Happy long weekend, Colorado Springs. The air is crisp, the aspens are putting on a show up the pass, and because Monday is Columbus Day, we get a full four days to enjoy it. Whether you are into live music, fall festivals, or just want to get the family out of the house, there is a lot going on from El Paso County out toward Calhan this Friday through Monday. Here is everything worth marking on your calendar.
Dwight Yoakam Live at Ford Amphitheater
Country legend Dwight Yoakam brings his iconic sound to Ford Amphitheater to kick off the long weekend in style. Luke Borchelt opens the night, and with the Rockies as a backdrop, this is one of the best ways to start Columbus Day weekend.
- Day/Time: Friday, October 9, doors and opener at 7:00 p.m., Dwight Yoakam at 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Ford Amphitheater, 95 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs, CO
- Price: Tickets start around $72, pricing varies by seating
- Link: fordamphitheater.live
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
This touring tribute show reimagines classic rock anthems with a full orchestra, all performed by candlelight inside the Pikes Peak Center. It is a polished, all ages night out that still feels like a rock show.
- Day/Time: Friday, October 9, 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Check pikespeakcenter.com or AXS for current pricing
- Link: pikespeakcenter.com
Spinphony
Spinphony brings its electrifying blend of electric violin, cello, and percussion to the intimate Stargazers Theatre. Expect a high energy mix of classical technique and modern rock and pop arrangements that works for music fans of every age.
- Day/Time: Friday, October 9, 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Location: Stargazers Theatre & Event Center, 10 S. Parkside Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
- Price: $25 plus a $3 ticketing fee
- Link: stargazerstheatre.com
Colorado College Men’s Soccer vs. St. Thomas
Cheer on the Tigers in a free, family friendly college soccer match on Colorado College’s home turf. It is a relaxed way to spend a Friday afternoon outdoors before the weekend festivities begin.
- Day/Time: Friday, October 9, 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Stewart Field, 44 W. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Free admission
- Link: peakradar.com
Colorado College Music Ensembles Showcase
Colorado College student musicians take the stage at historic Packard Hall for a free showcase spanning multiple ensembles and styles. It is a lovely, low key option for an early evening with the family.
- Day/Time: Friday, October 9, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Packard Hall, 5 W. Cache La Poudre St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Free admission
- Link: peakradar.com
Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner & Western Stage Show
A Colorado Springs classic, the Flying W Wranglers serve up a hearty chuckwagon supper followed by a lively Western stage show complete with cowboy music and storytelling. It runs nightly through the month, making it an easy, family friendly pick for any night of the long weekend.
- Day/Time: Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, gates open at 5:00 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., show to follow
- Location: Flying W Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
- Price: Around $39 for general admission, $29 for seniors, military, and children, prices can vary so please confirm on flyingw.com
- Link: flyingw.com
Manitou 5K
Lace up for a scenic run or walk through Manitou Springs benefiting local school programs. There is a post race party at Fields Park, making this a fun, active way to start Saturday as a family.
- Day/Time: Saturday, October 10, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Fields Park, 114 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Price: $43.40 for ages 19 and up, $27.50 for ages 18 and under
- Link: runsignup.com
Family Christian Book Fest
Browse tables of books, meet authors, and enjoy family activities at this free book fest hosted at Covenant Presbyterian Church. It is a relaxed, indoor option if you want a break from the fall chill.
- Day/Time: Saturday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2845 Parliament Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920
- Price: Free admission
- Link: peakradar.com
Fossil Day Celebration at Garden of the Gods
Celebrate National Fossil Day with hands on activities, exhibits, and expert talks at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. It is a great, free option for curious kids and rockhounds of all ages.
- Day/Time: Saturday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904
- Price: Free admission
- Link: gardenofgods.com
El Paso County Raceway Race Night
Head east to Calhan for a night of dirt track racing under the lights at El Paso County Raceway. The lineup of races can change week to week, so check the track’s page before you go, but the grandstands are open and family friendly.
- Day/Time: Saturday, October 10, racing begins at 4:00 p.m.
- Location: El Paso County Raceway, 366 10th St., Calhan, CO 80808
- Price: Grandstand admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and military, $10 for ages 13 to 17, $5 for ages 6 to 12, and free for 5 and under
- Link: myracepass.com
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum Colorado Resident Saturday
Colorado residents get free admission this Saturday afternoon to explore the Museum’s interactive exhibits celebrating Team USA athletes. Out of state guests receive 20 percent off, making it a great value for visiting family too.
- Day/Time: Saturday, October 10, 2:00 p.m. until close, last ticket sold at 4:00 p.m.
- Location: U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, 200 S. Sierra Madre St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Free for Colorado residents with valid ID, 20 percent off for out of state guests
- Link: usopm.org
Movies Under the Stars: The Dark Knight
Grab a chair and watch The Dark Knight on the big outdoor screen at Bristol Brewing Company. This free community movie night is a laid back way to spend a Saturday evening under the Colorado sky.
- Day/Time: Saturday, October 10, 6:30 p.m.
- Location: Bristol Brewing Company, 1604 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80905
- Price: Free, bring your own chair, no outside food or drink
- Link: peakradar.com
Field Day: A Benefit for Colorado Springs’ Newest Music Venue
This free community festival at Soda Springs Park in Manitou Springs supports the build out of a brand new local music venue called The Iowa. Expect live music and a festive, neighborhood feel, with donations welcome but never required.
- Day/Time: Saturday, October 10, starting at 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Soda Springs Park, 1016 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Price: Free, donations accepted
- Link: peakradar.com
UCCS Dance Program Presents “the NEXUS between”
UCCS dance students present an afternoon and evening of original choreography at the Ent Center for the Arts. It is a wonderful, affordable way to support local young artists and enjoy a professional caliber performance.
- Day/Time: Saturday, October 10, performances at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Ent Center for the Arts, 5225 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80918
- Price: $22.75 including fees
- Link: tickets.entcenterforthearts.org
Altitude Makers + Farmers Market
Wrap up the weekend at this charming maker’s market in Soda Springs Park, hosted by the Manitou Art Center. Browse locally made crafts, baked goods, and teas, with live belly dancing performances adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Day/Time: Sunday, October 11, starting at 11:00 a.m.
- Location: Soda Springs Park, 1016 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Price: Free to attend, items available for purchase
- Link: manitousprings.org
That is a packed long weekend of music, festivals, and family fun all within easy reach of home. Enjoy every bit of it, and if you or someone you know is thinking about making a move in Colorado Springs, my team and I would love to help. Reach out any time at dan@hayespg.com.
