Featured Story

Turkey Day 5K Fun Run/Walk Parker CO 2022

October 31, 2022 By Chrissy

Get a healthy start to the holidays with Parker Recreation’s Turkey Day 5K and Kick off a happy Thanksgiving with friends, family, and a great workout!

Come and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday while getting a workout! The course for runners is a loop through the community, while the walkers’ course is an out-and-back on Cherry Creek Regional Trail.

turkey trot 5 k parker co Thanksgiving Day 5K family friendly race.

Date: Nov. 24, 2022
Start Time: 8-8:15 a.m.; based on mile time
Location: Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E. Lincoln Ave.
5K Cost: $30
Pre-registration closes Nov. 23 at 7 p.m.; walk-up registration is available at the event for an additional $10 per person.

Part of the Parks and Recreation Run Series, this fun community event is not timed. Registered participants will receive commemorative race socks, a custom bib, hot cocoa, cider, or coffee.

Race Course

The Turkey Day 5K course is being evaluated and will be posted soon.

Race Packet Pickup

Pick up race packets on Nov. 21 and 22 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Parker Fieldhouse, Nov. 23 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Parker Recreation Center and on event day, beginning at 7 a.m.

Volunteer Opportunities

Click here (www.VolunteerParker.org) for this event volunteer opportunity. Email recevents@parkeronline.org with questions about volunteering.

Additional Event and Sponsorship Information

Register here. This event is held rain, snow or shine. Refunds will not be issued. Strollers are welcome but because of the size of this event, for safety reasons, please leave dogs, bikes and scooters at home. Parking is limited, please carpool. Any proceeds from the event will benefit the Town of Parker Scholarship Program, which helps Parker families and/or individuals with limited financial resources participate in Town Recreation programs and facilities. For event questions, please email the Race Team at recevents@parkeronline.org or call 303.805.3278. For sponsorship information, please email Jaime Vollertsen at jvollertsen@parkeronline.org or call 303.805.3267.

Turkey Trot November 24, 2022

View the video to see how much fun this event is.
17301 E. Lincoln Ave.
Parker, CO 80134
Ph: 303.841.4500

Don’t forget Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the holiday season in downtown Parker.

Parker Tree Lighting

Parker Holiday Events

Community Messiah

Wine Walks on Mainstreet Parker Colorado 2022

March 3, 2022 By Chrissy

Downtown Parker Wine Walk is back this summer thanks to the Parker Chamber of Commerce and the local businesses.

The Wine Walk is a very popular way for long-time residents to meet new neighbors and new residents to make friends and learn about the wonderful restaurants and shops that are kind enough to share a taste of wine and open their doors for this monthly event.

Held on Last Fridays throughout the warm season

Parker Wine Walk Dates 2022

Fourth or last Friday of the Month from 5-8 p.m. (see dates below)

Downtown Parker Wine Walks will take place June through September this year. Purchase a souvenir wine glass for $25 online or $30 at the door and enjoy wine samples provided by participating Parker Chamber merchants. Learn more about their business while sipping and shopping and exploring Downtown Parker.

Whether you are new to the area or just want a fun night out, this is the event for you!
You MUST be 21 years of age or older to participate.

TICKETS ARE NON REFUNDABLE and NON TRANSFERABLE
WINE WALKS TAKE PLACE RAIN OR SHINE!

2022 Wine Walk Dates

Friday, May 27th
Friday, June 24th
Friday, July 29th
Friday, Aug 26th
Friday, Sept 30th

Each participant will receive a wine tasting glass and 10 tasting coupons, plus a list of participating businesses.

We look forward to seeing you at Parker’s best summer event! Visit this link to purchase your tickets.

$25 in advance, $30 at the door. No refunds. Must be 21+.

Sponsorships and exhibitor space available.

Tickets are available at the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. We have moved across the street to the Parker Station Building 19751 E Mainstreet – Suite R16Parker, CO 80138

Drivers! Be prepared for lots of people crossing the streets and keep your speed down and your eyes wide open!

If you are part of a non-profit, contact the chamber for opportunities to work the event and receive part of the proceeds.

The Parker Wine Walks are another Parker Chamber of Commerce SIGNATURE Event. PLEASE be appreciative to those who are participating and follow the rules of drinking INSIDE only.

