The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) and the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA) provide a wide array of cultural and special events to meet the diverse needs of the community within Highlands Ranch. Special events increase the quality of life in Highlands Ranch, provide unique activities for families to participate in together, and create a sense of community. CAA events are funded in part by a grant from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

For additional details on events, please click the title or call 303-791-2500. Please note that prices and dates are subject to change.

CAA Winter Cultural Series:Treat yourself to cultural events close to home. A highlight of the many cultural programs brought to you by the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA), the 2013 Winter Cultural Series features a variety of performances that have widespread appeal and are full of fun, family entertainment you are sure to enjoy.

January 10 - Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

January 17 - Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra

February 7 - Cherry Creek Choral

February 14 - Central City Opera

Coffee Tasting: Starbucks baristas educate on different blends of coffee, the best brewing methods and then lead a tasting of the different types of coffee. For ages 16+.

CAA Showtime at Southridge - Chinese New Year Celebration: Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association and the SCFD is partnering with Great Wall Chinese Academy to present a cultural program to celebrate Chinese New Year (Year of the Snake.) The program features exciting Chinese dragon and lion dances, beautiful Chinese folk dances, amazing Chinese martial art - Kung Fu, and well-prepared choral and instrumental performances. All performers are talented school-age individuals. Learn more about this rich culture by experiencing the traditions of Chinese New Year. All children will receive a red envelope, the traditional means of giving a blessing to the younger generation in the Chinese New Year. Chinese souvenirs will be available for purchase.

Father/Daughter Sweetheart Ball:Create wonderful memories full of fun, laughter, love and dancing with your sweetheart at the Father and Daughter Sweetheart Ball. This ball includes a corsage and a special gift for each little sweetheart. In addition, you receive a commemorative photo of you and your little lady along with refreshments. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available for an additional fee.

Sweetheart Teddy Bear Tea: Your little darling will love this tea with a special Valentine’s theme. Enjoy tea, refreshments, and a small stuffed bear for each child. Then it’s time to be entertained! Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.  

Highland Ranch Race Series: The 2013 Race Series will include 10 family friendly events, each benefiting a different local charity. All of the events take place right here in Highlands Ranch, utilizing the HRCA Backcountry, Recreation Centers and trails. To learn more about these events, go to www.highlandsranchraceseries.com.

CAA Showtime at Southridge - Adult Comedy: Join the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affair's Association for a night of side-splitting comedy and serious entertainment with Shawn Preston!  Located in the very beautiful Debus Wildcat Mountain Auditorium.  You may also enjoy an adult beverage at the cash bar.  Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 day of event, if not sold out. Ages 21 + 

Spring Bazaar: By definition, a bazaar is "a fair at which miscellaneous articles are sold."  Highlands Ranch Community Association's Spring Bazaar upholds that definition. The bazaar atmosphere attracts a multitude of vendors who sell a wide variety of handcrafted as well as commercial items. Look for treasures such as handcrafts, scrap booking materials, candles, dolls, jewelry, and much more. Admission is free and open to the public.

CAA Fishing on the Fly: CAA and the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited teach parents and children the art of fly fishing. There will be four classroom sessions, the last session will be a half-day field trip practicing what they’ve learned at Lake Lehow.

Easter Egg Hunt: Bring family and friends to watch as the little ones hunt for brightly colored plastic, and surprise filled eggs. The high point of the day is not the candy, it's the tradition and the fun of finding the eggs—the source of your child’s delight and a family tradition.

9Health Fair: The 9Health Fair offers medical screenings at no cost or low cost to Colorado residents. Most screenings are free. A fee will be charged for Blood Chemistry, Blood Count, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), and a Colon Cancer Screening Take Home Kit.

Volunteer Fair: Come to one place and check out nonprofit organizations that need volunteers. You’ll have all your questions answered in one location. Make a difference in your community. Find out how by attending the Volunteer Fair.

Home Improvement Expo: April 27 & 28.  Looking for home improvement ideas? Investigating window, paint, or basement finishing? Seeking decorating ideas? Is your landscape in need of improvement? Head over to the Home Improvement Expo to explore the options available to you right here in Highlands Ranch as area businesses showcase their services and products. Admission is free and open to the public!

Computer/Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding: May 5.  Electronic components contain materials that are very harmful to our environment, so we provide a safe way to recycle computer and electronic equipment.Suggested donation to benefit the Cultural Affairs Association and the Community Scholarship Fund. Also relying on your personal shredder or using a regular waste disposal service may not ensure that confidential information is being safely destroyed and can be more expensive than you think. Machines break down. Paper jams. When confidential paper hits the dumpster, what then?

CAA Hooked On Fishing: The CAA, Metro District, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) get your little ones Hooked On Fishing! Experts from the DOW teach the art of angling and ecology. Poles and bait are provided. Kids keep the poles for future catches!

