Douglas County News
New openings, closings, development, and community updates from Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, and across Douglas County — first-person coverage you won't find anywhere else.
Egg Harbor Cafe Is Coming to Belleview Station in Denver
The family-owned breakfast brand that opened in Highlands Ranch this spring is expanding — a second Colorado location is coming to Belleview Station in southeast Denver, looking like a September opening.
Gold Crown Field House Coming to Castle Rock's Dawson Trails
Douglas County approved $7.5 million toward a 75,000-square-foot Gold Crown youth field house in Castle Rock's Dawson Trails — six basketball courts, a dozen volleyball courts, and an early-2028 opening.
Fierce45, a Westword 'Best of Denver' Pilates Studio, Opens in Castle Rock
Fierce45 — the Denver-born reformer Pilates brand named Westword's Best Pilates Studio in the 2026 Best of Denver — has opened in Castle Rock at 658 Genoa Way. Here's what the workout is, what it costs, and how to try it.
Castle Rock Beer Fest Under the Stars: Sept 12 at Miller Park
105 West Brewing's all-inclusive Castle Rock Beer Fest Under the Stars returns Saturday, Sept 12, 2026, 4–9pm at the Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater — 25+ Colorado breweries, 7+ food trucks, unlimited tastings, and live music. It sells out; no door sales.
Taste of Douglas County 2026: The 24th Annual Is Aug 20
The 24th Annual Taste of Douglas County returns Thursday, Aug 20, 2026, 5–8pm — an indoor, air-conditioned evening of food samples from dozens of area restaurants, drinks, and live entertainment at the Douglas County Events Center in Castle Rock. $10 in advance, $20 at the door.
Yelp's Taste of Parker Food Festival Comes to Parker Station
Yelp is throwing its first-ever Taste of Parker at Parker Station on Tuesday, Sept 15, 2026, 6–8pm — a 21+ tasting with 30+ local vendors that doubles as a food drive for the Parker Task Force Food Bank. Free to RSVP.
GQue BBQ Coming to Parker — Taking Over the Former Freddy's Space
GQue BBQ, Colorado's championship-BBQ chain, is coming to Parker's Crown Point Center at 18424 Cottonwood Dr — the former Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers space. A Town of Parker permit describes the remodel. No opening date yet.
Shake Shack Opening in Parker August 12 — In the Former Wendy's Spot
Shake Shack is opening its first Parker location at 9185 Crown Crest Blvd on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 — in the space that formerly housed a Wendy's. Here's what we know.
The Brickyard: Castle Rock's $400 Million New Neighborhood
A 31-acre, $400 million mixed-use district is under construction on Castle Rock's west side — a sports center, a hotel, six restaurants, and hundreds of homes, from the same developer behind Riverwalk downtown.
JP Cocina & Cantina Replacing Wild Goose Saloon in Parker
Signage for the former Wild Goose Saloon space at 11160 S Pikes Peak Dr in Parker now reads JP Cocina & Cantina, a Mexican cantina — a shift from the JP's Sports Bar name announced earlier in 2026. Ownership, menu and opening date are not yet confirmed.
Rugby Scott Opens a Butcher Shop on Parker's Mainstreet
Rugby Scott — the family-owned butcher known for American Wagyu and Black Angus — is now open at 19590 Mainstreet in downtown Parker, in the old Chamber of Commerce building on the Pikes Peak Drive corner. Here's what's inside, the hours, and a reader discount.
Salady, a Korean Salad Chain, Is Coming to Parker
Salady — billed as South Korea's largest salad franchise, with 300-plus stores — is coming to Parker at 9700 S Parker Rd, in the Parker Gateway Marketplace next to Einstein Bros Bagels, as the Korean chain expands across the U.S. The exterior sign is up, and staff on site say the store is targeting an August 2026 opening.
Stumpy's Pizza Is Leaving 138 S. Wilcox as Rivers Church Buys the Building
Stumpy's Pizza, a 25-year Castle Rock original at 138 S. Wilcox, has to leave its home after Rivers Church went under contract to buy the building. The lease is extended through the end of August 2026, and Stumpy's is looking for a new location.
