July 17, 2025

County Fairs and Rodeos = Family-Friendly Fun!

Both the Douglas County and Arapahoe County Fairs are coming to town with so many events and activities you won’t know which direction to drive for a good time! Plus plenty of indoor/outdoor concerts and plays will have provide family-friendly summer entertainment for days.

TODAY/TONIGHT, Thursday, July 17

SONGS OF SOUTHLANDS: WASH PARK

This high-voltage group meets all your entertainment needs! What sets this band apart are its powerful and faithful reproductions of the horn-band-era dance music from the 70s to the Top 40 hits of today. With a fully choreographed show, Wash Park are your cure for standard entertainment!

DISCOVERY PARK: THE PICKPOCKETS

As bluegrass continues to grow and bend as a genre, The Pickpockets are at the forefront, pushing the unique roots of their sound and jams into new territories. The five-piece string band from Salt Lake City has an expansive repertoire and its ever-evolving sound draws inspiration from all around the world; from reggae, to funk, to traditional and newgrass styles, they consistently are creating new grooves and genres.

By combining traditional instruments and classical chops with futuristic style and heartfelt songwriting, The Pickpockets are breathing new life into the timeless Bluegrass genre as they share their music across the country playing sold out shows with notable bands and at popular festivals.

Friday-Monday, July 18-21

ABSURD HERO

For Albert Camus, the Absurd Hero is embodied in the mythological character of Sisyphus, mayor of Corinth, sentenced by Zeus to the mundane task of pushing a boulder up a hill only to see it roll back down for eternity. In our present-day version of the myth, Sid must persuade the homeless Gods to cooperate with city hall if he wants to be mayor. The Absurd Hero acknowledges the absurdity of life, yet chooses to celebrate it with purpose and passion.  Oh, how the tables have turned on the Olympians in 2025.

Saturday, July 19

PARKER FARMERS MARKET

It’s the hottest place in Parker on a Sunday morning with over 100 vendors selling local produce, meats/dairy, food trucks, artwork, home/body products, and much more! Hosted by The Local Colorado, the Farmers Market in downtown Parker opens on Mother’s Day and runs every Sunday through October.

INSIDE THE ORCHESTRA: TINY TOTS

Tiny Tots: Inside the Orchestra programs are 45-minute immersive, interactive concerts for kids seven and under (and their adults) to get truly “inside the orchestra.” Attendees are seated on the ground and encircled by our 30+ piece orchestra. Music selection, program design, and scripting are all geared to connect young children with music – physically, emotionally, and developmentally. Named in Denver Westword’s “Best of Denver,” the experience is one-of-a-kind! These programs include a 45-minute immersive, interactive orchestral performance and meet and greet time with the musicians and performers. For this program, children will be invited to do what they do best: play! Audiences will engage in musical games and move their bodies with our music as we explore the fun side of the orchestra. Following the concerts, please join us for outdoor activities, including getting hands-on with an Instrument Petting Zoo and a DIY instrument station.

JOHN OATES AND BILL MACY!

Join the legendary John Oates for a heartfelt and intimate performance that explores the incredible journey of his career. As the co-creator of Hall & Oates, the best-selling duo of all time, and a celebrated solo artist, John brings an evening filled with personal stories, classic hits, and songs from his solo albums, including his latest, “Reunion.” Discover the memories and moments that have shaped his life and music, as Oates shares anecdotes from his memoir Change of Seasons and highlights from his career spanning over five decades.

Very special guest William H. Macy will kick off the evening with a few songs and stories of his own. Macy is an Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, and is also a singer/songwriter and ukulele player.

Saturday/Sunday, July 19-20

ROCK OF AGES

Big hair, epic ballads, and all the ’80s rock anthems you love—Rock of Ages hits the PACE Center stage this summer! This jukebox musical is packed with glam, grit, and over-the-top fun, perfect for a night out with friends (recommended for ages 14+ due to adult themes).

JURASSIC PARK IN CONCERT

The action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making.

Now audiences can experience Jurassic Park as never before:  projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture.   

Welcome… to Jurassic Park!

Sunday July 20

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER BENEFIT

You will not want to miss the Breakfast for Dinner Benefit! This joyful evening promises culinary delight, soulful music, and community — all in support of the arts.  Join us on July 20 at Trestles Coastal Cuisine for an extraordinary dining experience, with special guests Glynis & Gerald Albright and a chance to mingle with other esteemed arts lovers.  This is more than a typical fundraiser – the Breakfast for Dinner Benefit promises an unforgettable evening filled with music, socializing, gifts, and surprises!

Don’t miss your chance to experience this event. Your presence helps fund transformative programs at the Lone Tree Arts Center.

BEN BANKAS

Ben Bankas is one of the most popular comedians touring the USA in 2025. Originally from Toronto, Canada and now living in Austin, Texas Ben has performed with the likes of Andrew Schulz, Theo Von, Mark Normand, Tony Hinchcliffe, Bryan Callen, Joe List and Louis J. Gomez, in comedy clubs and theatres across North America. Ben has been featured on Fox News, InfoWars and has been talked about on The Joe Rogan Exerpience. Ben is the host of Bankas Podcast available on Youtube/Spotify/Apple Podcasts and has 4 full length comedy specials available on Youtube. Ben has amassed over 300,000 Instagram followers and continues to be a crowd favorite at comedy clubs from Austin, and New York City to LA.

NEXT WEEK: Wednesday-Thursday, July 23-24

DANCING THROUGH TIME

Looking for something to do with your $15 during the middle of the week? Colorado Dance Center presents its annual 2025 Summer Performance, “Dancing Through Time” this week and the effort of these trained athletic performers is inspiring. Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop dancers of all ages perform together in a collaborative dance performance. Come celebrate the joy of dance!

