Town of Castle Rock @crgov

The Town of Castle Rock's America 250 - Colorado 150 time capsule will be sealed for the next 50 years, filled with pieces of our community's story. Inside are more than 400 postcards from Castle Rock fourth graders, postcards and video messages from residents - and the technology needed to view the videos in 2076, Town publications, newspapers, photos, maps, memorabilia and mementos from community partners and Castle Rock organizations. Also included are keepsakes from Town departments and plans and renderings from projects under construction today. Together, these items capture what life in Castle Rock looked like in 2026 and our hopes for the future. The time capsule will be buried at the new Castle Rock Sports Center and opened on July 4, 2076.

Look to the sky this Fourth of July! Two Colorado Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcons will fly over the Rock and Downtown Castle Rock at about 10:47 a.m. Saturday, July 4, kicking off the Town of Castle Rock’s celebration of America’s 250 years of independence. The 140th Wing will launch the jets from Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora. You will likely hear the aircraft before you see them fly 500 to 1,000 feet over the Rock and above Castle Rock. The flyover time is an estimate and subject to change based on weather conditions and operational readiness #AFFlyover

What if Castle Rock had been named … Poundcake Rock? In his July 9, 1843, journal entry, explorer John C. Fremont referred to our iconic butte as “Poundcake Rock.” Now you can celebrate this fun piece of local history at the Poundcake Pop-Up, because history is even sweeter with a little pound cake. 🍰 📆 Wednesday, July 9 ⏰10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 📍Festival Park, 300 Second St. Enjoy: 🍰Complimentary mini pound cakes (while supplies last) 🏛️Historic Downtown building replica facades 🎙️Interactive founding and early residents sharing their stories 🎁Prize wheel with America 250 – Colorado 150-themed swag and giveaways, including a pair of Summer Concert Series season passes Celebrate America's 250th birthday, Colorado's 150 years of statehood and Castle Rock's rich history during this free, family-friendly event. 🎉

Community members interested in helping shape the future of Castle Rock are encouraged to consider running for Town Council. This year, three Council seats are up for election ― Districts 3 and 5, and the Mayor at Large. The election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. Elections for Mayor and Town Council are held in November of even-numbered years. Seats are up for election on an alternating basis, so the election for District 1, 2, 4 and 6 Councilmembers will be held in 2028. The Mayor and Councilmembers serve four-year terms. Elections for Town Council are nonpartisan. Candidates must live within the district in which they are running, live within the district boundaries throughout the term of office and cannot be a Town employee. Candidates must also be U.S. citizens, registered to vote in Castle Rock and have lived in Town for at least 12 months prior to the Nov. 3 election date. An optional orientation session for prospective candidates looking to learn more about running for office will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the Millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park, 1381 W. Plum Creek Parkway. Those interested in becoming a candidate can pick up nomination petitions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Town Hall, 100 N. Wilcox St. If you’re unable to pick up the nomination petitions during the scheduled time, email the Town Clerk’s Office at [email protected] to schedule an alternative pick-up time at a later date. A Candidate Committee must be registered before accepting or spending any campaign funds. Additional details and the Candidate Committee registration form are available at crgov.com/RunForCouncil . The deadline to turn in Councilmember nomination petitions to the Town Clerk is 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24. The petition must contain signatures from at least 25 registered electors in the district the candidate would represent. Mayoral candidates are required to obtain the signatures of at least 10 registered electors from each of the Town’s six election districts. Candidates must personally circulate their own nominating petitions. A map of the election districts is available at crgov.com/ElectionDistri… . Learn more at crgov.com/RunForCouncil, or contact the Town Clerk’s Office at [email protected] with questions.

