Colorado Springs events 2025 promises to be an extraordinary year filled with festivals, concerts, outdoor adventures, and cultural celebrations that showcase the best of Pikes Peak country. Whether you’re a longtime resident or planning your first visit, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the most exciting happenings throughout the year, complete with pricing information, family-friendly recommendations, and nightlife options.
What Makes Colorado Springs Events Special in 2025?
Colorado Springs has established itself as a premier destination for both outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers. The city’s unique location at the base of Pikes Peak, combined with its rich military heritage and thriving arts community, creates a diverse event calendar that appeals to visitors of all ages and interests. From free community gatherings to world-class sporting competitions, Colorado Springs events 2025 offer something for every budget and preference.
Spring Events That Kick Off the Season (March – May)
Early Spring Awakening (March)
Spring in Colorado Springs brings a refreshing burst of energy with events that celebrate the awakening of nature and community spirit. March kicks off with the Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival (typically free to attend), transforming downtown into a sea of green with live music, Irish dancing, and family-friendly activities.
Price Range: Free parade viewing, food and drinks $5-15 Family Friendly: Yes, with dedicated kids’ areas and activities Nightlife Factor: Moderate – several participating bars and restaurants extend hours
The Garden of the Gods becomes a hub for guided nature walks and photography workshops during the mild spring months. Professional photography tours range from $45-85 per person, while self-guided walks remain free year-round.
Farmers Markets and Community Celebrations (April-May)
The Colorado Springs Farmers Markets open their 2025 season in early May, offering fresh local produce and artisan goods in beautiful outdoor settings. The Acacia Park Farmers Market operates Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, while the Old Colorado City Farmers Market runs Saturdays.
Price Range: Free admission, vendor purchases $3-50 Family Friendly: Excellent – live music, face painting, and educational activities Nightlife Factor: Low – primarily daytime and early evening events
Colorado Springs Restaurant Week (late April) offers prix fixe menus at participating restaurants, with lunch menus starting at $15 and dinner options ranging from $25-45 per person. This culinary celebration showcases the city’s best restaurants and provides an affordable way to experience upscale dining.
Outdoor Adventure Season Begins
For outdoor enthusiasts, spring training events for the annual Pikes Peak Marathon (held in August) begin as early as March. Training runs and workshops are typically free, though the marathon registration costs $150-200 depending on when you register. The Pikes Peak Road Runners host weekly group runs that welcome all skill levels at no cost.
Summer: Peak Season for Outdoor Adventures (June – August)
Summer represents the pinnacle of Colorado Springs’ event calendar, when perfect mountain weather allows for the city’s most spectacular outdoor celebrations.
Music and Arts Festivals
Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off (early September, but planning begins in summer) is the city’s premier hot air balloon festival. This three-day event features balloon launches at dawn and dusk, live music, food vendors, and family activities.
Price Range:
- General admission: $10-15 per day
- VIP experiences: $50-75 per person
- Balloon rides: $200-350 per person
Family Friendly: Excellent – dedicated kids’ zone, educational activities, and balloon glow events Nightlife Factor: High – evening balloon glows, live music, and beer gardens until 10 PM
The Colorado Springs summer 2025 events include the Downtown Concert Series every Friday evening in Acacia Park. These free concerts feature local and regional artists, with food trucks and beer gardens available.
Festivals in the Park occur monthly throughout summer at various locations:
- Memorial Park Concert Series: Free admission, $8-12 for food/beverages
- America the Beautiful Park Events: Free admission, paid parking $5-10
- Garden of the Gods Music Festival: $25-45 per person, children under 12 free
Food and Craft Beer Celebrations
Colorado Springs Craft Beer Week (mid-July) showcases the city’s thriving brewery scene with tastings, tours, and special releases. Individual brewery events range from $10-30, while the week-long pass costs $75.
Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo continues its tradition of bringing authentic Western entertainment to both locals and visitors. This PRCA-sanctioned rodeo runs for five days in late July.
Price Range:
- General admission: $15-25
- Reserved seating: $30-45
- VIP packages: $75-125 (includes dinner and premium seating)
Family Friendly: Yes – special family sections, kids’ activities, and mutton bustin’ competitions Nightlife Factor: Moderate – evening performances with beer gardens
Outdoor Recreation Events
Pikes Peak Hill Climb (late June) attracts racing enthusiasts from around the world. This “Race to the Clouds” is one of the oldest motor racing events in America.
Price Range:
- General admission: $20-35 per day
- Premium viewing areas: $50-85
- VIP experiences: $150-300
Family Friendly: Moderate – loud engines may not suit very young children Nightlife Factor: Low – primarily daytime event
The Colorado Springs Marathon (August) offers multiple race distances including 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon options. Registration ranges from $45 for 5K to $150 for the full marathon.
Fall Events: Harvest Celebrations and Cultural Festivals (September – November)
Autumn Arts and Culture
As temperatures cool, Colorado Springs events 2025 shift toward indoor venues and seasonal celebrations. The city’s vibrant downtown area hosts harvest festivals, art walks, and holiday markets that bring the community together during the cooler months.
First Friday Art Walk occurs monthly year-round, with special harvest-themed walks in September and October. This free event allows visitors to explore downtown art galleries with extended hours, wine tastings, and artist demonstrations.
Price Range: Free gallery admission, optional wine tastings $5-15 Family Friendly: Yes – many galleries offer kids’ activities and non-alcoholic options Nightlife Factor: High – galleries stay open until 9 PM, restaurants and bars offer special menus
Manitou Springs Coffin Races (late October) provide quirky Halloween entertainment in nearby Manitou Springs. Teams race homemade coffins down Manitou Avenue in this beloved local tradition.
