4 Ways to Have Fun in Castle Rock, CO
Get your fill of divine dining, fantastic festivals, creative culture and much more in this dynamic Colorado city.
There is no question about it: Castle Rock residents work hard, but they also know how to have a good time. Whether they prefer to spend their downtime rock climbing, gazing at sculptures or sipping brews at a local craft brewery, Castle Rock, CO offers all the above – and that’s just the beginning.
So if you’re thinking about moving to Castle Rock or just looking for a great place to spend a weekend, this Colorado city has plenty for you to explore.
In This Article
1. Spend your days in the great outdoors.
Given the area’s spectacular setting, many people choose to spend their free time outdoors.
“So much of what Castle Rock is about is the outdoor life,” says Pam Ridler, president/CEO for the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce. “We have everything from biking and hiking trails to zip lines and climbing walls. Everything outdoors is very prominent. Castle Rock takes a lot of pride in being at the top of the list for our open spaces and parks.”
Get Active
The area boasts more than 5,700 acres of space, which includes 265 acres worth of parks. This allows residents to enjoy the simple things in life, like picnicking, cooling off with the kids at a splash pad, hiking, biking
or simply enjoying the local wildlife.
As for the true outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers in town, they can explore the more than 88 miles of trails winding through the area (another 50 miles are planned). Or if they are really feeling a thrill, they can try an aerial trekking course at The EDGE or go zip lining at Philip S. Miller Park.
2. Enjoy Castle Rock’s vibrant food and drink scene.
Whether residents are coming in from a day outdoors or are just getting off work, the region’s food and drink scene is more than attractive. Here, residents are met with a growing number of breweries, distilleries, restaurants and bars.
Off We Go …
The name Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. pays homage to the famed Air Force fight song. The brewery’s three founders all served in the Air Force and embrace the song’s message of adventure.
BURLY Brewing Company, for example, has 24 beers on tap with names as intriguing as Bob’s Your Uncle and Whistle & Fish. Rockyard Brewing Company, Douglas County’s first craft brewery, will cheerfully pour you a draft of their Orange Moon Rising or Primadonna Pilsner while you enjoy its popular brewpub food.
Other local favorites you’ll want to try include Hideaway Bar & Grill, The Whiskey Lodge, Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. and The Backyard.
3. Fill your weekends with festivities.
If you’re looking for fun activities in Castle Rock, this region is also known for its celebrations, from concerts to festivals that take place each year. The annual summer concert series, which is held at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, brings performances by names like Michael McDonald and Everclear.
Other public events include the Fall Home Show, Oktoberfest, the Renaissance Festival, First Fridays and the Castle Rock Farmers Market.
Additionally, area residents and out-of-towners love Castle Rock’s WineFest that is held each July in Butterfield Park. More than 4,000 people from around the state attend the ticketed one-day event to sample wines from 29 Colorado wineries. Food trucks are on hand, local distillers offer whiskey tastings, vendors and artists set up shop, and a beer garden provides a spot to “un-wine.”
“It’s a lot of fun,” Ridler says. “The biggest thing about it is its casual style. It’s very relaxed – no sports or fun runs or bike rides, nothing like that. Just a fun day.”
4. Find art everywhere you look.
Art is everywhere in Castle Rock. Residents can cast their gaze on over 20 art installations sprinkled around the area, such as a bronze sculpture and wood carvings.
Each year, the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce hosts the Colorado Artfest, a two-day event featuring a juried art show, entertainment and more.
“This area is growing so unbelievably fast, and some people are afraid Castle Rock will lose its identity. But art can help define
what that identity is, help us reflect on our past
and set up for the future.”
Jen Perry | Public Art Commission
Art is also helping to heal the social and psychological aftereffects of the pandemic with an innovative new project launched by the Castle Rock Public Art Commission and the Castle Rock Artist Cooperative. With the theme “Painting Positivity,” the initiative hopes to bring unity, peace and love to area residents.
“It’s really an engagement campaign coming off the pandemic when people felt so disconnected,” says Public Art Commission Vice Chair Jen Perry. “We want to reach out to let people know they are still connected.”