Unfortunately, hot temperatures, dry conditions and gusty winds have significantly increased the risk of wildfire, leading to the immediate implementation of Stage 1 fire restrictions. What’s prohibited: - Personal fireworks of any kind are prohibited - Open burning is prohibited, except in developed or residential areas on private property What’s still allowed The following activities are permitted under Stage 1 fire restrictions: - Fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, charcoal grill fires within developed residential or commercial areas, and fires within wood-burning stoves - Chimineas, fire pits and charcoal smokers / BBQs on private property away from combustibles - Professional fireworks displays permitted according to section 12-28-103 of the C.R.S. - Fire suppression or fire department training fires - Tiki torches, small recreational fires at developed picnic or campground sites contained in permanent fire pits or fire grates with flame lengths not in excess of four feet and which are supervised by a responsible person at least 21 years of age The community is encouraged to enjoy the Town of Castle Rock’s professional Independence Day fireworks show. The approximately 20-minute, remote-viewing-only display will launch from Miller’s Landing around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, weather and wind permitting. The show will only be canceled due to inclement weather or if Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place. For recommended viewing locations and additional information, visit CRgov.com/Fireworks. Please do your part by following all restrictions and reporting signs of smoke or fire immediately. To report the use of illegal fireworks in Town, call CRPD’s dispatch center at 303-663-6100. View the full news release at crgov.com/m/newsflash/ho…

What if Castle Rock had become Poundcake Rock? Before it became Castle Rock, the iconic butte nearly inspired a very different name. In his July 9, 1843, journal entry, explorer John C. Fremont referred to the formation as “Poundcake Rock,” noting that its broad, circular shape reminded hungry members of his mapping expedition of the dessert as their food supplies dwindled. To celebrate this quirky piece of local history — along with America’s 250 birthday, Colorado’s 150 years of statehood and Castle Rock’s 145 years of incorporation — the Town of Castle Rock invites the community to the Poundcake Pop-Up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at Festival Park, 300 Second St. This free, family-friendly event combines local history, interactive storytelling, giveaways and a little sweetness. Enjoy complimentary mini pound cakes (while supplies last) and explore interactive displays featuring wooden replicas of historic Downtown building facades and life-size cutouts of Castle Rock founders and early residents. With the push of a button, guests can hear stories from the people who helped shape the community and learn more about Castle Rock’s journey from its 1881 incorporation to the thriving Town it is today. Attendees can also spin the prize wheel for America 250 – Colorado 150-themed swag and giveaways, including pairs of Summer Concert Series season passes and the limited-edition Castle Rock 250 - 150 canvas totes. Representatives from the Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum will be on hand throughout the event to share insights and answer questions about the historic buildings, people and moments that helped define the community. Make plans to attend this one-of-a-kind celebration of Castle Rock’s history, heritage and hometown spirit — and discover why the Town almost had a much sweeter name. Find information on Poundcake Pop-Up and other America 250 – Colorado 150 Town events at CRgov.com/250150events.

Castle Rock Fire and Rescue, in partnership with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, is promoting a communitywide initiative educating people about personal fireworks safety. Leading up to Independence Day, the Bucket Brigade campaign provides residents with the tools and information needed to safely dispose of used personal fireworks. Campaign-themed 5-gallon buckets have been distributed to local fireworks stands. These buckets serve to remind adults to soak spent fireworks in water overnight. This simple step prevents trash, garage and home fires caused by improper disposal. Buckets include educational stickers with clear, step-by-step disposal instructions. Fireworks stand locations with buckets include: - Davey Jones Fireworks, 1048 Brookside Circle, Castle Rock - Davey Jones Fireworks, 3159 Castleton Court, Castle Rock - TNT Fireworks, 5940 Promenade Parkway, Castle Rock - TNT Fireworks, 441 Perry St., Castle Rock Read the full release at crgov.com/m/newsflash/ho…

DID YOU KNOW? Drought restrictions do not determine whether fireworks are allowed. Fire restrictions do. Drought restrictions and fire restrictions may both be enacted as a result of dry conditions, but only fire restrictions directly affect personal and professional fireworks use. Here’s why: 🔥 Fire restrictions protect the community from ignition and wildfire risk. They are based on current fire danger, weather, vegetation conditions and other resource factors. Three of seven criteria must be met to implement Stage 1 fire restrictions. View current fire restrictions and fireworks information at CRgov.com/Fireworks. When Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect: - Personal fireworks can't be used in Town - Professional fireworks displays require safety planning and ongoing review, which may still be adjusted or canceled if conditions become unsafe When Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect: - Personal fireworks remain prohibited - The sale of personal fireworks is also prohibited - The Town’s professional fireworks display will be canceled 💧 Drought restrictions help protect the community’s water supply. Castle Rock Water’s drought stages focus on water conservation, particularly during times of increased demand, such as outdoor irrigation season, and may include voluntary conservation requests, reduced outdoor watering or, at more severe stages, limits on indoor and outdoor water use. So, while drought conditions can contribute to increased fire danger, a drought declaration does not automatically prohibit fireworks. Fireworks are regulated based on the Town’s current fire restriction level, not its drought stage. Check current drought restrictions at CRgov.com/Drought.

