Fall Events

Stranger Side of Victor & Spirits of Sunnyside Walking Tours - 1st and 3rd Saturdays, June-October 2024
Downtown Victor: Local historian, Alicia Petri, will lead a walking tour of downtown Victor, highlighting some of the stranger, little-known history of the town – from the Labor wars to gunfights and shootouts and more. In addition, learn about the historic buildings that line the streets, and discover stories about some of the town’s citizens.

Sunnyside Cemetery: Local historian Alicia Petri will guide you through the cemetery telling stories of grave robbers, insurance fraud, and unusual characters.

Dahlias & Dinner - Fridays in September | 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Enjoy dinner and pick farm-fresh dahlias with Gather Mountain Blooms! Over 30 varieties of dahlias will be in bloom at the flower farm.

September Sidewalk Sales - Saturdays in September
Join our retailers Downtown for end-of-summer savings! Each participating location will have a table of discounted goods on the sidewalk outside of their storefront. Plus, each Saturday, we’ll have live music from 11am - 1pm. by local musicians Joe Johnson, Andy Clifton, Brandon Henderson and Bryse Taylor. Visit this link for participating retailers and to see where and when each musician is playing.

Pikes Peak Challenge - September 7, 2024
This is a fundraising event that encourages registered participants to experience hiking to the summit of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. Survivors of brain injury, family members and community supporters start their ascent at the base of Barr Trail in Manitou Springs. There are additional challenges, for those seeking less intense opportunities to get involved, such as a two-mile walk around Manitou Springs or the Virtual Challenge.

No Child Left Inside - September 7, 2024
This event, part of a nationwide movement promoting environmental education and outdoor exploration for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade, is perfect for families and friends. Engage in hands-on activities that teach about Colorado's natural resources and provide opportunities to let your creativity run wild. Test your knowledge with trivia, examine animal skins and skulls, learn about tracks and scat, create crayon leaf rubbings, build pinecone bird feeders, try your hand at archery, and savor classic s'mores. This event seeks to foster a love for nature, making learning fun and memorable. No registration is needed. The event is free but a valid park pass is required on all vehicles that enter the park.

Sunrise Opening for Patriot Day and National Day of Service Remembrance - September 11, 2024
Experience the sunrise on the Summit of Pikes Peak. The Gateway will open at 4:30am with last entry for the special event at 6:30am. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online to guarantee your spot on the summit. Admission sales will be offered at the Gateway based on availability, but no access will be provided to the North Slope Recreation Area. This event is weather permitting.

4th Annual Pikes Peak Bigfoot Benefit Hike - September 14, 2024
Find and make contact with Bigfoot on the Bratton-Dewey trail and win awesome prizes! The benefit hike is a fundraiser for Friends of the Peak, an all-volunteer organization maintaining the existing trails on America's mountain, Pikes Peak.

Youth Fishing Derby - September 14, 2024
Join Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain for a Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, September 14th from 8:30am to 11:00am at Crystal Reservoir. Open to kids ages 6 - 15. No admission charge for registered child participants and their parents or guardians. Fishing equipment will be provided to the first 100 participants at the event and a short demonstration will be held to teach casting, knot tying, baiting, and fish handling before being released to the reservoir. Fishing licenses are not required for youth participants. Prizes will be awarded for several fish categories. A brief awards ceremony will be held at the end of the derby and a free lunch will be served at 11:30am. Register here.

Pawtoberfest - September 14, 2024
Pawtoberfest is one of Colorado’s ONLY dog-friendly festivals, featuring craft brews and spirits tasting with over 30 beverage partners, a 2-mile dog walk, more than 75 sponsors and vendors, music, agility demonstrations, pet contests, activities for the whole family and plenty of scrumptious food from local food trucks!

