Happy Thursday, Colorado Springs! Summer is in full swing across the whole Pikes Peak region this weekend, and I mean the whole region. From a brand new country music festival in Woodland Park to opening weekend of the El Paso County Fair out in Calhan, there is a lot of ground to cover. Whether you want to stay close to home or make a short drive out of town, here is everything happening within about 45 minutes of downtown Colorado Springs from Friday through Sunday.
America’s Mountain Festival
Head up to Woodland Park for the second annual America’s Mountain Festival, a full day of country and Americana music at the base of Pikes Peak. The lineup includes Aaron Watson, Jenna Paulette, Tyce Delk, Walker Montgomery, and Matt Skinner Band, plus food vendors and family friendly activities.
Day/Time: Saturday, July 11, gates open 12:45 pm
Location: 201 Saddle Club Ave, Woodland Park, CO 80863
Price: Check website for GA and VIP pricing
Link: americasmountainfestival.com
El Paso County Fair (Opening Weekend)
The El Paso County Fair kicks off its 2026 run this weekend and continues through July 18. Expect 4-H animal shows, a rodeo, a petting zoo, truck and tractor pulls, carnival food, and plenty of small town charm for the whole family. The fairgrounds are also home to the El Paso County Raceway, so keep an eye out for auto racing later in the fair week.
Day/Time: Saturday, July 11, 10 am to 11 pm; Sunday, July 12, 10 am to 9 pm
Location: El Paso County Fairgrounds, 355 10th Street, Calhan, CO 80808
Price: Check website for admission and ride pricing
Link: elpasocountyfair.com
Old Colorado City Summerfest
Bancroft Park transforms into an outdoor gallery for Summerfest, a two day celebration of high quality art, handcrafted goods, and live music from local musicians. It is a great excuse to stroll historic Old Colorado City and support local makers.
Day/Time: Saturday and Sunday, July 11 to 12
Location: Bancroft Park, 2408 W. Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Price: Free admission
Link: shopoldcoloradocity.com
Thunder in the Valley Car Show
Fountain hosts its beloved Thunder in the Valley car show this weekend, kicking off with a police and fire escorted Friday night cruise followed by a full Saturday show featuring cars of every genre, door prizes, food, and music at Metcalfe Park.
Day/Time: Friday, July 10, cruise 4 pm to 7 pm; Saturday, July 11, show 7 am to 2 pm
Location: Metcalfe Park, 704 E. Ohio Ave, Fountain, CO 80817
Price: Free to attend; registration for entrants is $35 to $40
Link: thunderinthevalleyshow.com
Green Box Arts Festival
The Green Box Arts Festival brings big city culture to the mountain town of Green Mountain Falls, with more than 150 events throughout July. This weekend features performances by the Oklahoma City Ballet and an outdoor opera screening, all set against a beautiful mountain backdrop.
Day/Time: Friday and Saturday, July 10 to 11, 7 pm (Oklahoma City Ballet); Sunday, July 12, 2 pm (Ballet) and 7 pm (Opera on Screen)
Location: Sallie Bush Community Building, 10795 Ute Pass Ave, Green Mountain Falls, CO 80819
Price: $10 to $15 per event
Link: greenboxarts.org
First and Main Summer Concert Series
Grab a lawn chair and enjoy free live music at First and Main Town Center to kick off the weekend. This family friendly concert series runs weekly through mid July.
Day/Time: Friday, July 10, 5 pm to 7 pm
Location: Park across from Cinemark, First and Main Town Center, Colorado Springs, CO 80922
Price: Free admission
Link: peakradar.com
Bristol Brewing Schoolyard Concert Series
Bristol Brewing Company hosts a laid back Friday evening concert in the historic Ivywild School courtyard, with The River Arkansas taking the stage this week. Bring a picnic and settle in for a relaxed start to the weekend.
Day/Time: Friday, July 10, 6 pm to 8 pm
Location: Ivywild School, 1604 S. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Price: Free admission
Link: bristolbrewing.com
Live Music at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort in Manitou Springs brings live music and food trucks to its outdoor patio all weekend long, starting with Joe Sciallo and the Deep End on Friday night.
Day/Time: Friday and Saturday, July 10 to 11, 6 pm
Location: 2 El Paso Blvd, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Price: Free admission
Link: buffalolodge.com
My Girlfriend’s Garage at Goat Patch Brewing
Catch a Saturday night set from My Girlfriend’s Garage at Goat Patch Brewing’s Lincoln Center taproom, a favorite local spot for craft beer and live tunes.
Day/Time: Saturday, July 11
Location: Goat Patch Brewing Lincoln Center, 2727 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Price: Free admission
Link: goatpatchbrewing.com
Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner Show
Enjoy a hearty cowboy barbecue dinner paired with Western stage music from the Flying W Wranglers, one of the longest running Western bands in the world. It is a classic Colorado Springs summer tradition for visitors and locals alike.
Day/Time: Friday through Sunday, July 10 to 12, 5 pm to 9 pm nightly
Location: 3330 Chuckwagon Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Price: $68 general admission, $63 seniors and military, $33 children ages 4 to 12
Link: flyingw.com
Stockers Second Saturday Car Show
Car lovers will want to swing by Gunther Toody’s on Woodmen Road for this free monthly cruise in, featuring classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles from area collectors.
Day/Time: Saturday, July 11, 9 am to noon
Location: 5450 E Woodmen Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Price: Free admission
Link: coloradocarshow.com
However you spend it, I hope this weekend brings you some good sunshine and great company across the Pikes Peak region. And if you or someone you know is thinking about making Colorado Springs home, my team and I would love to talk real estate any time. Reach out at dan@hayespg.com.
