The Hayes Weekend Report: September 4 – 7, 2026 (Labor Day Weekend)
Happy Labor Day weekend, Colorado Springs! This is one of the best long weekends of the year in our corner of the state, with hot air balloons filling the sky, a Manitou Springs institution celebrating its 52nd year, and a season-opening football game at the Air Force Academy. Whether you are staying close to home or willing to drive a little further for the Colorado State Fair’s final days in Pueblo, there is something for every member of the family on this list. Grab your calendar and let’s plan out the long weekend.
First Friday Art Walk
Kick off the weekend downtown with First Friday, a monthly evening of open galleries, new exhibits, and live music up and down the block. It is a relaxed, family friendly way to see local artists’ work and support small businesses before the holiday weekend gets going.
- Day/Time: Friday, September 4, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Location: Downtown Colorado Springs (galleries throughout downtown)
- Price: Free
- Link: downtowncs.com/events
Allure of Autumn Opening Reception at Gallery 113
Gallery 113 welcomes fall with a new exhibition opening reception featuring work from its member artists. It is a quick, easy stop to add to a First Friday evening downtown.
- Day/Time: Friday, September 4, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Location: Gallery 113, 125 1/2 North Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Free
- Link: peakradar.com
Colorado College Women’s Volleyball vs. Calvin University
Cheer on the Tigers as they open a home match against Calvin University. College volleyball is fast paced and fun for spectators of all ages, and it is an easy, low cost outing to start the weekend.
- Day/Time: Friday, September 4, 6:30 PM
- Location: Reid Arena, 44 W. Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Free admission
- Link: cctigers.com
Loonees Comedy Corner presents Mike Hammock
For the grown-ups looking for a laugh, Loonees brings in touring comedian Mike Hammock for a run of shows over the weekend. It is a great date night option before the holiday Monday.
- Day/Time: Friday, September 4 at 7:30 PM, and Saturday, September 5 at 7:00 PM and 9:15 PM
- Location: Loonees Comedy Corner, 1305 N. Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: looneescc.com
Colorado State Fair, Final Weekend
Head about 45 minutes south to Pueblo for the closing stretch of the Colorado State Fair. The midway, animal exhibits, food vendors, and grandstand entertainment are all still going strong through Labor Day itself, and admission is discounted for younger visitors.
- Day/Time: Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7 (Labor Day hours 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, kids 12 and under free that day)
- Location: Colorado State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81004
- Price: $15 adults, $7 ages 5-12, free for children 4 and under (free for ages 12 and under on Labor Day)
- Link: coloradostatefair.com
Labor Day Lift Off Hot Air Balloon Festival
This is the big one. More than 70 hot air balloons take to the sky over Memorial Park each morning of the festival, with evening balloon glow displays lighting up the park after dark. Arrive early for the best view of the morning launches, and plan to stay for the family friendly atmosphere throughout the park.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, morning balloon launches around 7:00 AM daily, with evening balloon glow events Saturday and Sunday
- Location: Memorial Park, 1605 E. Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
- Price: Free to attend; hot air balloon rides and VIP lounge packages available for a fee
- Link: visitcos.com/events/annual/labor-day-lift-off
Brantley Gilbert at Ford Amphitheater
Country music fans will want to save Saturday night for Brantley Gilbert at Ford Amphitheater. This show was rescheduled from last fall, so if you already had tickets, they should still be good for this date.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 5, doors at 6:30 PM, show at 7:30 PM
- Location: Ford Amphitheater, 95 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: fordamphitheater.live
Air Force Falcons Football Season Opener vs. Duquesne
The Air Force Academy kicks off its 2026 football season at home against Duquesne. There is nothing quite like a fall Saturday at Falcon Stadium, and a home opener is always a great introduction for anyone new to the tradition.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 5, 11:00 AM
- Location: Falcon Stadium, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO 80840
- Price: Check website for pricing
- Link: goairforcefalcons.com
Commonwheel Artists Co-op 52nd Annual Labor Day Art Festival
This beloved Manitou Springs tradition fills Memorial Park with juried fine art and craft booths, live music, and food for all three days of the holiday weekend. It has been a Labor Day staple in Manitou for more than five decades, so if you have never been, this is the year to check it out.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Location: Memorial Park, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Price: Free admission
- Link: commonwheel.com/festival.html
6th Annual Quilt Showcase and Boutique
The Piecing Partners Quilt Guild fills Memorial Hall with handmade quilts, a silent auction, a raffle quilt, and a boutique of home decor and handmade gifts. It pairs nicely with a stop at the Commonwheel festival, since both are steps apart in Manitou Springs.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Monday, September 7, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Location: Memorial Hall in City Hall, 606 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
- Price: Free admission
- Link: peakradar.com
Colorado College Men’s Soccer vs. Wheaton College
Another great option for Saturday evening if you would rather stay close to downtown, the Tigers host Wheaton College under the lights.
- Day/Time: Saturday, September 5, 7:00 PM
- Location: Stewart Field, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Price: Free admission
- Link: cctigers.com
Labor Day Vintage Base Ball at Rock Ledge Ranch
Cap off the long weekend with a step back in time. Rock Ledge Ranch hosts a game of vintage 1880s style base ball, played by 19th century rules with the Camp Creek Cloud Busters taking on the Vintage Base Ball Association. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and the historic homes on site will be open before the first pitch.
- Day/Time: Monday, September 7, historic homes open at 10:00 AM, first pitch follows
- Location: Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, 3105 Gateway Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
- Price: $12 adults, $8 seniors and military, $6 youth ages 3-17, free for children 2 and under
- Link: peakradar.com
Whatever you decide to do this Labor Day weekend, I hope you get some good time outside enjoying everything that makes the Springs and the Pikes Peak region such a special place to call home. If you or someone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home in Colorado Springs, I would love to help. Feel free to reach out anytime at dan@hayespg.com. Enjoy the long weekend!
