July 23, 2026
PARADE, FAIR, CATTLE DRIVE AND RODEO!
The fair is finally in town, and the next two weeks might be the most packed of the whole summer. From the biggest 10-day rodeo and fair in Douglas County (featuring the one and only Trace Adkins singing to a crowd of Colorado country lovers) to back-to-back headliner concerts at the PACE Center, and free Thursday night music wrapping up at Discovery Park, there’s no shortage of family-friendly events near Looking Glass this weekend. Get out and make the most of these last sweet days of summer.
Thursday, July 23
DISCOVERY PARK SUMMER CONCERT: EL PASO LASSO
Parker Arts’ beloved Discovery Park Summer Concert Series closes its 2026 season with El Paso Lasso, bringing their high-energy set of late-90s and 2000s throwback hits to the outdoor amphitheater for one final Thursday night. It’s a fitting farewell to one of Parker’s most beloved summer traditions — come ready to sing along and make the most of the season’s last concert.
SOUNDS OF SOUTHLANDS
Just a short drive from Looking Glass, Southlands’ Town Square comes alive every Thursday through August 13 with free live music from local and regional bands, food and drink specials from participating restaurants, and dancing under the Colorado sky. No tickets required — just show up and enjoy a great summer evening with the whole family. This Thursday enjoy the sounds of Groove N’ Motion, “Colorado’s Premier Powerhouse Variety Band.”
Friday, July 24
DOWNTOWN PARKER WINE WALK
Parker’s favorite summertime social tradition returns on the last Friday of the month. Grab your collectible glass, map, and wristband at the Parker Chamber office, then spend the evening wandering Downtown Parker’s shops and businesses tasting wines poured by participating merchants. Advance tickets save you $5 — rain or shine. Must be 21+.
Parker Chamber of Commerce, 19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite R-16, Parker
4:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 advance / $30 at the door
WESTERN HERITAGE WELCOME CATTLE DRIVE
Experience a piece of living history right in the heart of Castle Rock as part of the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo festivities. Cowhands from Silverado Ranch guide a herd of Texas Longhorns from Rock Park down Perry Street to a corral near Festival Park — a spectacular procession accompanied by the Rocky Mountain Indigenous Dancers, food trucks, and interactive experiences for all ages at Festival Park. Line Perry Street for the best view, and stay for the entertainment that follows.
Perry St. & Festival Park, Castle Rock
Fri., Jul. 24, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: facebook.com | Free
TUNES ON THE TERRACE: PETER OYLOE’S NASHVILLE AT NIGHT
Peter Oyloe — last seen at Lone Tree Arts Center as Johnny Cash in Million Dollar Quartet — returns with a voice and presence that continues to captivate audiences. In this special outdoor terrace performance, Peter takes the crowd on a tour through Nashville’s rich musical heritage, honoring icons like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Willie Nelson with heartfelt storytelling, timeless classics, and inspired originals that breathe new life into songs that have stood the test of time.
Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
7:30 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $45
Friday–Sunday, July 24–August 2
DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR & RODEO
The 2026 Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is 10 days of PRCA rodeos, carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, a western marketplace, a drone show finale, a car show, llama competitions, farm-to-table brunch, mutton bustin’, and the best fair food in the south metro. This year features two headliner concerts for the first time: country legend Trace Adkins on opening night (July 24) and rock act AWOLNATION on Saturday night (July25). Note: Fairgrounds are closed Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28.
Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
Fri., Jul. 24–Sun., Aug. 2 (closed Mon. Jul. 27 & Tue. Jul. 28)
Tickets: Gate admission varies; concerts from $65
Saturday, July 25
DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR PARADE
The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo kicks off its second day with a free parade through the heart of downtown Castle Rock, presented by the Castle Rock Chamber in partnership with the Town of Castle Rock. The procession starts on the south end of town, flows down Wilcox to 4th, to Perry, and ends at the Castle Rock Fire Department. A beloved family tradition and a great way to start fair weekend.
BOOTS & BREWS
After the parade, mosey on over to Festival Park for Boots & Brews — a full afternoon of mechanical bull riding, live country music, local craft brews, and food trucks in the heart of downtown Castle Rock. Test your skills on the bull, tap your feet to the music, and raise a glass to fair weekend with the whole community. Drink token sales are credit/debit card only.
38 SPECIAL
Join Parker Arts at the PACE Center for an unforgettable night of classic Southern rock with 38 Special, a band that has been bringing high-energy performances and chart-topping hits to audiences for over 50 years. With more than 20 million albums sold and a catalog packed with iconic songs like “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up In You,” and “Second Chance,” 38 Special has defined a signature sound blending powerful guitar-driven rock with melodic hooks that became the staples of FM radio.
CASTLE ROCK FARMERS MARKET
Every Saturday, the Douglas County Fairgrounds hosts an outdoor market with locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, seasonal produce, baked goods, and artisan-made products. Note: confirm market location/status during fair week as the Fairgrounds are occupied by the Douglas County Fair July 24–August 2.
Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free admission
Wednesday, July 29
JAZZ IN THE PARK – CASTLE ROCK
Every Wednesday of the summer, Jason Bower and Castle Rock Music bring free live jazz to Festival Park in the heart of downtown Castle Rock — a low-key, pop-up style event with no stage, no vendors, just great music and small-town summer charm. Pack a picnic from one of the nearby downtown restaurants and settle in on the lawn for the evening.
FREE SUMMER TROLLEY – DOWNTOWN CASTLE ROCK
Every Wednesday in June, July, and August, the Town of Castle Rock runs a free trolley through downtown — an easy, fun way to explore shops, restaurants, and local spots without worrying about parking. Pairs perfectly with Jazz in the Park for a full night out in Castle Rock.
Thursday, July 30
SOUNDS OF SOUTHLANDS
The Sounds of Southlands Thursday concert series continues in Town Square — just a short drive from Looking Glass. This week’s performer brings another night of free live music, restaurant specials, and that easy summer energy that makes Southlands one of the south metro’s most beloved outdoor gathering spots all season long.
LONESTAR LIVE IN CONCERT
ACM and CMA Award-winning country group Lonestar takes the PACE Center stage for one epic night. Known for the timeless crossover ballad “Amazed” — nine weeks at No. 1 on the country charts — as well as 22 top ten singles including “Come Cryin’ to Me,” “No News,” and “My Front Porch Looking In,” Lonestar is one of country music’s most enduring and beloved acts, with more than 10.5 million records sold worldwide.
Saturday, August 1
RUNABILITIES FUN WALK/RUN/ROLL
Parker Recreation and Square Peg Therapies present their third annual RunAbilities FUN Walk/Run/Roll — a fully accessible two-mile course at Cottonwood Park designed to celebrate every ability. Registered participants receive an event T-shirt, souvenir race bib, and a finisher medal. The event is sensory friendly and features giveaways, refreshments, and local vendors. Family, friends, and caregivers are warmly welcome.
CASTLE ROCK COLORADO DAY FESTIVAL
In celebration of Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood, the Town of Castle Rock hosts a free all-ages Colorado Day Festival at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park. Enjoy live music, food trucks, face painting, a silent disco dance party, craft stations, a free 5K and 1-mile fun run, a cornhole tournament, and historical displays — a once-in-a-generation celebration.
Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
CASTLE ROCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: FITZ & THE TANTRUMS
Multi-platinum indie pop band Fitz and The Tantrums headlines the 10th Anniversary Castle Rock Summer Concert Series’ Colorado Day show — a once-in-a-generation night celebrating 150 years of Colorado statehood. Fresh off their sixth album Man On The Moon, Fitz brings hits like “HandClap,” “Out of My League,” and “The Walker” to the outdoor amphitheater with rising opener Sun Room at 7 p.m.
Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
Gates 6:00 p.m.; Sun Room 7:00 p.m.; Fitz and The Tantrums 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $49.35
Sunday, August 2
PARKER HONEY FESTIVAL
The 19th Annual Parker Honey Festival buzzes back to O’Brien Park for a free, family-friendly morning celebrating the honeybee and everything it brings to the community. Explore booths from 35+ local vendors and beekeepers, enjoy live music, interactive educational activities, gazebo talks with local beekeeping experts at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon, and a special kids’ activity area.
PARKER SUNDAY FARMERS’ MARKET
Parker’s beloved weekly farmers market returns to Downtown Mainstreet every Sunday through late October. Shop locally grown produce, fresh breads, honey, Mediterranean food, pastas, kombucha, and more from small farmers and artisans, with live music and a vibrant community vibe.
ROMANCING THE ROCKIES: SUMMER EDITION
Book lovers, this one’s for you. Sudden Fiction Books hosts a local author signing event featuring romance writers of books you know and love — and books you’re about to discover. A relaxed, fun afternoon to meet talented Colorado authors, browse new reads, and find your next favorite story right in the heart of downtown Castle Rock.
Wednesday, August 5
JAZZ IN THE PARK – CASTLE ROCK
Jason Bower and Castle Rock Music continue their free Wednesday evening jazz series at Festival Park in downtown Castle Rock. Pack a picnic, find your spot on the lawn, and soak in summer while it lasts.
Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
6:30–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free
Monday, August 3
DENVER FILM FESTIVAL
Denver Film’s beloved summer movie series returns to Red Rocks Amphitheatre with a screening of the comedy classic Bridesmaids, featuring a pre-show performance by Denver-based indie folk duo May Be Fern before the film lights up the iconic stage. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., pre-show starts at 7 p.m., and the film begins at 8:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $25; VIP reserved seats near the front are $50 with an exclusive Film on the Rocks branded giveaway. All screenings have open captions.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
Doors 6:30 p.m. | Pre-show 7:00 p.m. | Film 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: GA $25 | VIP $50
Summers in Looking Glass | Parker
Here at Looking Glass, the best of Colorado summer living is right outside your door. With scenic trails, top-rated schools, and beautiful parks woven through the community, Looking Glass puts you close to everything that makes Parker home. New homes are available with homes from Richmond American Homes and Dream Finders Homes, starting in the $600s — come see what summer looks like at Looking Glass.