🏔️Highlands Ranch, Shake the Dust off Your Boots

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Good morning, Highlands Ranch.

We’ve officially made it to the final park. We visited 26 parks in 26 weeks.

And the timing worked out perfectly. This week’s park is Highlands Ranch Historic Park, and Western Fest is happening right there at the Mansion this Saturday. So if you haven’t made it to this park yet, this weekend is a great time to join in the festivities while enjoying this local gem.

We’re wrapping up the Colorado Getaway Giveaway and hope to have our winner announced by next week. Stay tuned!

In this week’s Scoop:

Let’s get into it.

—Grace Hody

🗓️ Saturday, Sept. 12 (10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
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We're heading back to the Ranch's roots this weekend. Western Fest takes over the Highlands Ranch Mansion & Historic Park with hayrides, Native American dancers, line dancing, blacksmith demonstrations, livestock, Mansion tours, Western games and more.

The event is free, with food and coffee available for purchase. Be sure to check out the website related to event details.

Tacos, Tequila & Traditions — Littleton
🗓️ Friday, Sept. 11 (5–9:30 p.m.)
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Spend an evening at Hudson Gardens with three culinary tastings, three tequila tastings, live mariachi music and a Ballet Folklórico performance. You can also make your own taco seasoning and margarita salt, play giant yard games and explore the Gardens. Tickets $85–$90.

TheBigWonderful Littleton Oktoberfest — Downtown Littleton
🗓️ Saturday, Sept. 12 (3–7 p.m.)
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Oktoberfest takes over Downtown Littleton with live polka, two bands, a German-inspired maker village, fresh pretzels and plenty of beer. There’s also stein hoisting, a pretzel toss and costume contest. Free to attend; beer starts at $8 per pour.

Chalk Art Festival — Centennial
🗓️ Saturday, Sept. 12 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
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Watch local artists transform the sidewalks at Streets at SouthGlenn during Centennial’s annual Chalk Art Festival. There’s also live music, 50 kid-run market booths, Touch-a-Truck, face painting, balloon art, and plenty of food nearby.

Fall Craft Fair — Highlands Ranch
🗓️ Saturday, Sept. 12 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
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Shop handmade goods from local artisans at Eastridge Recreation Center, including fall décor, gifts, jewelry, candles and more.

📚 Scoop note: Keep an eye out for Jordan Hayes while you’re there! She’s a local children’s book author who recently reached out to the Scoop and will have a booth at the fair. Stop by and say hi.

Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles — Lone Tree
🗓️ Saturday, Sept. 12 (7:30–9:30 p.m.)
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Celebrate the music of Ray Charles at the Lone Tree Arts Center with an all-star lineup performing his iconic mix of gospel, blues, jazz and country. The show features Clint Holmes, Take 6, Nnenna Freelon and Tom Scott.

📬 Before You Go

And just like that, 26 parks in 26 weeks is officially in the books.

Thanks to everyone who followed along, sent in guesses and explored a few new corners of the Ranch with us this summer. I’ve had a lot of fun putting this one together.

Now, there’s just one thing left to do: give away that Colorado getaway. 🏔️

Stay tuned and hopefully we’ll have a winner announced by next week!

—Grace

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