Thursday, July 24

SONGS OF SOUTHLANDS: HOT LUNCH

“Specializing in hardcore funk and just good dance music.” This high-energy, Denver-based band have been captivating audiences from coast-to-coast since the 80s, playing R&B soul dance music from the 60s to today. They have performed at numerous venues across the country and the world, including at Jazz Festivals in Cancun and Los Cabos, Mexico. Don’t miss this guaranteed, funky good time!

Thursday-Sunday, July 22-27

ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIR

It’s time to saddle up and get over to the Event Center for the annual Arapahoe County Fair. It all starts Thursday night at 4:00 p.m. with everything from Axe-Throwing contests, the Stunt Dog Show, Mutton Bustin’, Line Dancing Lessons, a Trampoline aerialists’ show, and the Petting Farm and Carnival Open! And that’s just the beginning. You can look forward to a Wheels BMX show, a raptor avian show, martial arts exhibitions, barrel racing and other rodeo events, dance band performances and more.

SOME LIKE IT HOT

Winner of 4 Tony Awards®, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes, and the Grammy Award® for Best Musical Theater Album, Some Like it Hot is “A Super-Sized, All-Out Song-And-Dance Spectacular!” – The New York Times
Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, Some Like it Hot is the “glorious, big, high-kicking” (Associated Press) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime.

Friday, July 25

TUNES ON THE TERRACE: THE DREAMBOATS

Modern. Retro. Revival. The Dreamboats are creating a sound that is equal parts  Chuck Berry as well as The Oneders (from the movie That Thing You Do). This quartet of Canadian boys delivers a high-energy show that has audiences dancing the night away! After international tours in both Europe and California, The Dreamboats are ready to tear up the stage with their award-winning tunes inspired by the 50s and 60s music that they adore.

INTO THE WOODS, JR.

A youth musical presented by Sasquatch Productions, Ltd. And Parker Arts.  Into the Woods JR. features your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the (wicked) Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

The musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever.

WESTERN HERITAGE WELCOME CATTLE DRIVE
Yeehaw! Kick off Douglas County Fair & Rodeo weekend with this one-of-a-kind Castle Rock tradition. Watch as real cowhands from Silverado Ranch drive a herd of Texas Longhorns through downtown, led by the powerful and moving processional performance of the Rocky Mountain Indigenous Dancers. After the drive, stick around Festival Park for old-time photo ops, food trucks, live entertainment, and family fun celebrating Castle Rock’s rich Western roots.

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Free

Friday-Sunday, July 25-27

DARRELL HAMMOND

Darrell Hammond holds the title for being the longest running cast member on Saturday Night Live. The actor and comedian has brought to life a cavalcade of politicians, media figures, celebrities and newsmakers on television through his impressions. Amongst the great number of people he has mimicked include Bill Clinton, Sean Connery, Regis Philbin, John Travolta, Jay Leno and Donald Trump. Darrell is known for being one of the most prolific comedians of his time.

In addition to his SNL appearances, Hammond has been seen in a number of feature films and television shows. As a truly versatile actor Darrell has displayed his talents in both dramatic and comedic roles. He has appeared in the TBS comedy series Are We There Yet?, on the acclaimed F/X series Damages, and on the Law and Order franchise. Some of his feature films include Screen Gems feature Weiners, Warner Bros’ New York Minute, as well as Scary Movie 3 and Scary Movie 6. In addition, Darrell is the author of his critically acclaimed memoir, “God If You’re Not Up There…”.

Friday, July 25–August 3

DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO

Get ready for 10 days of summertime excitement in Castle Rock! From July 25 to August 3, the award-winning Douglas County Fair & Rodeo returns, blending Western heritage with live entertainment, thrilling rodeo action, carnival fun, agricultural education, and more!

Saturday, July 26

RANJANI GAYATRI CONCERT

Ranjani and her sister Gayatri are Carnatic vocalists and violinists and were musically trained from a very young age. They received scholarships from the age of 10 and started their musical journey before reaching their teens. Female sibling singing duos have always dominated the south Indian musical scene, especially Carnatic and devotional. Enjoy an evening of classical Indian music performed by vocalists Ranjani & Gayatri, Dynamic Carnatic Duo.

ALICIA SILVERSTONE SCREENING CLUELESS

AEG Presents is thrilled to announce AN EVENING WITH ALICIA SILVERSTONE & SPECIAL 30th ANNIVERSARY SCREENING OF CLUELESS live. coming-of-age teen comedy about a beautiful, popular, wealthy high school student who wants to do “good deeds”. She befriends a newcomer and decides to give her a makeover while playing matchmaker for her teachers and examining her own existence.

Come see Alicia Silverstone and revisit the iconic 1995 film, Clueless! Following a full screening of the film, join Alicia as she shares stories from her life and behind the scenes!

Thursday-Sunday, July 17-27

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: ECHO

Cirque du Soleil brings modern and surprising twists with ECHO, a story of connection, intention, and the bond between humans and the animal kingdom. 

When FUTURE and her best friend Ewai stumble upon an enigmatic CUBE, they set in motion a journey of life, discovery, hope, and empathy, quickly learning how their actions have the power to shape this world.

FUTURE, the protagonist, invites you into a fantasy world where she meets animal and human characters. Driven by the spirit of collaboration, they join forces to rebuild their planet little by little and create a better world.

NEIGHBORS = FRIENDS IN LOOKING GLASS!

If you’re considering a new home in Parker where fast friendships are developing, swing by the beautiful model homes in Looking Glass from D.R. Horton, Taylor Morrison, Dream Finders (and this fall, Richmond American Homes). With so many things to do nearby, Looking Glass is a great location for young and old, families and empty nesters. The master-planned community neighborhoods give you access to paths and parks, community connections and nearby recreation, entertainment and shopping, from the $600s