Arts, Culture, and First Fridays in Colorado Springs
A state-certified creative district, downtown Colorado Springs is home to world-class concert halls and museums, colleges, galleries, and studios. Over 65 galleries across the region feature locally handcrafted art and goods. As for events, the 2020-2021 Arts on the Streets celebrates the power of art in public places while transforming the streets of downtown Colorado Springs into a yearlong outdoor sculpture gallery. The event is currently showcasing its 23rd annual exhibit which includes 13 new works of art: seven sculptures and five murals! Additionally, annual events like the highly anticipated Labor Day Lift Off Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo allow visitors and locals alike to participate in the region’s culture scene. You can find more information and details on creative activities in Colorado Springs here and highlighted below.
Celebrating the Arts and Culture in Colorado Springs
There are many ways to enjoy and take in the local arts scene. A popular and frequent event that is free to the public is First Friday in Downtown Colorado Springs. Revel in new art, live music, and special events on the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. at dozens of galleries, retailers, and nonprofits throughout Downtown Colorado Springs.
Small snapshot of some of the exhibits you will see this summer:
Cottonwood Center for the Arts
Engaging in a “Brick Campaign” to help support its ALLEY + ENTRY Beautification and Accessibility project, the Cottonwood Center for the Arts is using bricks to build a new ADA entrance and outdoor event venue, to be completed by Summer of 2021. Additionally, the Cottonwood Community Juneteenth Celebration for the month of June will be on display through June 26th.
This gallery features local and regional artists and artisans, with solo shows rotating every month with an emphasis on abstract contemporary and contemporary realism work. View the June and July exhibits here.
A contemporary art gallery in Colorado Springs, the Modbo presents June’s exhibit: Experiments through Color Geometries and the Human Element, featuring paintings by Louis Rodriguez. The show runs through Friday, June 25th.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
A top cultural attraction of the Pikes Peak region offering world-class art, Broadway-worthy theatre and arts education for all ages and abilities. Summer events can be found here.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Recently announcing two new exhibits aimed at educating Colorado Springs’ residents and visitors, this museum indulges in the area’s rich Western legacy. In the spirit of the city’s 150th anniversary this year, the first exhibit, called COS@150, will display 150 different objects each helping to tell the city’s century-and-a-half-long story. Artifacts include Colorado Springs local Franklin Macon‘s distinctive red Tuskegee Airman jacket – as well as other objects that help tell the stories of the people, places, and events that helped shape the city.
Live Music is Back!
Want to keep up with all the events happening in Colorado Springs? PeakRadar.com is the leading online cultural calendar for Colorado’s Pikes Peak region and is the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region’s signature audience development program. Two of our favorite locations for outings involving local and live music in Colorado Springs include:
Stargazers Theatre & Event Center is committed to showcasing local, regional, and national talent. The building was designed by architect Vincent G. Raney, and the Stargazers Theatre is one of the few remaining examples of his work of that time period. View their upcoming events here.
The Gold Room is a venue offering great food, live entertainment, and a historical ambience. A wrap around balcony creates an intimate setting to watch everything the best bands in Colorado have to offer. Additionally, the space hosts events like Dinner Theatre, 90s Nights, Game Nights, Latin Dance Parties, Comedy, Burlesque, and more.
Contact us to learn more about the region’s robust cultural community and exceptional arts scene. Plus, stay up to date on the activities for the summer in Colorado Springs and start planning.