Milk & Cookies with Santa-A Parker Christmas Holiday Event

December 7, 2021 By Chrissy

2021 Parker Holiday Events

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Milk & Cookies with Santa

Date: Dec. 12, 2021
Time: 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. or 1:45 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E. Plaza Dr.
Ages: 1 month to 9 years with an adult
Cost: $15 R/ $18 NR

Don’t miss this opportunity to spend some time with the jolly man in the bright red suit. It is a great beginning to the Ho Ho Holiday season with crafts, light refreshments and more! Children will be able to sit on Santa’s lap for parents to take photos. Two sessions are offered. Please register early, space is limited.

Click here to register for Milk and Cookies with Santa. For additional event information, email Diane at dlange@parkeronline.org or call at 303.805.3281.

Holiday Events in or near Parker Colorado

Turkey Day 5K Fun Run / Walk
Mayor’s Tree & Park Lighting at O’Brien Park
Community Messiah Performances (you can still join the 100 voice choir)
Breakfast with Santa at the Wildlife Experience
Highlands Ranch Christmas Market and holiday markets throughout Denver There will be unique handmade gift items, traditional Christmas foods for gifts or your family meal along with favorite vendors from the summer Highlands Ranch farmers market.
~~Parker’s Christmas Carriage Parade~~ Canceled
~~Horse-drawn carriage rides in Old Town~~ – Cancelled
The Annual Nutcracker of Parker (Click to purchase tickets)
December 9-12 & December 16-18
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Church Services

Santa Photos in Parker CO

Holiday Events at Tagawa Gardens

Who does what in the Town of Parker

April 16, 2021 By Chrissy

Many of these events have been temporarily or permanently canceled due to Covid-19. We will update you when the information is announced.

The Town of Parker recently put together this great information sheet about what local entity does what?

The Town of Parker government is proud to provide extensive public services to the residents of Parker. Since we work so closely with other Parker organizations, it is sometimes confusing to residents as to who provides which services. We would like to take this opportunity to give you more information about which local organizations are responsible for the services you depend on.

Town of Parker

The Town of Parker is in charge of “Let Freedom Sing” 4th of July Celebration as well as the Tree Lighting the Day after Thanksgiving and the Christmas Carriage Parade.* canceled for 2021 and possibly permanently. Other local events are run by various other non-profit and business groups such as the Parker Chamber and Rotary Clubs in the area.

Parker Water Services

Water and wastewater services are provided to most Parker residents by the Parker Water and Sanitation District. The District is a separate entity from the Town and determines water rates and watering restrictions. You can contact the District at info@pwsd.org or by calling 303.841.4627.

South Metro Fire Services

Although in some municipalities the fire department is a part of the governing organization, fire protection services in Parker are provided by the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority. South Metro Fire serves an area of approximately 176 square miles in portions of Douglas and Arapahoe Counties. Protection is provided to more than 198,000 citizens. You can find more information about the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority online at www.southmetro.org or by calling 720.989.2000.

Trash Pickup and City Dump

In many areas of Parker, trash services are included in homeowner’s association fees. If you do not live in one of those areas, arranging trash pick-up is the responsibility of the homeowner. Several private companies are listed in the phone book or you may contact your homeowner’s association for more information.

Public Education

Public schools in Parker are a part of the Douglas County School District. The School District determines when and where new schools will be constructed when to build additional school amenities and all other aspects of public education. You can find more information about the School District at www.dcsdk12.org.

Libraries

Douglas County Libraries provides all library services within Douglas County, including regional and neighborhood libraries, educational programs, and events. The Parker Library is located at 10851 South Crossroads Drive. For more information on the Douglas County Libraries or the Parker Library specifically, go to www.douglascountylibraries.org.

Parker Chamber of Commerce

The Parker Chamber of Commerce provides networking and professional development opportunities for local businesses and plans several large community events, including the popular Parker Days event held in June and the Wine Walks. The Chamber can be found online at www.parkerchamber.com or by calling 303.841.4268.

Parker Rotary Clubs

The Rotary club is in charge of The Parker Brewfest and up until 2021, Trick or Treat on Mainstreet however right now the event is in limbo and will not be held this year.

As always, the Town of Parker encourages you to contact your Parker Town Council with questions or comments at 303.841.0353 or by email at council@parkeronline.org.

Parker Bars & Entertainment

May 1, 2020 By Chrissy

Restaurants are open with social distancing and masks for employees and patrons. Please be kind to one another and follow the rules. *

You have lots of choices when it comes to dancing, live music, and adult entertainment after dark & after Covid

Live Entertainment

The Blu Note Bar & Grill

PARKER, CO’S PREMIER LIVE MUSIC VENUE FEATURING TOP JAZZ AND BLUES ACTS FROM COLORADO AND BEYOND.