Rogue Objects - September 14, 2024
Join us for a work-in-process presentation of Rogue Objects — an immersive, operatic work for planetariums that invites us to approach darkness with curiosity and wonder, without fear. Artists Janani Balasubramanian and Sultana Isham will share excerpts of the evolving methodologies, text, visual life and musical score in the work. Free to attend – RSVP today!

Fiestas Patrias - September 14 - 15, 2024
On September 16, 1810 - Mexico won its Independence from Spain and Fiestas Patrias (Patriotic Festival) became a national celebration, a patriotic holiday in Mexico. Fiestas Patrias is a two-day family festival in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, bringing people from diverse Hispanic origins to create a cultural fusion! This full-day event will provide live music & dancing, Mexican wrestling, vendor booths and plenty of food.

8th Anniversary Party at Cerberus Brewing Co. - September 14 - 15, 2024
Celebrate Cerberus' 8th year in business with fun beer releases, a guest appearance (and group ride) from Pike Ride, limited edition merchandise and more!

Taste of Old Colorado City - September 15, 2024
Grab your friends and families for a day of eating, drinking, and entertainment! Fill up on food and drink samples from 20+ local restaurants, bars, and breweries, and enjoy live music from the Black Hole Boogie Band.

Full Moon Witches Paddle - September 18, 2024 | 6:30pm - 8pm
Join Dragonfly Paddle Yoga for a spooktacular glowing experience and paddle the lake at night, under the full moon. We equip our boards with colorful LEDS to light your way into the evening. The glow of the boards against the still water is a calm and peaceful experience. No prior experience paddle boarding required. *Note: Yoga instruction is not included with this experience.

God of Carnage @ Springs Ensemble Theatre - September 19 - October 6, 2024
In this dark comedy, two couples come together to resolve a playground fight between their children. What begins as diplomatic conversation turns sour as the adults pull no punches, proving no one is immune from a playground brawl. Performances will be held September 19—October 6, 2024, at The Fifty Niner, located at 2409 W Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904. (Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.) Tickets are $25, with $15 military, senior, and student tickets. Seating is limited, so SET recommends purchasing tickets prior to the performance.

September Lights Fest - September 20, 2024
Bring out your friends, family, and fur-pals to decorate and launch a water lantern, participate in a light parade, roast marshmallows, drink some hot chocolate, doggy-light-costume contest, and gather with your fellow community members for a wonderful evening of beautiful lights, music, food trucks, and special moments.

Farm & Art Market - September 21, 2024
Green Box along with Auric Gallery present the 3rd annual Farm & Art Market! Spend an afternoon perusing a unique variety of specially curated regional and national vendors, offering goods such as Farm Fresh produce, artisanal pasta, gourmet breads, and jewelry. Enjoy a cup of coffee by Colorado Springs’ Loyal Coffee while immersing yourself in inspirational art exhibitions by Colorado Springs-based Auric Gallery. Join us for this fun and festive fall celebration!

Annual Powwow – September 21, 2024
The annual powwow at Rock Ledge Range celebrates and honors Native American cultures and history through song, dance, and traditions. It is a gathering that brings people together to see old friends and make new ones. Before the grand entry of dancers, a storyteller and dance troupe will perform. Enjoy an Indian taco, or other delicious food, and explore the vendors who will sell an assortment of items, mostly homemade.

Dahlia Day - September 21, 2024
Join this celebration of dahlias at Gather Mountain Blooms! There will be over 30 varieties of this beautiful flower in full bloom for guests to enjoy. Roam the farm fields, marvel at the scenery and take photos of all the dahlias.

Free Entry at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum - September 21, 2024
This September 21st, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is offering FREE admission, thanks to the Daniels Fund, in celebration of Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day! Bring the whole family— dive into the museum’s interactive exhibits, connect with local sports organizations and meet Team USA athletes. It's the perfect chance to learn, play and get inspired. Reserve your free tickets while they last!

