Discover Community and Culture in Colorado Springs
Summer is just around the corner, and while several events in Colorado Springs have already taken place, the Pikes Peak region is just getting warmed up. Memorial Day weekend kicks off a jam-packed calendar of outdoor concert series, festivals, and opportunities to get involved in the community.
More than 65 art galleries and 30+ museums contribute to Colorado Springs having a Creativity Vitality Index (CVI) nearly six times the national average. U.S. News & World Report also ranked Colorado Springs No. 2 in its 2022 Best Places to Live — the region’s fifth time ranking in the top six cities.
Read on to learn about the summer events and activities that make Colorado Springs rich in cultural experiences.
Summer Events in Colorado Springs Create a Culture of Belonging
This summer there are more options for food tastings, art walks, and live music in Colorado Springs than you could ever hope to attend in a single season. A quick bike ride or run along the 10-miles of trails encircling the downtown area shows just how much culture Colorado Springs has to offer.
One prominent contribution to the local arts community is First Fridays Downtown — a free public offering of art, music, and special events at galleries and retailers throughout downtown Colorado Springs. The event is held on the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. In addition to First Fridays, downtown Colorado Springs is home to a broader, state-certified creative district. Grab some artisan coffee and explore more than 50 public art displays and a multitude of esteemed cultural institutions.
Colorado Springs is also home to rich cultural experiences that elevate the diversity and inclusion in the region. Right on the heels of Governor Jared Polis signing a bill to designate Juneteenth as a Colorado state holiday, is the second annual Southern Colorado Juneteenth celebration, which will take place June 17-19 at America the Beautiful Park. This free, three-day event will feature local step show talent, a fashion show, kid-friendly activities, a food drive, and a backpack giveaway.
Beginning June 1, the Manitou Springs Library Lawn Concerts will host a weekly outdoor music experience of local bands from the Rocky Mountain region. Pull up a chair or spread out a blanket on the lawn of the former Manitou Springs Carnegie Library every Wednesday in June and July from 6-7:30 p.m. Before the concert, foodies and art fans can check out the Farm and Art Market at the Pioneers Museum in downtown Colorado Springs every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. The area is also home to ICONS, a piano bar and food and drink establishment friendly to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Presenting even more opportunities for concertgoers is the recently announced 8,000-seat outdoor amphitheater that will open in late summer 2023 at the north side of Colorado Springs. In the meantime, summer entertainment seekers can check out even more events at Peak Radar — the cultural calendar for the Pikes Peak region.
Culture with a Purpose
Women-founded and led, the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival celebrates and connects women through film. In November 2022 the film organization will host its 35th annual festival at the Pikes Peak Center in downtown Colorado Springs, honoring diverse women filmmakers and screening films that present the world as experienced by women.
Opera Theatre of the Rockies is a non-profit organization that offers lively cultural experiences. Since 1999 the theatre has provided aspiring singers from Southern Colorado with training, exposure, and experience in the operatic arts. From July 5-31, the theatre will host its annual Vocal Arts Festival, bringing talent into the region from across the nation.
World-class theatrical performances and exhibitions are also available through the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (CSFAC). In August 2016, CSFAC announced an alliance with Colorado College expanding innovative learning opportunities, arts programming, and cultural resources for the greater Colorado Springs community and the college. Starting in June 2022, CSFAC will offer free Military Artistic Healing classes to give veterans a safe and healthy outlet to express their emotions through art.
Colorado Springs emphasizes diverse communities with a strong sense of belonging. Want to see if the Pikes Peak region is right for you? See the value of culture in Colorado Springs with our cost of living calculator or scroll through our brand new relocation guide. We look forward to seeing you soon!