Things to do in Colorado Springs

Plan Now for These Unique Events Around Downtown Colorado Springs

April 27, 2023 by Toby Lorenc

Downtown Colorado Springs is a vibrant and exciting place to be, with plenty of events happening throughout the year. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something going on in this lively city center. Here are some of the upcoming events to look forward to in downtown Colorado Springs.

First Friday Art Walks: On the first Friday of every month, downtown Colorado Springs comes alive with art. Galleries and studios open their doors to the public, offering a chance to see the latest exhibits and meet the artists. It’s a great way to explore the art scene and discover new talent. Watch for special themed nights, like scavenger hunts and Popsicle Promenade.
Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off: This annual event takes place over Labor Day weekend and features hot air balloons taking to the skies above Memorial Park. There are also live music performances, food vendors, and a beer garden to enjoy.
Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon: This challenging race takes place on August 20th and 21st, with runners making their way up Pikes Peak, one of the highest mountains in the United States. Spectators can cheer on the runners and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Colorado Springs Oktoberfest: Get ready to raise a stein at the Colorado Springs Oktoberfest, happening on September 24th and 25th. This festival celebrates all things German, with traditional music, food, and of course, beer.
Downtown Holiday Stroll: Get into the holiday spirit with the Downtown Holiday Stroll on December 3rd. This festive event features carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and holiday lights.
Colorado Springs Western Street Breakfast: This event is a beloved tradition in Colorado Springs, with locals and visitors alike enjoying a hearty breakfast on the streets of downtown. The Western Street Breakfast takes place on June 15th and is a great way to kick off the summer.

Downtown Colorado Springs is a hub of activity, with events happening throughout the year. From art walks to hot air balloons, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Regularly check https://downtowncs.com/events and make sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming events and experience all that downtown Colorado Springs has to offer.

Downtown Colorado Springs July 2019

June 28, 2019 by Toby Lorenc

Downtown Colorado Springs Events | July 2019 — Downtown Events Calendar | July 2019

Love your best life! Shop, Dine, Play, with Art, Fitness, Music, and Fun in Downtown Colorado Springs.

Build your summer bucket list with some of the best entertainment in the state, right here in Downtown Colorado Springs.

Live Music in Colorado Springs

JULY 6-7: Kick summer of with the Colorado Springs Art and Music Festival, July 6th and 7th at American The Beautiful Park. This family-friendly event runs 10am – 4pm both days. Tickets and more info

JULY 8: Musical Monday’s bring concerts to Monument Valley Park each week, and July 8th you’ll be treated with the Tribe Band concert starting at 7pm on the west lawn of the Fine Arts Center.

https://youtu.be/mPpzJZ0024A

JULY 12: Relax in the gardens of Grace and St Stephen’s Episcopal Church with Jazz in the Garden, starting at 7pm

JULY 13: Enjoy art galleries and music in a trendy scene, beneath the Colorado Ave bridge. Blues Under The Bridge is a local favorite, from 1pm-10pm.

JULY 15: Musical Monday brings the engaging tunes of One More Shot starting at 7pm on the west lawn of the Fine Arts Center.

JULY 22: A local favorite, often seen at Motif Jazz Cafe, Musical Monday welcomes Wayne Wilkinson Trio starting at 7pm on the west lawn of the Fine Arts Center.

JULY 26: Relax in the gardens of Grace and St Stephen’s Episcopal Church with Jazz in the Garden, starting at 7pm

JULY 29: For this Musical Monday event, enjoy the beautiful Colorado evening with Easy Morning Rebel starting at 7pm on the west lawn of the Fine Arts Center.

There’s plenty more music events to choose from at https://www.peakradar.com/categories/music-dance/

Other Downtown Activities

If live music and concerts aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of other options.

Take a stroll through one of the farmer’s markets, like the Summer Vegan Market on July 7th at the Fine Arts Center from 11am-3pm. Also, don’t miss the weekly Colorado Farm and Art Market at Pioneer’s Museum from 3pm-7pm every Wednesday. Or wait until the end of the month to check out the Colorado Grown Family Day at Pioneer’s Museum from 10am-2pm on July 27th.

July is also full of annual events, such as PrideFest in American the Beautiful Park on July 13 & 14, the Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale on July 26-28, and the Rodeo Parade on Tejon St from 6:30pm-7:30pm on July 9th.

Full Event Listing and Downtown Information

PikeRide Colorado Springs Bike Share — Pike Ride Bike Share

You can always get more information and see downtown event details at https://downtowncs.com/ Transportation is easy, with services like Lyft, Uber, and PikeRide and Downtown Colorado Springs is very walkable as you’re exploring different events. As always, we’re happy to have you contact us directly if you have questions or would like recommendations.

