Colorado Springs Events

Amateurs, pros, kids, and adults all encouraged to enter.

Photos must be original, and taken in Palmer Park between May 1 and June 12, 2020.  Submit to gopalmerpark@gmail.com until end of day June 12.

Subjects may be any family-friendly image you find in Palmer Park:  landscapes, pets, wildlife, activities, people, plants.

Up to 3 entries are allowed per participant. Photos will be judged by GOPP Board of Directors (no professionals involved).

Prizes will be awarded for best entries, including separate kids’ category. Winners will be notified by email. Photographer retains copyright.

Submitted photos will be posted on Guardians of Palmer Park Facebook page.

Enjoy a new exhibit at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Una Familia Grande: The Conejos Neighborhood Project that displays artifacts, photographs, and stories that puts this once vibrant neighborhood back on the map.

Through this community-based history project, neighbors will tell their own stories and visitors will gain insight into the Conejos Neighborhood’s unique community identity, history, and culture.

Explore Colorado Springs on the #1 rated food and drink attraction!

Indulge in this epicurean-inspired four-course dinner designed for groups of 8-14 people. Offering a menu more refined than the other tours, this movable feast focuses on some of Colorado Springs’ top restaurants.

With generous to full-size portions including alcohol pairings, you’ll enjoy this carefree and perfectly curated night on the town. This experience makes a fun friend’s night out or corporate group activity!

Highlights of this tour include:

2 Appetizer courses, 1 entrée course, and 1 seasonal dessert course
Preset wine or beer pairings with each course
Try a dish that celebrity Chef Brother Luck prepared on the 2019 season of Bravo’s Top Chef
Learn why downtown Colorado Springs is a Certified Creative District while stopping at several installations and sculptures along the route

During these instructor-led walking tours, participants will make lose sketches and paint scenes of downtown Colorado Springs in personal art journals.

The instructor for this class is Jana L. Bussanich.

Join us for our new sketch series, offered Wednesday's January 8 - November 25, 2020.

“The sketch hunter moves through life as he finds it, not passing negligently the things he loves, but stopping to know them, and to note them down in the shorthand of his sketchbook.”

― Robert Henri

Each tour starts offsite at Jana L. Bussanich Art Studio.

Arrive and to meet members of the group, bring your coffee, and enjoy instructor demonstrations.

You may treat your registration like a five-class punch card: come consecutively OR to the sessions that work with your schedule.

New students are welcome! This class is appropriate for all levels, beginner to advanced, ages 13 and older. Current watercolor technique and color theory students are encouraged to shift away from their usual practice and acquire new knowledge and skill during this summer course.

This activity includes urban walking, stairs, sketching and painting outdoors or in local shops, libraries, parks, museums, and other public spaces. Bring a water bottle, wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

In case of inclement weather, the class will take place inside at Jana L. Bussanich Art Studio.

Materials:

• Bring Sketchbook (#140 cold press watercolor paper recommended)
• Fine-tip Permanent
• MarkerWatercolor Paint Kit with a brush, water pot, and mixing tray
• Other mediums like colored pencil and watercolor markers

This event has been postponed with a new date TBD.

Come see this Tony Award winning show!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime.

While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake.

Six spellers enter; one speller leaves!

You’ve found it – the original Colorado Springs food tour that started in 2010!

Explore Colorado Springs on the #1 Rated Food and Drink Attraction!

This established and popular tour highlights five distinctive local destinations that are the best in their class.

We’ll visit some of the most loved restaurants in downtown Colorado Springs while sharing local history and fun facts. Each locale has a unique flavor with food that is both delicious and approachable.

Highlights of this tour include:

Enjoy 8-10 generous tastings from five local restaurants, hole-in-the-walls, and artisan food shops in downtown Colorado Springs
Visit the historic Antlers Hotel and enjoy historical storytelling of Pikes Peak, William Jackson Palmer, the railroad, and more
Try one of Colorado’s eight famous foods, the delicious and mild Pueblo Green Chile
Experience one of downtown Colorado Springs’ most sought-after restaurants, which is hidden underground (Sundays only)
Dine at the restaurant of a Food Network Chopped Champion and get a sneak peek at its secret speakeasy

Explore Colorado Springs on the #1 rated food and drink attraction!

Our cocktail scene is hot, and we’re featuring some of the best mixologists to showcase their craft on this lux happy hour. Learn the history behind a few classic cocktails, watch demonstrations, and revel in four outstanding libations paired with appetizers. Take this tour if you’re looking to celebrate or have a fun-loving group!

Highlights of this tour include:

4 Signature cocktails each paired with a savory and delicious appetizer
Experience local celebrity Chef Brother Luck’s restaurant
Visit Colorado Springs’ most sought-after speakeasy while it’s closed to the public
Enjoy an educational demonstration on a prohibition-style cocktail made with gin that is distilled right in downtown Colorado Springs
Discover the scandalous history of the prohibition in the Wild West

First Friday Art Walks in Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs are free community events that take place on the first Friday of each month from 5-8 p.m.

