Summer has fully arrived in the Pikes Peak region, and this first weekend of June is packed with things to see, do, taste, and experience. Whether you are a lifelong Colorado Springs resident or someone scoping out what makes this city so special, there is something happening this weekend that will remind you exactly why this place feels like home. Grab your sunscreen, call your people, and let’s get into it.
Neil deGrasse Tyson: Search for Life in the Universe
America’s most beloved astrophysicist brings two back-to-back lectures to the Pikes Peak Center on Thursday and Friday, and the Friday night show lands perfectly in your weekend plans. This performance features Tyson’s captivating exploration of the search for habitable planets, liquid water, and intelligent life in the cosmos, followed by his fan-favorite review of the science behind classic films. If you have never seen Tyson live, this is one you will absolutely remember.
Day/Time: Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Location: Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 South Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Price: Check website for pricing
Link: pikespeakcenter.com
EPIC Season Finale: Charlibean
Close out the EPIC Concerts season in style with an intimate evening of world-class chamber music featuring concert pianist Andrew Staupe alongside the EPIC Wind Quintet. The program includes Beethoven’s Wind Quintet and Farrenc’s Sextet, performed by some of the finest musicians working today. EPIC is one of Colorado Springs’ great cultural treasures, and this season finale is a perfect send-off.
Day/Time: Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Location: Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Price: $44 general admission | $5 students
Link: tickets.entcenterforthearts.org
First Friday Art Walk – Downtown Colorado Springs
Every first Friday of the month, Downtown Colorado Springs comes alive with open galleries, live music, special installations, and the creative energy that makes this city so vibrant. Dozens of galleries, retailers, and nonprofit spaces throw open their doors and welcome everyone for a free evening of art and community. It is a perfect date night, a great family outing, or just a solo stroll through the creative heart of the city.
Day/Time: Friday, June 5, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Colorado Springs (multiple venues throughout downtown)
Price: Free admission
Link: downtowncs.com/first-friday
First Friday ArtWalk – Old Colorado City
Head a little west and you will find Old Colorado City’s own First Friday ArtWalk running simultaneously. The galleries and studios along Colorado Avenue open their doors for an evening of original works, meet-the-artist moments, and the charming walkable atmosphere that has made Old Colorado City a beloved arts destination for decades. Many visitors make a night of hitting both the downtown and Old Colorado City walks.
Day/Time: Friday, June 5, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Old Colorado City, W. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs
Price: Free admission
Link: visitcos.com/events/annual/artwalks-in-old-colorado-city
First and Main Summer Concert Series – Opening Night with Rafiel and the Roomshakers
The beloved First and Main Summer Concert Series kicks off its 2026 season this Friday evening with local favorites Rafiel and the Roomshakers. For more than 25 years this free outdoor series has been a Colorado Springs summer tradition, bringing live music, balloon animals, pop-up vendors, and great community energy to the park across from Cinemark. Come early, bring the family, and enjoy the perfect way to start a summer Friday.
Day/Time: Friday, June 5, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: First and Main Town Center, 3305 Cinema Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80922
Price: Free admission
Link: firstandmaintowncenter.com
That Arena Rock Show at Phil Long Music Hall
Phil Long Music Hall continues its excellent summer lineup with That Arena Rock Show on Friday night, celebrating the classic anthems and big sounds of arena rock at one of Colorado Springs’ premier live music venues. Located at Bourbon Brothers on the north end of town, Phil Long Music Hall delivers a great sound system, good food and drinks, and a fun crowd ready to rock.
Day/Time: Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Location: Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 13071 Bass Pro Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Price: Check website for pricing
Link: phillongmusichall.com
Iron Springs Chateau Dinner Melodrama: Yo Ho Ho and a Barrel of Fun
Running Friday and Saturday nights through mid-June, the Iron Springs Chateau in Manitou Springs presents its hilarious pirate melodrama followed by a full Vaudeville-style musical revue. Enjoy a three-course dinner starting at 6:00 PM, then settle in for one of the most unique and entertaining evenings in the region. This is a wonderfully fun date night option and a great way to experience one of Manitou Springs’ most beloved traditions.
Day/Time: Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6 | Dinner from 6:00 PM, Show at 7:30 PM
Location: Iron Springs Chateau, 444 Ruxton Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Price: Check website for current ticket pricing (dinner + show packages available)
Link: ironspringschateau.com
Pikes Peak Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
Running all three days of the weekend, this beloved annual show at the Norris Penrose Event Center features over 55 vendors offering rocks, minerals, fossils, meteorites, crystals, jewelry, and sculptures from Colorado and around the world. Daily beading classes are offered at 11:00 AM, with a special wire-wrapping class on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Kids will love the gold panning and scavenger hunt, and admission for ages 12 and under is free.