Price Range: Free to watch, $25-50 team entry fee Family Friendly: Yes – costume contests and family-friendly atmosphere Nightlife Factor: Moderate – associated bar crawl and evening festivities
Seasonal Outdoor Activities
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Boo transforms the zoo into a Halloween wonderland with trick-or-treating, costume contests, and animal encounters.
Price Range:
- Regular zoo admission plus $5-8 Halloween event fee
- Total cost: $25-35 adults, $20-25 children
Family Friendly: Excellent – designed specifically for families with young children Nightlife Factor: Low – afternoon and early evening hours only
Winter Events: Holiday Magic and Snow Sports (December – February)
Winter sports enthusiasts can take advantage of nearby ski resorts while enjoying après-ski events and winter festivals that celebrate the snowy season.
Holiday Celebrations
Colorado Springs Festival of Lights (December) illuminates the city with millions of twinkling lights, synchronized music displays, and holiday markets.
Price Range:
- Driving tours: Free
- Guided trolley tours: $15-25 per person
- VIP experiences with hot chocolate: $35-45
Family Friendly: Excellent – magical atmosphere perfect for all ages Nightlife Factor: Moderate – some venues stay open late with holiday cocktails
New Year’s Eve Downtown features live music, fireworks, and a midnight ball drop in downtown Colorado Springs.
Price Range:
- Street festival: Free
- Restaurant party packages: $50-150 per person
- Hotel celebration packages: $200-500 per couple
Family Friendly: Early evening activities yes, late-night celebrations more adult-oriented Nightlife Factor: High – bars and restaurants extend hours, live music until 2 AM
Winter Sports and Recreation Events
Winter Olympic Training Center Tours offer behind-the-scenes looks at athlete training during the winter months when many Olympic sports are in season.
Price Range: $12-18 per person, military and children discounts available Family Friendly: Yes – inspiring for young athletes Nightlife Factor: Low – daytime tours only
Special Events and Annual Traditions
Military Appreciation Events
Given Colorado Springs’ significant military presence, several events throughout the year honor service members and their families:
Armed Forces Day Celebration (May): Free admission, military demonstrations, and family activities Veterans Day Parade (November): Free viewing, with associated ceremonies and remembrance events
Educational and Cultural Programming
Colorado College Summer Music Festival brings world-class classical music performances to the city throughout July.
Price Range:
- Student performances: $10-20
- Professional concerts: $25-65
- Season passes: $150-300
Family Friendly: Varies by performance – some concerts designed for children Nightlife Factor: Low to moderate – evening performances with wine receptions
Planning Your Visit Around Major Events
Accommodation Strategy
When planning your Colorado Springs adventure, consider booking accommodations well in advance for major events. The city offers everything from affordable hotels to luxury resorts that cater to different budgets and preferences.
Peak Season Pricing (Summer/Major Events):
- Budget hotels: $80-120 per night
- Mid-range accommodations: $120-200 per night
- Luxury resorts: $250-500+ per night
Off-Season Pricing (Winter/Weekdays):
- Budget hotels: $50-80 per night
- Mid-range accommodations: $80-150 per night
- Luxury resorts: $150-300 per night
For unique experiences, consider cabin rentals which range from $100-400 per night depending on size and location.
Transportation and Parking
Transportation becomes particularly important during peak event seasons. Familiarize yourself with Colorado Springs directions and parking options, especially for downtown events where space can be limited.
Parking Costs:
- Downtown meters: $1.50-2.50 per hour
- Event parking lots: $10-25 per day
- Hotel valet: $15-30 per night
- Free street parking: Available in residential areas (check time limits)
Many major events offer shuttle services from designated parking areas, typically costing $5-10 per person round trip.
Weather Considerations
Colorado Springs weather can be unpredictable, especially during shoulder seasons. Always check forecasts and dress in layers for outdoor events. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common, so many events have contingency plans or covered areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Springs Events 2025
Q: What’s the most budget-friendly time to visit for events? A: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best combination of pleasant weather and lower accommodation costs, with many free outdoor events.
Q: Which events are best for families with young children? A: Farmers markets, Labor Day Lift Off, Festival of Lights, and summer concert series offer the most family-friendly atmospheres with dedicated kids’ areas.
Q: Where can I find the best nightlife during events? A: Downtown Colorado Springs offers the best concentration of bars, restaurants, and late-night venues, especially during First Friday Art Walks and summer festival weekends.
Q: How do I stay updated on last-minute event changes? A: Follow official event social media accounts and check the City of Colorado Springs website for weather-related updates and schedule changes.
Q: Are there discounts available for multiple events? A: Many organizations offer season passes or multi-event packages. Military personnel, students, and seniors often receive discounted admission to most events.
Making the Most of Your Colorado Springs Events Experience
To maximize your enjoyment of Colorado Springs events 2025, consider purchasing a Colorado Springs CityPASS or similar discount package if you plan to attend multiple paid attractions and events. These typically offer 20-40% savings on admission fees.
Take advantage of the city’s many free activities between paid events to balance your budget while still experiencing everything the city has to offer.
For the most up-to-date information on Colorado Springs events 2025, bookmark this guide and check back regularly as new events are announced throughout the year. The city’s dynamic event calendar ensures there’s always something exciting happening in America’s Olympic City, from intimate cultural gatherings to spectacular outdoor festivals that showcase the natural beauty and community spirit that make Colorado Springs a truly special destination.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, family-friendly entertainment, cultural enrichment, or vibrant nightlife, Colorado Springs events 2025 offer experiences that create lasting memories while showcasing the unique character and natural beauty of this remarkable mountain community.
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