Colorado Artfest at Castle Rock

Celebrating 32 years of Visual Inspiration

Castle Rock, conveniently located between Denver and Colorado Springs off Interstate 25, is beloved by locals and visitors alike, all of whom flock to the area to experience its numerous cultural events, outdoor attractions, and one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. From the Town’s namesake; Rock Park, to the historic downtown, to the many unique and family-owned restaurants, there is something for every history, theater, art, and food buff.

The weekend after Labor Day, the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce hosts a juried fine arts show with artists from across the country. Historic downtown Castle Rock provides the perfect canvas for the Annual Colorado Artfest, which has become a summertime tradition for residents and art enthusiasts alike.

This two-day event is held in downtown Castle Rock at Festival Park. Delight in the artistic impressions of more than 100 Artists from across the country. Continual live main stage entertainment, featuring popular musicians, will provide a complimentary backdrop to this year’s program.  Admission is free to this 2-day event. Patrons, pre-register to be entered into a drawing to win prizes! 

September 10& 11, 2022
Sat (9-6pm) Sun (10-5pm)

Location: Perry Street (between 3rd/South) & Festival Park
Castle Rock, CO 80104

Join the fun the weekend after Labor Day, the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce hosts a juried fine arts show with artists from across the country. Castle Rock provides the perfect canvas for the 32ndAnnual Colorado Artfest, which has become a summertime tradition for residents and art enthusiasts alike.  Enjoy continual live main stage entertainment featuring popular musicians, interactive exhibits for the kids, savor fabulous food/beverages and so much more!  View more details below.

This esteemed community art festival continues to highlight the talents of more than 170 exhibitors displaying a wide range of works from life-size sculptures, to photography and jewelry. There’s a multitude of opportunities to appreciate – and purchase – art during this weekend of visual inspiration. Enjoy continual live main stage entertainment, featuring popular musicians, that provide a complimentary backdrop to this year’s program along with strolling entertainers, the Artfest Store; and a silent auction. To tantalize your taste buds, there will be food and beverage vendors aplenty as well as an Imagination Zone for children. There is something for everyone at the Colorado Artfest at Castle Rock.

DCCF is committed to providing leadership and responsible stewardship of philanthropic resources to enhance the quality of life in Douglas County, Colorado. DCCF is a catalyst to connect donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen the County through philanthropy. DCCF does this by providing quality services to donors and innovative leadership on community issues.

More information can be found at www.dccf.org

Broncos 2022/2023 Football Schedule

The exact dates are still TBA but here is the lineup. What do you think about our new QB Russell Wilson!!?

Fun Facts about Mile HIgh Stadium

Empower Field at Mile High is an American football stadium in Denver, Colorado. The stadium is nicknamed Mile High due to the city’s elevation of 5,280 feet. The primary tenant is the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. It opened in 2001 to replace the Broncos’ original home, the old Mile High Stadium. Wikipedia

Address: 1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204 Phone: (720) 258-3000

Description

Former names: Invesco Field (2001–11); Sports Authority Field (2011–18); Broncos Stadium (2018–19) but Die Hard Fans just call it Mile High.

Colorado has some great things to do for free throughout the year and some of our favorite Denver Bucket List destinations.

COLORADO FREE THINGS TO DO

The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District is a voter-approved special district in the seven-county metro area that provides a stable source of supplemental funding to more than 300 scientific and cultural organizations inside the district’s boundaries. The SCFD collects a one-tenth of 1 percent sales-and-use tax (or one penny on every $10 spent), providing approximately $40 million each year to area cultural attractions both small and large.

Museum Admission is free on the dates listed below. To add a temporary exhibit, IMAX or Planetarium show, purchase tickets at the Museum on the Free Day; upgrade rates apply. Reservations and amenities (lunchroom, coat and lunch storage, bus drop off, etc.) for school groups are not available on SCFD Community Free Days.

Due to COVID restrictions, most of the Free Days require tickets or sign-ups that must be secured prior to your visit. Please click on the venue name to check the ticket/sign-up requirements.

2022 SCFD Community Free Days

FREE DAYS AT THE DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
 2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver | (303) 370-6000
A special note: Families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can visit the museum any time throughout the year and pay just $1 per person (up to 10 family members) when they show their EBT card. Admission can not be paid with the EBT card; it is simply proof of program participation.

