
Fri I 8 am - 11 pm
Sat I 8 am - 11 pm
Sun I 8 am - 9 pm

Check out their menu and book a meal today!
theblockandbottle.com

DougCo Weekly Giveaway

This Giveaway ends next Saturday May 3 at noon MST.

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. So no need to do all, but you can if you want more submissions when I randomly select a winner. 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.

All new subscribers this month will automatically have a chance at the gift card next week. But, check this issue for the poll and the submission forms I have posted on Instagram/Facebook to boost your entries! We will see how this one goes but, seems fun to me so give it a shot and win some free local coffee!

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@DougCoDownload

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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

The Emperor’s Groovy New Threads
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕡 6:30pm–8:30pm | 💵 $20
📍 PACE Center, Parker

A colorful, musical retelling of the classic tale—full of 1960s flair! Follow ten-year-old Kid as she challenges the fashion-obsessed Emperor and uncovers more than just his wardrobe choices.

Lone Tree’s 30th Anniversary: Pancake Breakfast & Day of Service
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕢 7:30am–12:00pm
📍 Lone Tree Arts Center

Celebrate 30 years of Lone Tree with a free community pancake breakfast followed by optional volunteer opportunities as part of a citywide Day of Service. 🥞🎉 All are welcome — bring a friend and give back!

Spring Up the Creek – Castle Rock
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕘 9:00–11:00am
📍 Various Trailheads Throughout Castle Rock

Help clean up local creeks and trails in this annual community effort! Volunteers of all ages are welcome — gloves, bags, snacks, and water provided. 🌱🧤 Registration and waiver required: CRgov.com/SpringUp

Annual Trolley Tour of Castle Rock 🚋
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | ⏰ Tours at 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm & 2:00pm
📍 Castle Rock Museum

Join a free guided trolley tour to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Flood during Historic Preservation Month. Tours last ~45 minutes and visit key flood-affected sites. Reservations required — call (303) 814-3164 or email [email protected].

12th Annual Roxborough Shred-a-thon
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕛 12:00–2:00pm
📍 Safeway South Parking Lot, Roxborough (80125)

Bring up to 5 banker boxes of paper to shred for free — just bring a donation for the local food bank! No electronics. High-need items include pantry staples, snacks, cleaning supplies, and gift cards.

Mini Derby at Sky View Farm
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕐 1:00–5:00pm
📍 Sky View Farm, Castle Rock

Celebrate Derby Day with mini horse races, whiskey & wine tastings, auctions, food trucks, and family fun — all supporting local non-profits. Mini races at 2:30pm, hobby horse races at 3:30pm, and live Kentucky Derby viewing at 4:00pm. 🐎🎩 [Tickets required]

Bark for Books
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕐 1:00–2:30pm
📍 Parker Library

Kids ages 6–12 can build confidence and reading skills by reading aloud to friendly, trained therapy dogs. 🐾 Sign up for a 15-minute session. [Registration required]

Bark for Books
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕑 2:00–3:30pm
📍 Highlands Ranch Library

Kids ages 6–12 can boost their reading skills by reading aloud to trained therapy dogs. 🐾 Sign up for a 15-minute session. [Registration required]

Highlands Ranch Farmers' Market
🗓️ Sunday, May 4 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Highlands Ranch Town Center

Experience the best of Colorado’s harvest at the Highlands Ranch Farmers’ Market! Every Sunday from April 6 to October 26, shop for fresh, seasonal produce and locally made goods. Meet Colorado farmers, enjoy delicious food, and connect with your community.

Passport to Culture: Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
🗓️ Sunday, May 4 | 🕜 1:30 PM
📍 Lone Tree Arts Center

Join the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus for an exciting exploration of American entertainment traditions! Watch real live sideshow feats, including the bed of nails, broken glass dancing, and sword swallowing. Discover the fascinating history behind these fairground amusements loved by our grandparents.
Buy Tickets

Adult Community Events

An Evening with Sandra Dallas
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕡 6:30–8:00pm
📍 Highlands Ranch Library – Event Halls A & B

Meet NYT bestselling author Sandra Dallas as she discusses her latest novel Tough Luck. Book sales by Books Are Awesome. Adults only — [registration required, on waitlist now].

Tequila and Tacos
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕒 3:00–6:00pm
📍 Southridge Recreation Center, Highlands Ranch

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tequila tastings, tacos, and more, hosted by HRCA and Davidsons. 🍹🌮 Ticket includes a taco meal. [21+ only | Tickets required]

Adult Events

Live Music with Mark May
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕕 6:00–9:00pm
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company - Parker, 18425 Pony Express Dr #125, Parker, CO

Enjoy an evening of Folk-Grass tunes from talented singer-songwriter Mark May, a staple of the Colorado music scene!

