guides

💏 Babysitter-Worthy Events for August

Date night ideas in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker, and surrounding areas

By Kyrie Collins, Macaroni KID Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree Publisher June 29, 2024

Being a parent is rewarding and fulfilling, but having a little time for yourself is important, too! Regular date nights can strengthen relationships, increase communication, and allow you to de-stress. And ultimately, happy parents make happy kids!

If dinner and a movie are your "go-to" for an adults-only event, we've found a few other ways for you to connect with your mate or your besties.

Please Note: Registration may be required, even for free events. Click the event title to view the calendar listing with full details.


Through Sunday, August 11: The Second City: Comedian Rhapsody
Garner Galleria Theatre | Tickets start at $48
The Second City's Comedian Rhapsody is a brand-new revue featuring the best sketch comedy and songs from its history, its newest classics, and its trademark improvisation performed by The Second City Touring Company's best, brightest, and funniest!

Thursday, August 1: Curtain Call at the Mansion: Nothing But Jazz
Highlands Ranch Mansion | $25
The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association presents an evening of "Nothing but Jazz" with the sextet After Midnight at the Highlands Ranch Mansion. Their swing and jazz repertoire will bring toe-tapping joy to all ages.

Saturday, August 3: Petrified Wood Hike
Cherokee Ranch HQ | $37
Hidden in the rugged backcountry lies Colorado's largest Petrified Forest. See these ancient trees up close, examine the fossilized wood, and learn about the fascinating process of petrification and our theories about the ancient river that deposited these trees here.

Thursday, August 8: Adult Swim Night
Pirates Cove | $10
Leave the young buccaneers at home and swim the night away with live music!

Saturday, August 10: Backcountry Hike
Cherokee Ranch & Castle | $37
Enjoy the beauty of Cherokee Ranch! This trek proceeds through game trails and rugged terrain. Visit the largest petrified woods in Colorado, climb to the highest point on this pristine land, and loop through some of the more remote and fascinating parts of the Ranch not available to public visitors.

Saturday, August 10: Parker Brewfest
O'Brien Park | $50-$80

This annual craft brewer festival, hosted by the CCV Rotary Club of Parker, benefits local charities. Enjoy unlimited samples from some of the best local craft brewers in Douglas County and surrounding areas, as well as live music, food trucks, corn hole, and more!

Saturday, August 10: Tequila and Tacos
Eastridge Recreation Center | $15-$55
Make the most of your Saturday by basking in the sunshine and indulging in an afternoon of tequila and taco exploration! Relish a delectable array of tacos, tequilas, margaritas, and a delightful selection of tequila-based cocktails.

Saturday, August 10: Hairball
Philip S. Miller Park | $40
Back by popular demand for a head-banging night! This high-energy group took the Amphitheater by storm last year with their packed arena rock lineup, including favorite hits — and costumes — from Van Halen, KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, and many more! 

Saturday, August 17: Geology Hike
Cherokee Ranch & Castle | $37
This hike focuses on interpreting the beautiful landscape of Raccoon Knob and Cherokee Mountain. Participants will learn how to interpret the sedimentary layers and decode the past. Massive floods, deadly volcanic eruptions, and the floodplain of an ancient river containing trees are just some of the amazing geology.

Saturday, August 17: Local Author Showcase
DCL in Parker | FREE!
Local authors will each spend five minutes discussing their work, followed by a book sale and signing.

Saturday, August 17: Local Author Meet and Greet
Tattered Cover Aspen Grove | FREE!
Meet Colorado authors and learn about their books and work! No registration is required. New authors will join every month.

Saturday, August 17: Wilder Woods
Philip S. Miller Park | $45-$75
In 2019, Bear Rinehart released a neo-soul record that focused on new beginnings: the advent of fatherhood, the launch of his solo career, and the updated branding of a longtime bandleader who'd decided to expand his reach. The songs focus not upon the horizon ahead but the road itself, stacked high with heartland hooks, Western wooziness, Southern soul, and festival-worthy anthems. 

Wednesday, August 21: An Evening with Author William Kent Krueger
DCSD Legacy Campus | $35
NYT bestselling author William Kent Krueger will discuss his latest Cork O'Connor novel, Spirit Crossing. Your ticket includes admission, a hardcover copy of the book, and a place in the signing line. Coffee, tea, and desserts will be provided.

Thursday, August 22: The Parker Players present Friends in Mile High Places
The Bug Theatre | $20-$25
The Parker Players' 4th Sketch Comedy Revue is a hilarious comedy show that touches on everything from dating disasters on Colfax to the quirks of remote work with a mountain view. Whether you're a seasoned local or a fresh transplant, the funny songs, dance numbers, and sketches about life in Colorado will hit close to home and have at least 5,280 laughs built in.

Friday, August 23: Damage Inc. with Denver Pops Orchestra
Philip S. Miller Park | $30-$55

Brace yourself for an explosion of sound as you experience Damage Inc., a dynamic Metallica tribute, with the Denver Pops, a Denver-based orchestra boasting over 65 members. This powerful combination will have you rocking into the night.

Tuesday, August 27: Philip Phillips
Philip S. Miller Park | $49-$75
Former American Idol winner Phillip Phillips is best known for his melodic radio hit, "Home," which launched him to fame in 2011 and marked the most successful coronation hit of any American Idol winner. After welcoming his son Patch in 2019, he found a new inspiration for writing music. As he reintroduces himself to the world with his latest single, Phillips looks forward to reconnecting with his fanbase as he gets back on tour.