Hi Highlands Ranch,
The Ranch is buzzing—and the week ahead is packed. A few quick notes:
🌳 Park Challenge is on (4/26) — jump in anytime
🔥 Stage 1 fire restrictions + 💧Stage 1 drought restrictions
🗳️ Last week for this HRCA’s voting cycle
We checked out the Farmer’s Market on Sunday—highly recommend building this into your routine. The vendors were friendly and produce on point.
We closed out our local trivia tour—3 stops in one week. Be sure to check out our hot take on trivia around Highlands Ranch.👀
With the weekend ahead, we’ve got things to do, a few local favorites, and a furry friend feature.
By the way—the Highlands Ranch Library continues to be a local goldmine—they consistently host the best library events in the greater Denver area.
Let’s get into it.
🌿Weekend Outing Ideas
Arvada Kite Festival – Stenger Sports Complex
🗓️ Sunday, April 12th (11am-4pm)
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About 30 minutes from the Highlands Ranch Town Center, the Arvada Kite Festival is a flagship event in Arvada. Kites filling the sky, food trucks, local vendors, and plenty for kids. Be sure to check out the details as it’s a popular & packed out event.
Denver Jazz Festival – Multiple Venues
🗓️ April 7th-12th
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If you’re looking for something a little different in Denver, look no further. Live music, multiple venues, and a great excuse to experience the beauty of jazz a mile above sea level.
Line Dance Sunday Afternoon Getaway – Eastridge Dance Studio
🗓️ Sunday, April 12th—April 26th (2:30-3:30pm)
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A fun way to mix things up this spring—line dancing is happening at Eastridge with a Sunday afternoon series. Great for beginners or anyone looking to get moving, meet people, and lean into the Ranch’s slightly more country side lately.
Evening with the Authors – Highlands Ranch Library
🗓️ Saturday, April 11th (6:30-8pm)
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🗓️ Sunday, April 12th (5-7pm)
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Two upcoming author talks highlight powerful stories of resilience and perspective. Melissa Strong shares Climbing Through, her journey of survival after a life-changing electrical injury, and Maria Gallucci presents Raised in Silence—a memoir about growing up as a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA). Registration required.
🌳Park of the Week
Northridge Park (4/26)
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Right next to Northridge Rec Center, this is one of the many awesome parks in the Ranch—playground, sports fields, basketball, plus bocce ball and table tennis. Easy for a quick stop or staying awhile.
🌲 26 Park Challenge: Visit all 26 with us over the next 26 weeks—join anytime. You don’t even have to go in any particular order. It’s not that strict.
☁️🤔Park Giveaway: Guess the park correctly on Instagram, Facebook or email. Get entered to win a local gift card.
🍽️Local Eats
Local Asian – Little Holly’s Asian Cafe
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A local find that came recommended—and got some love. Big menu, sushi bar, and free delivery within 3 miles. An easy go-to for takeout or a casual night out.
Local Pick – Postino
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An awesome spot always getting local love—great for shareable bites, wine, and a fun vintage board game wall. Easy date night or group hang with a little Highlands Ranch history woven in.
🐦Early Next Week
Kids Book Club – Highlands Ranch Library
🗓️ Monday, April 13 (5-6 PM)
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A great option for 4th–6th graders—this book club focuses on the first book in a series, followed by fun discussions and activities. Perfect for kids who love reading (or need a little nudge on what to pick up next).
Birding Hike – Backcountry Wilderness Area Basecamp
🗓️ Tuesday, April 14 (7-8:30 AM)
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An early morning option if you’re looking to slow things down—this guided birding hike in the Backcountry. It’s a relaxed, all-levels walk and a unique way to experience the quieter side of the Ranch for ages 14+ with required registration.
📬 Before You Go
Thank you for being part of this growing community!
If you’re enjoying it, share it with a friend or neighbor—it helps more than you know. If I missed something or you have a suggestion, just reply—I’d love to hear from you.
One last thing: There’s an amazing Pilates event happening May 15th at Northridge. It’s filling up fast, so be sure to register ASAP if this is for you.
For now, that’s the scoop, y’all.
— Grace
Editor, The Ranch Scoop
P.S. Make sure you check out our furry friend featured below. ⬇️
Dory | A Highlands Ranch Beauty
Featuring A Furry Friend
Dory is a total love bug and social butterfly—she adores people and is always ready to tag along (especially as her dad’s favorite local brewery buddy 🍺).
She’s all about hikes and snow days… just don’t mention baths. Not her thing. At 6.5 years old, she’s a Colorado native and didn’t like this past winter–too warm.
Honestly, Dory’s kind of a local celebrity in Highlands Ranch. You can’t beat her beauty or charisma. She’ll make you believe in love at first sight.