During the mandatory stay-at-home order, Blu Note Parker is committed to providing you with safe, delicious food – available for pick up or delivery. Our hours during this time are:

Closed Monday

Open from 4 pm to 8 pm – Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun

Call 720.600.1003 to Order!

CHEF-INSPIRED LOUISIANA CUISINE WITH REGIONAL AMERICAN CLASSICS.

Takoda Tavern Sports Bar

Biker and Patriot Friendly
12365 Pine Bluffs, Parker
(720) 851-5302

Live Music, no sound system provided*

Brick House Tap + Tavern

19320 Cottonwood Drive
Parker, CO 80138
(303) 840-2285

Store Hours:
Sun: 10:30 am-Midnight
Mon–Thurs: 11 am–1 am
Fri & Sat: 11 am–2 am

Brick House Tavern Review

Happy Hour Mon – Thursday 3:30-6:30
Friday – Sunday: Drink Specials by Bob Nobles
Outdoor Patio – Fabulous sunset views
Live Music Friday/Saturday
Rooftop Patio

Celtic House Pub

16522 Keystone Blvd, Parker
(303) 841-5454
Irish Bar with darts & Guinness on tap
Live music on weekends occasionally with a huge celebration on St. Patricks Day, be prepared for a packed house.

20 Mile Tap House – Live Music & Karaoke
12543 N Highway 83 # 202 Parker, CO 80134
(303) 841-6782
Happy Hour every Day 4-7 with discounts on drinks and appetizers

Parker Happy Hours & Restaurant Bars

Parker Garage

19420 Mainstreet
Parker, CO
(720) 389-8105
Happy Hour Specials Nightly- Doordash – To Go – Pick up

Spice Kitchen

19751 E. Mainstreet Ste. R-1, Parker 80138
Phone: 303-945-4168

Casa Mariachi

Casa Mariachi Mexican Restaurant
Happy Hour 4-5:30

Hilltop Tapp House

19878 E. Hilltop Road Unit #113, Parker, CO
Phone:(720) 242-6224

PARKER MICROBREWERIES

DownHill Brewery
18921 E Plaza Dr # 104, Parker CO
(303) 805-2739

Barnet & Son Brewing Company
18425 Pony Express Dr, Parker, CO 80134
(720) 420-0462

Welcome Home Brewery
19523 Hess Rd #103, Parker, CO 80134
(303) 362-1213

These are micro-brew only establishments. They don’t serve food, however, they welcome and encourage you to bring your own and have menus from all of the delivery spots in Parker and they have food trucks many days of the week. Check their Facebook pages for daily updates. . We highly recommend Pizza from one of the many options in Parker. They are both perfect for people who are new to Colorado Craft Beer.. just order a sampler to learn what style you prefer.

~~Elev 5900 –~~ Now Spice Kitchen

~~The Score Bar~~ – Now Hilltop Taphouse

~~Warhorse Inn~~ – Now Parker Garage

~~Falcon Brewery~~ – Out of Business – Now Spice Kitchen

All happy hours can change at any time, please check with your server.

Where to Eat in Parker Colorado

March 1, 2020 By Chrissy

Parker Colorado Restaurants

Restaurants are open with social distancing and masks for employees and patrons. Please be kind to one another and follow the rules. *

Click the links below to discover the best places to eat in Parker!

Explore the links above to discover restaurants in Parker CO that you might not have tried yet. We have marked our favorites and which ones are locally owned and operated. We do our best to “Shop Local and EAT Local” as often as possible.

Asian Restaurants

Bars – Live Entertainment

Bakeries & Sweet Treats

Breakfast Spots

Caterers

Coffee Shops

Fast Food

Fine Dining in Parker

Gluten-Free / Peanut Free Dining

Italian Restaurants

Mexican Restaurants

Sandwich Shops

Adult Beverages

Parker is also uniquely blessed with 4 microbreweries and 2 wineries!

Parker Restaurants on Yelp! – If you want to help out your favorite spots, stop by and say something nice on Yelp!

Council of Arts Science and Culture

January 24, 2018 By Chrissy

This group formerly known as The Parker Arts Council

have an established history of over 10 years of service in the local community.

The Arts – they will focus on bringing some of the finest musical member performances to enhance the greater Parker area including Wine Walks, Community Stage at Parker Days and other community events as well as musical concerts.