Taste of Highlands Ranch: In its eightteenth year, this Friday night offers a banquet of mouth-watering, taste bud-tingling food and fun. Held at the Recreation Center at Eastridge, stroll through a café-lined avenue filled with fine wine and beer and sumptuous cuisine from area restaurants. A Highlands Ranch tradition, a silent auction help you make the most of this special and much anticipated event. More than an elegant evening with friends and neighbors, proceeds from the silent auction and the event benefit a chosen non-profit charitable organization.

Farmers’/Street Market The HRCA Farmers’ Market has become one of the area’s finest. HRCA will be partnering with Denver Farmers’ Market to bring this exceptional market to Highlands Ranch residents. The season starts with a plethora of sauces, pastas, flowers, breads, and more. As produce comes in-season, the market explodes with all the colors, smells, and varieties of Colorado’s bounty.

CAA Culture on the Green Series: This series will pair cultural performances with a beautiful outdoor setting for an experience that is sure to delight all ages. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner for a great evening under the stars at Civic Green Park.  
May 24 - International Youth Ballet-Midsummer Nights Dream
June 28 - Aurora Symphony Orchestra
                                                            July 26 - Swing Je T`aime
                                                            August 23 - Michael Friedman Swingset Jazz Quintet

BBQ 101:  June 22. Whole Foods Market will once again come to the amateur cook’s rescue! Professionals will teach participants to select, marinate, barbecue, and grill their favorite meats. Lone Tree Brewing Company will be on hand showcasing some of their best beers for your enjoyment (included in registration fee.) Participants will sample the delicious results of the evening’s barbecuing. 21+.

Carnival: June 14 - 22.  A real carnival! Come experience the bright lights, the thrill of the rides, the challenging midway attractions, and the myriad flavors of food concessions-all right here in Highlands Ranch.

CAA Classic Car Show: A Father’s Day weekend tradition! On Saturday June 15, have fun in the sun with great cars, food, music and more! The CAA Car Show features cars in categories such as Classic, European, Hot Rod and Muscle cars. It’s an extraordinary exhibition that’s fun for all ages!

CAA Summer Concert Series: It’s a free festive family event with music- featuring the best of local favorites, food, and beverages that guarantees a good time is to be had by all. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy these concerts! Past performers have included Opie Gone Bad, The Nacho Men, Firefall, and Chris Daniels and the Kings. Performances are held at Highlands Heritage Park in Highlands Ranch.

Independence Day Celebration: Enjoy a day of activities for the whole family, from tiny tikes and teenagers to those young at heart. Come celebrate your nation’s birthday with the HRCA, your family and neighbors. The celebration includes parades, music, and community spirit. The annual Community Parade and the Family Bike & Pet Parade kicks off the festivities. A Pet Adoption Fair, carnival rides, music, pony rides and other entertainment continue into the evening. End the day with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

Fishing on the Fly for Ladies: CAA and the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited teach Ladies, 16 years and older, the art of fly fishing.

Film in the Park: Bring blankets or lawn chairs and join us for Film in the Park. On select Friday nights in August, HRCA shows a movie in Civic Green Park. Showtime is around dusk (approximately 8:15 p.m.) and admission is free! Movies may not be suitable for all audiences. 

Wine 101: Advance tickets for the tasting are $17 and $20 the day of the tasting, if not sold out. Proceed benefit the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund.

Jazz at the Mansion: Smooth, easy-listening jazz punctuates this delightful program. The historic Highlands Ranch Mansion provides the perfect backdrop for a jazz performance as well as the proper atmosphere for a casual, comfortable event on the green. Sit back, relax and listen to the beautiful music.

Touch-a-Truck: Put your imagination in gear and go! Join us for the 2nd Annual Touch-a-Truck event, where kids get a chance to get behind the wheel and rub elbows with their hometown heroes.  

CAA Highlands Ranch Days: History is fun and educational—especially at Highlands Ranch Days. Join in this celebration of your community’s heritage with western entertainment, livestock displays, historical re-enactments, hay rides, and much more. Discover bygone eras when pioneers, black smiths, fur trappers, gold panners, and Native Americans roamed Highlands Ranch. On Saturday, don’t miss the pancake breakfast (additional charge).

Doggie Splash & Pet Expo: September 8.  Calling all nice doggies! Come and have a ball with all your friends as we open the Westridge Outdoor Pool to our canine companions.  Then take a stroll through the many Pet Exhibitors and purchase that perfect, leash, toy for fido, adopt a dog or learn a new way to enjoy your dog.

CAA Oktoberfest: Oktoberfest is fun for all ages. Gather your family and friends together for a cultural experience that will delight your children and entertain the adults. Purchase genuine German food, dance to the music of a German band, polka with authentic German folk dancers, and imbibe German beers from Paulaner. It’s an evening of non-stop entertainment for the kids, too. Children can play midway games and bounce on inflatables until their hearts are content.

CAA Showtime at Southridge-Magic Show: Grab the family and join us for an exciting new evening of magic and illusion. A professional magician will delight people of all ages with astounding illusions.

