Happy Friday, Colorado Springs! Fall is settling in nicely across the Pikes Peak region this week, with cooler mornings, golden light on the foothills, and just enough crispness in the air to make everything from garden festivals to outdoor concerts feel extra special. Whether you are into live music, family fun, motorsports, or just a slow Saturday market with a cup of coffee in hand, this weekend has a little bit of everything. Here is everything happening around Colorado Springs and the surrounding region from Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Public Star Party at Garden of the Gods
Kick the weekend off under the stars. The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society sets up telescopes at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center for a free evening of stargazing, with red rock silhouettes as the backdrop. Great for kids and adults alike, weather permitting.
- Day/Time: Friday, September 18, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Location: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
- Price: Free
- Link: csastro.org
Phelan Gardens Backyard Harvest Fest
This local garden center throws a full weekend of fall fun with plants marked 30 percent off, expert gardening classes and demos, food trucks, a golden pumpkin hunt, scavenger hunts, and craft activities for the kids. It is a relaxed, family-friendly way to spend part of your Saturday or Sunday getting your yard ready for autumn.
- Day/Time: Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, regular garden center hours
- Location: Phelan Gardens, 4955 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
- Price: Free admission, select workshops require advance registration and an additional fee
- Link: phelangardens.com
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Centennial Celebration
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is marking 100 years with a special celebration running through this Sunday, including live music, local artists, vintage cars, and the brand new Giraffe Center. Military families can also take advantage of half price admission through September 20 in honor of the milestone.
- Day/Time: Through Sunday, September 20, zoo open daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
- Price: Regular zoo admission applies, see cmzoo.org for current pricing; half price for military and immediate family September 14-20
- Link: cmzoo.org
Dahlia Days at Gather Mountain Blooms
Head to the flower fields at the former Venetucci Farm property for a morning surrounded by dahlias in full late-summer bloom. Cut your own bouquet, browse the farm stand, and enjoy a beautiful, low-key outing that is especially popular with photographers and flower lovers.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 19, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Gather Mountain Blooms, 5210 S US Highway 85/87, Colorado Springs, CO 80911
- Price: $10 admission, or $30 for a cup of flowers
- Link: gathermountainblooms.com
Rocky Mountain PBS Kids Fest
A free, family-friendly festival at Panorama Park featuring favorite PBS Kids characters and hands-on activities for young children. It is an easy, budget-friendly outing for families with little ones.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 19, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: Panorama Park, 4540 Fenton Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
- Price: Free
- Link: rmpbs.org
Wild West Home & Handmade Expo
A brand new, Wild West-themed expo debuting this weekend with more than 80 local makers, artisans, and small businesses selling handcrafted goods, home decor, boutique fashion, and specialty foods. A great way to support small business owners in our community while finding something one of a kind.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 19, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday, September 20, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Norris Penrose Event Center, 945 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80926
- Price: $5
- Link: norrispenrose.com
Pikes Peak Regional Airshow
One of the region’s premier aviation events returns with two full days of aerial performances, static aircraft displays, and family activities. Gates and parking open early both mornings, so plan to arrive with plenty of time to find a good spot.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, gates and parking open at 8:30 AM
- Location: Colorado Springs Airport area, 7330 Embraer Heights, Colorado Springs, CO 80916
- Price: Check website for current pricing; discounted military general admission and free admission for children 3 and under
- Link: pprairshow.org
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. New Mexico United
Cheer on our hometown USL Championship soccer club as they take on New Mexico United under the lights at Weidner Field in downtown Colorado Springs. A fun, affordable night out for the whole family.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 19, 7:00 PM kickoff
- Location: Weidner Field, 111 W Cimarron St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Check website for current ticket pricing
- Link: switchbacksfc.com
Lynyrd Skynyrd with .38 Special at Ford Amphitheater
Two of Southern rock’s biggest names share the stage at Ford Amphitheater for a night of classic hits. This is a great pick for music lovers who want a big outdoor concert experience close to home.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 19, doors at 6:30 PM, show at 7:30 PM
- Location: Ford Amphitheater, 95 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
- Price: Check website for current ticket pricing
- Link: fordamphitheater.live
El Paso County Raceway Championship Night
Out in Calhan, the dirt track season wraps up its regular schedule with Championship Night, featuring High Plains DIRTcar Late Models, multiple IMCA divisions, and the NOW600 series. It is loud, fast, and a favorite for families who love motorsports.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 19, racing begins at 6:00 PM
- Location: El Paso County Raceway, 366 10th St, Calhan, CO 80808
- Price: Check website for current gate pricing; VIP parking behind the grandstands is $5
- Link: bstpromotions.com
Ali Siddiq Live at Pikes Peak Center
Comedian Ali Siddiq brings his acclaimed storytelling style to downtown Colorado Springs for one night only. A great option for a grown-up date night or a night out with friends.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 19, 8:00 PM
- Location: Pikes Peak Center, 190 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Check website for current ticket pricing
- Link: pikespeakcenter.com
Victory Garden Market at Cottonwood Center for the Arts
Close out the weekend with a relaxed Sunday market featuring local vendors, plants, and treats, plus a short presentation on fall garden cleanup and protecting pollinators through the winter. A nice, easy stop if you are already out enjoying downtown.
- Day/Time: Sunday, September 20, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Cottonwood Center for the Arts, 427 E Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Free
- Link: cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com
Whatever you and your family decide to do this weekend, I hope you get out and enjoy everything that makes the Pikes Peak region such a special place to call home. And 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 anytime at dan@hayespg.com. Have a wonderful weekend!