🤠 Experience the Old West at Castle Rock’s annual Longhorn cattle drive July 24 Castle Rock is a thriving community, and the Town’s Western heritage is alive and well. Don’t miss a weekend full of activities commemorating the community’s history and honoring a longstanding tradition — the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo. Western Heritage Welcome Weekend kicks off with a Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive that recalls a time when large herds of cattle were driven through Downtown Castle Rock. Cowboys, cowgirls and city slickers alike are invited to join the celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 24. Grab a spot along Perry Street for the best view as cowhands drive the herd from Rock Park, down Perry Street, and into a corral near Festival Park. The Rocky Mountain Indigenous Dancers, made up of members of tribes from across the plains, return this year to lead the drive with a captivating processional performance. For more details, visit CRgov.com/WesternHeritage. Once the cattle are corralled, mosey on over to Festival Park. Catch additional performances from the Indigenous dancers, snap an old-time family photo, enjoy food truck fare, and take in entertainment and interactive experiences for all ages until 8 p.m. Starting at 5 a.m., parking will not be available on Perry Street. Parking will also be closed at Rock Park. From 4 to 7 p.m., Perry Street will be closed from Scott Street to South Street. Please keep safety in mind and stay behind the protective barriers along Perry Street. The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo kicks off Friday, July 24, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 2, featuring rodeo competitions, carnival rides, livestock shows, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Opening night includes a drone show and concert at the Fairgrounds beginning at 8:15 p.m. Find a full schedule and more information at DouglasCountyFairAndRodeo.com. The celebration rolls through Downtown at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, with the Douglas County Fair Parade hosted by the Castle Rock Chamber. Find the parade route and more information at CastleRock.org/DCFairParade. Following the parade, Boots & Brews will take over Festival Park with live music, beer and food trucks from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Get all the details at DowntownCastleRock.com. Round up the family and celebrate Castle Rock's Western heritage. Explore the weekend lineup at CRgov.com/WesternHeritage.

Country fans, this one's for you. 🤠 Fast-rising country star Jackson Dean and special guest Tigirlily Gold are coming to the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park on Saturday, July 18, as part of the 10th anniversary season of the Town of Castle Rock's Summer Concert Series. Grab your boots and some friends and get ready to make summer memories under the Colorado sky. General admission tickets are still available. Get yours today at CRgov.com/Concerts.

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Town Council met on Tuesday, June 16. Watch the meeting: castlerock-co.granicus.com/player/clip/20…

Whether it’s raptors, reptiles or other creepy crawlies, Castle Rock has a whole host of wild residents. The Town of Castle Rock’s wildlife education program teaches about everything and everyone that shares our home. Come learn about the characteristics of these unique animals at the Animals Around the Rock educational series. Presented in partnership with the Douglas Land Conservancy, join Nature’s Educators and Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance to discover more about the various types of animals that live over, under and around Castle Rock. Meet these animal ambassadors and enjoy a presentation about their stories. Plus, several presentations allow participants to get up close for a personal experience with the animals. Each event is free. Registration is only required for Reptiles Under the Rock and Batty About Castle Rock due to indoor capacity limits. Bring the family and a picnic dinner, and get ready for a wild experience. Raptors Over the Rock Tuesday, July 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park (1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway) Learn about the characteristics that define raptors, including where they live and how they hunt. To minimize disturbance to the birds, dogs are not allowed at this event. Rain date is Tuesday, July 14. Reptiles Under the Rock Tuesday, Aug. 18, 6 to 7 p.m. Millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park (1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway) Learn about native reptiles and amphibians, including their habitats, diets, defenses and more. Registration is required for either a 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. presentation that includes a meet and greet with the animal ambassadors. Participants can explore educational information and crafts before or after the chosen presentation session. Registration opens July 1. Batty About Castle Rock Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6 to 7 p.m. Millhouse at Philip S. Miller Park Learn about local bats, their adaptations and the benefits they bring to our ecology. Space is limited to 80 people, so registration is required and opens July 1. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Creepy Crawlies Around the Rock Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Festival Park (300 Second Street) Celebrate the spooky season with this Halloween-themed event at the Fall Festival. Learn about creatures such as snakes, spiders, toads, owls and more! Donations to the Douglas Land Conservancy are suggested. Recommended donations are $10 per person or $20 per family. The Douglas Land Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of the natural character, habitat and open space of Colorado. More information and registration are available at CRgov.com/RockAnimals.