The Art Walks feature gallery openings, live demonstrations, a chance to meet local artists, shopping and dining, special performances, and much more! Taken together, the three concurrent Art Walks comprise a “Creative Corridor” along Colorado Avenue and Manitou Avenue.

To help make your First Friday experience more convenient and enjoyable, the Cultural Office and our program partners are pleased to provide free ADA accessible shuttle bus service from April through October. Two buses make a continuous loop between Downtown Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City, and a third bus makes a continuous loop between Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. The stop in Old Colorado City is a transfer point. Park near any shuttle bus stop location, then hop on, hop off!

STOPS INCLUDE:
– Cottonwood Center for the Arts
– Downtown/Acacia Park
– Boulder & Tejon
– Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
– Art Depot Galleries
– Old Colorado City
– Manitou Town Clock
– West Manitou
– Manitou Art Center

Local artists and performers are along for the ride in each bus to entertain you, guide you, and share stories and interesting facts about our community. The free shuttle bus service is intended to serve local residents as well as visitors to the Pikes Peak region.

Note: Riders, please plan your route and timing carefully. Most galleries are only open from 5-8 p.m. and not all galleries are open on every First Friday. Keep an eye on PeakRadar.com/FirstFriday for updated schedule, route, and gallery information.

Photo by Mike Pach.

Featuring live interviews with some of the personalities behind the night's events, "First Friday Live" dives into the night's art, energy, and personal stories. Each month's episode is hosted by Studio 809's founder Dave Gardner and the Deputy Director of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, Angela Seals, with a revolving door of special guests. Spanning the Creative Corridor from Downtown Colorado Springs to Old Colorado City to Manitou Springs, First Friday unites galleries, artists, creative businesses, and performers once a month for an event that is always different and full of compelling voices that are worth hearing!

Watch live on the Facebook Page of Studio809 or stream the live audio on Studio809's online radio station at Studio809Radio.com. After the night ends, "First Friday Live" is archived as a podcast in the diverse collection of local podcast shows available for free at Studio809Radio.com

Iron Springs Chateau is temporarily closed and is anticipating reopening May 1.

2020 marks The Iron Springs Chateau’s 60th anniversary of continuous family friendly hilarious entertainment!

Please join us for our opening night of “Honesty Always Wins…or…This Mine is Mine” on Friday, March 13, 2020.

This show, written by Manitou Springs actor/playwrights, Ms. Vicki Kelly and Mr. Bruce Littrell, is a fun loving melodrama that takes place in the Colorado Mountains where men are men and villains never prosper!

In this story, the Worthmore women have been slaving to make sure they can pay the evil black widow Ena Pinch her percentage of the restaurant they run, but Mrs. Pinch has evicted them! Thank heavens the nerdy accountant Pomeroy has a plan and that handsome hero Big Buck Brawny is the luckiest man in Colorado.  With goodness on their side, the evil Mrs. Pinch doesn’t stand a chance!

The melodrama is followed by a sing-along intermission and a “1960’s for 60 Years” laugh-In themed Vaudeville style musical revue full of comedy, songs, dances, jokes, and crazy costumes! It’s a blast for the whole family!

The show is directed by Lori Adams-Miller, musical direction by Bruce Littrell and Bonnie Hausknecht, costumes by Aaron Graves and choreography by Daisya Dowen, Rebekah Ratterree, and Lori Adams-Miller.

Both The Broadmoor World Arena and Pikes Peak Center will abide by the Governor’s restriction and suspend all events through April 13, 2020.

This event has been rescheduled from March 20 to June 5.

After 12 albums, five Grammy's, and performing for several U. S. presidents, Adams still wows audiences all over the world. Ever since her 1988 debut album, “Just As I Am,” Adams has been renowned for pioneering the blend of modern gospel music infused with soul and jazz.

While she served as a lead singer with the Southeast Inspirational Choir in her native town, Houston, Texas, Adams caught the eye of the prolific composer/producer, Thomas Whitfield, who guided her first album. Her incredible talent and style served to have her hailed as the most versatile contemporary gospel singer since Aretha Franklin.

Marvin Sapp has been singing since the age of four and has shared the stage with many gospel notables. His vocal gift is celebrated across musical genres.  Renowned for songs such as, “Sweeter as the Days Go By,” “Perfect Peace,” “Praise Him in Advance,” “The Best in Me,” and a dedication to his wife, “My Testimony.”

Sapp has enjoyed a decorated music career that includes 10 Grammy nominations, 22 Stellar Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards, two BET Awards, two Dove Awards, and eight BMI songwriter’s awards. His mega-selling, “Never Would Have Made It,” held the No. 1 spot on both Gospel and R&B radio for more than a year, and has been among the most ubiquitous Gospel and R&B songs.

While the farm is not currently in operation or available for public visits, wildlife habitat on the farm is rich, highlighted by over 152 bird species identified thus far.

Guided birding hikes offer beginners and more experienced birders the opportunity to explore the farm and learn about the incredible wealth of avian diversity.

Hike leader David Rudin will help participants locate, identify and learn about the lives of the many birds that spend time on the farm.

