Springs Local Guide
A local's guide to Colorado Springs: travel, food, outdoors, and hidden gems, by Dominic

The Ultimate Guide to Colorado Springs Events (2026)

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📅 Annual event dates shift a little each year. The schedule below is a planning guide based on the most recent year, confirm exact 2026 dates on each event’s official site before you go.

Colorado Springs events 2026 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 and family-friendly recommendations for every season. I’ve lived here long enough to know which of these are worth planning a trip around and which are fine to catch on a whim, so I’ve flagged pricing and family-friendliness on each one below.

Colorado Springs Events Calendar 2026
Event Categories
Outdoor/Recreation
Festivals
Sports
Cultural/Arts
Family Events

What Makes Colorado Springs Events Special in 2026?

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 top-notch sporting competitions, Colorado Springs events 2026 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

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 2026 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

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:

Family Friendly: Excellent – dedicated kids’ zone, educational activities, and balloon glow events

The Colorado Springs summer 2026 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:

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:

Family Friendly: Yes – special family sections, kids’ activities, and mutton bustin’ competitions

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:

Family Friendly: Moderate – loud engines may not suit very young children

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 2026 shift toward indoor venues and seasonal celebrations. The city’s lively 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

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

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:

Family Friendly: Excellent – designed specifically for families with young children

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:

Family Friendly: Excellent – magical atmosphere perfect for all ages

New Year’s Eve Downtown features live music, fireworks, and a midnight ball drop in downtown Colorado Springs.

Price Range:

Family Friendly: Early evening activities yes, late-night celebrations more adult-oriented

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

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 first-rate classical music performances to the city throughout July.

Price Range:

Family Friendly: Varies by performance – some concerts designed for children

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):

Off-Season Pricing (Winter/Weekdays):

For unique experiences, consider cabin rentals which range from $100-400 per night depending on size and location.

Book ahead for event weekends

Rooms near downtown fill up fast on First Friday and festival weekends, and Manitou books solid for the Coffin Races and holiday season. Two starting points:

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:

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.

Making the Most of Your Colorado Springs Events Experience

To maximize your enjoyment of Colorado Springs events 2026, 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. If you’re watching cost, spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) give you the best mix of mild weather, lower hotel rates, and free outdoor events.

For the most up-to-date information on Colorado Springs events 2026, 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, or cultural enrichment, Colorado Springs events 2026 offer experiences that create lasting memories while showcasing the unique character and natural beauty of this remarkable mountain community. My wife and I still build weekends around these when we’re not out in the RV, and taste and value beat hype every time we pick which ones are worth the ticket price.

Plan Your Trip

Use our AI trip planner to build a custom Colorado Springs itinerary based on your interests, budget, and trip length. It is free and takes 30 seconds.

Want to turn an event weekend into a full day out? A guided Garden of the Gods tour pairs well with any of the spring or summer festival dates above, especially if it’s your first visit and you want the geology and history explained instead of guessing.

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