Veterans Day is Wednesday, so this weekend leans that way: a county tribute in Castle Rock and an orchestra salute to the armed forces in Lone Tree. It is also the first real holiday craft show weekend, with handmade gifts in Centennial and Castle Rock. For the kids, the Highlands Ranch library has story times Friday and a read-aloud hour with therapy dogs Saturday.
What is on Thursday, Nov. 5?
Opening reception: David Ocelotl Garcia, Energy and Movement of Public Art
When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton
Admission: See organizer
The museum opens a new gallery show on the artist's public murals and sculpture. He comes back for a talk on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 6 p.m.
Organizer page · Last verified: 2026-11-03
Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights
When: Thursday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m.
Where: Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
Admission: Paid
A touring ballet company stages Swan Lake with lighting effects and costumes that glow. A good first ballet for kids who like a spectacle.
Organizer page · Last verified: 2026-11-03
What is happening Friday, Nov. 6?
Symphony of the Rockies: America at 250
When: Friday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
Admission: Paid
An orchestra program for the country's 250th, with a salute to each branch of the armed forces. Billed as a tribute to veterans, five days before Veterans Day.
Organizer page · Last verified: 2026-11-03
Friday story times at Highlands Ranch Library
When: Friday, Nov. 6. Baby Storytime 9 to 9:30 a.m. (ages 0 to 2), Toddler Storytime 10 to 10:30 a.m., Storytime Discover 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Kids Corner, Douglas County Libraries Highlands Ranch, 9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.
Admission: Free
Half-hour sessions for babies through preschoolers. The 11 a.m. slot adds an activity: art, music, dance, yoga or a storyteller's choice.
Organizer page · Last verified: 2026-11-03
Tagawa Gardens Festival
When: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Tagawa Gardens, 7711 S. Parker Rd., Centennial (indoors)
Admission: Paid. Kids 12 and under, veterans and active military get in free.
An indoor arts and crafts show where nearly every booth is handmade work. If you want to get gift shopping done before Thanksgiving, this is the weekend to start.
Organizer page · Last verified: 2026-11-03
What is on for Saturday, Nov. 7?
Douglas County Veterans Day Tribute
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Veterans Monument Plaza, 301 Wilcox St., Castle Rock
Admission: Public ceremony
The county's annual ceremony for veterans past and present, with a color guard, the Castle Rock Fire Department Pipes and Drums, and Taps. It is held on the plaza, so dress for the weather and check the organizer page the day of.
Organizer page · Last verified: 2026-11-03
Castle Rock Craft Show Extraordinaire
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Douglas County Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Dr., Castle Rock
Admission: Free
The 34th year of this one-day show: handmade gifts, home decor and seasonal pieces from local and regional makers. Proceeds support older adult programs at the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center. Pair it with the tribute downtown that morning.
Organizer page · Last verified: 2026-11-03
John McEuen and The Circle Band: Will the Circle Be Unbroken
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Where: PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker
Admission: Paid. Every child needs a ticket.
Songs and stories from the Nashville album that brought bluegrass and country legends into one room. Our date night pick for the weekend.
Organizer page · Last verified: 2026-11-03
Bark for Books
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Children's area, Douglas County Libraries Highlands Ranch, 9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.
Admission: Registration. One 15-minute session per child.
Kids ages 6 to 12 read aloud to a trained therapy dog, one on one. Short, low pressure, and good for a reluctant reader.
Organizer page · Last verified: 2026-11-03
The Tagawa Gardens Festival runs all day Saturday too. Details are under Friday.
What is open Sunday, Nov. 8?
The Tagawa Gardens Festival is open Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the last day of the show. Details are under Friday.
We could not confirm events open to the public in Castle Pines or Sterling Ranch this weekend on an organizer page. If your neighborhood has something on, tell us and we will check it for next week.
Coming up this month
On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, HRCA holds its Veterans Concert at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, 6:30 p.m., paid (HRCA). The rest of November, from the Castle Rock Starlighting to Thanksgiving weekend, is in our November 2026 south Denver events guide.
Make the most of the weekend
Spend Saturday at the tribute and the craft shows, and Sunday at Tagawa. We keep the house ready for when you get back. Meet CompanyClean.
About the author. Ronnie Kendrick founded CompanyClean in 2022 in Highlands Ranch, where he lives with his wife and two kids. He built the company around two customers: the families whose homes it cleans and the technicians who do the work. He runs it day to day and sets the standard every visit is held to.