Big Drive Sculpture Rises at Castle Rock's Rock Park
A new permanent sculpture called Big Drive — a bull, cow, and calf standing about 11 feet tall and 20 feet wide — is being installed at Castle Rock's Rock Park Open Space, where the Town's Western Heritage Cattle Drive begins each summer. Here's the story, the artists behind it, and the July 22 dedication.
The Hot Spot Studios: Colorado's First, Now Open in Castle Rock
The Hot Spot Studios — the franchise's first Colorado location — is now open at 729 Barranca Drive in Castle Rock, a walk-in craft studio with seven kinds of projects. Here's what you can make, the pricing, and the hours.
Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space: I Hiked Every Open Trail. Here's the Guide.
Castle Rock's Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space opened July 13, 2026. I hiked all 10 miles over two days. Here is every open trail with real distance, elevation and shade, both trailheads, what is still closed, and what to know before you go. No dogs.
Pick N Tap: Indoor Pickleball, Golf, and a Restaurant Are Coming to Parker
The Town of Parker has approved Pick N Tap, a 19,960-square-foot restaurant with indoor pickleball courts and golf simulators at 11735 Disha Drive. Construction is expected to start soon.
Douglas County July 4 Fireworks Cancelled as Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Take Effect
Douglas County moved to Stage 2 fire restrictions on July 2, banning all fireworks — personal and professional. Every professional July 4 fireworks show in the county is off: the Highland Heritage county show, Castle Rock, and Lone Tree are cancelled, and Parker's show is postponed to Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The daytime celebrations — parades, the Pie Bake-Off, the F-16 flyover, races, and concerts — are still on.
Chicken Salad Chick Is Coming to Castle Rock — and Construction Has Started
The Southern fast-casual chain Chicken Salad Chick is finally underway in Castle Rock's Meadows neighborhood, near the movie theater and across from the hospitals. Dirt is moving on a location with a patio and drive-thru; an opening date hasn't been announced yet.
Theatre of Dreams Reopens in Sedalia as the Magic Manor
After 23 years in Castle Rock, world-championship magicians Carol Massie and Joe Givan have reopened as the Magic Manor — an intimate 90-seat magic theatre and event venue inside a historic 1908 Victorian property in Sedalia, the former Gabriel's Italian Restaurant.
There's a Cowboy Being Carved Into a 200-Year-Old Tree on Hangman's Gulch Trail
A roughly 200-year-old tree that died on Castle Rock's Hangman's Gulch Trail is getting a second life as a larger-than-life cowboy, carved by local artist Bill LaFleur and funded by a Castle Rock Arts and Culture Grant. I walked out to see it — here's the story and exactly where to find it.
24 Hour Fitness South Parker Closed for Renovation — Reopens July 11
The South Parker Super-Sport club at 11445 Twenty Mile Rd is temporarily closed for a targeted renovation and set to reopen July 11, 2026 — the same renovation 24 Hour Fitness just completed at its Castle Rock club. Expect the basketball court swapped out for an expanded free-weight area and turf zone, plus new equipment.
Black Rock Coffee Bar Now Open at Parker Road & Stroh Road
Black Rock Coffee Bar is now open at 6940 Stroh Rd (Parker Road & Stroh Road), opening Tuesday, June 30, 2026 — its third Parker location and 19th in Colorado, with a week of grand-opening specials.
Inside Emagine Parker: Opening Date, Photos & Prices
We toured Emagine Parker — Colorado's first Emagine theater, inside the former AMC Twenty Mile 10 — the night before it opened. Here's what it's actually like inside, with photos: 10 auditoriums, two EMX large-format screens, heated recliners, cuddle chairs, ticket prices, a full Colorado bar, and Little Dot Pizza.
The Groove Café Now Open at Lyric at RidgeGate in Lone Tree
The Groove — the new neighborhood hub at the Lyric at RidgeGate community in Lone Tree — is now open at 10930 Lyric Street, with a café serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside a restaurant, welcome center, fitness area, and pool.
Cerebral Brewing Coming to Downtown Parker — Targeting Summer 2027
Denver-based Cerebral Brewing is opening its fourth taproom at 20117 East Mainstreet in downtown Parker. A 4,200-square-foot space inside the East Main development, with a roughly 2,000-square-foot patio, opens summer 2027.