The 2022 DMNS SCFD Free Days are
Sunday, May 1 – Children’s Day
Monday, May 23
Wednesday, June 29 (Free Night)
Wednesday, Aug. 17 (Free Night)
Wednesday, Sept. 7 (Free Night)
Monday, Sept. 19
Sunday, Oct. 9 – Out! at the Museum
Monday, Dec. 5

2022 SCFD Free Days

The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District is a voter-approved special district in the seven-county metro area that provides a stable source of supplemental funding to more than 300 scientific and cultural organizations within the district’s boundaries. The SCFD collects a one-tenth of 1 percent sales-and-use tax (or one penny on every $10 spent), providing approximately $40 million each year to area cultural attractions both small and large.

Satisfy your science curiosity in a safe environment during our SCFD Free Days. The Museum is currently operating under limited capacity for all guests as we follow local and state guidelines. We encourage you to check back before every free day for the latest recommendations and reserve your tickets in advance. 

Denver Zoo

2300 Steele St., Denver | (720) 337-1400

Free Day tickets are only available through this system, they no longer accept walk-ins on Free Days.

Step 1: Check the chart below for lottery open dates. 

Step 2: During the 5-day lottery registration period, click HERE to enter the lottery.

Step 3: Winners will be notified by email, so check your inbox daily for your vouchers. 

Step 4: If you win, you MUST click the link in the email to reserve your tickets and entry time. 

Step 5: On your designated Free Day, bring your tickets to the Zoo—and have a great day! 

THE FINE PRINT: You may register to win (5) free tickets per transaction. Limit one registration per person, per Free Day. Vouchers and tickets are available ONLINE ONLY. No tickets will be available at the Zoo gate. All guests must have a timed ticket for entry, including children 2 and under. Tickets are valid only for the specific Free Day and entry time you reserved.

2022 DENVER ZOO FREE DAYS

Key Dates for Lottery + Winner Notification

• Watch the website for more.

REMINDER:  Denver Zoo  Share the  Love  Days vouchers and tickets are available ONLINE ONLY. No tickets will be available onsite. You must redeem your voucher for a timed ticket in order to enter the park. All guests must have a time ticket for entry, including children 2 and under.

MORE FREE DENVER EVENTS

Friday, March 4 and Friday, April 8: Friends of Dinosaur Ridge. Explore the home of the world’s first Stegosaurus discovery and see dozens of other fossils and prehistoric tracks at the top-rated dinosaur track site in the U.S.

Wednesday, March 16 and Saturday, March 19: Denver Botanic Gardens. Immerse yourselves in flora from every corner of the globe as your family enjoys acres of natural beauty.

Friday, March 11 and Friday, April 8: Four Mile Historic Park. Take a trip back to Colorado’s pioneer days as you walk through the park featuring historically accurate replicas, a working farm, and the site of Denver’s oldest standing structure. 715 S. Forest St., Denver | (720) 865-0800

Sunday, May 1 and Monday, May 23: Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Enjoy a full day of exploration as your family wanders through exhibits that take you through all aspects of the natural world from the days when dinosaurs walked the earth to modern space exploration.

Denver Art Museum Free Days 2022

Visit the Denver Art Museum and enjoy free general admission all day!

Please note: Free Days do not include admission to Whistler to Cassatt.

• April 12, 2022
• April 24, 2022

History Colorado Center
1200 Broadway, Denver | (303) 447-8679
A special note: Families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can visit the Museum any time throughout the year and pay just $1 per person (up to 10 family members) when they show their EBT card. Admission can not be paid with the EBT card; it is simply proof of program participation. History Colorado Center offers free admission for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families every day!

• Dates TBA

Always Free: Aurora History Museum, Hudson Gardens, and Museum of Outdoor Arts.

Additionally, you can request free passes for a variety of area museums through the Culture Pass offered by your local library. Passes are for general admission for a specific day and are very limited in quantity. 

Participating venues include Butterfly Pavilion, Clyfford Still Museum, Denver Firefighters Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, History Colorado Center, Molly Brown House Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.

Denver Mint

Tours at the Denver Mint are free. Learn how to make reservations here.

Hudson Gardens

Hudson Gardens in Littleton offer free admission every day.

Aurora History Museum

The Aurora History Museum offers free admission every day.

