Colorado Springs Events

The Hayes Weekend Report: October 16 – 18, 2026

October 15, 2026 By Dan Hayes

Hello, Colorado Springs! The air is crisp, the aspens are putting on their last big show up near Divide and Woodland Park, and there is a whole lot happening around the Pikes Peak region this weekend. Whether you are chasing pumpkins, cheering on the Falcons, or just looking for a good reason to get outside before winter settles in, this weekend has something for everyone in the family. Here is everything worth knowing about October 16 through 18, 2026.

Boo at the Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lights up for Halloween with trick or treating stations throughout the grounds, seasonal decorations, and all your favorite animals out and about in the cooler evening air. This is one of the most popular family traditions in town, so advance tickets are a must.

  • Day/Time: Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, 4:00 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Price: Advance timed tickets required for all guests, including members. Walk up tickets are not sold. Check cmzoo.org/boo for current pricing.
  • Link: cmzoo.org/boo

Fall Bash – The Final Festival at PPIR

This one is bittersweet. Pikes Peak International Raceway is closing after the 2026 season, and Fall Bash is being billed as the final festival at the track. Expect Halloween themed racing action along with family activities throughout the weekend, a fitting send off for a Colorado Springs area landmark.

  • Day/Time: Friday, October 16, 11:00 a.m. through Saturday, October 17, 11:00 p.m.
  • Location: Pikes Peak International Raceway, 16650 Midway Ranch Road, Fountain, CO
  • Price: Check tickets.ppir.com for current pricing.
  • Link: tickets.ppir.com/e/ppir-fall-bash-2026

3rd Annual Pumpkin Hike at Mueller State Park

Lace up your hiking boots and head to the high country for a family friendly evening hike centered around pumpkins, with activities based at the Visitor Center and Wapiti Trailhead. It is a lovely way to enjoy fall color in the Divide area before the snow flies.

  • Day/Time: Friday, October 16, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
  • Location: Mueller State Park, 21045 Highway 67 S, Divide, CO 80814
  • Price: Free with a park day pass, which is $10 for Colorado residents and $15 for out of state visitors.
  • Link: cpw.state.co.us

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival

Now in its 39th year, this is the longest running women’s film festival in North America, and it calls Colorado Springs home. The weekend brings screenings, filmmaker conversations, and special gatherings celebrating storytelling from women filmmakers around the world.

  • Day/Time: Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Friday and 8:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
  • Location: Cornerstone Arts Center at Colorado College, 825 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
  • Price: Festival passes available at the door, and single film tickets are sold starting ten minutes before each screening block. Check rmwfilm.org for pricing.
  • Link: rmwfilm.org

Air Force Falcons Football vs. UNLV

Head up to the Academy for a Saturday afternoon of Mountain West football as the Falcons take on UNLV. Falcon Stadium with Pikes Peak in the background is one of the best game day backdrops in college football.

  • Day/Time: Saturday, October 17, 1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Falcon Stadium, 2169 Field House Drive, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
  • Price: Tickets starting around $18.
  • Link: goairforcefalcons.com

Jimmy Failla Live at Pikes Peak Center

Comedian and Fox News Radio host Jimmy Failla brings his stand up show to downtown Colorado Springs for one night only. A great pick for a grown ups night out before the weekend wraps up.

  • Day/Time: Saturday, October 17, 6:30 p.m.
  • Location: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO
  • Price: Tickets starting around $62.
  • Link: pikespeakcenter.com

Smokin’ – A Tribute to Boston

Live music fans will want to catch this tribute act bringing the classic rock sound of Boston to the intimate Stargazers Theatre stage. A fun, high energy night for classic rock lovers.

  • Day/Time: Saturday, October 17, 7:00 p.m.
  • Location: Stargazers Theatre, 10 S. Parkside Drive, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Price: Tickets starting around $54.
  • Link: stargazerstheatre.com

Old Colorado City Farmers Market – Final Market of the Season

Old Colorado City wraps up its 2026 market season this weekend, so it is your last chance to stock up on local produce, baked goods, and flowers at this westside staple before it returns next spring.

  • Day/Time: Saturday, October 17, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: W. Colorado Ave. and 24th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904
  • Price: Free admission.
  • Link: downtowncs.com

Shoup Road Market – Final Market of the Season

Another local favorite closing out its season this weekend. Swing by for one last round of fresh produce and handmade goods from area vendors before the market takes its winter break.

  • Day/Time: Saturday, October 17, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: 6845 Shoup Rd., Colorado Springs, CO
  • Price: Free admission.
  • Link: visitcos.com

Colorado Farm and Art Market at Margarita at Pine Creek – Final Market of the Season

This is the last weekend for the farm and art market at Margarita at Pine Creek, wrapping up its 2026 run. Expect local farm goods alongside handmade art and crafts from regional makers.

  • Day/Time: Saturday, October 17, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Location: 7350 Pine Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO
  • Price: Free admission.
  • Link: visitcos.com

ZooBoo at the Pueblo Zoo

If you want to make a day of it, head about 45 minutes south to Pueblo for ZooBoo, a Halloween themed celebration with costumed critters, treat stations, and a brand new haunted house experience this year.

  • Day/Time: Saturday, October 17, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., last admission at 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: Pueblo Zoo, 3455 Nuckolls Ave., Pueblo, CO 81005
  • Price: $15.25 for non-member adults, $5.25 for children, free for zoo members and children 2 and under.
  • Link: pueblozoo.org/zooboo-2026

Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Western Stage Show

Saddle up for an evening of old west hospitality at this Colorado Springs institution. Enjoy a hearty chuckwagon dinner followed by a live western stage show full of music and cowboy storytelling.

  • Day/Time: Saturday, October 17. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Flying W Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
  • Price: Check flyingw.com for current season pricing.
  • Link: flyingw.com

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, I hope you and your family get out and enjoy everything that makes the Pikes Peak region such a special place to call home. As always, if you or anyone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in Colorado Springs, my team and I would love to help. Feel free to reach out any time at dan@hayespg.com. Have a wonderful weekend!

Dan Hayes

Dan Hayes

Owner, Hayes Property Group

USAF Veteran, MRP Certified, VA Loan Expert. Helping military families find home in Colorado Springs.

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