Summer is hitting its stride in the Pikes Peak region, and this weekend is loaded with reasons to get outside, gather with friends, and soak up everything that makes Colorado Springs such a special place to call home. Whether you are looking for big-name live music, a family road trip to a quirky mountain tradition, fresh produce at a local market, or an unforgettable adults-only evening under the stars, June 26-28, 2026 has you covered. Here is your complete guide to the best things happening in and around the Springs this weekend.
95th Annual Donkey Derby Days
For 95 years, Cripple Creek has celebrated its iconic resident donkeys with one of Colorado’s most beloved and quirky festivals. This free, multi-day event features lively donkey derby races, a downtown parade, professional pack burro racing on Sunday at noon (making a return for the first time in two decades), live music including country artist Maddox Ross on Friday at 2 p.m. and The Martini Shot headlining Saturday night at 6:30 p.m., food trucks, vendor booths, a children’s adventure zone, gold panning, and a summer melodrama at the Butte Theater. Cripple Creek is about an hour from downtown Colorado Springs and well worth the scenic drive.
Day/Time: Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28 | All-day events; concert times vary
Location: Downtown Cripple Creek, CO
Price: Free admission
Link: cripplecreekdonkeys.com/donkeyderbydays
2026 Springs Coin Show
Coin and currency enthusiasts will not want to miss this two-day show featuring more than 50 dealer tables packed with U.S. and foreign coins, currency, gold, silver, and collectibles. Whether you are an experienced numismatist or just getting curious about the hobby, this is a great opportunity to buy, sell, or have items appraised. Presented by the Colorado Springs Coin Club and the Colorado Springs Numismatic Society, with food available on-site and free parking on the west side of the building.
Day/Time: Friday, June 26, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Early Bird 9 a.m., $15); Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: BPO Elks Lodge #309, 3400 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs
Price: $1 general admission (Early Bird Friday $15)
Link: peakradar.com/event/2026-springs-coin-show
AJR at Ford Amphitheater
Multiplatinum indie-pop trio AJR brings their high-energy, genre-bending live show to Ford Amphitheater this Saturday. Known for massive anthems like “World’s Smallest Violin” and “I’m Ready,” AJR has built one of the most passionate fanbases in modern pop music. This is a fantastic summer night out under the open sky at one of Colorado Springs’ premier outdoor music venues. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, AXS, and SeatGeek.
Day/Time: Saturday, June 27, doors 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.
Location: Ford Amphitheater, 95 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs
Price: Tickets starting at $50
Link: fordamphitheater.live/event/ajr
Moonlight on the Mountain (Adults 21+)
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is turning 100 in 2026, and this adults-only evening event is one of the most memorable ways to celebrate. Sample food and beverages from regional restaurants and local brewers while live music plays throughout the Zoo. The evening culminates in a centennial drone show from 9:15-9:30 p.m. with prime viewing spots at Elephant Boardwalk and Grizzly Grill. This is a truly one-of-a-kind Colorado Springs experience that sells out fast.
Day/Time: Saturday, June 27, 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs
Price: $79.75 – $119.75
Link: cmzoo.org
2nd Annual Guns & Hoses City Slicker Ranch Rodeo
Cheer on your local heroes at this one-of-a-kind ranch rodeo where teams of law enforcement officers, first responders, and military members compete in classic timed cowboy events, each paired with an experienced cowboy. It starts with a family-friendly Touch-a-Truck event where kids can explore real emergency vehicles, followed by the rodeo at 6 p.m. All proceeds benefit local charities supporting first responders and the military. This is community spirit at its absolute best.
Day/Time: Saturday, June 27 | Touch-a-Truck 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.; Rodeo at 6 p.m.
Location: Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs
Price: Check website for ticket pricing
Link: norrispenrose.com
Front Range Maker’s Market
Head up to Monument for this beloved artisan market celebrating 30 years of bringing together more than 100 local makers, artists, and small business owners. You will find handcrafted pottery, jewelry, clothing, home decor, specialty foods, and so much more. It is a wonderful way to support the local creative community and discover unique gifts you simply cannot find anywhere else. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Day/Time: Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sunday, June 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Lewis Palmer High School, 1300 Higby Road, Monument, CO
Price: $5 adults; free for children 12 and under
Link: frmakersmarket.com
Old Colorado City Farmers Market
One of the Pikes Peak region’s longest-running farmers markets returns to Bancroft Park this Saturday morning. In its fourth decade, this beloved market offers fresh produce, meats, cheeses, honey, baked goods, flowers, and handmade items from local vendors. It is the perfect early Saturday morning stop before exploring the galleries and shops along historic West Colorado Avenue.
Day/Time: Saturday, June 27, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Bancroft Park, 2408 W. Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs
Price: Free to attend
Link: pikespeakfarmersmarkets.com
Nat Baimel at Loonees Comedy Corner
Nat Baimel is known for smart, well-crafted comedy that tackles real subjects with wit and warmth, leaving audiences laughing as much as thinking. He plays two shows both Friday and Saturday nights at Loonees Comedy Corner, Colorado Springs’ go-to spot for stand-up. It is a great date night or outing with friends.