FREE DAYS AT NATIONAL PARKS IN COLORADO

The National Park Service will have five entrance fee-free days in 2022. The free admission days are designed to encourage discovery and visitation of the country’s variety of national parks. With at least one in every state, national parks are accessible places to visit to refresh body, mind and spirit.

The free entrance dates for 2022 are: 

• Monday, January 17 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 
• Saturday, April 16 – First Day of National Park Week 
• Thursday, August 4 – Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act 
• Saturday, September 24 – National Public Lands Day 
• Friday, November 11 – Veterans Day 

“Whether on an entrance fee-free day or throughout the year, we encourage everyone to discover their national parks and the benefits that come from spending time outdoors,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “National parks are for everyone and we are committed to increasing access and providing opportunities for all to experience the sense of wonder, awe and refreshment that comes with a visit to these treasured landscapes and sites.”

Participating Parks include:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Colorado National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Hovenweep National Monument
Mesa Verde National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park

PLAINS CONSERVATION CENTER

Plains Conservation Center
21901 E. Hampden Ave, Aurora
303-326-8380

CLYFFORD STILL MUSEUM

Clyfford Still Museum
1250 Bannock Street, Denver
720-354-4880

COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM

COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM
17155 W. 44th Avenue, Golden
303-279-4591

FOUR MILE HISTORIC PARK

FOUR MILE HISTORIC PARK
715 S. Forest St., Denver
720-865-0800
2nd Friday of every month (except holidays) from 12-4 pm

Red Rocks

You can visit the historic music venue most days to hike, walk the steps or just sit and enjoy a latte or read a book.

Denver’s Saint Patricks Day Parade is March 12, 2022

Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade,
Presented by Bellco

• And The Winners Are…..
• You Were The Judge! Here are the winners in each category.
• Animals – Colorado St. Bernard Rescue
• Band – Denver Academy Drumline
• Commercial Float – Axe Whooping
• Dancers – McTeggart Irish Dancers
• Fraternal/Cultural – Denver St Patricks Day parade committee
• Media – Alice 105.9
• Non-Commercial – Green Gables Elementry School
• Military-Fire-Police – Colorado Emerald Society
• Spirits & Brews – Breckenridge Brewery
• Vehicles – Corvette Stingray.

Winner was announced the morning of Tuesday March 15th on FOX31.

Thank you for joining us!

See you next year on March 11, 2023

To keep up on upcoming Irish community events and shenanigans please go to https://www.facebook.com/stpatsparadeday

• 9 Ways the Irish Influenced Denver
• Where to Drink the Best Irish-Inspired Brews in Denver
• Hidden Gem: Clancy’s Irish Pub

The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and Fire Department have been “illuminating” the famous, giant star on top of Castle Rock for 85 years and this annual event is the most anticipated holiday landmark in all of Douglas County each November.

Castle Rock Star Lighting

Be there to see the Star high atop the Castle ROCK turn blue!

The Castle Rock “Lighting of the Star” has been a community event shared by residents dating back to 1936. The same spirit of volunteerism, generosity and love of tradition exists today as Castle Rock businesses and residents prepare to celebrate Starlighting downtown on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  The 2021 Castle Rock Starlighting is Saturday, Nov. 20 from 2 PM to 7 PM in Downtown Castle Rock at Historic Wilcox Square.

As one of Castle Rock Chamber’s signature events, this year’s Starlighting celebration will again include: hot chocolate, nonprofit booths, strolling entertainers, live entertainment and of course Santa will be present for photos and visits. Don’t forget to enjoy the Rink at the Rock, an outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Castle Rock as well. Non-profit groups are invited to participate in this well-respected community event to spread the word about their organization.  Click below to register, space is limited.

The Saturday BEFORE Thanksgiving

Hot chocolate, Non-profit booths, Strolling entertainers, Live entertainment, Fireworks and of course Santa!

2021 Castle Rock Starlighting
Saturday, November, 20, 2021
Time: 2 PM to 7 PM
Historic Wilcox Square – Downtown Castle Rock

Join the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce for our annual Starlighting festivities including Hot chocolate/Adult Beverages, Food Trucks, Non-profit booths, Strolling entertainers, and Live entertainment from 2 PM to 6 PM. The Starlighting ceremony will begin at 5:00 pm with the actual lighting of the star approximately at 5:30 PM.

