This blossoming community is growing its cultural presence throughout the year
By Kastle Waserman
A FEW YEARS AGO, if you asked a local about the arts in Castle Rock, the word “desert” might come up. But things have changed in recent years. The booming suburban area is becoming its own cultural hub, providing an alternative to driving into Denver. Here are a few arts and culture events coming up this year worth marking your calendar for.
CHEROKEE RANCH & CASTLE
Sitting high atop a hill, the Cherokee Ranch & Castle hosts a variety of cultural events, including tours, workshops, whisky tastings, afternoon and holiday tea and tours, murder mystery dinners, and musical performances including a John Denver Tribute on February 1, a Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Tribute on February 14, and the River Run Irish Band on March 14. Visitors can also take time to enjoy the grounds and the Shona Sculpture Park. For all event information, visit cherokeeranch.org.
TRI ARTS PROJECT
Recognizing the need for an established art center, a handful of women got together to create the Tri Arts Project in 2021. “We thought we really needed a place where we could bring the community together for people to meet and learn something new together,” says Dana Frazee, president of Tri Arts Project. The group partnered with the city to secure space in the Cantril School Building, including two classrooms and a large hallway art gallery for exhibitions and a variety of classes in different art mediums and skills, such as sewing and cookie decorating.
In 2026, they’ll host a series of quarterly TAP TALK art exhibits in partnership with the Castle Rock Artist Alliance, a sister organization that helps artists display their work in local businesses. The events will include artist talks and an art competition. TAP TALKS are set for April 15, 6–8 p.m., with July and October dates also planned. Admission is free.
Tri Arts will also host a fundraising Art of Giving Gala on April 25 from 6–10 p.m. at Kirk Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. For information and tickets, visit triartsproject.org.
CASTLE ROCK FILM FESTIVAL, APRIL 9–12
Filmmakers and film lovers come together at the Castle Rock Film Festival. Presented by the Castle Rock Artist Alliance, the event celebrates filmmakers in Colorado with award categories and screenings across all genres, including documentaries and music videos. Profits and donations support the CRAA Veterans and First Responders Art Therapy Program, offering free art classes to veterans. For information, visit castlerockartistalliance.com/crf.
CASTLE ROCK QUILT, CRAFT & SEWING FESTIVAL, MAY 28–30
Feeling crafty? The Castle Rock Quilt Craft & Sewing Festival features a wide variety of sewing, quilting, needle-art, and craft supply exhibits, plus seminars, workshops, and demos. For information, visit quiltcraftsew.com/castle-rock.html.
SIP AND SAVOR, JUNE 27
Wine and bourbon aficionados can raise a glass at the annual Sip and Savor event. Presented by the Castle Rock Chamber, tickets include unlimited adult beverage tastings while listening to live music. Plus, a variety of food trucks will be on hand with appetizers. For information and tickets, visit castlerock.org/castle-rock-sip-and-savor.
ART FEST, SEPTEMBER 12–13
Featuring more than 150 artists from across the country, Art Fest is likely Castle Rock’s biggest art event. Artists display their work to judges, who determine winners based on their work and presentation. Expect to see a wide range of mediums from life-size sculptures to photography and jewelry for sale, plus food and live entertainment over the two-day event.
For the 2026 show, they will be marking a couple of notable milestones. “Because we’re celebrating the 150th birthday of Colorado and the 250th of the country, we want artists to submit a piece on that 150/250 theme, and there’ll be a contest with prizes,” says Kevin McHugh, vice president of the Castle Rock Chamber. For more information, visit castlerock.org/castle-rock-artfest.