Day/Time: Friday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Location: Loonees Comedy Corner, 1305 N. Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs
Price: $12 – $80
Link: looneescc.com
Big Bubble Circus at Millibo Art Theatre
The Millibo Art Theatre’s family-friendly Ice Cream Theatre Series brings the fun this weekend with the Big Bubble Circus. Enjoy a lively performance followed by ice cream served after every show. It is the kind of community theater experience that creates lasting memories for kids of all ages.
Day/Time: Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 7 p.m. each night
Location: Millibo Art Theatre, 1626 S. Tejon St, Colorado Springs
Price: Check website for ticket pricing
Link: themat.org
Five For Fighting and Edwin McCain at Pikes Peak Center
Two beloved singer-songwriters, each headlining their own set, come together for a co-headline tour stop at the beautiful Pikes Peak Center. Five For Fighting is best known for “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” and “100 Years,” while Edwin McCain gave us the unforgettable “I’ll Be.” This is a powerful evening of heartfelt music that is perfect for a Sunday night out.
Day/Time: Sunday, June 28, 7:30 p.m.
Location: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs
Price: Check website for ticket pricing
Link: pikespeakcenter.com
Colorado Springs Sunday Market
Downtown’s premier Sunday market fills Acacia Park with more than 60 vendors offering Colorado-grown produce, artisan foods, handmade goods, and live local music. It is a wonderful way to kick off a Sunday morning, pick up fresh ingredients for the week, and enjoy the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. Bring the family and let the kids play while you browse.
Day/Time: Sunday, June 28, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Acacia Park, 115 E. Platte Ave, Downtown Colorado Springs
Price: Free admission
Link: huntandgathercos.com/pages/sunday-market
USA Weightlifting National Championships
The premier national event in USA Weightlifting wraps up its final days this weekend at Ed Robson Arena, with the Senior National Championships taking center stage June 26-28. Watch more than 1,500 of the nation’s top athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Olivia Reeves and rising Team USA standout Kolbi Ferguson, compete for national titles. If you have never seen elite weightlifting live, this is a thrilling and inspiring experience.
Day/Time: Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28; Senior competition (session times vary)
Location: Ed Robson Arena, Colorado Springs
Price: Tickets at usaweightlifting.org/tickets
Link: usaweightlifting.org/2026-national-championships
USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournament
The final days of this official USA Pickleball Nationals qualifier take place this weekend at Peak Pickleball. Players from across the country are competing in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and junior divisions for coveted Golden Ticket slots to the 2026 USA Pickleball National Championships. Whether you are a pickleball player or just curious, the fast-paced competition is fun to watch.
Day/Time: Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28 (final days of tournament)
Location: Peak Pickleball, Colorado Springs
Price: Check website for spectator information
Link: usapickleball.org
“Simulacra” Exhibition Opening at Ent Center for the Arts
A thought-provoking new exhibition opens this Friday featuring the work of three acclaimed artists: Dornith Doherty, Etsuko Ichikawa, and Bill Viola. Titled “Simulacra (or, The Persistence of Nature in an Age of Mediation),” the show explores our relationship with the natural world through a contemporary lens. The exhibition runs through October 10, so this weekend is the perfect opportunity to be among the first to experience it.
Day/Time: Opens Friday, June 26; runs through October 10 (check website for gallery hours)
Location: Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs
Price: Check website for admission
Link: entcenterforthearts.org
“The Many Travels of Mary Chenoweth” at the Fine Arts Center
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College is presenting a wonderful ongoing exhibit featuring works inspired by the global travels of Mary Chenoweth, beginning in 1958. It is a rich and evocative show that pairs beautifully with a stroll through the Colorado College campus on a summer weekend. The FAC is one of the true cultural gems of Colorado Springs.
Day/Time: Running through October 4, 2026 (open weekends; check website for current hours)
Location: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, 30 W. Dale St, Colorado Springs
Price: Check website for admission
Link: fac.coloradocollege.edu
Daily Guided Nature Walks at Garden of the Gods
There is no better way to experience the breathtaking red rock formations of Garden of the Gods than with a knowledgeable local guide. Daily guided nature walks depart from the Visitor and Nature Center each morning, following the Gateway Trail into the Central Garden on a route that is accessible and suitable for most visitors. Reservations are required and can be made online.
Day/Time: Daily at 10:30 a.m., approximately one hour
Location: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs
Price: $5 per person
Link: gardenofgods.com
Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Show
A Colorado Springs institution with more than 70 years of history, the Flying W Ranch offers a nightly cowboy experience unlike anything else in the region. Arrive early to explore the Western grounds, meet ranch animals, try roping, and shop the Western village before sitting down to a hearty chuckwagon dinner of smoked brisket, ranch beans, biscuits, and more. After dinner, the award-winning Flying W Wranglers take the stage for an evening of Western music and tall tales. It is a must-do for locals and visitors alike.
Day/Time: Nightly through the summer season; gates open for pre-dinner activities
Location: Flying W Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Road, Colorado Springs
Price: Adults $68; Seniors and Military $63; Children (4-12) $33
Link: flyingw.com
What a weekend to be in Colorado Springs. Get out there, explore, and enjoy every bit of it. And if this vibrant community has you thinking about making the Springs your permanent home, my team and I would love to help you find the perfect neighborhood. Reach out anytime at dan@hayespg.com.