As always, Castle Rock Chamber would like to remind everyone to shop locally and support our community. Now more than and ever our small businesses need our support, not only this holiday season but all year long remember Shop Local First!

If you are unable to attend, consider hosting your own virtual viewing party with your family!  Please Note: 2021 Live Starlighting Streaming Options still need to be confirmed.

The Chamber put together Starlighting Take Home Kits complete with the 2021 Starlighting ornament, Starlighting candles, 2 mugs, hot chocolate and more! Thank you for supporting your community and the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce! (MORE DETAILS COMING SOON)

Don’t forget to enjoy the Rink at the Rock, an outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Castle Rock as well.

• Entertainment Schedule

• Shuttle Rides & Street Closures

• Santa Visits

• Registration Links

• Volunteer

• Friends of Starlighting

This is and has always been a free event open to the general public.

All events are subject to change to comply with state and county public health orders. Check back frequently for updates or sign-up to receive event-specific email updates.

January 24 – 30, 2022

Join the fun January 24 – 30, 2022 for the 30th Annual Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships!

Join Art Enthusiasts at the 2022 International Snow Sculpture Championships

Carving  Week:  January 24-28, 2022

Viewing Week: January 28-30, 2022

Where are the sculptures located?
The Snow Sculptures are located in the area around the Riverwalk Center at 150 West Adams Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424.  The Warming Hut exhibit and event headquarters are inside the Riverwalk Center.

A Permanent Memento
Be sure to stop by the Thaw Lounge+Music for postcards, pins and for more event information including a look at past sculptures.

Snow carving in Breckenridge began as a local pastime during the town’s winter carnival – Ullr Fest – in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The founders of Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championships are still involved in the event, which is today attended annually by more than 30,000 people.

History on Display
Discover the process of snow sculpting, information about the teams and lots of interesting trivia. Located in the Thaw Lounge+Music, this exhibit explores the last 25 years of the International Snow Sculpture Championships.

Don’t Forget to Vote for your favorite sculpture

Support your favorite sculpture with the People’s Choice Vote. Throughout sculpting week, simply text the country of your favorite sculpture to vote. Text numbers can be found at each sculpture. More details can be found in the Warming Hut.

The Magic of Ice
Don’t miss the spectacular Ice Village, located at the Riverwalk Center. Each intricate carving is sculpted into a glowing statue. The sculptures represent many of the supporters of the Snow Sculpture Championships.

Are Dogs Allowed?

The International Snow Sculpture Championships is a pet-friendly event, however, please be aware that there will be cannons, light shows, crowds and can get very cold. Please keep pets on a leash and away from the snow sculptures.

Free Daily Parking

Free parking is available on Airport Road with free shuttles running every 15 minutes via the Yellow Route on the Breck Free Ride Bus. The closest bus stop to Event Headquarters is F-Lot, which is serviced by most bus routes. View bus schedule

Free public transportation is available throughout town from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. View town bus routes

International Snow Sculpture Championships Stay and Ski Lodging Packages

Call the Breckenridge Resort Chamber at 877-864-0868 or visit GoBreck.com for more information on the 2012 International Snow Sculpture Championships and January lodging packages in Breckenridge.

Estes Park is a bit of an insider secret for Coloradan’s, and it’s especially lovely during the winter months with the snow-topped pine trees, herds of statuesque elk roaming the countryside, and the impressive view of the Stanley Hotel when you first approach Estes from Denver. Estes lies 90 minutes northwest of Denver and lies next to the Rocky Mountain National Park.

Estes Park’s snow-covered evergreens and the snow-capped Rocky Mountains provide the perfect location for adventure lovers to enjoy the activities a Colorado winter has to offer from snowshoeing and cross country skiing, to ice climbing, fly fishing, and more!

LONGS PEAK SCOTTISH IRISH HIGHLAND FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2021

For more than four decades, Estes Park has been the backdrop for one of the nation’s largest celebrations of the heritage, the sounds, the tastes, and the arts of the Scottish and Irish cultures. To buy tickets or find more information about this year’s event visit www.scotfest.com.

SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2021

Held annually the weekend after Labor Day, Estes Park’s Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival is the largest gathering of its kind between the Mississippi River and California, and traditionally hosts bands – from the marching kind to the rocking kind and everything in-between – hailing from Great Britain, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and, of course, the United States.

