Truth is, the arts have always played a vital role in the identity of the Pikes Peak region. In the 1800s, plein air painters would trek to the mountains, inspired by the natural beauty of the peak. Mining towns attracted talented performers of all kinds to entertain hardworking residents. During the Civil Rights movement, the first major integrated business in Colorado Springs was Fannie Mae Duncan’s Cotton Club, a jazz club that hosted huge acts like Etta James, Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong.
Fast forward to the present: The local arts and culture scene is as loud and vibrant as ever. It’s an exciting way to explore the city in between your outdoor adventures. In fact, there’s enough to experience that immersing yourself in Pikes Peak region art and culture can take up a whole trip of its own.
Go for an Art Walk
On the first Friday evening of every month, art galleries across the Pikes Peak region stay open late to celebrate the unveiling of new exhibits. Often, these celebrations entail live music, refreshments and exciting conversations with the presenting artists.
You’ll find the highest concentration of galleries in downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs, but First Friday festivities take place all over the region!
From Auric Gallery’s cutting-edge contemporary works to artifacts from around the world in the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Museum, you’re guaranteed to find something that speaks to you. Don’t forget to check out Cottonwood Center for the Arts — a complex of studios and galleries that holds the largest collective of creatives in Colorado Springs. Cottonwood also often hosts First Friday art markets, film screenings and more.
Taking an art walk is not only a great way to explore local creativity for free. You’ll discover the area’s plethora of dining, shopping and evening entertainment options along the way, too.
Sit Back & Enjoy the Drama
The Pikes Peak region is home to dozens of talented theater companies and remarkable performance venues.
Catch nationally touring performers at some of the region's large, world-class entertainment venues like the Ent Center for the Arts and the Broadmoor World Arena.
The award-winning Fine Arts Center Theatre Company stages beloved musicals, family shows and diverse stories on the breathtaking stage of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.
La Burla Bee, the city’s only full-time cabaret, also offers several nights of live entertainment a week. Enjoy thrilling burlesque acts, captivating drag performances, side-splitting standup comedy and more.
Allow yourself to be moved by Theatreworks’ thought-provoking productions at the Ent Center for the Arts. This company brings together renowned artists from all over the country to work with skilled local talent. Get lost in stirring Shakespeare, intriguing contemporary works and classic shows you know and love.
Boo the villain and cheer for the hero at the Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Theatre, a historical building situated at the base of the Manitou Springs Incline. Audiences delight in the Chateau’s family-friendly dinner theater year-round.
Traveling with young ones? The Millibo Art Theatre is a must. The Millibo stages tons of exciting circus performances, puppet shows and classic stage productions the whole family will love.
Come Alive With the Sound of Music
Colorado Springs has music venues that will rock your world.
Pikes Peak Center for Performing Arts is the home of the renowned Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and attracts musicians of all genres like Gladys Knight, X Ambassadors, Postmodern Jukebox and more.
Two step to big names and local gems at Boot Barn Hall, a world-class country music venue neighboring Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse & Tavern.
Weidner Field is an outdoor soccer stadium in downtown Colorado Springs. The stadium is not only a must-go destination for sports fans to see the FC Switchbacks in action, but also a prime spot to catch huge touring artists, like AJR, Incubus and the Jonas Brothers.
Opening in August of 2024, Sunset Amphitheater is an 8,000-capacity outdoor music venue. In addition to internationally touring acts, the Sunset offers luxury firepit suites, multiple restaurants, a rooftop bar and a gorgeous view of the sun setting behind Pikes Peak.
Many local restaurants host live music regularly as well. What pairs better with sweet melodies than flavorful cuisine?
- Grab a glass of cabernet at Rico’s Wine Bar & Café, then chill out to live jazz, groovy blues and laid-back folk tunes.
- The Well has four curated kitchens, along with a bar and cafe. You’ll find as much variety in their entertainment as in their food, with everything from DJs spinning records to eclectic Americana.
- Mosey on down to Front Range Barbeque for mouthwatering Southern barbecue and weekly live music ranging from bluegrass to rock ‘n’ roll.
- CO.A.T.I. Uprise is a mixed-use space containing a brewery, two bars and seven restaurants. Once you’ve explored the plethora of food and drink options, you can boogie at CO.A.T.I.’s silent discos, DJ nights and other music events.
If you’re planning to visit the region in the warmer months, you’re in for a treat. That’s when the Colorado Springs area blooms with outdoor summer concerts at parks, on patios and under pavilions. Grab a lawn chair and soak up the sun in scenic spots like Bear Creek Regional Park, Hillside Gardens, First & Main Town Center, Fountain Creek Regional Park and more.
Of course, this list is only scratching the surface of the expansive arts and culture community that the Pikes Peak Region has in store. You can find so much more at PeakRadar.com, the community’s arts and culture event calendar.