April 2019 Downtown Colorado Springs Events

April 3, 2019 by Toby Lorenc

Downtown Colorado Springs events for April 2019

Downtown Colorado Springs is blooming with Spring events for April 2019! There are always things to do in Downtown, from art and museums to food and networking events. Here are some highlights, as well as the full pocket guide event schedule available for download.

First Friday Downtown Art Walk: 5:00-8:00pm Friday, April 5th 2019

The First Friday Event is always a favorite, complete with art gallery openings and exhibits, plus shuttle buses to help you jump to all the First Friday events around town including Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs.

If you can’t make the First Friday Art Walk event, consider the Downtown Walking Tour: Art on The Streets event the next day, April 6th, at 10:00am which will be the final tour of the current downtown art sculptures before they’re changed out for new art displays.

Be sure to hang around that same night for the Silent Disco Laser Light Show at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, starting at 7:00pm.

Urban Living Tour 2019

April 13th, 2019

3rd Annual Downtown Urban Living Tour (ULT): Saturday, April 13th, 2019 10am-4pm

Come see some of the best living and social options that downtowners enjoy everyday. From homes, to downtown lofts, to mixed-use buildings with residential and commercial elements, you’ll get a first hand look at the culture and hear the stories of these properties. Get your tickets now before prices increase on April 12th.

Fitness and Outdoor Events

Check out the end of the month for fitness and outdoor events downtown. On April 27th, you’ll find multiple events happening. First, the Great American Cleanup With PikeRide in Middle Shooks Run Park is sponsored by our local bike share program, Pike Ride. They do monthly park and trail clean ups around the city. Second, if you’re looking for a bit more personal fitness and challenge, join the 12th Annual Run for the One Autism Awareness 5K in American the Beautiful Park. Register here for the 5K.

Additional Events and Experiences Every Month

We can’t capture everything here, so feel free to contact us directly with questions or additional details. Also, swing by our office anytime at 216 N Tejon Street (across from Acacia Park in Downtown Colorado Springs) and pick up a printed event schedule, downtown map, and a recommendation for our favorite restaurants! Downloadable schedule also available below.

Downtown COS April 2019 Download

March Events in Downtown Colorado Springs

February 28, 2019 by Toby Lorenc

Events in Colorado Springs - March 2019 — March 2019 Downtown COS

Downtown Colorado Springs provides plenty of opportunities to shop, dine, and play! The Downtown Partnership and other organizations are constantly dedicating resources and staff to help plan family-friendly events and provide entertainment for locals and tourist alike. Take a look at some of the top attractions in downtown Colorado Springs during the month of March 2019.

Spring Favorites Return to Downtown Colorado Springs

With the weather getting nicer and the Spring Forward time change just around the corner, Downtown Colorado Springs is again offering warm-weather events for the month of March.

The first of the month includes a Downtown Walking Tour on Saturday, March 2nd called “DOWNTOWN THROUGH THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S LENS” which will allow any skill level of photographer to enjoy photographing the iconic and historic landmarks of downtown Colorado Springs.

On March 10, the same day as Daylight Savings Time, downtown will kick off the longer days with the Colorado Farm & Art Market at Cottonwood Center for the Arts from 11:00am – 2:00pm. The event launches the summer series of art and farmers markets in the downtown area.

Staying Fit and Having Fun Downtown

No matter what type of fitness you prefer, there will be plenty of options to stay fit and have fun downtown this Spring. Brewhouse Yoga at Brass Brewing on March 2nd will make you work for your beer, or the free PikeRide Bike Share lunch ride on March 14th will mix up your normal lunchtime routine. Plus, kick off Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day festivities with the St. Patty’s Sports Expo at the Mining Exchange Hotel on March 15th.

St. Patrick’s Day Events Downtown – March 16 2019

You can spend the entire day attending and participating in St. Patty’s Day events in Downtown Colorado Springs. For the early birds, sign up for the St. Pat’s Bike Race and fun runs starting at 8:30am. You’ll be set and ready for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which begins at noon on Tejon Street. Kids will love the KidsZone at the Money Museum, with free events throughout the day for different ages. Then, try a new restaurant for dinner and stick around for the World Dance Festival at the Lon Chaney Theater at 7pm.