Day/Time: Friday and Saturday, June 5-6 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, June 7 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Price: $5 single day | $8 multi-day pass | Free for ages 12 and under
Link: pikespeakgemshow.com
Bancroft Park Farmers Market – Old Colorado City
The Bancroft Park Farmers Market opens its 2026 season this Saturday in the heart of Old Colorado City, running every Saturday through mid-October. Stock up on locally grown produce, handmade goods, artisan foods, and Colorado-crafted items in one of the most charming neighborhood settings in the city. It is a wonderful Saturday morning ritual whether you are a longtime resident or brand new to the Springs.
Day/Time: Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM (weekly through October)
Location: Bancroft Park, 2408 W. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Price: Free admission
Link: visitcos.com/blog/farmers-markets
Donut Day on Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
In celebration of National Donut Day, Pikes Peak is serving up high-altitude donuts alongside ranger-led educational talks at Crystal Reservoir, Glen Cove, and the Summit this Saturday and Sunday. This year’s theme is “Leave No Crumbs,” with activities focused on caring for and protecting the mountain. Special Ranger Talks To Go podcast episodes are available starting Friday, and a brand new Pikes Peak mascot makes its very first appearance this weekend.
Day/Time: Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, 2026 (Note: delayed highway opening both days due to Hill Climb activities)
Location: Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, Colorado Springs
Price: Free with toll gate fee | Timed entry or shuttle tickets required – reserve at DrivePikesPeak.com
Link: visitcos.com/events/donut-day
Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival
One of the most enjoyable annual events in the region, the Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival returns Saturday with 30 to 35 Colorado wineries and meaderies pouring tastings against the stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak. Every ticket includes a signature wine glass and a six-bottle wine tote bag, and the festival features three live music artists and local food trucks to round out the afternoon. Military, first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers receive a $10 discount with code WINEHEARTSYOU.
Day/Time: Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (VIP entry at 11:00 AM)
Location: Memorial Park, 354 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Price: Ticketed event – check website for current pricing
Link: manitousprings.org/manitou-springs-colorado-wine-festival
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC
Cheer on your Colorado Springs Switchbacks as they host El Paso Locomotive FC at Weidner Field on Saturday night. Weidner Field is one of the great community soccer venues in the country, with a wonderful atmosphere, great sightlines of Pikes Peak, and an incredibly passionate local fan base. This is a fantastic evening out for families, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to be part of the action.
Day/Time: Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Location: Weidner Field, Colorado Springs, CO
Price: Tickets available through SeatGeek and Ticketmaster
Link: switchbacksfc.com/schedule
Bad Cop/Bad Cop with Cheap Perfume and Pretty Bitter at The Black Sheep
The California punk rock quartet Bad Cop/Bad Cop rolls into The Black Sheep on Saturday evening for an all-ages show that promises serious energy and excellent music. Supporting acts include Colorado-based Cheap Perfume and Pretty Bitter for a full night of punk and alternative sounds in one of Colorado Springs’ best intimate music venues. Tickets start around $28 and are available in advance.
Day/Time: Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Location: The Black Sheep, 2106 E. Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Price: Starting at $28 | All ages
Link: ticketweb.com
Colorado College Summer Music Festival – Opening Weekend
The 42nd season of the Colorado College Summer Music Festival kicks off Saturday, running through June 26 on the CC campus. This year’s festival features five Festival Artists Concerts, two orchestral concerts, free Pre-Concert Recitals, and special guest composers Sam Wu and Grace Hale. Opening weekend programming begins Saturday with free pre-concert recitals and the first of several exceptional ticketed concerts. Check the CC website for the full season schedule and ticket information.
Day/Time: Festival runs June 6-26, 2026 | Daily programming at Colorado College campus
Location: Packard Hall, Colorado College, 14 East Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Price: Free Pre-Concert Recitals | Ticketed festival concerts – check website for pricing
Link: coloradocollege.edu/summermusicfestival
Colorado Springs Sunday Market at Acacia Park
Wrap up the weekend at the Colorado Springs Sunday Market in beautiful downtown Acacia Park. Running every Sunday from June through October, this market features Colorado-grown produce, artisan foods, handmade goods, and the kind of relaxed community vibe that makes Sunday morning in the Springs so good. It is a lovely way to ease into the week ahead with fresh finds and good conversation.
Day/Time: Sunday, June 7, 2026 (weekly through October)
Location: Acacia Park, Downtown Colorado Springs, 115 E. Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Price: Free admission
Link: visitcos.com/blog/farmers-markets
There you have it – a fantastic weekend ahead in Colorado Springs. Whatever you choose to do this weekend, I hope you get out and enjoy everything this incredible city has to offer. And if you have been thinking about making Colorado Springs home or are curious about what different neighborhoods are like, I would love to have that conversation. Reach out any time at dan@hayespg.com and let’s talk.