Town Council will meet on Tuesday, June 16. View the meeting details and agenda online at crgov.com/Calendar.aspx?…

Accessing Interstate 25 in southern Castle Rock just got a little easier. While not all interchange ramps are open, the Crystal Valley interchange project has reached another major milestone, with the opening of the first northbound I-25 on-ramp from the Crystal Valley Parkway/East Frontage Road roundabout. Now, motorists can access northbound I-25 from Crystal Valley Parkway, improving regional mobility and helping reduce congestion in the southern portion of Town. Scheduled for full project completion in 2027, the ramp opening provides early access to the interstate. Continued construction progress may allow the project to finish ahead of schedule. For now, as ramps and other portions of the interchange are completed, the Town will open them to traffic as soon as it is safe to do so. Drivers can access the new northbound I-25 on-ramp by traveling through the roundabout at Crystal Valley Parkway and East Frontage Road, then continuing westbound on Crystal Valley Parkway to the on-ramp. See the map below. This project is a collaborative effort among the Town, Douglas County and the Colorado Department of Transportation. Read the full news release: crgov.com/m/NewsFlash/ho… To join the email list to stay informed about the project’s progress, go to CRgov.com/CVI.

Want Town updates without having to dig through the internet like you’re solving a mystery? Sign up for Town updates at crgov.com/NotifyMe and choose what matters most to you, from meetings and news to alerts, events and more.

Celebrate Independence Day with live music, pie, family activities and a high-flying fireworks display as Castle Rock marks America’s 250th birthday in true hometown fashion. The Town of Castle Rock’s Fourth of July celebration takes place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, as a signature part of America 250 – Colorado 150 festivities. Head to Festival Park for live entertainment, food trucks, face painting and other activities before capping off the evening by enjoying a celebratory fireworks show. The celebration kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a performance by the Denver Dolls and plenty of family-friendly fun. Live entertainment continues throughout the evening with performances by The Castle Rock Band at 6:45 p.m. and Thunder Roads at 8 p.m. To help residents celebrate this year’s sesquisemiquincentennial, the Town will be giving away fun America 250 – Colorado 150 branded items, including light-up star wands, grocery bags, temporary tattoos, stickers and more throughout the evening. The annual Pie Bake-Off will take place on Perry Street from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Amateur bakers, both youth and adult, are invited to sign up to showcase their skills and compete for bragging rights, while the first 100 visitors to the bake-off tent can enjoy a free slice of pie. Awards will be given for first, second and third places in both the adult and youth categories for fruit and nonfruit pies, and winners will be announced from the stage at 6:30 p.m. Find additional event information, including Pie Bake-Off entry details, at CRgov.com/250150Events. When the music wraps up, turn your eyes to the western sky. At approximately 9:30 p.m., a three-shot salute will signal the start of the Town's professional fireworks display. The 20-minute high-flying show will launch from Miller's Landing, which is off Plum Creek Parkway, just east of Philip S. Miller Park, to light up the night, weather and fire restrictions permitting. The display will also be visible from up to 3 miles away; recommended locations include Downtown Castle Rock, Metzler Ranch Community Park, Philip S. Miller Park, Rock Park and parts of the Red Hawk neighborhood. Those viewing from neighborhoods or business parking lots are reminded to respect private property and follow posted parking restrictions. Parking along major roadways is not permitted. Find additional fireworks information, including information on safe use of personal fireworks at CRgov.com/Fireworks. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks show will be postponed to Sunday, July 5. Please check the Town’s Facebook event for updates. If Stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect, the display will be canceled.