Colorado Springs Downtown — Downtown Colorado Springs

Downtown Events You Can Count On

There are plenty of recurring events to keep you busy in March, plus other months of the year! Make a note of First Friday Downtown ArtWalk on your calendar, a chance to interact and experience various forms or art downtown (monthly 5pm-7pm on the first friday of the month). Keep an eye out for free museum day at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Jack Quinn’s weekly running club on Tuesdays, and more opportunities to learn and enjoy downtown Colorado Springs.

New Hotel Downtown

Search Downtown Homes

Summer Concerts

PikeRide Info

Hot Spots for Summer Live Music Events in Colorado Springs

June 5, 2018 by Toby Lorenc

Hillside Gardens and Nursery Groove in the Gardens

Hillside Gardens and Nursery hosts Groove in the Gardens on Wednesday nights during the summer

As the weather changes and summer is in full swing, live music at outdoor venues is a favorite outing for many Colorado Springs residents. Take a look at some of the great spots to hear live music this summer for a perfect family outing, date night, or night out with friends.

Hillside Gardens Groove in the Garden Summer Concert Series: Wednesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm
1006 S. Institute St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903

The 2018 Hillside Gardens Live Music Series is themed “Groove in the Garden” this year. The venue is located on the south part of Colorado Springs, just east of downtown in the Hillside neighborhood. Formerly a large active nursery, the owner has gradually stepped away from that side of the business to concentrate on the venue itself. With beautiful views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Hillside Gardens has become a desirable location for weddings and other gatherings. Just exploring the grounds will keep you entertained, with various collectibles and antiques scattered throughout the venue, yet organized intentionally so it doesn’t feel like a junkyard. If you’re not entertained by the art, sculptures and unique collection or history, you can relax and enjoy the live music every Wednesday night from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Although this isn’t a free event like some of the other live music options, the $7 at the door is well worth the admission for a night of entertainment and a new experience. Plus, your ticket includes one drink at the various bars throughout Hillside Gardens, including a premium wine table if you’re willing to dish out a few more bucks. There is seating throughout the outdoor garden areas, plus you can bring your own chairs and blankets to claim a space on the lush grass. Other than a small building with restrooms and the covered pavilion (where the band plays and you can dance if you feel inclined) the venue is all outdoors so weather can play a factor in events and crowd turnout. If you’re rushing around after work to attend this event, there are a handful of food carts onsite as well for you to grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the tunes.

May 16 Larry Lafferty and Vehicle
Music Style: Big Band Dancing

May 23 John E Boothe and The Night Watch
Music Style: Rock Soul and Blues

May 30 Mitguards
Music Style: Folk Based Americana

Groove In the Garden Summer Concert Series at Hillside Gardens and Events Center

June 6 Psychedelegates
Music Style: 60s and 70s soft rock

June 13 Carrie Dell
Music Style: Eclectic

June 20 Tribe
Music Style: New Orleans R&B

June 27 The Davenports
Music Style: Classic Rock

July 4 TBA

July 11 BJ Estares and Route 61
Music Style: Electric Blues

July 18 George Sisneros
Music Style: Dance Music

July 25 Balanced Rock
Music Style: Acoustic Rock

August 1 Rick Blessing and Trip Ziegler
Music Style: Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin

August 8 Robert Beard
Music Style: 70’s – 90’s Rock

August 15 Joe and Kate Uvegas
Music Style: Folk

August 22 Redraw the Farm
Music Style: Folk – Rock

August 29 Skean Dubh
Music Style: Celtic

Sept 5 Boyd Sweeney
Music Style: Band Swing Dance

Sept 12 Bill Emery Band
Music Style: Swing and Jazz

Sept 19 Larry Lafferty and Vehicle
Music Style: Big Band Dancing

Gold Hill Mesa’s Music on the Mesa Summer Concerts, select Saturdays 4pm-7pm
142 S. Raven Mine Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

If you’re looking for a free family-friendly event, this is a great option. The 10th annual “Music on the Mesa” happens throughout the summer on select Saturday evenings starting June 9th 2018. The location is the central park located in Gold Hill Mesa (called the grand lawn) next to the community center. With various styles of music and groups performing throughout the summer, you are sure to find a genre that fits your style. Plus, there are lawn games, food trucks, and arts and craft vendors for a “festival like atmosphere.” Watch for a new concert the 2nd Saturday of each month June-August, and every Saturday in September through the 22nd. The event runs from 4pm-7pm and if you know the right people, you may be able to watch, listen and enjoy from someone’s front porch.

