Castle Rock Events Calendar: 2026 Highlights
Castle Rock's 2026 events worth planning a trip around, among them Founders Day and the summer concerts.
These are Castle Rock's 2026 events, by season.
The short answer
The Castle Rock events worth planning a trip around in 2026 are Castle Rock Starlighting (Saturday, November 21), the Founders Day Parade (June), the Castle Rock Beer Festival (date varies), free summer concerts at Festival Park, and the Outlets at Castle Rock's holiday hours.
Castle Rock Starlighting
Held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 2–6 p.m., at Historic Wilcox Square and Festival Park downtown. The star on the Rock is lit at about 5:30 p.m., followed by fireworks. Book lodging 6 to 8 weeks ahead.
Founders Day
A June celebration of Castle Rock's founding, with a parade, music, food vendors and historical exhibits. It is free and suits families.
Castle Rock Beer Festival
An annual craft beer festival with local Castle Rock breweries and beers from around the Front Range. The date changes each year, so check the current event calendars.
Free summer concerts at Festival Park
Festival Park has free outdoor concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings through the summer. They suit families; bring chairs and blankets.
Holiday hours at the Outlets
From Black Friday through Christmas Eve the Outlets at Castle Rock has longer hours, promotions and seasonal events, with free parking and smaller crowds than Park Meadows.
Castlewood Canyon events
Castlewood Canyon State Park runs ranger-led hikes and history tours in spring and fall. Check the park's current schedule.
Weekly events
Many Castle Rock restaurants, breweries and downtown shops hold weekly events such as live music, trivia nights and tap takeovers. The sister site DineCastleRock.co lists current dining events.
Through the year
- January–February: the quietest months, with restaurants slower after the holidays.
- March–April: spring shoulder season; hiking trails reopen.
- May: the weather settles and outdoor patios open.
- June: Founders Day and the height of hiking season.
- July: the busiest month for summer events and outdoor concerts.
- August: still summer, less crowded than July.
- September: fall shoulder season, with comfortable weather.
- October: fall color hikes and Halloween events.
- November: Castle Rock Starlighting (Saturday, November 21, 2026) and the start of holiday shopping.
- December: the busiest holiday weeks at the Outlets at Castle Rock.
FAQ
- When is Castle Rock Starlighting? The Saturday before Thanksgiving (November 21 in 2026).
- When is Founders Day? In June each year; check the current dates.
- Are there free concerts in Castle Rock? On summer Friday and Saturday evenings at Festival Park, free and for families.
- When is the Castle Rock Beer Festival? Every year, on a date that changes; check the current schedules.
Summing up
Castle Rock has events all year, and a few are worth planning a trip around: Starlighting (November), Founders Day (June) and the free summer concerts. Add shopping, restaurants and time outdoors for a full visit. The sister sites ShopCastleRock.co (shopping) and DineCastleRock.co (restaurants) cover the rest of the year.