With jousting knights, dancing girls, hoisting athletes and calling bagpipes, groups and families of all ages will catch the Celtic spirit at this festival – surrounded by the scenic peaks of Estes Park!

One of the weekend highlights is the free hour-long parade on Elkhorn Avenue, Estes Park’s main street. Bagpipes, drummers, dancers, clans in tartan, Dogs of the British Isles, brass military bands and precision drill teams give a preview of what can be seen on the festival grounds.

2021 FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES:

Music & Entertainment

Scottish Irish Shopping Markets: Browse a variety of Scottish and Irish vendors in the shopping tents to find highland-inspired jewelry, clothing, kilts, accessories, home décor, and more.

Scottish Athletics: Strong Man Competition. On the Festival field, there will be hammer throws, putting the stone, and caber throwing contests. Come join us and see a mere man toss a 19’7″,  140 lb. caber end over end!

US/International Jousting Championships: Games, Light Armor & Heavy Armor

Dogs Of the British Isles: Dog Agility & Herding, Terrier Races & Dog Exhibit Booths

Looking for tickets?  Purchase here.

During the festival, many Estes Park business feature live Celtic music and whiskey tastings throughout the village! Check out the event calendar for additional events throughout the weekend.

More information and the full event schedule go to the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Festival Website.

ELK FEST

OCTOBER 2-3, 2021

Celebrate Estes Park’s resident elk at this family-friendly festival in Bond Park (170 MacGregor Ave). Enjoy vendors, live music, food, bugling contests, performances and more at this year’s Elk Fest! Check back for more detail.

CATCH THE GLOW PARADE & CELEBRATION

NOVEMBER 26, 2021

Check back for more information on this beloved local event.

ESTES PARK WINTER FESTIVAL

JANUARY 2022

​Celebrate the winter season in Estes Park at the Annual Winter Festival weekend!  Sample a variety of beers, browse retail vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and more at the Estes Park Event Center (1125 Rooftop Way)! Check back for more details and to buy tickets.

At Butterfly Pavilion, we transform the way people think about invertebrates. These small but mighty animals that surround us are so much more than people think. They are everywhere because everything depends on them. They are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom, and we–you and us–stand on the backs of these tiny giants.

Virtual Classes

Aquatics 101 Virtual Class: How To Set Up a Successful Home Aquarium

Coming Soon in 2021!

Makes a great gift!

An ideal opportunity for beginners to the aquarium hobby, join Sara Stevens, Aquatics Manager at Butterfly Pavilion for an engaging and interactive tutorial on how to set up your home to have a successful and thriving tank. In this session, we will cover everything you need to know to get started with the right equipment, aquarium setup, and animal care strategies to allow your aquatic animals to thrive. Learn how to properly cycle your tank, how to pick animals that get along, and so much more. See how Butterfly Pavilion supports its aquaria, and get all of your questions answered with a live Q&A with our experts!

Arachnids Around Us Livestream

Join us for this virtual learning program to explore the arachnids that live around us!

Do you ever see spooky spiders or scary scorpions all around you? Join us for a virtual program as we explore the amazing arachnids that live among us. Figure out what makes an arachnid, unlearn some common misconceptions, and discover why having Arachnids Around Us is not as bad as it sounds!

Please note that registrants will be sent a link to join the class 30 minutes prior to start time. We understand technical difficulties may occur, please contact registrar@butterflies.org with your questions.

Teachers! Looking for exciting programs for your class? Check out our Distance Learning options by visiting www.butterflies.local/virtuallearning!

Buy Online for the Best Price on Admission

Adult $13.00
Child (2-12) $9.00
Senior (65+) $11.00
Child Under 2: Free
Members: Free & Unlimited*Event Day pricing may apply. Closed certain holidays.

The Butterfly Pavilion is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year-round, except for Summer Thursdays (June 27 – August 22) when we’re open until 7 pm (last admission at 6:15 pm)

•     The last entrance is at 4:15 p.m.
•     We are open seven days a week
•     We are closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

*To receive the reduced admission rate, Westminster Residents must present a valid ID with a Westminster, CO address.
**Up to two per adult entry.

The Butterfly Pavilion is conveniently located just 15 minutes from downtown Denver off Hwy 36 at 104th Avenue. Map 

The Butterfly Pavilion
6252 W. 104th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80020