Walking Tour: What's Up Downtown? - September 21, 2024
Get the lowdown on some of Downtown’s unique businesses while exploring the city center. You’ll learn more about the people who make up the culture of Downtown and get the inside scoop on what it takes to build a vibrant urban environment. Tickets are $15 and available here.

Pikes Peak Ascent - September 21, 2024
​The Pikes Peak Ascent consists of a 13.3 mile race from Manitou Springs, Colorado, to the 14,115 foot summit of Pikes Peak. With a grueling vertical climb of 7,800 feet up the historic Barr Trail, this is NOT your typical half marathon! Spectators can watch a live stream on the jumbo screen at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs. Pikes Peak Marathon officials encourage spectators to watch the race from the park and celebrate with runners upon their return to Manitou Springs.

Colorado Springs Water Lantern Festival - September 21, 2024
Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven't met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience.

Paddle Glowga at the Water Lantern Festival - September 21, 2024
Relax and rejuvenate with paddleboard yoga while you take in the lights around you. Create your own lantern with your hopes for the future and then join your community in releasing the lanterns onto the water. The best part is being able to enjoy it from the lake on paddleboards, as each lantern floats by, carrying everyone's heartfelt expressions.

A Night Under the Stars - September 21, 2024
Reminisce with the Flying W Chuckwagon Supper and Original Western Stage Show under the stars! Dinner and show outdoors in the million-dollar-views Ponderosa Pines Amphitheater, surrounded by magnificent red rocks and Ponderosa Pine trees. Bring a jacket. In case of inclement weather, the show will be performed in the Mountain Stream Lodge.

Pikes Peak Marathon - September 22, 2024
This race is like no other! With a 7,800 foot vertical climb, the course takes runners from Manitou Springs, Colorado, along Barr Trail to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet, and back down for a total of 26.2 grueling mountain miles. Spectators are welcome to join the runner celebration at Soda Springs Park (1016 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829). Spectators can also cheer at the finish line off Ruxton Avenue. The Soda Springs Park post-race party begins at 10:00am with merchandise sales, beer, and runner food and finisher item distribution.

Wishing Star Farm Fall Festival - September 24 - October 30, 2024
Head on out to Wishing Star Farm for their fall festival! Tuesday through Friday designated for groups. Fridays and Saturdays open to the public 9am to 5pm and Sundays 10am-4pm. Check out their pumpkin patch, jump pad, hay and barrel train ride, petting zoo, hay pyramid, hay slide, concessions and much more. Buy tickets online!

Tails, Tunes & Tastes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - September 26, 2024
Have a wild night for a worthy cause at Colorado Springs' nationally-ranked mountain Zoo, at Tails, Tunes & Tastes on Thurs., Sept. 26th! Enjoy a magical evening on the mountain, exclusively reserved for the grown-ups, 21 and up. Local musicians will set the mood throughout the Zoo until 9:30 p.m. Tickets include two drink tickets and unlimited small plates featuring Oktoberfest-style German cuisine! Visit select animal habitats and see scheduled animal demonstrations and keeper talks! Each ticket supports our nonprofit Zoo and frontline conservation efforts worldwide. Advance tickets required: cmzoo.org/tails.

Volunteer Cleanup Day - September 28, 2024
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain will host a volunteer cleanup day from 9am to 12pm. Volunteers will meet at the Gateway of the Pikes Peak Highway at 9am and will not be required to purchase an admission ticket. Trash pickers, gloves and trash bags will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear bright or high-visibility colored clothing, and dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Bring snacks and water to prepare for high elevation exposure.

Harvest Hootenanny - September 28, 2024
Join Gather Mountain Blooms for an end-of-summer celebration! Come out and celebrate the end of You-Pick Flower Season with flowers, music, makers, food and the first pumpkins of the season.

Harvest Festival at the McAllister House Museum – September 28, 2024
Embrace the beauty of autumn at the McAllister House Museum's enchanting harvest festival, where the golden hues of the season come alive! Get ready for a day filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories for the entire family! Enjoy games, live music, crafts, community and the atmosphere of the 150-year-old McAllister House! Local vendors will be present throughout the grounds too.