Get ready for a night of gritty vocals, powerful storytelling and modern country music under the Colorado sky. Jackson Dean with special guest Tigirlily Gold takes the stage at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park Saturday, July 18. One of country music’s fastest-rising stars, Jackson Dean has earned a devoted following with his intentional songwriting and electrifying live performances. Since breaking through with the Platinum-certified No. 1 hit “Don’t Come Lookin’,” Dean has continued to build momentum with fan favorites like “Heavens to Betsy” and “Fearless (The Echo).” Dean brings raw energy and authenticity to the stage and has toured with some of country music’s biggest names. His current single, “Make A Liar,” is climbing the country charts, while songs from his newly released album, “Magnolia Sage,” are introducing the next chapter of his distinctive sound. Whether you’re already a fan or discovering his music for the first time, this show promises an unforgettable night at one of Colorado’s most unique outdoor concert venues. Turn up the summer and experience a high-energy night of modern country music with an edge — head to crgov.com/Concerts for tickets. General admission tickets are $35. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tigirlily Gold will start at 7 p.m. Jackson Dean will take the stage around 8:30 p.m. Delicious food will be available from a variety of food trucks and refreshing drinks can be purchased from the full cocktail bar. The Summer Concert Series celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and is part of the Town’s goal to keep our community character alive with community festivals, concerts and activities. The concert series brings live music, including Grammy-nominated, world-famous acts, to Castle Rock on select evenings June through August. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Philip S. Miller Park, the Amphitheater is one of Colorado’s most unique venues. The intimate setting, family-friendly environment and amazing acoustics make summer sound better. The full 2026 Summer Concert Series lineup is on sale now and features five incredible nights of live music. Find concert details, ticket information and frequently asked questions at CRgov.com/Concerts.

Castle Rock is having a big birthday summer! America is turning 250, Colorado is turning 150 and Castle Rock is bringing 145 years of its own history to the party. The summer edition of Outlook magazine is packed with information about local history, a time capsule that will not see daylight until 2076, public art, community celebrations and other good information to know this summer. Consider this your red, white and blue sneak peek at what’s coming to mailboxes soon.

Tunes for Trails is back! Join us from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park for free live music and help support future parks and trails projects in Castle Rock. 🎶 The first Tunes for Trails/Perks for Parks concert of the season will feature The Rick Lewis Project delivering a high-energy blend of rock, soul, funk and blues. Led by award-winning radio personality and musician Rick Lewis of The Lewis and Floorwax Show, the band has shared stages with iconic acts including Def Leppard, ZZ Top, Sammy Hagar, The Who, B.B. King, Heart and the Steve Miller Band. A favorite at venues such as Red Rocks, Ball Arena and Fiddler's Green, The Rick Lewis Project is known for crowd-pleasing performances that keep audiences coming back. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and music starts at 6:30 p.m. Bring a picnic, gather your friends and family, and enjoy food and beverages available for purchase. Admission is free, but donations to the Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation are appreciated. Beverage sales also support future parks and trails projects, including trail amenities at Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space. Please note: Outside beverages are not permitted, with the exception of one factory-sealed water bottle per person. Empty reusable water bottles are welcome and can be filled at the Castle Rock Water H2GO wagon. Learn more, donate or volunteer at CRgov.com/TunesForTrails.

The June edition of Your Town Talk is here, and it’s packed with what to know, what to do and what’s coming next in Castle Rock. - What Advisory Stage 1 Drought means for Castle Rock Water customers - Know the law before using personal fireworks this July Fourth - Participate in Bike to Work Day - Follow @CRParksRec on Facebook and Instagram for fun activities and fitness fun - Celebrate America 250 and Colorado 150 with concerts, car shows and more - Make a splash at the free South Metro Water Festival Read it now at CRgov.com/YourTownTalk. Sign up to receive Your Town Talk in your email inbox each month: lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/oRv7cfC