City of Westminster Parks, Recreation & Libraries

09/13/2026

Learn how to transition your garden from summer to fall by planting cool-weather crops and tending to your garden soil. This workshop covers techniques for extending the season and preparing your garden for winter so it will thrive next spring.

🌱Fall Gardening with Denver Urban Gardens
📆Saturday, September 19
🕝 3 - 4 pm
📍 Irving Street Library

Register: https://westminsterco.librarycalendar.com/event/fall-gardening-denver-urban-gardens-ir-36317

Visit www.westminsterlibrary.org or call 303-658-2304 for more information.

09/12/2026

Plein Aire in the Prairie is an invitation to slow down and observe the vast vistas in Westminster. You will be guided through a watercolor journey of the view from Standley Lake Regional Park & Wildlife Refuge's Pollinator Garden! All supplies provided including light refreshments. AGES 18+

🖌️Plein Aire in the Prairie
📆Saturday, September 19
🕝9 - 11 am
📍Standley Lake Regional Park

Register: https://cowestminsterweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=228692722

09/11/2026

Westy Fest is back this year on October 17! Come check out our FREE fall festival with carnival games, trick-or-treating, a spectacular hot-air balloon glow, drone show, live musical performances by local bands, food trucks, jumping castles, and more. Don't forget to pick your perfect pumpkin at the pumpkin patch!

Admission is free, mark your calendar now!

🍂2026 Westy Fest
📆 Saturday, October 17
🕐 12-8 p.m.
📍 Westminster City Park (10455 N Sheridan Blvd)
⭐ FREE!
Learn more: www.westminsterco.gov/specialevents

Presenting Sponsor: Intermountain Health
Associate Sponsor: Meritrust Colorado
Supporting Sponsors: School of Rock Broomfield, Xcel Energy, Main Event, Rodeo Dental & Orthodontics - Westminster, CO, Champion Windows & Home Exteriors, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, North Metro Arts Alliance, SCFD
Partners: Chick-fil-A, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Texas Roadhouse, Chuy's, Xfinity Se

09/10/2026

It's almost 🌕International Observe the Moon Night🌒! Look at the moon with us from 7-10 pm at a community Star Party Saturday September 19 at Standley Lake Regional Park! Explore the wonders of the night sky through telescopes, binoculars, or your own eyes while connecting with fellow astronomy enthusiasts and learning from experienced volunteers.

International Observe the Moon Night is an annual world-wide public engagement program that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of our Moon and its connection to NASA planetary science and exploration.

Register for the Star Party: https://cowestminsterweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=226282287

09/10/2026

🧟🌙Are you team Zombie or team Slayer? Come battle that which goes bump in the night at this themed after-hours event. Costumes are encouraged and will also be provided along with pizza, snacks, and serious fun.

🧟‍♀️After Hours: Zombie Nerf Night
📆Friday, September 18
🕝6-8 pm
📍College Hill Library

Register: https://westminsterco.librarycalendar.com/event/after-hours-zombie-nerf-gun-night-34155

Visit www.westminsterlibrary.org or call 303-658-2604 for more info.

09/09/2026

🔎Crack the case at MysteryCon 2026!🔍

Join us for a two‑night celebration of Colorado mystery writing, featuring an Authors Panel on September 25 and an after‑hours Whodunit on September 26. Enjoy discussions, Q&A, signings, activities, prizes, and refreshments. Registration is required for each event.

Authors Panel Registration: https://westminsterco.librarycalendar.com/event/mysterycon-authors-panel-2026-ch-33318

Whodunit Registration:https://westminsterco.librarycalendar.com/event/whodunit-mysterycon-2026-33319

09/09/2026

College Hill Library will have a delayed opening of 1:00 pm due to a power outage on the Front Range Community College campus. Online services as well as the phone renewal system are available 24/7. Thank you for your understanding.

09/08/2026

Being an adult? Not always easy. Join us for a practical, low-pressure series designed to build confidence in everyday life skills. Learn the basics of budgeting, home and car maintenance, and more with hands-on workshops and local community experts.

📆Third Wednesdays September 2026 - May 2027
🕝6-7:30 pm
📍College Hill Library

Register: https://westminsterco.librarycalendar.com/event/surviving-adulthood-37158

Visit www.westminsterlibrary.org or call 303-658-2604 for more info!

09/05/2026

Nature is full of amazing things to observe! Come explore with us as we take a short walk, draw what we discover, and create a nature journal to remember our adventure. Meet at Cotton Creek Park picnic tables and journey along Big Dry Creek. All ages

🐞🌱Nature Journaling: Big Dry Creek
📆Saturday, September 12
🕝9 - 10 am
📍Cotton Creek Park

Register: https://cowestminsterweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=219283786

09/04/2026

🌳 McKay Lake Tree Removal FAQs
We know many community members have questions and concerns about the planned removal of eight cottonwood trees at McKay Lake. We understand the disappointment—these mature trees have been an important part of the McKay Lake landscape.

We’ve heard your questions about why the trees need to be removed, how the damage occurred, and what this means for wildlife and the future of the site. We’ve put together a McKay Lake Tree Removal FAQ with more information about what happened, why removal is necessary, how wildlife habitat will be supported, and what the future landscape may look like.

Read the FAQs and learn more:
www.westminsterco.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/McKayLakeOpenSpace-127

We appreciate how much our community cares about McKay Lake and its trees. We share that commitment and are working to protect visitor safety while supporting wildlife, natural habitat, and a healthy, sustainable open-space ecosystem.

Starting next week, the City will remove eight mature cottonwood trees near McKay Lake. The work is expected to take approximately 2-3 weeks and will be performed by a City contractor. We recognize the value these large, established trees provide to the McKay Lake landscape and understand that their removal will be disappointing to many people who enjoy the area.

A new channel was recently constructed to meet floodplain and drainage requirements as part of the recent renovation project at McKay Lake. Per floodplain restrictions, the channel location was the only feasible option identified to meet those requirements. Staff was aware this channel location may impact multiple trees after excavation and final grading was completed and scheduled a risk assessment after completion of the project. This recent assessment found considerable root damage remained associated with the drainage channel, leaving the trees at risk of falling and unable to safely remain in place.

What to expect during the work:
-Work is expected to begin in early September and take approximately 2-3 weeks.
-The parking lot will be fully closed for approximately 2-3 days while the trees are removed.
-The parking lot will be partially closed for the remainder of the project.
-The trail around McKay Lake will remain open during the project.
-Access to the trail from the parking area may change as work progresses. Visitors should follow posted signs and directions from the contractor.

We appreciate the community's patience and understanding while this work is completed. We recognize the important role these mature trees play in the McKay Lake landscape and are committed to preserving the site's habitat, maintaining a safe environment for visitors, and supporting a healthy, sustainable landscape for the future.