Aspens on the Avenue - September 28, 2024
Celebrate fall and Colorado's vibrant fall colors with hundreds of artists in Old Colorado City. Enjoy how artists capture the quaking aspen's delicate leaves and vibrant fall colors with Aspens on the Avenue featured painters, glass blowers, metal workers, jewelers, wood-turners, and more with live demonstrations along the Avenue’s sidewalks.

Blues on the Mesa - September 28, 2024
The 2024 annual music festival will include 5 musical acts, food trucks, breweries, local vendors and a health fair. Chairs, blankets and shade tents are recommended. Bring your appetite, come thirsty and be ready to jam out! VIP Party is 21+ only. Kids 16 and under enter free with paid adult admission. Gates open at 11 am, Live Blues Music: 11:15 am-6:30 pm.

Harvest Festival at The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey – September 28 - 29, 2024
Wine, artisans, food, and entertainment come together the last weekend of September at the annual Harvest Festival on the grounds at the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. This is a wonderful way to spend a beautiful fall day. Discover the Abbey Winery’s award-winning wines including the limited release of Harvest Fest’s Riesling. Enjoy food selections from local produce and cheeses to wood-fired pizzas, fajitas, roasted chilies, and freshly baked bread.

Witches & Ghouls Halloween Paddle - September 29, 2024 | 9:30am - 12:30pm
Dive into the Halloween spirit with this unique Witches & Ghouls Paddle event, hosted by Dragonfly Paddle Yoga! Don your most bewitching or spooky costume and join fellow paddlers for a magical morning on Quail Lake. This whimsical event promises a blend of eerie fun and paddle boarding adventure, complete with a costume contest and refreshments.

Maker's Market at Kinship Landing - September 29, 2024 | 8am - 2pm
Kinship Landing is hosting a market with local goods and food vendors. Grab some breakfast, shop local, and enjoy live music while you browse from 11 am - 1 pm! Admission to the market is free, food will be available for purchase.

Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival - September 28 - October 13, 2024
Each fall the Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival features 16 days of fun, educational and engaging events for all ages showcasing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math (STEAM) throughout greater Colorado Springs, including the popular Cool Science Carnival Day (September 30) for kids at UCCS.

Stroller Safaris at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - September 5, 14, 20, 25
Stroller Safaris are informal exploratory experiences in which participants use all five of their senses to connect with nature and animals. Participants will enjoy a gross motor activity and Meet and Greets with animal ambassadors.

Pumpkin Fest at Venetucci Farm - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 4-27, 2024
Venetucci Farm has been known for pumpkins for over 50 years. Keep the tradition going and bring your family to pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch! Enjoy treats like apple cider and pumpkin muffins at the outdoor pavilion with picnic tables. Shop for fall decor at the farm store, play games like giant cornhole and Jenga, visit the craft fair on Saturdays and Sundays, pet miniature horses and alpacas, and take fall photos. Wear your costumes to trick or treat at the farm on October 26 and 27!

Miner's Pumpkin Patch at Western Museum of Mining and Industry - Saturdays in October
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Enjoy hayrides, vintage apple cider press, hay maze & slide and more. There will be games, activities, food trucks, and music, PLUS: Gold Panning, Blacksmith Shop and authentic history demonstrations. Get locally sourced pumpkins and gourds and launch them in the catapult! Help preserve Colorado History while you create family memories.

Wishing Star Farm Fall Festival - October 1 - 30, 2024
Head on out to Wishing Star Farm for their fall festival! Tuesday through Friday designated for groups. Fridays and Saturdays open to the public 9am to 5pm and Sundays 10am-4pm. Check out their pumpkin patch, jump pad, hay and barrel train ride, petting zoo, hay pyramid, hay slide, concessions and much more. Buy tickets online!

