Annual Events & Festivals
Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region are happening. The area showcases an eclectic mix of events from sports (lots of them) to the arts to food to just plain fun.
With the US Air Force Academy and the US Olympic Training Center here, along with other colleges and sports organizations, there is a sports event every week, if not every day. From college football to Olympic team competitions, a sports fan never has to wait long for something to see.
For foodies and wine-lovers, delicacies abound. Apparently we in the Pikes Peak region love the finer things in life, because there are a host of delectable events throughout the year.
And for the more underground, off-the-radar personalities, the unique is alive and well in Colorado Springs . . . and especially in Manitou Springs. Pick a month and you’re sure to see something of interest.
Note that there are two Memorial Parks in the region. In this listing, if it says only “Memorial Park,” that’s the big one at Pikes Peak Avenue and Union Boulevard in Colorado Springs. If it says, “Memorial Park, Manitou Springs,” that’s in Manitou on Manitou Avenue.
1. President’S Day Youth Hockey Tournament
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: Detroit might be hockey town the rest of the year, but on President’s Day weekend, hockey town is Colorado Springs. This ice hockey tournament hosts youth from mites (8 and under) to AAA midgets (under 18 years old with serious skills). Teams come from states across the US and as far away as Slovakia, Sweden, and, of course, Canada. Past events have hosted more than 80 teams along with their coaches and parents. So word to the wise: If you need a hotel room on President’s Day weekend, book early.Games are played at the five rinks in town, and there is a grand opening ceremony featuring a Presentation of Teams held at the 8,000-seat Colorado Springs World Arena. Admission for spectators is by weekend pass or day passes, which can be purchased at the venues.
2. Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off & Carnivale Parade
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (800) 642-2567
Description: On the Saturday before every Fat Tuesday, Manitou cooks it up hot and spicy. First, both amateur and professional chefs use their secret recipes to bubble up some gumbo like they do in Louisiana. The public can taste the shrimp, rice, and andouille sausage creations for a small fee, and winners not only get bragging rights, they also win cash prizes and trophies.After the public feast, the town jazzes it up with a Carnivale Parade down Manitou Avenue. Parade goers sashay in a vivid collection of boas, musical instruments, and sequined masks rarely seen this far north. Those wishing to march just show up prior to the start of the event. Since this is a family-friendly day, bring your mojo but leave those To Go cups at home.
3. Cripple Creek Ice Festival
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (877) 858-4653
Description: A lot of people like to head to a warm, sandy beach in February. For those who find sand irritating, or who just can’t afford the plane ticket, there’s a cool alternative—literally. The Ice Festival features sculptures that range from the mythical to the magical. Spectators can watch as the ice is carved with chain saws and carving tools, and there is an ice maze, ice slide, a dueling chain saws competition, a martini bar (they are better when they’re cold, you know), and retail and food vendors on the street and in a heated tent. The festival runs for two weekends, and new sculptures are carved through the last weekend.
4. St. Patrick’S Day Parade
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: A pot o’ gold awaits downtown every St. Paddy’s day. The rainbow of activity starts with a 5K race, followed by a Leprechaun Fun Run. And then at noon sharp, the parade begins. Marchers, bands, floats, flags, bagpipes, and leprechauns honor this religious and Irish holiday with the best green finery and blarney around. Past parades have been witnessed by more than 30,000 lads and lassies, all with Irish eyes smiling. Grandstand and reviewing stand tickets are available to the public, but the parade is free otherwise. Arrive early for your best seat on the curb. If you’re late, you better hope to find a four-leaf clover en route because the crowds can get thick and good viewing spots can be hard to find.
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 5580 Tech Center Dr.
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
7. Territory Days
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: Every Memorial Day weekend Old Colorado City turns into a rollicking, Old West block party. The festival started in 1975 as a salute to Old Colorado City’s history as the first capital of the Colorado Territory in 1861. That honor was quickly taken away when lawmakers discovered the inhabitants were a bit on the shady, colorful side. Residents today are a bit more respectable but still love a good party. The event runs for 3 days and hosts more than 180 craft, commercial, and food booths. Depending on the weather (late snow can be a real party pooper), 80,000 and up to 150,000 people enjoy the event every year.
8. Front Range Invitational Soccer Tournament
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (719) 590-9977
Description: This soccer tournament gets the ball rolling. Usually held the first weekend in June, it serves as the kick-off for the summer season of soccer competition. Now more than two decades old, it lays the field for excellent competition for non-premier teams. The Front Range Invitational Tournament hosts age groups ranging from U11–U18 competitive challenge level of play, and offers competition suitable for all age’s groups.
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
10. Springs Spree
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: Springs Spree is a big, 2-day summer party that’s been happening for more than 30 years. The event celebrates hot-times-in-the-summertime with a relaxed, kick-back attitude and music, food, vendors, games, and demonstrations. Usually held on Father’s Day weekend, past years have included hamster ball rides, karate, and American Indian dance exhibitions, local and national music acts, and a classic car show. The crowds are big and the sun is hot, so wear sunblock and be ready to party.
11. Colorado College Summer Festival Of The Arts
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: As one of America’s premier learning institutions, Colorado College brings an intriguing, enlightening group of summer programs to students and the community all summer long. There are lectures, performances, movies, readings, openings, and more from June through August. Two of the keystones to this festival, though, are held in June. They are the Summer Music Festival and the Dance Festival, each a 3-week long, intensive study program for select students and internationally acclaimed faculty. Some performances and rehearsals are open the public, which allows a rare and spectacular view of some of the world’s most inspired, unique artistic talents.
12. Clayfest
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (800) 642-2567
Description: You can show up and just look around, but this festival is really all about getting your hands dirty. There are pottery-making competitions for artists and amateurs, demonstrations of wheel-throwing and free-form techniques, finished work to view and purchase, workshops, and more. This 1-day event is for those interested in all things clay.
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
14. Pikes Peak Invitational Soccer
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (719) 590-9977
Description: This highly competitive soccer tournament has been attracting teams from almost every state for close to 40 years. Past events have seen more than 5,000 teams and 100,000 players who have traveled to the Pikes Peak region to participate. Held at the gorgeous US Air Force Academy, the tournament is played on the Academy’s 24 perfectly manicured grass fields. If soccer’s your game, pack some sunblock and water, bring a folding chair, and sit on one of the three terraces along the fields for great soccer and a breathtaking view of the region.
15. El Paso County Fair
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: First started in 1905, the fair is sweet, hard-working entertainment that welcomes as many as 40,000 fairgoers every year. Held in the rural community of Calhan on the eastern plains, the fair started as a thanksgiving celebration for a bountiful potato harvest. At that time, the fair was simple: a potato bake and bean bake, horse races, and spontaneous games. Well, the fair has grown up. The fair now features a full-range of 4-H competitions, a carnival, ice cream- and watermelon-eating contests, and more. Entertainment in past years has included African acrobats, auto races, concerts, an outdoor movie night, a demolition derby, and a mud drag. The fair lasts for 1 week at the end of summer.