10 Things To Do In & Around The Ranch

Good morning, Highlands Ranch.

One of my favorite things about summer is that the days somehow feel both full and unhurried. There's always another evening concert, another walk to take, another excuse to stay outside just a little longer.

I may or may not be that person who diffuses lavender oil on a daily basis, so the fact that lavender is in full bloom only adds a touch of magic to these peaceful days and charming evenings.

In this week's Scoop:

• Highlands Ranch's first-ever Friday Night Market
• A few unique outings around the Ranch
• A park that’s lined with timber—living up to its name

Let's get into it.

—Grace

This Week

Friday Night Market — Highlands Ranch (Westridge Rec Center)
🗓️ Friday, July 17 (5–8 p.m.)
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HRCA's first-ever Friday Night Market brings together local makers, live music, food trucks, and a relaxed summer evening. Grab dinner, browse local vendors, and kick off the weekend with family, friends, or neighbors. Admission is free.

Islands in Motion: A Polynesian Luau Experience — Littleton
🗓️ Saturday, July 18 (5–9:30 p.m.)
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Celebrate summer with an immersive Polynesian luau featuring traditional dance, live drumming, island-inspired cuisine, and a Fire Knife Dance finale at Hudson Gardens. Tickets are required.

An Evening with Thriller Author — Highlands Ranch Library
🗓️ Saturday, July 18 (6:30–8 p.m.)
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Meet award-winning crime fiction author David Heska Wanbli Weiden as he discusses his new novel, Wisdom Corner, the sequel to Winter Counts. A book signing follows the presentation, and books will be available for purchase. Registration is required.

The Magical History Tour: A Beatles Experience — Sedalia
🗓️ Sunday, July 19 (5:30 p.m.)
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Head about 20 minutes south of the Ranch to enjoy a one-night-only Beatles experience at Cherokee Ranch & Castle featuring castle tours, heavy appetizers, and a live, story-driven performance celebrating the band's legendary music. Tickets are required.

Lavender Festival — Chatfield Farms
🗓️ Saturday & Sunday, July 18–19
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One of the prettiest weekends of the summer returns to Chatfield Farms. Wander blooming lavender fields, shop local artisans, enjoy live music, and explore the gardens in peak bloom. Timed-entry tickets are required, and popular time slots are already selling out.

American History Celebration — Pollywog Station Lavender Farm
🗓️ Saturday, July 18
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Step back in time with a free day of hands-on history at Pollywog Station Lavender Farm. Try butter churning, candle making, Morse code, square dancing, and other pioneer-era activities. Free registration is limited to 500 visitors, so it's worth reserving your spot now.

Recurring in the Ranch

Summer Concert Series (Bullet the Blue Sky) — Thursday, July 16
Free Yoga in the Park — Saturday, July 18
Backcountry Outdoor Movie Series (Hoppers) — Saturday, July 18
Highlands Ranch Farmers Market — Sunday, July 19

Live Music Lowdown (July 16 - 22)

Thursday, July 16
Parker (Concert Series) — Caltucky
Littleton (Concert Series) — Little Moses Jones
Castle Rock (Concert Series) — That 80s Band

Friday, July 17
Highlands Ranch (Landsdowne Arms) — Christopher Ryan
Highlands Ranch (Prost) — Alternative Sound
Lone Tree Grill (Music on the Patio) — Eric Lane

Saturday, July 18
Highlands Ranch (Prost) — Psychophonics
Highlands Ranch (Max Taps) — Kaycoats Bands

Wednesday, July 22
Castle Rock — Jazz in the Park
Littleton (Concert Series) — Dakota Blonde

Park of the Week

🌳 Timberline Park (18/26)
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True to its name, Timberline Park is surrounded by beautiful mature trees that make it one of Highlands Ranch's shadiest neighborhood parks. With playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and plenty of room to relax, it's an easy spot to spend a summer afternoon with timber lining the park.

26 Park Challenge: Visit all 26 parks with us over 26 weeks—join anytime. No particular order needed.
Park Giveaway: Guess the park correctly on Instagram, Facebook, or email for a chance to win a Colorado getaway.

Fairs on the Horizon

🤠 Douglas County Fair & Rodeo — Castle Rock
🗓️ July 24–August 2
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PRCA rodeos, concerts, carnival rides, livestock shows, fair food, and family-friendly fun return later this month. Tickets are on sale now.

🎡 Arapahoe County Fair — Aurora
🗓️ July 23–26
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Carnival rides, tractor pulls, concerts, 4-H exhibits, fair food, and nightly drone shows make this another summer tradition worth planning for. Tickets are on sale now.

Scoop Referrals — Birthday Shoutouts

Refer 3 nearby friends or family using your personal referral link (found below), and we’ll celebrate your birthday in that week’s Scoop newsletter.

Once you hit 3 referrals, we’ll send over a quick form to collect your birthday. (Don’t worry — no birth year required.)

📬 Before You Go

I always recommend giving the organizer's website or social media a quick check before heading out as the weather can change quickly throughout the summer.

Thanks for spending part of your Thursday with me. I hope you find something fun to enjoy this week.

See you next Thursday.

—Grace