This event has been postponed from June 6 with a new date TBD.

With approximately 3 miles of muddy madness, you’ll slide down the epic 70 ft long Super Dog slide, rope climb out of amazing Colorado canyons, traverse canyons on cargo nets, swing on the giant Tarzan swing, dash over our wipe out platforms and slosh your way through the 5k course with all 25 obstacles or choose our 2k course with 12 of our funnest obstacles and muddiest mud pits for the whole family.

The course is well marked so you can decide how much run you want in your fun even up to race day. You can even do multiple laps at no additional charge!

Either way, you will create memories that will last a lifetime with friends, family, co-workers, playmates and kids of all ages (registration starts at age 5).

For 22 years, the annual Art on the Streets program has transformed our Downtown streets into an outdoor gallery of sculptures and murals.

Sample the currently installed pieces and get firsthand insight into the artists who created them.

Tours are held the first Saturday of each month and depart at 10 a.m. from the Wild Goose Meeting House.

Pre-registration strongly recommended.

PeakCo ‘20-‘21 Performing Company Auditions will be held June 6 with the time TBD.

If you are between ages 6-18, join us and our award winning company for this next season for a chance to perform more, go to competitions, and meet friends that will last a lifetime.

If you’re interested in auditioning for our performing company, contact us at admin@thepeakschoolofdance.com to register for the audition, and to answer any questions you may have!

Join one of the fastest growing outdoor sports!

Bear Creek Regional Park has a series of archery camps for youth and adults. USA certified archery coaches will lead a fun interactive camp to learn the basic archery skills.

Coaches teach the system that the Olympic team uses with a step-by-step approach to develop the individual’s skills at their own pace.

Registration includes one free lesson at Archery School of the Rockies. Each camp session is three days long, Tuesday through Thursday.

The two-day celebration offers seniors, with friends and family as passengers, the opportunity to drive PPIR’s famous oval course in their own vehicles.

Each driver receives a laminated driver credential, three laps around the course led by a NASCAR pace car, a photo opportunity inside victory lane to commemorate the experience and entry into a variety of sponsor giveaways.

“A breathtaking acoustic fusion of blues, jazz, folk, classical, and Spanish guitar from a stunning guitar virtuoso…” - Altadena News, USA”

Ready for a unique and talented take on a wide range of musical traditions? Claude Bourbon is known throughout Europe and America for amazing guitar performances that take blues, Spanish, and Middle Eastern stylings into uncharted territories.

Claude’s inimitable style incorporates all five digits on each hand dancing independently but in unison, plucking, picking, and strumming at such speed and precision that his fingers often seem to melt into a blur.

Thousands of people in the UK, Europe and USA have enjoyed listening to this virtuoso and for the majority of his audience it is an experience that compels them to return again and again to hear and watch him play, as his fingers lightly dance over the strings of his guitar and create a unique sound that is ’Claude’.

Eric Elison always enjoyed and admired the voice and songs of Gordon Lightfoot. In college he was frequently asked to play Gordon Lightfoot’s songs. He was told he “sounds just like Gordon Lightfoot.”

In 2016, at a Folk Alliance Event, he was told by a famous contemporary of Gordon Lightfoot’s that he was “Channeling Gordie.” After recording an album of original music in Nashville, Eric’s Producer, Tom Manche of Studio X, advised Eric that he sounded so much like Gordon Lightfoot, that he should consider performing Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Concerts.

Today, Eric is a touring Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Artist. He calls his show, Celebrating Gordon Lightfoot. In the show, Eric is backed by a five piece band (or Trio) and sings Gordon Lightfoot’s songs just as the beloved Canadian Troubadour did. Eric sings treasured songs like: Carefree Highway, Rainy Day People, If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and Beautiful.

Eric is eager to introduce Gordon Lightfoot to younger audiences so that they too can come to appreciate the Legacy of Gordon Lightfoot’s Hall of Fame Career.

Jazz in the Garden in the Time of COVID-19? You bet!
We’re excited to announce that, yes, indeed the 2020 Jazz in the Garden series will happen! But with the need to keep physical distance, it won't be the quite same as in years past. We know it won’t be as much fun as gathering with 700 of your closest friends for each concert, but we’re committed first, to ensuring the community’s safety and second, to finding a creative way to offer what we know is a much-loved offering.
So get ready! In partnership with Jazz 93.5, we’ll broadcast each concert, creating a soundtrack for your very own garden party (practicing physical distancing of course). We invite you to throw something yummy on the grill, chill a beverage and dance like no one is watching.  Think of it as Jazz in your Garden!

Want to receive a notice when we update our schedule each season, and an email about each concert? Just click here, click on the Sign Up button, enter your name and email and select Jazz. We promise that we will send one email a few days before each concert, and that we do not share email addresses or send you information you have not signed up for. Honest!

Using a natural filtration process right on your property, you can design a rain garden to capture runoff, reducing pollution downstream.

Using a variety of native and perennial plants, grasses and flowers, rain gardens add color and habitat for various types of wildlife.