The RidgeGate calendar of fun starts here.

Tickets, which cost $25 per day, include unlimited carnival rides, stunt dog shows, live music on the main stage, reworks, rodeos, tractor pulls, a petting farm, 4-H shows, art exhibitions and more.

Admission is free for children under three feet tall.

In addition to the shows and rides, there will be hands-on activities and demonstrations about western history at “Heritage Hall.” Families can learn about bee keeping, meet alpacas, weave baskets and more. ere will also be contests, including a “longest potato peel” and jigsaw puzzle competitions.

New to the fair this year, a ying acrobatics show called Cirque Adventure will have performances throughout the weekend, Nelson said.

Yoga in the Park e mutton busting event, in which children ride sheep, is free to watch and costs $15 to participate in.

On ursday, the Arapahoe County Commissioners will kick o the weekend with a Western dinner full of food, music and networking, called “Boots Not Suits.” Tickets will be $50 per person and include general fair admission for ursday.

On Friday, adults can enjoy craft beer samples at the Pours on the Plains event from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., which will also include axe throwing, lawn games and live music. is event is not included in fair admission.

Saturday and Sunday will feature Colorado Pro Rodeo Association events, which will be included in general admission. Tickets include free parking. e fair will happen rain or shine and tickets are non-refundable.

Douglas

County Fair & Rodeo

Join RidgeGate and South Suburban Parks and Recreation for free community yoga classes on the grass at the south end of Belvedere Park, at the corner of RidgeGate Circle and Belvedere Lane. Please bring your own mat, water bottle and towel to all classes. In case of heavy rain or lightning, class will be cancelled.

Tuesday, July 25th, 6:30-7:30pm

Tuesday, August 29th, 6:30-7:30pm

Guided Nature Hikes

Each year, RidgeGate teams up with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to provide free, guided nature hikes. These hikes are led by professional naturalists from the district, and offer insight and education into the natural ecosystems within the open space at RidgeGate. Registration is required and available at RidgeGate.com

Friday, July 21st, 6-7:30pm – Urban Coyotes

Saturday, August 5th, 9-10:30am – Reflecting on Women in Nature

Thursday, August 24th, 6-7:30pm – Leave No Trace

Summer Beats Concerts

Enjoy these summertime concerts out on the grass with free live music, food trucks and activities for kids. It’s all happening in Prairie Sky Park, just west of the Lone Tree Recreation Center, courtesy of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District.

Thursday, July 20th, 6-8pm – 6 Million Dollar Band

Tunes on the Terrace at the Lone Tree Arts Center

RidgeGate is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Lone Tree Arts Center’s ‘Tunes on the Terrace’—an outdoor evening concert series that will bring your summer nights to life. Check out the full schedule and buy tickets at LoneTreeArtsCenter.org

Friday, July 21st, 8pm – Pink Martini Featuring China Forbes

Friday, August 4th, 8pm – FACE Vocal Band

Experience Historic Schweiger Ranch

The restoration of the 38-acre historic Schweiger Ranch, led by the Schweiger Ranch Foundation, gives us a glimpse into settlers’ lives. Today, the ranch is open to the public for self-guided visits and a variety of events throughout the year. Register for or learn more about these events online at SchweigerRanch.org

Saturday, August 19th, 10-11am – Guided Public Tour

Saturday, August 19th, 6-7:30pm – Campfire Storytelling Series (Ranger Trey) ridgegate.com

A more natural approach to urbanism.

Wednesday, August 30th, 7-8:30pm – Natural Heritage Walking Tours with SSPRD (Blue Moon & Bats) e series of events will take place at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, located at 500 Fairgrounds Drive in Castle Rock. e 2023 county fair and rodeo royalty will also be crowned at the hometown rodeo event. ere will also be a carnival, petting zoo, a car show, mutton busting and a parade.

All events are held within the RidgeGate community, just south of Lincoln Avenue, on both sides of I-25.

Further south, the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo will start just a day after its neighboring fair begins, with events running from July 28 until Aug. 6.

Ticket prices vary based on speci c events, with general fair admissions at $16 on Aug. 4 and 5, the days with the most events.

During other days, admissions to the grounds are free and hours and events vary. A full schedule is available at https://www.douglascountyfairandrodeo.com/p/schedule/ schedule1.

Highlights include rodeo events from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association on Aug. 4, 5, and 6, as well as a free hometown rodeo with local contestants of all ages on July 29.

Llamas, dogs, horses, pigs and poultry will show o their skills and beauty at various livestock and other animal shows over the course of the fair.

Other competitions will also take place, including quilting, baking, agriculture and oriculture, 4-H and more.

On July 28, Randy Houser and Chase Bryant will perform at the outdoor arena, with general admission tickets costing $25.

On July 30, the Farm to Table event will o er a lunch bu et with locally and organically sourced ingredients and the opportunity to meet the chef and local farmers. e event is ticketed separately and will cost $70 for general tickets and $35 for kids ages two to 10.