Oktoberfest - October 1, 2024
Head to Hillside Gardens for Oktoberfest- a night of live music and delicious food. Two bands are playing, including Polka Folk and the Alan Polivka Band. Don't miss an authentic German folk dance from the Alpen Auerhahn dance troupe. Savor all kinds of German food, including authentic pretzels, from a variety of vendors. Sample tasty drink offerings, such as Bavarian Brews, German wine and nonalcoholic options too!

God of Carnage @ Springs Ensemble Theatre - October 3 - 6, 2024
In this dark comedy, two couples come together to resolve a playground fight between their children. What begins as diplomatic conversation turns sour as the adults pull no punches, proving no one is immune from a playground brawl. Performances will be held September 19—October 6, 2024, at The Fifty Niner, located at 2409 W Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80904. (Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.) Tickets are $25, with $15 military, senior, and student tickets. Seating is limited, so SET recommends purchasing tickets prior to the performance.

Boo in the Barn - October 4, 2024
A family and kid friendly halloween movie night in the barn with games, children’s movies, goody bags and pumpkins. Grab a blanket and get cozy with you family at the first Boo in the Barn. Tickets include admission, movie and goody bag. There will be additional hot drinks and concessions for sale.

Harvest Festival at Rock Ledge Ranch – October 5, 2024
Rock Ledge Ranch is filled with activities and fun in the crisp autumn air! Take a wagon ride with the family, listen to old-time music, pick a pumpkin to take home, scramble for candy, kick back on the lawn with a slice of pie, and take time to tour the Historic Homes, visit the Blacksmith and more. Pumpkins are $5 each. Bring small bills for pumpkins, bull rides and food/beverages.

Flying W Fall Festival - October 5, 2024
Experience fall at the Flying W Ranch! Savor a Chuckwagon Supper while being entertained by the talented performers of the Original Western Stage Show. Pick your perfect pumpkin, warm up with a cup of 18-ingredient hot wassail and take a shot at dunking a wrangler.

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day - October 5, 2024
Come to National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day at Fox Run Regional Park! The event will include guided trail rides, trail etiquette handouts, riding clinics, giveaways and more. This is a terrific way to get kids outside and develop their mountain biking skills. All ages are welcome: from tots on stride bikes to teens. Riders just need a working bike and helmet to participate.

Creek Week Cleanup at North Slope Recreation Area - October 5 - 6, 2024
Be part of the largest watershed-wide clean-up in the state of Colorado! Creek Week volunteers clean up litter along a creek, trail, park, or open space throughout the watershed. We’re inviting individuals and groups (families, clubs, schools, neighborhoods, etc.) to join our crew for clean-up in the North Slope Recreation Area.

Pedal Pikes Peak - October 5 - 6, 2024
Cyclists! Enjoy this early opening for bicycles only on Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. The Gateway will open at 7am and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9am. Cyclists must ride single file and stay in right lane for uphill and downhill ascents. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and have a blinking light fastened to the front and back of their bicycle. There will be food, beverage, and merchandise services available at the summit beginning at 8:30am. Reservations will be required in advance at drivepikespeak.com and reservations will open beginning September 1st. Cost is $20 per person.

Bunco Party - October 11, 2024
Join El Paso County Parks for a wonderful evening of excitement, laughs, and rolling dice. We will provide the dice, score cards, nacho bar, and prizes. Unlike other Bunco parties, this Bunco party is for everyone ages 13 and older. All minors must be accompanied by an adult but can venture on their own during game play. Pre-registration required, $10 per player. Ages 13 + only.

Paint Mines Guided Hikes - October 12, 2024
Paint Mines guided hikes will cover topics such as the geology, ecology, and human history of the site. The amazing interpreters will show you around the park and the fascinating rock formations while they share with you their vast knowledge of the area. They will even bring out some of the amazing artifacts and fossils that have been found for everyone to see.

