The Top 10 Things To Do in Colorado Springs This Summer (2026)
It’s long been said, that “people move to Colorado for the winters, but they stay for the summers”, an adage that we at Springs Things completely stand by. With an endless amount of outdoor activities, breweries, and great local cuisine, it isn’t hard to see why Colorado Springs is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. As locals, we have spent years navigating all the fun things to do in and around the area. So, it is in that spirit that we offer up 10 things we think everyone should experience this summer in Colorado Springs!
1. Watch a World Cup Match at Jack Quinn’s.
There are sports bars… and then there’s Jack Quinn's Irish Pub during the World Cup.
This place turns into a full-on international stadium energy zone! Don’t be surprised to see pints flying, jerseys from five continents, and people telling you all about how they could have gone pro! With this years expanded tournament, there is more reason than ever to settle in, grab a few pints, and stay fully focused on the pitch. Whether you are a casual soccer fan, or a die hard, Jack Quinns is the place to be for world cup matches in Colorado Springs!
Go-to orders:
Fish & chips (mandatory)
Shepherd’s pie (underrated MVP)
Guinness on draft (obviously)
Online comment consensus: “Best soccer atmosphere in the city, hands down.”
2. Lunch at Shuga’s.
Shuga's is one of those rare Colorado Springs staples that we locals don’t just like, we proclaim it as our own! Tucked into a cozy, slightly eclectic space that once operated as a neighborhood grocery store, Shuga’s has spent over 20 years evolving into a beloved café-cocktail bar hybrid that perfectly captures our city’s relaxed, slightly artsy “hipster Colorado” energy. Now in its second ownership iteration, it has managed to keep its original soul intact while still feeling fresh and relevant. Shuga’s remains a cornerstone of Colorado Springs dining culture, trust us, it only takes one visit and it will forever be one of those spots that you must hit while in The Springs.
Staff favorites:
Cuban Mojo sandwich (people travel for this)
Spicy shrimp soup (low-key legendary)
Spanish Coffee (thank us later)
Online reviews always say the same thing: “Don’t skip the soup. Whatever you do.”
3. Burlesque Show at La Burla Bee.
La Burla Bee has quickly become one of the most distinctive and talked-about entertainment venues in Downtown Colorado Springs, offering a playful, alternative nightlife experience that stands apart from anything else in the city. Centered around the creative energy of Bunny Bee and Romeo, the space blends burlesque, cabaret, comedy, and performance art into a uniquely curated atmosphere that somehow feels both daring but intentionally crafted. The risqué nature of the shows is exactly what draws people in, but what keeps them coming back is how thoughtfully it’s all executed. La Burla Bee has carved out a space that feels fun, expressive, and unapologetically different, while still maintaining a level of class and professionalism that makes it a standout partner and a valued part of the local creative community…
Expect:
Vintage cabaret vibes
Rotating themed shows
A crowd that came for “just one drink” and stayed until close
Internet chatter calls it “unexpectedly Vegas-level energy in downtown COS.”
4. Catch a Show at Ford Amphitheater.
Ford Amphitheater is the city’s newest big-stage flex! Mountain views, big tours, and that purple and orange, Colorado sunset. This summer’s schedule is shaping up to be one of the strongest yet, blending rock, country, orchestral, comedy, and alternative legends. One of the most talked-about shows on the calendar is Sublime, returning to Colorado Springs on August 6, for a night that’s already generating huge buzz among the Springs stoner crowd!
But they’re not alone. The season is stacked. Check out the following acts visiting COS this summer!!
Yo-Yo Ma with the Colorado Symphony bringing a rare classical crossover night
O.A.R. and Gavin DeGraw delivering a full nostalgic singalong evening
Dierks Bentley bringing a massive country crowd energy night
Lindsey Stirling blending violin, EDM, and visual performance art
Brantley Gilbert closing out summer with a high-energy country finale
What people online keep saying:
“Sound is unreal for an outdoor venue”
“Every seat feels like a postcard”
“Bring a hoodie. Always.”
5. Brunch at The Broadmoor.
There are brunches… and then there’s Sunday Brunch at The Broadmoor. This is how we do bougie in The Springs, people!! Set beside glassy lake views and framed by manicured grounds and mountain silhouettes, Lake Terrace is one of the most stunning properties in The Springs. Expect white linens, piano music drifting through the room, and a buffet presentation that will redefine what you thought buffets were supposed to look like.
The food? Exactly what you’d expect when a place decides “everything” should be on the menu: slow-roasted prime rib carved to order, a raw bar stacked with oysters, shrimp, and crab claws, and sushi rolls made fresh alongside carved meats, fresh pastries, and endless breakfast pastries. One moment you’re building a custom omelet with Pueblo green chiles, the next you’re somehow balancing pancakes, smoked salmon, and a glass of champagne. It’s wonderful.
Aside from the food, what also sets it apart is the atmosphere. Lake Terrace doesn’t just serve great food, it frames it with one of the most breathtaking settings in Colorado Springs. Whether you’re visiting for a milestone, entertaining out-of-towners, or just deciding to treat yourself on a Sunday, Lake Terrace at The Broadmoor delivers a version of brunch that feels timeless, polished, and unmistakably Colorado.
Standouts:
Omelet station (built like a luxury experience)
Prime rib carving station
Pastry table (hard to put into words)
Online reviews basically say: “I don’t know how I’m supposed to go back to normal brunch after this.”
6. Switchbacks Game + Pregame at The Brit Pub.
Lets get European people!! The rise of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC has done more than just bring professional soccer to downtown Colorado Springs, it has helped create an entirely new kind of game-day culture for the city. And nowhere is that more apparent than the natural partnership that has formed between The British Pub and Weidner Field. With the pub sitting just steps away from the stadium, the area has developed the kind of pre-game atmosphere that you might find in London or Liverpool.
