The Town of Castle Rock’s annual Pedal the Moon event returns Saturday, July 11, with new family-friendly fun. Take a festive twilight bike ride along East Plum Creek Trail and then enjoy a screening of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” at Festival Park.

Since 2010, families and neighbors have gathered each summer to decorate their bikes and pedal beneath the evening sky. The ride will depart from Castle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Drive, at 7 p.m. Or, take the shorter route and leave from Douglas County High School, 2842 Front St., at approximately 7:15 p.m. As dusk falls, riders will follow East Plum Creek Trail to Festival Park, traveling approximately 6 miles on mostly flat terrain suitable for all ages.

Cyclists are encouraged to participate in the festive spirit by decking out their bikes with lights and other embellishments. At the intersection of East Plum Creek and Hangman’s Gulch trails, stop by the decorating station and get creative with glow-in-the-dark goodies — available while supplies last. All participants must wear a helmet and have a front headlamp and blinking rear light.

Once you arrive at Festival Park, grab a hot dog meal from the Boy Scouts and a Moon Pie for dessert. Find a spot to relax under the stars and watch E.T. phone home on the big screen. After the festivities, families are encouraged to ride back to Douglas County or Castle View high schools. Interested in a one-way trip? Make arrangements to leave a car or be picked up at the park.

Registration, before taxes and fees, is $20 for general admission, $18 for seniors and $16 for children under 12. Your paid registration includes a T-shirt — sign up by June 25 to ensure size — and dinner of a hot dog, chips and a drink, and a Moon Pie at Festival Park.

More information and registration are available at CRgov.com/Pedal.