Peaky Peak Coffee & Charcuterie — Lone Tree Concept Expanding to Denver and Parker
Peaky Peak Coffee & Charcuterie — Quy and Tracy Nguyen's Vietnamese-coffee-meets-charcuterie concept in Lone Tree — is expanding, with a second location in Denver's Golden Triangle and a third now confirmed for Parker's Mainstreet.
Bison Are Returning to Highlands Ranch for the First Time in Over 100 Years
Beginning June 2026, bison from the historic Daniels Park herd will move into a 200-acre pasture in the Backcountry Wilderness Area — the first time bison have roamed Highlands Ranch grasslands in more than a century, per HRCA. The herd traces back to Yellowstone.
24 Hour Fitness Castle Rock Reopens After Renovation — May 27 Soft Opening
The Castle Rock Super-Sport club at 5745 New Abbey Ln reopens Wednesday, May 27 after a targeted renovation: 50 pieces of new equipment, an expanded Zone, new flooring and paint, and the new Reformer24 private Pilates studio. Here are the soft-opening details, presale pricing, and what's already in the club.
Champagne Velvet Proper Kitchen & Bar Castle Rock — What We Tried, Menu, and What to Know
Champagne Velvet Proper Kitchen & Bar opened Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2355 Mercantile St in Castle Rock — the rebrand of the former I.C. Brewhouse, named for Upland Brewing's 1902 'Million Dollar Flavor' pilsner. We went for lunch on opening day. Here's what we tried, the full menu, and what to know before you go.
Castle Rock's Rock-It Run 2026: A Record 1,500 Runners on July 4
The 6th Annual Rock-It Run drew a record 1,500 registered runners to the Douglas County Fairgrounds on July 4, 2026 — the most in the race's six years, and one of the largest July 4th races in Colorado — with Denver's Kingpin Posse headlining the post-race concert. Here's how Castle Rock's Fourth of July race tradition ran: the distances, the charity behind it, and what you get.
Izumi Sushi Castle Rock — What We Tried, Menu, and What to Know Before You Go
Izumi Sushi opened May 11, 2026 on Third Street in downtown Castle Rock. Authentic Japanese sushi, never-frozen fish, real-crab California rolls at $10, and an Omakase that starts at $150. Here's everything from our visit, the full menu, and what to expect.
Hideaway Bar & Grill in Castle Rock Hit by Two Fires in Two Days — How to Help the Staff
Hideaway Bar & Grill at 600 Jerry Street in Castle Rock was hit by two fires in roughly 28 hours — the first overnight Monday into Tuesday (May 11–12), the second early Wednesday morning (May 13). No injuries. CRFD says the second fire was not a rekindle. On May 15, Castle Rock Police announced that Caleb Bishop, 46, has been formally charged with arson, trespassing, tampering, and theft, and remains in custody at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility. Bishop has not entered a plea and is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in court. The Stroh family's GoFundMe for the 21-person staff has now passed $28,070 of a raised $35,000 goal, with 255 donors as of June 1. Becky Stroh's latest GoFundMe update: 'we are still waiting on all the necessary steps to be completed regarding how severe the damage is & what our future even looks like.' The Hideaway website is now marked closed indefinitely.
Castle Rock Historic Preservation Month 2026: Trolley Tours, Walking Tours, and a Month-Long Scavenger Hunt
Castle Rock marks Historic Preservation Month all May with free trolley tours May 2, a downtown walking tour May 30, Victoria's Tea May 16, and a month-long Scavenge the Rock hunt with Summer Concert Series tickets as prizes.
Riot BBQ Takes Over Wide Open Saloon Kitchen in Sedalia
Award-winning Denver pitmasters Patrick Klaiber and Manny Barella moved Riot BBQ into the kitchen at Wide Open Saloon in Sedalia in May 2026 — now the saloon's culinary partner, alongside year-round live music.
Griddled Crêpes & Paninis at Outlets at Castle Rock — Menu, Hours, Photos
Griddled, a family-owned crepes and paninis shop, opened May 8 at the Outlets at Castle Rock — Suite 175 along 1st Street. Sweet and savory crepes, pressed paninis, custom espresso, and 16 specialty energy drinks.
