Happy Friday, Colorado Springs! We are deep into the sweet spot of a Pikes Peak region summer, with warm sunny days, cool evenings, and just enough of a hint of fall in the morning air to remind us how lucky we are to live here. This weekend brings a great mix of live music, family fun, community events, and yes, some dirt track racing out in Calhan. Grab your calendar and let’s plan a great weekend.
Alpaca Fest
Come meet a herd of friendly alpacas at this relaxed, sensory friendly community gathering at The Meanwhile Block. Kids and adults alike can feed and brush the alpacas, build with LEGO, enjoy build your own soft serve, and even customize a plush alpaca to take home. The organizers have kept things low key on purpose, with no loud music or balloons, so it is a great stop for families of all kinds.
- Day/Time: Friday, August 14, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: The Meanwhile Block, 119 Costilla St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Free admission
- Link: peakradar.com/event/alpaca-fest
FACE: 25 Year Anniversary Celebration
This award winning all vocal rock band performs entirely a cappella, turning guitar solos and drum breaks into pure vocal power. Stargazers Theatre hosts this milestone anniversary show, and it is always a crowd pleasing night out for music lovers of every age.
- Day/Time: Friday, August 14, evening (check website for exact showtime)
- Location: Stargazers Theatre & Event Center, 10 S Parkside Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: stargazerstheatre.com
Pikes Peak Watercolor Society Member’s Show
Wander through Gallery 515 at the Manitou Art Center to see original watercolor works from local Pikes Peak Watercolor Society members, spanning a wide range of styles and subjects. A relaxed, free way to spend part of your weekend surrounded by local art.
- Day/Time: Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16, 10:00 AM (gallery hours vary)
- Location: Manitou Art Center, 513 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Price: Free to view
- Link: manitouartcenter.org
As You Like It
Colorado Springs’ oldest theater company, Star Bar Players, brings Shakespeare’s classic comedy to life outdoors on the historic grounds of Onaledge Manor at Smokebrush Farm. Expect plenty of wit, farce, and charm in a beautiful mountain setting, with a 15 minute intermission built into the roughly two and a half hour show.
- Day/Time: Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM; Sunday, August 16, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Location: Onaledge at Smokebrush Farm, 336 El Paso Blvd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Price: $26.50 general admission, $15.90 senior/student/military/educator, Sunday performance is pay what you can at the door
- Link: starbartheatre.art
High Plains DIRTcar Late Models Racing
Engines roar to life out at El Paso County Raceway for a full night of dirt track action, with Dirt Late Models headlining alongside NOW600 A-Class Micros, Warriors, Dwarf cars, and more. It is a loud, fun, family friendly night out if you have never tried short track racing.
- Day/Time: Saturday, August 15, pits open 1:00 PM, gates open 3:00 PM, hot laps 4:00 PM, racing starts 5:00 PM
- Location: El Paso County Raceway, 366 10th St, Calhan, CO 80808
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: myracepass.com/tracks/1484
Switchbacks FC vs. Birmingham Legion FC
Cheer on Colorado Springs’ own professional soccer club as the Switchbacks take on Birmingham Legion FC at Weidner Field. It is one of the best family nights out downtown, with a great atmosphere for fans of all ages.
- Day/Time: Saturday, August 15, 7:00 PM
- Location: Weidner Field, 111 W Cimarron St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Tickets available through the Switchbacks FC website
- Link: switchbacksfc.com
Colorado Ballet Society Open House
Explore what is new at Colorado Ballet Society with free trial classes, giveaways, vendors, and dancer showcases. A great chance for kids who are curious about dance to try it out at no cost as the new season kicks off.
- Day/Time: Saturday, August 15, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
- Location: 8570 Criterion Dr #154, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
- Price: Free admission
- Link: danceinthesprings.com
The Wonderful World of Birds
Head up to Woodland Park for a family friendly educational program at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center focused on our feathered friends. A fun outing that pairs easily with a scenic drive up Highway 24.
- Day/Time: Saturday, August 15, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, 201 S Fairview St, Woodland Park, CO 80863
- Price: Check website for pricing and registration
- Link: rmdrc.com
The Peak Big Band
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Gold Hill Mesa Community Center for an afternoon of live big band swing and modern jazz from an 18 piece ensemble under conductor Dan Bell. Food trucks will be on site, making this an easy, laid back family outing.
- Day/Time: Saturday, August 15, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: Gold Hill Mesa Community Center, 142 S Raven Mine Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
- Price: Free admission
- Link: peakradar.com/event/the-peak-big-band
Rafiel and The Room Shakers
This dynamic blend of blues, rock, and soul takes the stage at Stargazers Theatre for a great cause, benefiting Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado. Come out for a good time that also does some good for our neighbors in need.
- Day/Time: Saturday, August 15, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Location: Stargazers Theatre & Event Center, 10 S Parkside Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: stargazerstheatre.com
Victory Garden Market: Seed Collection and Storage
Learn how to collect and store seeds from your garden at this hands on workshop hosted by the CSU Master Gardener Extension program at Cottonwood Center for the Arts. A great weekend activity for anyone looking to grow their gardening know how before next season.
- Day/Time: Sunday, August 16, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 427 E Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Stroller Safaris: Arthropods in August
Bring your littlest explorers, ages 1 to 4, for this sweet morning program at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo all about pollinators, decomposers, and the amazing world of arthropods. A wonderful way to start a Sunday with young kids.
- Day/Time: Sunday, August 16, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Location: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- Price: Registration required plus zoo admission, check website for current pricing
- Link: cmzoo.org
Whatever you decide to do this weekend, get out there and enjoy everything that makes Colorado Springs such a special place to call home. And if you or anyone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in the Springs, I would lov to talk. Reach out anytime at dan@hayespg.com.