Computer/Electronics Recycling: Electronic components contain materials that are very harmful to our environment, so we provide a safe way to recycle electronic equipment.Suggested donation to benefit the Cultural Affairs Association and the Community Scholarship Fund.

Paper Shredding: Also relying on your personal shredder or using a regular waste disposal service may not ensure that sensitive information is being safely destroyed and can be more expensive than you think. Machines break down. Paper jams. When waste paper hits the dumpster, what then?  Suggested donation to benefit the Cultural Affairs Association.

Fall Craft Show: October 12 & 13.  This two-day show features items that have been lovingly handcrafted by the artists. The majority of these crafters are from the Highlands Ranch area. All have gone through a rigorous jury to determine their eligibility to participate in the show. Some of the criteria used by the jury include uniqueness of product, quality of craftsmanship, booth display, and pricing. You will be delighted at the creativity shown in their work. Items exhibited include jewelry; bath products; pottery; wooden crafts; floral arrangements; wreaths; precious baby and children’s articles; fused glass vases and bowls; hand-knit scarves, shawls, afghans; and a multitude of other object of art and apparel. The Fall Craft Show is the perfect place to find that unique, one-of-a kind, handcrafted gift.

Indoor Garage Sale: Search for one-of-a-kind finds, or consider purchasing a booth space to sell treasures of your own. If you would like to purchase a booth, pre-registration of booths is necessary and applications can be found on the HRCA web site. Come early to find the best deals, and don’t forget your wallet!

Paranormal Party: Come to the Highlands Ranch Mansion for the Paranormal Party to discover whether or not ghosts inhabit the mansion. Spirit PI has conducted investigations and uncovered spooky findings.

Haunted Forest: Welcome to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Haunted Forest, where the darkness of the forest hides what or who is lurking unexpectedly in the shadows. There are no walls to protect you from the horrors that lurk in the trees, and no roof to keep out the howling October winds. Come see if you are brave enough to make it through this forest of fear!

Trick or Treat Street: Put on your costume and grab your trick-or-treat bag! Local businesses provide treats for all the “little ghosts and goblins!” And each family can choose a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.

Jewelry and Holiday Gift Fair: Just in time for the holidays! This show features jewelry, accessories and many other Holiday gifts from handcrafters and commercial retailers. It’s the perfect opportunity to purchase unique necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves, purses and much more.

CAA Murder Mystery Theater: November 8. Enjoy catered light appetizers and a cash bar while talking with characters who give hidden clues as to who could have committed the crime. Later join with other detectives and try to discover the culprit in the Highlands Ranch Mansion. 

CAA Showtime at Southridge-The Nutcracker Highlights: The International Youth Ballet acclaimed production of “The Nutcracker” is a one-hour performance specifically designed for children and families. This perfect introduction to the world’s most famous ballet features favorite characters such as the Nutcracker, the Mouse King, Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy, all in full costume. Advance purchase of tickets is strongly recommended.

“Hometown Holiday” Celebration: This winter wonderland is an open house event with something for everyone! It is a fun-filled holiday celebration that includes caroling, food, games, crafts and a visit by Santa! Don't miss the tree lighting at 5:00 sharp!

Sparkling Wine Tasting: Celebrate the holidays in style this year! Enjoy appetizers while you sample sparkling wines. This is a social event at the Tattered Cover Bookstore to help select sparkling wines for your holiday celebrations. Held in conjunction with the Hometown Holiday.

Holiday Teddy Bear Tea: December 7. Delight in this special Holiday Teddy Bear Tea party with all the trimmings and warm your little one’s heart with a special outing together! After tea, enjoy a fun-filled show. This is a great way to create charming memories for ages two - twelve.

Hanukkah Happening: Come join us at this annual celebration! For nearly two decades, this special Hanukkah celebration event has attracted Highlands Ranch neighbors who share a commonality of religion and culture. From noon to 8 pm, this celebration is full of great food, stories, games, and spinning dreidels! Contact the Jewish Community leader at 303-470-6652 for details on this event.

House Decorating Contest: Show your holiday spirit by dressing up your house for the Christmas holiday. Judges will drive the homes of candidates and decide who has the best dressed home for the Holidays. Awards will be given out to the top three homeowners.

CAA Holiday Concert: December 13.  Celebrate the season with the sound of music of the holidays. Entertainers will share everyone’s favorite Christmas melodies through music and song. A great way to share the holidays with family and friends.

Breakfast with Santa: It’s sleigh-loads of holiday cheer for all good little girls and boys! Enjoy a pancake breakfast and a visit with Santa.

Winter Market: Tired of all the frantic hustle and bustle of the holidays? Visit the HRCA's Winter Market. We are teaming with Denver Farmers' Market to bring you unusual gift ideas, handmade items, and foods for that special gift or holiday meal. So, bundle up and stroll through the market stalls of Colorado farmers and crafters. The laid-back atmosphere will get you into the spirit of the season. You're sure to find something that will make your holiday warm and inviting for your family and friends.