The Sciences – They are also branching further out to the sciences by supporting programs in local front range areas that feature activity for youth who want to enrich their minds. They are always looking to build the science program support to be one of the leading programs in the state.

The Culture – Within every community, there needs to be culture and cultural awareness. CASC has two major fundraising programs each year to bring just that to our communities. The Oktoberfest and Mardi Gras are celebrated each year to bring out the flavor of true cultural heritage.

2018 CASC Board Members

Jeff Toborg – President
Curt Carey – Treasurer
Tish Shade – Secretary

For more information visit their website at ColoradoCulture.org on Facebook

For information on this years Mardi Gras Celebration click here!

For information on this years Oktoberfest click here!

About CASC –

A non-profit organization started in 2004, in Parker Colorado. Dedicated for a number of years to the entertainment of arts and culture, they now focus on cultural events while supporting groups that bring value to communities. CASC hosts the Parker Oktoberfest and Mardi Gras, supports the Mile High Rodeo Royalty as well as provide musical entertainment for Parker Wine Walks, Parker Days Community Stage and the Creative Districts Random Acts of Art program.

Volunteer at CASC

Your energy and enthusiasm are always appreciated!

The CASC is always looking for volunteers and your youth can get credit hours towards Douglas County graduation requirements.

CASC Volunteer Opportunities

It takes a lot to run an organization. CASC volunteers are what make it happen and they are looking for your help.

CASC could not plan or execute events without the help of wonderful volunteers like you. If you are interested in a particular event, want to do some service for the greater community, or are just interested in the programs we offer, we need your assistance.

Colorado Council of Arts, Science and Culture is looking for volunteers in all areas and also with the following skills:

Arts

Actor
Box Office
Choreography
Concessions
Co-Producer
Costume Design
Costumes
Dialect Coach
Director
Dresser
Event Load In/Load Out
Film and Editing
Fund Raising
Grants Writer
Graphic Design
Hair/Wig Stylist
Hang Crew
Headshot Photography
Intern – College
Intern – High School
Lightboard Operator
Lighting Design
Make-Up

Marketing
Music Director
Musician
Organization Management
Outdoor Event A/V Set up and Operation
Photography
Producer
Production Intern
Promotional Writing
Props
Public Relations
Run Crew
Set Construction
Set Design
Set Painting/Dressing
Sewing
Sound Design
Soundboard Operator
Special Events
Sponsorships
Stage Manager
Videography
Will Call/Usher

Or the Sciences-

Teacher
Facility
Rocket Science
General Sciences

Cultural Events

Event Planning
Event Management
Promotions
Marketing
Fundraising
Catering

Complete your High School Community Service Hours at PAC events.

PAC/CASC – is currently listed as a participating Court Ordered Community Service program in Douglas, Arapahoe, Elbert, El Paso, Denver, and Adams Counties. We accept court-ordered Community Service.

We are an all-volunteer group and we mostly only have hours in the evenings and weekends. Much of the service time will involve working events, pre-event marketing, equipment care, set building and various small tasks that we as an organization need help with.

The Process:

• We only take calls for new volunteers one day per week (Tuesdays) between 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Call 646-243-8628
• We will want to know- How many hours are needed, when they are due by and when the form needs to be returned to the courts.
• If our call questions fit your schedule, and you want to continue, we set up a meeting.
• During our one on one meeting, we sign your first documents and discuss a schedule that works with the CASC events and planning.
• We will assign you to an event leader to fit the schedule and choice.
• Documentation will be signed for your hours each time
• Check our calendar on the site for upcoming events and noted days that are available.

Recipe of the Month by Yume Tran

April 3, 2016 By Chrissy

Everyone loves Yume and if you don’t it’s because you haven’t met her yet!

She and her husband Jeff own Indochine in the Parker Station Building on Mainstreet which is now in it’s 10th successful year in downtown Parker. Yume recently started videoing her “How To” series on YouTube and we wanted to make sure and share it with everyone. Her method of cooking is so down to earth and with the addition of her amazing line of gourmet sauces you can have dinner on the table in 15 minutes.

Indochine is a Thai- Vietnamese Asian Fusion restaurant that also serves uniquely inspired sushi.

Our favorites are the chicken pad thai (video below) and the green curry with brown rice but everything on the menu is high quality ingredients, gluten free and no MSG!