Live Music: DJ Dance Party
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕖 7:00–9:30pm
📍 105 West Brewing, Castle Rock

Dance the night away to electrifying beats from a live DJ! Enjoy great music and an amazing atmosphere!

Elvis Tribute Show with Nevan Castaneda
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕖 7:00–10:30pm
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Sedalia

Don’t miss rising star Nevan Castaneda, a nationally ranked Elvis Tribute Artist from Aurora, as he brings The King’s greatest hits to life with dazzling showmanship and heartfelt vocals. 🎤🕺 Tickets here.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta 🍻🌶️
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | ⏰ Festivities start at 11:00am
📍 Lone Tree Brewing Company - Lone Tree

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with $5 pints, salsa & guac contests (entries due by 3pm), a tequila barrel-aged IPA release, live music by Andre Guitar (3–5pm), food from Ecos de Mexico (12–8pm), and the return of the slushy machine!

Cinco de Mayo Party 🌮🍹🎸
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | ⏰ Festivities start at 11:00am
📍 Lone Tree Brewing - Parker

An all-day fiesta with $5 Mexican Lagers, food from Tacos por Dias, strawberry margs & piña colada slushies, live Spanish guitar by Nikki Z (12–3pm), and a salsa & guac showdown (entries due by 1pm, winners at 3pm)!

Live Music: Vinyl Nation
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕕 6:00–9:00pm
📍 Max Taps Co

Enjoy an evening of classic hits and good vibes with Vinyl Nation! Come for the tunes, stay for the craft beers.

Live Music: The John Saunders Band
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕡 6:30–9:30pm
📍 105 West Brewing

Join us for an evening of live tunes by The John Saunders Band! Enjoy great music and craft beer in a relaxed atmosphere.

Vamonos Pest at Wide Open Saloon
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕖 7:00–10:30pm
📍 Wide Open Saloon, Castle Rock

Catch live music from Vamonos Pest, a high-energy rock and roll band covering hits from 1968 to 2021. 🎸 $5 cover.

Saturday Night Music Bingo 🎼
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕖 7:00–9:00pm
📍 Lone Tree Brewing - Parker

Join Good Thomas' Entertainment for a high-energy twist on bingo! Match song clips to your card, sing along, and shout “BINGO” for fun prizes. Free to play and fun for all!

Saturday Night Karaoke
🗓️ Every Saturday | 🕗 8:00pm
📍 Lansdowne Arms, Highlands Ranch

Is your voice ready? Get ready for a night of karaoke fun at Lansdowne Arms every Saturday starting at 8 PM!

Live Music: Giant Zero Solo
🗓️ Sunday, May 4 | 🕝 2:30–5:30pm
📍 105 West Brewing

Catch Giant Zero Solo live at 105 West Brewing for an afternoon of awesome tunes and great brews!

🏙️Outside DougCo🏔️

First Friday Jazz Hop – Five Points
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕔 5:00 PM
📍 Welton Street, Denver, CO

Enjoy an evening of live jazz and local art along historic Welton Street in Denver’s Five Points — free and open to all!

First Friday Art Walk – Santa Fe Art District
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕠 5:30–9:30 PM
📍 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO

Denver’s premier art event returns! Explore galleries, studios, and street art throughout the vibrant Santa Fe Art District — rain or shine, every first Friday.

Venardos Circus
🗓️ Friday, May 2 | 🕖 7:00 PM (Shows Friday-Sunday)
📍 Aspen Grove, Littleton, CO

Step right up for a magical evening under the big top!

AMA Monster Energy Supercross – Round 16
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕟 4:30 PM
📍 Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO

Catch the high-octane action as top riders battle it out under the lights in this adrenaline-pumping Supercross showdown!

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Weidner Field, Colorado Springs

Catch all the action as the Switchbacks take on Phoenix Rising!

James Bay – Up All Night Tour
🗓️ Sunday, May 4 | 🕗 8:00 PM
📍 Ogden Theatre, Denver | Ages 16+ | 🎟️ $39.95+

Catch British singer-songwriter James Bay live in Denver for one unforgettable night of soulful hits and new music.

Weather 

Friday, May 2: 63° / 36° 🌤 | 20% chance of precipitation | 💨 WSW 7 mph
Saturday, May 3: 75° / 40° ☀️ | 0% chance of precipitation | 💨 SSW 9 mph
Sunday, May 4: 76° / 45° 🌥 | 18% chance of evening showers | 💨 SSW 11 mph

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