Pedal Pikes Peak - October 12 - 13, 2024
Cyclists! Enjoy this early opening for bicycles only on Pikes Peak - America's Mountain. The Gateway will open at 7am and there will be no vehicle traffic until 9am. Cyclists must ride single file and stay in right lane for uphill and downhill ascents. Cyclists must wear reflective clothing and have a blinking light fastened to the front and back of their bicycle. There will be food, beverage, and merchandise services available at the summit beginning at 8:30am. Reservations will be required in advance at drivepikespeak.com and reservations will open beginning September 1st. Cost is $20 per person.

Sunrise Opening Event for Indigenous Peoples' Day - October 14, 2024
Experience sunrise on the Summit of Pikes Peak! The Gateway will open at 5:30am with last entry for the special event at 6:30am. A timed entry permit per vehicle and admission fees must be purchased in advance online. There will be no at-Gateway sales made and no access to the North Slope Recreation Area offered. This event is only offered a few times a year, and it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss! All access is weather permitting.

Boo at the Zoo - October 18 - 20, 25 - 27, 31, 2024
Bring your little superhero, princess or pirate to Boo at the Zoo, when Cheyenne Mountain Zoo comes alive with the spirit of Halloween. Boo at the Zoo gives your family an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, complete with your favorite animals! Set in a unique environment, attendees will feel good about collecting candy made with sustainable palm oil to help protect wild orangutans. It’ll be a frightfully good time! Advance timed tickets only.

Pumpkins in the Park - October 19, 2024
Old Colorado City presents a fall celebration for the whole family. Live music, fashion, art, autumn cuisine (such as cider and hot chocolate), pumpkin patch pumpkin painting, book sale, fall crafts and vendors. Free, live entertainment at Bancroft Park.

Last Day of the Season for North Slope Recreation - October 20, 2024
Attention fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts – Today is the last day to fish and enjoy the North Slope Recreation Area. Crystal Reservoir closes for fishing and the North Slope Recreation Area closes for the season after today. For additional information, visit https://coloradosprings.gov/NorthSlope

Paranormal Peak Trunk or Treat - October 26, 2024
Join Pikes Peak- America's Mountain and Rampart Library District for our first annual Paranormal Peak Trunk or Treat! Head up to Glen Cove, mile 13 on the Pikes Peak Highway, from 10am - 1pm on October 26th for Halloween festivities. Enjoy trunk or treating, ghost stories, crafts, and more! $10 for adults, free for kids 15 years old and younger. Fright Night

Fright Night - October 26, 2024
Come out in your Halloween finest and prepare to be afraid! Get lost on the scariest hayride of your life - if you make it out, check out a scary movie in the haunted barn, and enjoy the bonfire and concessions. If you dare. Over 14 years old only.

Check out Arts Months happenings here.

Annual Veterans Day Parade - November 2, 2024
Starting at 10:00am, the Annual Veterans Day Parade will march in Downtown Colorado Springs on Tejon Street starting at Boulder St and south to Vermijo St.

Bear Fun Run & Walk at Bear Creek Nature Center – November 9, 2024
Join us for Bear Creek’s 10th Annual Bear Run; a silly, charity fun run and walk for a cause. Choice of 3k or 5k course along the trail! All new runners receive a bear suit to wear during the run and to keep! Returning runners register at a discounted rate. Come early for pre-run festivities!

Skate in the Park Opening Day - November 15, 2024
Head to the Acacia Park skating rink for opening day of the 2024-2025 Skate in the Park season!

Rocky Ram's Holiday Spectacular - November 16, 2024
Kick off the holiday season with family fun at the historic Glen Cove Inn on Pikes Peak- America’s Mountain. Get your picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy kid-friendly crafts and more! The official mascot of Pikes Peak, Rocky Ram, will be there with his pals and a few other surprise guests. Don't miss out on seeing your favorite nature buddies!