Good morning, Castle Rock.

From June 6 to Aug. 1, Festival Park will host Castle Rock’s First Fridays series with free live music, food trucks and family events that begin at 5:30 p.m. on June and August, while the July 4 event starts at 3 p.m. with extra activities—followed by a free 5K run/walk and music from 6 to 9 p.m.

Three charter schools—Renaissance PK-12 Charter School, Leman Academy of Excellence, and STEM School Castle Rock—have applied to open new campuses in Castle Rock as the Douglas County School District questions whether there is enough local student demand.

The board will accept public comment on May 21 and will decide on the proposals in June, with none of the schools having purchased property yet.

Douglas County voters will decide on a plan to adopt home rule in a June 24 special election that could let the county set its own policies—voters will choose to form a charter commission and later approve a charter if the proposal passes.

The plan follows a contentious March 25 meeting and ongoing legal challenges, with local officials divided on issues such as gun rights and immigration.

Dakota Ridge boys lacrosse won a 19-5 game over Lutheran last Friday at Trailblazer Stadium by scoring 15 unanswered goals in the second and third quarters.

The No. 2 seed — chasing a state championship — will host No. 7 Telluride today in the 4A quarterfinals.

Basics of Birdwatching Guided Walk (Part 2)

8-10 a.m. — East Plum Creek Trail - Meadows Trailhead and Parking — Free entry — Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll in search of migratory songbirds and birds of prey.

Workshop by Jim Garey at Douglas County Libraries

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Douglas County Libraries - Philip & Jerry Miller Library — Free entry — Engage in insightful discussions at this community workshop.

Pet Partners Handler Training Workshop

9 a.m.–5 p.m. — AdventHealth Castle Rock — Required for volunteers — Gain essential training to help your animal support diverse populations as a therapy animal.

License to Quilt Class

10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Sew-Ciety, Inc. — Rental fee applies — Learn essential techniques for using HandiQuilter longarms in this introductory class.

Retirement Planning Today

6-9 p.m. — Arapahoe Community College — Registration required — Explore essential strategies for a secure retirement.

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

5 p.m. — Douglas County Slash Mulch Program — Free entry — Engage in the future of parks and recreation planning for Castle Rock.

Douglas County Youth Employment Program Information Session

9-10 AM — Arapahoe Community College — Free entry — Explore employment and education opportunities tailored for Douglas County youth.

Rock the Mountain Festival

3 PM – 8 PM — The North Face Outlets at Castle Rock — Free entry — Experience live local music, family fun activities, and tasty food trucks over Memorial Day Weekend.

Sound Bath Experience with Debbie Luna

8-10 a.m. — Vuori Outlets at Castle Rock — RSVP for free — Revel in a calming sound bath with crystal singing bowls followed by shopping and refreshments.

Festival Park Farmers Market

9 AM – 2 PM — Festival Park — Free entry — Discover locally raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, and a variety of delicious goods from nearly 40 vendors.