Drunken Noodles with Shrimp

Beef Pad Thai

Spring Rolls

On Fire Sushi Roll

New Pricing on Meals in a Minute Sauces:

For sauces that are ready-to-consume such as Kaffir Lime, Coconut Peanut, Mandarin Orange Vinaigrette and Pineapple-Yaki, the prices are $10 per jar instead of the regular $12! There are recipes right on the jar.
If you would rather just go in the Indochine and have Yume or Jeff cook for you, that’s ok too!Indochine Cuisine 19751 Mainstreet, Parker, CO 80138
(720) 851-8559

Indochine Hours:Lunch: Mon – Sat: 11:30am – 3pm
Dinner: Sun 5pm – 8:30pm

Parker Home Town Heroes

November 12, 2014 By Chrissy

We are going to be using this space to recognize our own hometown heroes who do good in our community. If you know of someone who should be recognized, please let us know.

Scholastic’s Kid Reporter is Parker’s own Amyla Posey!

The award-winning Scholastic News Kids Press Corps™ today welcomed 32 new Kid Reporters, ages 10 to 14, to the country’s oldest and largest student reporting program. The young journalists will report “news for kids, by kids” with coverage of current events, breaking news, entertainment stories, and sports events from their hometowns and on the national stage. The 32 Kid Reporters hail from 20 states across the United States, with international correspondents in Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The new reporters were chosen by the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps editors from more than 200 student applications, which required students to submit a news report about their local community, ideas for future stories, and a personal essay explaining why they would like to be a Kid Reporter.

We are very proud to announce that the winning student in Colorado is from Parker Colorado! Congratulations to Amyla Posey!

“The Scholastic News Kid Reporters’ stories are a terrific way to engage students with news reported by kids their own age. They’re an invaluable complement to the articles in Scholastic News® magazines and on Scholastic News online, which put contemporary news in a context that’s relevant and age-appropriate for young readers,” said Suzanne McCabe, Editor of the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps. “I’m really looking forward to working with our new team of Kid Reporters and seeing them grow as young journalists.”

In the past, Kid Reporters have interviewed politicians, entertainers, authors, sports stars—and even a sitting President, Barack Obama. They’ve also gathered “Tips from the Pros” from such journalists as Brian Williams and Soledad O’Brien.

For more than 14 years, the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps has delivered “news for kids, by kids.” The Kid Reporter videos and reports will appear in issues of Scholastic’s classroom magazines, which are read by more than 25 million students in classrooms nationwide, and be available on their news site.

Congratulating 7 year old philanthropist TJ!

This adorable young man is continuing in his efforts to help the hungry in Colorado. This summer he held a garage sale and a movie in the park with all proceeds going to the “Hunger Free Colorado” fund.

Second-grader TJwill host a”Parent’s Night Out – Kids In” fundraiser at Parker’s Prairie Crossing Elementary School in Parker Colorado on Friday Dec. 6, 2013 to fight hunger this holiday season.

Parents can drop off their children for a safe and fun movie night, as well as a learning experience about Hunger Free Colorado, for a small donation of $10 per child. Thirty to fifty children are expected to attend.

TJ started a Kids’ Club this past May, with a goal to fundraise and raise awareness for Hunger Free Colorado. Since then, they have raised more than $300 through garage sales and other activities. The 7-year-old philanthropist also joined the Hunger P.O.D. Squad, an engagement opportunity facilitated by Hunger Free Colorado, where people of all ages commit to at least five activities throughout the year to help end hunger in their community, whether it be hosting a fundraiser, volunteering at a local anti-hunger group, participating in a community or school garden, or educating others about the issue.

Hunger Free Colorado is the state’s leading anti-hunger advocacy organization, working to ensure that no Coloradan goes hungry. Learn more at HungerFreeColorado.org.

When: Friday, Dec. 6, from 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Prairie Crossing Elementary School, 11605 S Bradbury Ranch Drive, Parker, CO 80134
Contact: Michelle Ray, cell (720) 432-0255 for more information.

Shopping Directory in Parker Colorado

February 27, 2012 By Chrissy

20 years ago residents of Parker had to drive to neighboring towns to shop for almost everything but Parker has grown up in the last decade and now it’s a rare thing when you have to drive “to town” to shop.

Take a look at all of the locally owned and operated options and the large variety of national chains and big box stores you have to choose from.

Click the links below to discover where to shop in Parker

Free & 1 time fee listings on Best of Parker Colorado

$50 one time fee for a Basic Listing for your business – Contact us with your business name, address and phone number we’ll add you on the appropriate topical page. Other advertising options are available here.
Non-Profit organizations are also given a free link. We appreciate a link back to the Parker Directory if possible.