Summer is in full swing this weekend, and there is a little bit of everything happening around our beautiful corner of the state, from rodeo action to county fair rides to live music under the stars. Whether you are headed up to Green Mountain Falls, out to Calhan, or staying close to home downtown, there is plenty to fill your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Here is everything worth knowing about for the weekend of July 17 through 19.
Rocky Mountain State Games
Colorado’s largest multi-sport festival returns for its core weekend, bringing together athletes of all ages and ability levels for competitions in more than 35 sports, from archery and track and field to pickleball and mutton bustin’. Events are spread across city parks, District 11 facilities, the Air Force Academy, and Springs Pickleball, so there is a good chance you can catch a friend or neighbor competing.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19, times vary by sport
- Location: Multiple venues across Colorado Springs, including the U.S. Air Force Academy
- Price: Varies by event, many are free to watch
- Link: rockymountainstategames.org
Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo
One of the Springs’ longest-running summer traditions wraps up its run this weekend with nightly rodeo action supporting military families. Friday brings a Military Family Day matinee and Space Night in the evening, while Saturday closes things out with a U.S. Air Force Academy matinee and NORAD Night.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17, matinee at 12:30 p.m. and evening performance at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 18, matinee at 12:30 p.m. and evening performance at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs
- Price: Varies by seating and performance
- Link: pikespeakorbust.org
El Paso County Fair
Out in Calhan, the county fair is celebrating over 120 years of agriculture and community with rides, food, a Wild West Stunt Show, and plenty of animals to see. Friday brings auto racing at the El Paso County Raceway, and Saturday closes the fair with the always popular demolition derby.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Location: El Paso County Fairgrounds, 366 10th Street, Calhan
- Price: $8 adults, $4 youth ages 3-12, $6 seniors; special events like the derby and races are ticketed separately
- Link: elpasocountyfair.com
Green Box Arts Festival
Up in Green Mountain Falls, this beloved arts festival wraps its 18th season with more than 150 events packed into just over two weeks, including performances by the Oklahoma City Ballet. It is a wonderful excuse for a scenic drive up Ute Pass with the whole family.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19, all day, with ballet performances at 7 p.m. July 17-18 and 2 p.m. July 18-19
- Location: Green Box at Lake Park, Green Mountain Falls
- Price: Varies by event, many are free
- Link: greenboxarts.org
Patti LaBelle at Pikes Peak Center
The legendary singer brings her powerhouse voice to downtown Colorado Springs for one night only. It is a great pick for a special date night or girls’ night out.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: pikespeakcenter.com
Manitou Chamber Music Festival Concert
This year’s festival continues with a program featuring Mozart, Caroline Shaw, and Stravinsky performed by talented visiting and local musicians. It is an elegant evening out for anyone who loves classical music in an intimate setting.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17, evening performance
- Location: CSYSA Building, Colorado Springs
- Price: $26.03 per ticket, season pass available
- Link: manitouchambermusicfestival.com
REWILDING Exhibition at Cottonwood Center for the Arts
This thought-provoking visual arts exhibition explores our connection to the natural world and is a lovely way to spend a quiet hour downtown. Browse the galleries and support local and regional artists.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Location: Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 427 E. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs
- Price: Free admission
- Link: cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com
Movie Night in the Park
Fountain is hosting a family friendly outdoor movie night, a great low-key option if you are looking for something easy and fun with the kids this weekend.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17, evening, check website for showtime
- Location: Fountain, Colorado, check website for park location
- Price: Free admission
- Link: fountaincolorado.org
Manitou Springs Summer Concert Series
Manitou’s beloved free summer concert series continues with live music in the park on Friday evening. Bring a chair, grab a bite from a nearby restaurant, and enjoy the mountain air.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17, 6 p.m.
- Location: Soda Springs Park, Manitou Springs
- Price: Free admission
- Link: manitousprings.org
Taproom Takeover Benefiting Rocky Mountain Field Institute
Raise a glass for a good cause at this taproom takeover, where a dollar from every pint, cocktail, and spirit sold goes toward protecting public lands and building trails right here in the Pikes Peak region.
- Day/Time: Saturday, July 18, 5 p.m.
- Location: Mash Mechanix Brewing Co, Colorado Springs
- Price: Free entry, purchases support the cause
- Link: rmfi.org
Mocktails and Mushroom Painting with Cait
Old Colorado City hosts a fun and creative Saturday session pairing a guided painting class with mocktails, perfect for a relaxed girls’ day or a solo creative outing.
- Day/Time: Saturday, July 18, check website for exact time
- Location: Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: shopoldcoloradocity.com
Ashley McBryde at Phil Long Music Hall
Country fans will not want to miss this Friday night show from one of Nashville’s most acclaimed storytellers, known for her honest songwriting and dynamic live performances.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17, evening, check website for showtime
- Location: Phil Long Music Hall, 13071 Bass Pro Drive, Colorado Springs
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: phillongmusichall.com
Lucero at Black Sheep
This road-tested rock and Americana band brings its high energy live show to the east side on Friday night, a great option for music lovers looking for something a little different.
- Day/Time: Friday, July 17, evening, check website for showtime
- Location: The Black Sheep, 2106 E. Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: blacksheeprocks.com
Save Ferris at Black Sheep
The ska revival favorites known for their upbeat horns and infectious energy take the stage Saturday night for what promises to be a fun, dance-all-night kind of show.
- Day/Time: Saturday, July 18, evening, check website for showtime
- Location: The Black Sheep, 2106 E. Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: blacksheeprocks.com
719 Fest
Wrap up the weekend with this local music showcase spanning three venues on the east side, spotlighting Colorado Springs bands and artists across multiple genres.
- Day/Time: Sunday, July 19, all day, check website for set times
- Location: The Black Sheep, Vultures, and What’s Left Records, Colorado Springs
- Price: Check website for pricing/ Price varies
- Link: blacksheeprocks.com
Whatever you decide to do this weekend, I hope you get outside, enjoy this incredible Colorado summer, and make some great memories with the people you love. And if you or anyone you know has been thinking about making Colorado Springs home, my team and I would love to help. Feel free to reach out anytime at dan@hayespg.com. Have a wonderful weekend!