Downtown Castle Rock Has More Parking Than It Did — But Try Telling That to Anyone
The 2026 Downtown Castle Rock Parking Study found available parking up 113%. Residents told Council the data doesn't match what it actually feels like on a Friday night. Here's what's next.
A New Trail Will Connect Downtown Castle Rock to Philip S. Miller Park
Castle Rock approved final design for the Industrial Tributary Trail on April 21, 2026 — a new east-west connection from downtown to PSM Park, the Sports Center, and the Brickyard.
Free Rideshare Is Officially Coming to Castle Rock
Castle Rock approved Link On Demand on April 21, 2026. Free rideshare launches Q3 2026. Hours, service area, cost, and how it works.
Starbird Chicken Castle Rock — Menu, Hours, What We Tried
Starbird Chicken's Castle Rock location opens Monday, April 27, 5–9pm at the Promenade. Soft opening notes, menu highlights, hours, and patio details.
Jack's Modern Steakhouse Is Now Open in Lone Tree
Jack's Modern Steakhouse opened in Lone Tree near Park Meadows. Australian Wagyu steaks, dry-aged seafood, wood-fired cooking. Second Colorado location.
Lone Tree Is Building a Park With a Beer Garden
Lone Tree is building High Note Regional Park in the Lyric neighborhood. Phase 1 includes playgrounds, a dog park, sports fields, and a beer garden. Opening 2027.
Douglas County Commissioners to Consider Zebulon Sports Complex Contracts Tuesday
Douglas County Commissioners meet Tuesday to consider contracts and financing for the Zebulon Regional Sports Complex. Here's what's on the agenda.
Douglas County Opens New Slash-Mulch Site in Sedalia
Douglas County opens a new slash-mulch drop-off site at the Fairgrounds in Sedalia on April 3-4, 2026. Drop off yard debris, get free mulch.
Bar Hummingbird Castle Rock — Menu, Hours, and What We Tried
Bar Hummingbird is now open at the Promenade in Castle Rock — craft cocktails, small bites, and sunset views. Hours, menu, and what to expect.
Easter Events in Douglas County 2026: The Complete Guide
Complete guide to Easter 2026 in Douglas County, CO. Egg hunts in Parker, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Castle Rock & more. Dates, times, prices + what to know.
Internet Safety Town Hall: Protecting Kids Online — March 25
Douglas County hosts a live town hall on March 25 about online child safety. Expert panel covers warning signs, prevention, and resources for parents.
Badger & Bloom Boba Castle Rock — Menu, Hours, and the Owner Sourcing from Taiwan
There's a new boba spot in Castle Rock.
Cask & Trotter Coming to Parker Mainstreet — Now Targeting August 2026
Cask & Trotter, a new restaurant from Wolf Peach owner Jeffrey Coyle, is opening at The Juniper on Mainstreet in Parker. Now targeting August 2026.
Castle Pines Wants Your Input on Economic Development
Castle Pines wants your input on bringing restaurants, entertainment, and retail to Lagae Road. Take the 5-minute survey before March 24.
Castle Pines Wildfire Mitigation Grants Available Through March 31
Castle Pines offers wildfire mitigation grants for tree trimming, brush clearing, and defensible space work. Apply by March 31, 2026.
County Line Road Closes March 20-22 for Utility Work
County Line Road between Yosemite and Quebec closes March 20-22, 2026 for utility work. Plan alternate routes via Arapahoe or Lincoln.
Crowsnest Amendment Tabled 7-0 by Douglas County Planning Commission
After its Castle Pines annexation collapsed in March 2026, the developer behind Crowsnest — a ~800-acre plan that in its prior form proposed roughly 3,000 homes, 1,000 apartments, and 50 acres of commercial near Crowfoot Valley Road — is back, this time through Douglas County. A July 20 planning commission hearing on a Comprehensive Master Plan amendment is the first step, and opponents are regrouping.
Highlands Ranch Water Issues Early Drought Watch
Highlands Ranch Metro District issues early drought watch due to low snowpack. Voluntary water conservation encouraged. Here's what to know.