June 9th Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons
Music Style: Bluegrass

July 14th Pandas & people
Music Style: Alternative Rock

August 11th Blue Steele
Music Style: Air Force Rock Band

September 1st Jyemo club
Music Style: Latin/Reggae Fusion

September 8th Spinphony
Music Style: Lively Pop-Electric String Quartet

September 15th High Altitude
Music Style: Army Rock Band

September 22nd We Dream Dawn (Featuring Bridget Law of Elephant Revival)
Music Style: Alternative Folk

University Village Colorado Shopping Center (UVC) Free Summer Concert Series, Fridays June-August 6pm-8pm
5230 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Just down the road from the quickly expanding University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) is UVC Shopping Center. Along with popular stores and restaurants (like Trader Joes, Over Easy, Costco, BJ’s Restaurant, Duluth Trading Company, etc.) you’ll enjoy some great live music from June – August this summer. The shopping center was designed thoughtfully with an outdoor venue area, next to ice cream shops and restaurants like Hacienda and Smashburger. Come check out the free concerts every Friday night from 6pm-8pm

June 15: Soul School
Music Style: R&B/Dance/Soul/Funk

June 22: The Inman Brothers Band
Music Style: Americana/Pop/Rock

Friday nights 6pm-8pm at University Village

June 29: Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band
Music Style: Pop/Indie/Folk/Americana

July 6: Wildermiss w/ Special Guest Nina de Freitas
Music Style: Indie/Pop/Rock

July 13: Incendio
Music Style: Instrumental World Music/Latin

July 20: Martini Shot
Music Style: Pop/Rock

July 27: Dotsero
Music Style: Jazz/Pop/Contemporary Instrumental

Aug. 3: Musketeer Gripweed
Music Style: Blues-Fusion/Rock

Aug. 10: Rob Drabkin
Music Style: Indie/Pop/Rock/Acoustic

Aug. 17: Buddy Whittington & the Atomic Fireballs
Music Style: Americana/Blues/Country

This isn’t a complete list of the outdoor summer concerts you can catch throughout Colorado Springs, but these are some of our favorites! Here’s a list of other events we found:

Banning Lewis Ranch Summer Concerts, 6885 Vista del Pico Blvd. 6:00-8:00 pm Various Nights
http://www.banninglewisranch.com/single-post/2018/04/23/Summer-Concerts-at-Banning-Lewis-Ranch

First & Main Summer Concerts, 3650 New Center Point, 5:00-7:00 pm Fridays
https://www.facebook.com/events/2042956315943825/

Grace and Saint Stephen’s Church Downtown: Jazz in the Garden, 601 N Tejon St, 7:00 pm Fridays
https://www.facebook.com/events/148724922649377/

Pikes Peak Jazz and Swing Society: Jazz in the Parks (various locations), Wednesday nights, 6:00-8:00 pm
https://www.facebook.com/pg/PPJASS/events/

Hillside Gardens Summer Concert Series

May 30, 2017 by Toby Lorenc

Summer 2017Band Schedule: Hillside Gardens and Event Center 1006 S. Institute St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

As kids finish the school year and the days get longer, we’re all ready to kick off another beautiful Colorado summer. Make time this summer to check out the historic Hillside Gardens in Southcentral Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs locals may still remember Hillside Gardens as Hillside Gardens and Nursery, which was purchased by the current owner in early 2000’s. But in 2012, he decided to convert it to a unique, local venue and event center and leave the headaches of running a nursery. And those who love live music are pretty happy he made this decision. Now, on Wednesday nights during the summer, the lush gardens are filled with live bands and hundreds of visitors enjoying the beauty of mountains views and Colorado sunsets. A simple $7 admission gets you in to enjoy the music and walk the gardens, which will also buy your first drink at one of the 3 bars. Food carts are present as well, including some amazing german brats (Savvy Daddy Dogs), cajun food (Lil’ Tin Can), and real gourmet meat pies (Mountain Pie CO). Plus, the gardens are peppered with a variety collectible art pieces, sculptures, antique household appliances, old cars, and even a pond filled with recycled bowling balls. It’s a perfect evening for a date, a family outing, or an artist looking for inspiration.

You can also book this unique venue for your special event. Whether you’re hosting a graduation party, a storybook wedding, celebration of life, or any other special occasion, the facilities are flexible and memorable. From the outdoor pavilion (perfect for live music and dancing) to the private courtyards and sitting areas, you’ll find plenty of options with photo opportunities around every turn of the garden path.

Come check it out!.

Groove in the Gardens Summer Concert Series
Wednesday Nights
6:30-8:30pm
$7 admission

Hillside Gardens and Event Center
1006 S Institute St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 520-9463

2018 Groove In the Garden Music Schedule

2019 Summer Concert Series Schedule