Welcome back to The Hayes Weekend Report! As we head into another beautiful Colorado Springs weekend, I have put together a roundup of some truly great events happening around town. Whether you are looking for family fun, live entertainment, outdoor adventure, or a chance to support local vendors, there is something for everyone this weekend. And since Sunday is Mother’s Day, this is also the perfect opportunity to plan something special for the moms in your life.
Here is your complete guide to the best events happening in Colorado Springs from Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Friday, May 8
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic opens a two-night run of one of the most iconic films in cinema history, performed live in concert. The full orchestra plays John Williams’ legendary score while the film plays on the big screen. If you have never experienced a film this way, this is the weekend to try it. The show runs both Friday and Saturday nights.
•Day/Time: Friday, May 8 at 7:30 PM (also Saturday, May 9)
•Location: Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, 190 S. Cascade Ave
•Price: Tickets from $74 (available through AXS)
•Link: pikespeakcenter.com
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Orange County SC
The Switchbacks are back at Weidner Field for a Friday night USL Championship matchup against Orange County SC. There is nothing quite like live soccer under the lights, and Weidner Field is one of the best venues in the league. Grab the family and cheer on the home side.
•Day/Time: Friday, May 8 at 7:00 PM
•Location: Weidner Field, Colorado Springs
•Price: Tickets starting around $22
•Link: switchbacksfc.com
Do Portugal Circus USA
The big top is in town through May 24. This fifth-generation family circus brings live acrobatics, daring stunts, comedy, and high-energy entertainment for all ages. Friday night is a great way to kick off the weekend.
•Day/Time: Friday, May 8 at 7:30 PM (multiple shows daily through May 24)
•Location: 400 S Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs
•Price: $15.00 to $30.00
•Link: doportugalcircususa.com
Comedy Night with Ben Bankas
Ben Bankas has become one of the most talked-about comedians of 2026, with over 100 million views online this year. Catch him live at Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers for a night of stand-up that has been selling out fast. Tickets are limited, so do not wait on this one.
•Day/Time: Friday, May 8 (Doors at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:30 PM)
•Location: Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 13071 Bass Pro Drive
•Price: $36 to $44 (limited tickets remaining)
•Link: bourbonbrothers.com
DJ Sandhu at Loonees Comedy Corner
Loonees Comedy Corner is one of Colorado Springs’ most beloved comedy venues, and this weekend they are featuring DJ Sandhu, a Las Vegas-based comedian known for his sharp wit and absurdist observations. Shows run both Friday and Saturday nights.
•Day/Time: Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9
•Location: Loonees Comedy Corner, 1305 N Academy Blvd
•Price: General Admission and VIP seating available (check website)
•Link: looneescc.com
Saturday, May 9
Totally Rad Vintage Fest
Step into a time warp of style and nostalgia at the Totally Rad Vintage Fest, making its Colorado Springs stop at the Event Center on Palmer Park. Dozens of vendors specialize in clothing and accessories from the 80s, 90s, and Y2K eras, plus there is a Free-Play Vintage Arcade, the Rad Rewind Museum, and nostalgic photo ops throughout. Kids 12 and under get in free, making this a great family outing.
•Day/Time: Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Early Entry at 8:30 AM)
•Location: Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd
•Price: General Admission $8 in advance ($12 day of), Early Entry $25, Kids 12 and under FREE
•Link: totallyradvf.com
Children’s Day Festival (Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado)
The Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado hosts their annual Children’s Day Festival with extended hours this year. Families can enjoy origami crafting, traditional Japanese games like kendama and daruma otoshi, live musical and martial arts demonstrations, and a Children’s Fashion Show featuring kimono and yukata. It is a wonderful cultural experience for kids of all ages.
•Day/Time: Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
•Location: PPUW Family Success Center, 1520 Verde Drive
•Price: Free for JASSC members; Non-members $5 each ($10 max per family)
•Link: japanamerica.org
FloraFest: Art and Plant Market
The 3rd Annual FloraFest at Cottonwood Center for the Arts is a celebration of spring. Local artists and gardeners fill the Main Gallery with 35-plus vendor tables, and the outdoor Penrose Alley comes alive with a food truck, beer and bellini garden, and free kids crafts. Admission is completely free, and parking is free as well. This one is a hidden gem.
•Day/Time: Saturday, May 9 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
•Location: Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 427 E Colorado Ave
•Price: Free to the public
May Cutting Show at El Paso County Fairgrounds
The Blue Collar Cutting Horse Association kicks off their 2026 season with the May Cutting Show at the El Paso County Fair and Events Center. If you have never watched cutting horse competition, it is a genuinely impressive display of athleticism from both horse and rider, and spectators are welcome free of charge.
•Day/Time: Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
•Location: El Paso County Fair and Events Center, 366 10th St, Calhan, CO
•Price: Free for spectators
Run to the Shrine (Saturday)
Please note that Saturday’s Run to the Shrine at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is now sold out. If you missed registration for Saturday, Sunday still has availability. See the Sunday listing below for full details.
Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day)
Colorado Springs Sunday Market Opening Day
This is a big one. The Colorado Springs Sunday Market returns to Acacia Park in Downtown Colorado Springs for its 2026 season opener. Every Sunday from now through October 25, the market runs from 9 AM to 2 PM, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan goods from local vendors. Opening Day is always a festive occasion, and it makes for a wonderful Mother’s Day morning outing.
•Day/Time: Sunday, May 10 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
•Location: Acacia Park, 115 E Platte Ave, Downtown Colorado Springs
•Price: Free admission
•Link: downtowncs.com
Run to the Shrine
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s beloved annual fundraiser run and walk still has Sunday registration available. The 4-mile course winds through the Zoo, up the mountain road to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and back down, with nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain and breathtaking views of Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods along the way. Animal exhibits are open during the event, and scheduled keeper talks and animal demos are planned throughout the evening. This is a genuinely special experience.
•Day/Time: Sunday, May 10 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
•Location: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd
•Price: Race Week pricing: Adults $60, Youth $55, Children (3-11) $30; member discounts available
•Link: cmzoo.org
Do Portugal Circus USA
The circus continues its Colorado Springs run on Sunday. Check the website for Sunday show times and grab tickets for a fun Mother’s Day afternoon or evening with the whole family.
•Day/Time: Sunday, May 10 (check website for show times)
•Location: 400 S Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs
•Price: $15.00 to $30.00
•Link: doportugalcircususa.com
There you have it, Colorado Springs. A packed weekend full of great options for every kind of family and every kind of budget. Whether you are taking the kids to the circus, cheering on the Switchbacks, or starting your Sunday morning right at the farmers market, I hope you get out there and enjoy everything our community has to offer.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. You deserve a great weekend.
Until next week,
The Hayes Weekend Report