Legends Coffee Parker — Menu, Hours, and the Wickline Family Story
Legends Coffee opens on Mainstreet in Parker April 4. Specialty coffee, breakfast, and lunch from the family-owned Aurora favorite.
Marvin's Place Is Now Open at The Juniper in Parker
Marvin's Place is now open at The Juniper on Mainstreet in Parker. A minimal, design-forward café with coffee, pastries from Poulette, and no WiFi.
Parker Is Adding 17 Pickleball Courts at Salisbury Park
Parker is adding 17 pickleball courts and 2 tennis courts at Salisbury Park as part of the Phase 2 expansion. Here's what to know.
Egg Harbor Cafe Is Now Open in Highlands Ranch
Egg Harbor Cafe is now open — its first Colorado location, in Highlands Ranch. Here's what to expect from this family-owned breakfast and brunch spot.
The Capital Grille Is Opening in Lone Tree on March 15
The Capital Grille opens in Lone Tree on March 15, 2026 near Park Meadows. Dry-aged steaks, seafood, and fine dining. Second Colorado location.
Poulette Bakeshop Is Moving to Mainstreet in Parker
Poulette Bakeshop, a James Beard-nominated bakery named one of America's best by the NYT, is moving to Mainstreet in Parker. Opens March 11.
Castle Rock Is Building a New Fire Station in the Northeast
Castle Rock approved a $22 million fire station on Castle Oaks Drive. Fire Station 156 opens summer 2027 with a centralized logistics hub.
Medical Offices Planned for The Meadows in Castle Rock
Castle Rock approved rezoning for a medical office building in The Meadows on Meadows Boulevard. Here's what's planned.
Castle Rock Road Work Starts Late March
Castle Rock is repaving 100 lane miles starting late March 2026. Work focuses on northern Castle Rock and runs through fall.
Castle Rock Has $750K in Water Rebates Available
Castle Rock Water has $750,000 in rebates for water conservation in 2026. Get money back for landscaping, irrigation, and toilet upgrades.
New History Exhibit Opens at Parker Heritage Center
'Tracks Across Our Land' explores how trails, railroads, and roads shaped Douglas County. Free admission at Parker Heritage Center. Now open.
Playa Bowls Is Now Open in Parker on Mainstreet
Playa Bowls is now open at 19865 Mainstreet in Parker. Acai bowls, smoothies, juices, and more. Open daily 8am–8pm.
New Elementary School Coming to RidgeGate in 2027
DCSD is building Elementary School 50 in RidgeGate's Lyric neighborhood. Opening August 2027 for Pre-K through 6th grade with 750-student capacity.
Douglas County Launches Hi-Lo Sirens for Emergency Evacuations
Douglas County deploys new hi-lo siren system for emergency evacuations. The warbling tone means 'leave now.' Here's what you need to know.
King Soopers Marketplace Is Coming to RidgeGate
A King Soopers Marketplace is coming to RidgeGate in Lone Tree, anchoring a new shopping center with restaurants and retail. Opening projected 2027.
Link On Demand Is Now Live in Parker
Link On Demand, Douglas County's free rideshare service, launched in Parker and Stonegate in April 2026 — and Castle Rock is next, with a one-year pilot approved for summer 2026.
Par Club Is Now Open in Castle Rock
Par Club is now open in Castle Rock with 6 golf simulator bays, a full bar, and a 2-person league featuring Colorado courses.
Wild Goose Saloon Parker Closed — Chris Fest Benefit May 16-17 + How to Help
Wild Goose Saloon in Parker closed Feb 22, 2026. Co-owner Chris Dellinger is battling Stage 4 cancer. Chris Fest benefit runs May 16-17 at the Oriental Theater; GoFundMe has passed $80K.
Parker's Mainstreet Is Booming
Downtown Parker is thriving with six new businesses in the last year. Mayor says town will cap at 85,000 residents. Here's what's driving the growth.
Black Rock Coffee Bar Is Now Open in Parker
Black Rock Coffee Bar opened in Parker at Jordan & Mainstreet. Drive-thru specialty coffee, Fuel energy drinks, and breakfast. Open 5AM daily.
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