Happy Thursday, Colorado Springs! Late August is one of my favorite stretches in the Pikes Peak region. The days are still warm, the evenings are cooling off just enough to enjoy a patio or an outdoor show, and there is a great mix of things happening this weekend for families, music fans, and anyone who just wants an excuse to get outside. Whether you are chasing down a Shakespeare play in Manitou Springs, cheering on the Switchbacks, or bringing the whole family (dog included) to the zoo, there is something here for you. Here is everything worth knowing for August 21 through 23.
Colorado Springs Comic Con
Three full days of comics, cosplay, celebrity guests, artists, and vendors take over the Broadmoor World Arena this weekend. It is a fun outing for kids and adults alike, with plenty to see even if you are not deep into comic culture, from cosplay contests to panels to a packed vendor floor.
- Day/Time: Friday, August 21 at 3:00 PM; Saturday, August 22 at 10:00 AM; Sunday, August 23 at 10:00 AM
- Location: Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- Price: Single day and multi day passes available, check cscomiccon.com or AXS.com for current pricing
- Link: https://www.broadmoorworldarena.com/events/detail/comiccon26
Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
Legendary rock band Little Feat brings its blend of California rock, funk, and New Orleans swamp boogie to the Pikes Peak Center. This is being billed as one of the group’s final tour stops, so it is a great chance to catch a piece of music history in an intimate downtown venue.
- Day/Time: Friday, August 21 at 7:30 PM
- Location: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: See AXS.com for current ticket pricing
- Link: https://www.pikespeakcenter.com/events/detail/littlefeat
Santa Rios: A Tribute to Santana
This nine piece central Colorado ensemble recreates the Latin fusion sound of Carlos Santana, blending Afro Cuban rhythms with blues and rock inside Stargazers’ intimate dome theater. Expect a high energy night built for dancing.
- Day/Time: Friday, August 21, doors at 6:00 PM, show at 7:00 PM
- Location: Stargazers Theatre and Event Center, 10 S Parkside Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
- Price: $25 general admission plus a $3 ticketing fee
- Link: https://stargazerstheatre.com/product/santa-rios-august-2026/
Dog Days at the Zoo
Bring your well behaved pup along for a day at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Dog tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance alongside your family’s regular admission, so it is worth planning ahead if you want to make it a whole family outing, four legged members included.
- Day/Time: Friday, August 21, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- Price: Regular zoo admission plus a limited dog ticket, advance purchase required, check cmzoo.org for current pricing
- Link: https://www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/
Bear Creek Nature Center 50th Anniversary Bear-thday Party
Colorado’s first nature center is turning 50, and El Paso County Parks is throwing a free celebration with food trucks, games, a living history hike, a book reading, insect activities, and exhibits from local nature and science organizations. It is a great low key way to spend a Saturday morning outdoors with kids.
- Day/Time: Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Location: Bear Creek Nature Center, 245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- Price: Free admission
- Link: https://www.elpasoco.com/bcnc50/
Switchbacks FC vs. El Paso Locomotive
Colorado Springs’ own USL Championship soccer club takes on rival El Paso Locomotive under the lights at Weidner Field. It is a fun, affordable night out for the whole family, with the energy of downtown Colorado Springs on full display.
- Day/Time: Saturday, August 22 at 7:00 PM
- Location: Weidner Field, 111 W Cimarron St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Tickets available through SeatGeek and switchbacksfc.com, check site for current pricing
- Link: https://peakradar.com/event/switchbacks-fc-v-el-paso-locomotive/
Stroller Safaris: Arthropods in August
Designed for little ones ages one to four with an adult, this Cheyenne Mountain Zoo program dives into the world of pollinators and decomposers with a guided mini hike, an animal meet and greet, and a hands on activity. Registration is required and space is limited.
- Day/Time: Saturday, August 22, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Location: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- Price: $10.75 per participant for zoo members, $24.75 for non members, infants under 12 months free
- Link: https://www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/camps-classes/family-programs/stroller-safaris/
‘As You Like It’ (Final Weekend)
Colorado Springs’ oldest theater company, Star Bar Players, closes out its run of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy on the historic grounds of Onaledge Manor in Manitou Springs. This is the last weekend to catch this outdoor production, performed in partnership with the Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts under the stars.
- Day/Time: Friday, August 21 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, August 22 at 7:00 PM, Sunday, August 23 at 4:00 PM
- Location: Onaledge at Smokebrush Farm, 336 El Paso Blvd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Price: $26.50 general admission, $15.90 for seniors, students, military, and educators, Sunday performance is pay what you can at the door
- Link: https://peakradar.com/event/as-you-like-it-2/
Pikes Peak Watercolor Society Member’s Show
Stop by Gallery 515 at the Manitou Art Center to see original watercolor works from Colorado artists, all hand painted with no AI or digital work involved. It is a quiet, free way to spend part of your Friday or Saturday exploring Manitou Springs.
- Day/Time: Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Manitou Art Center, Gallery 515, 513 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Price: Free admission
- Link: https://peakradar.com/event/pikes-peak-watercolor-society-members-show/
‘Jean Latka … and Her Friend Tom Latka’ Pottery Exhibit
Longtime Pueblo potters Jean and Tom Latka show their functional and decorative pottery, from mugs and bowls to vases and wall pieces, at this cozy Manitou Springs gallery. A relaxing, free stop on a weekend stroll through downtown Manitou.
- Day/Time: Friday through Sunday, August 21 to 23, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Location: Green Horse Gallery, 729 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Price: Free admission
- Link: https://peakradar.com/event/jean-latka-and-her-friend-tom-latka/
However you spend it, I hope this weekend is a great one for you and your family. Colorado Springs never runs short on ways to get outside, support local artists, and enjoy this community we all love. And if you or anyone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in the Pikes Peak region, I would love to help. Reach out anytime at dan@hayespg.com.