Seriously, on match days, The Brit transforms into a sea of scarves, jerseys, chants, and packed tables filled with fans. There’s something undeniably charming about leaving a British-style pub, crossing downtown alongside hundreds of supporters, and walking directly into the most modern soccer stadium this side of the Rockies!
The pairing of a football pitch and a proper British pub just works, and we’re here for it!!
Game day formula:
Pints at the Brit
Banter with soccer loving strangers
Walk downtown
Loud cheering with mountain views behind the goal
Online fan forums say Weidner Field has “the best scenic backdrop in USL.”
7. 4th of July at Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
Few summer traditions in Colorado Springs feel as quintessentially “Colorado” as spending the Fourth of July at Cheyenne Mountain Resort! Nestled against the Cheyenne Mountain foothills, with sweeping mountain views and its very own private lake, the resort transforms Independence Day into a full-day celebration that includes paddle boats, a summer concert, and a massive firework show. But, long before the sun goes down, families and groups spread out across the property, enjoying everything the resort has to offer.
Once darkness finally falls, the real headliner begins!! Launched from just a few hundred yards away, the firework display is one of the more intense shows that you will chance to see! Try it once and you will see why it is one of the most packed annual events in Colorado Springs.
People bring:
Lawn chairs and beach towels
Floaties and flip flops
Sweater or hoodie for when sun goes down
Locals online swear this is one of the best chill fireworks spots without downtown chaos.
8. Sunday Farmers Market in Acacia Park.
Looking for something fun to do in Colorado Springs on Sunday morning? We got you! Every summer, downtown Colorado Springs gets a little more alive on Sunday mornings thanks to the return of the Colorado Springs Sunday Market at Acacia Park. Running all season long from May through October, the market has quickly become one of our favorite weekly traditions.
Local bakers regularly sell out of fresh sourdough and pastries before noon, coffee vendors fuel the early crowd, and produce stands stack tables with Palisade peaches, greens, herbs, and Colorado grown vegetables. Handmade jewelry, candles, art prints, flowers, small-batch sauces, jams, and locally crafted goods are in no scarce quantity either. Organizers describe it as a curated collection of “makers, bakers, growers, and doers,” which honestly feels like the perfect description of the crowd it attracts.
The market changes slightly week to week, which is part of the appeal, you never know if you’re showing up for fresh flowers, handmade pottery or locally roasted coffee. But, there’s something undeniably refreshing about seeing downtown Colorado Springs filled with live music, local vendors, and people spending a slow Sunday morning outdoors together. There are plenty of great local coffee shops and restaurants to visit, right around the park once you finish with the market too. Top of Form
What you’ll find:
Local honey stands
Fresh sourdough stands
Colorado coffee roasters
Great. local live music
Online comments always include: “Came for vegetables, left with 3 candles and a new tote bag.”
9. Horsethief Falls & Pancake Rocks + Paradox Brewery Post-Hike Stop.
One of the best ways to spend a summer day in Colorado Springs is to head up the hill toward Cripple Creek and explore two of the most beautiful and beloved hiking trails in southern Colorado: The Horsethief Falls Trail and Pancake Rocks Trail. Located off Highway 67 near Divide in the Pike National Forest, these trails have been local favorites for decades, offering the kind of classic Colorado scenery that reminds you why people fall in love with our state. The Horsethief Falls Trail begins with a relatively approachable forest hike winding through pine trees, creek crossings, and shaded canyon terrain before arriving at the trail’s centerpiece, a stunning waterfall tucked into the! For hikers wanting a little more, the trail can continue upward into the Pancake Rocks Trail system, where massive layered rock formations and sweeping mountain views create one of the most unique landscapes anywhere near Colorado Springs.
Part of what makes the trip so enjoyable is the drive itself. As you climb toward Cripple Creek, the city slowly disappears behind you and the scenery shifts into thick forest, winding mountain roads, and cool alpine air. Our recommendation: after a long day on the trails, there’s arguably no better way to make your way back toward Colorado Springs than with a stop at Paradox Beer Company. Located conveniently in Divide right along the route back down the mountain, Paradox has become internationally known for its sour beers and barrel-aged creations, drawing craft beer fans from all over the country. The relaxed mountain atmosphere, outdoor seating, and unique beer lineup make it the perfect final stop before heading back into town. Seriously though, where else can you a combine waterfalls, mountain trails, and world-class beer all in a day trip!
Online hikers describe it as:
“Easy-to-moderate hike with big payoff”
“Feels like Colorado without the crowds”
“The beer tastes better after the climb (scientifically proven)”
10. White Water Rafting on the Arkansas River (Royal Gorge area)
The best and closest white water rafting to Colorado Springs is unquestionably the Arkansas River near Cañon City and the Royal Gorge area. It’s only about an hour from the Springs, making it one of the easiest true whitewater destinations to access anywhere in Colorado. It also, just so happens, to be one of the most famous rafting stretches in the country!
The reason people love it is the variety. The Arkansas River offers everything from scenic beginner-friendly rafting trips through Bighorn Sheep Canyon to intense Class III–V rapids running directly beneath the towering Royal Gorge Bridge. Massive granite canyon walls rise above the river while guides navigate famous rapids with names like Sunshine Falls and Wall Slammer, creating the kind of adrenaline-filled Colorado experience people picture when they think about rafting out west.
Some of the most popular rafting outfitters in the area include:
Whitewater Adventure Outfitters
Address: 44650 W US Hwy 50, Cañon City, CO 81212
Phone: 719-275-4500
Email: info@waorafting.com
Website: https://www.waorafting.com
Raft Masters
Address: 2315 E Main St, Cañon City, CO 81212
Phone: 719-275-6645
Email: info@raftmasters.com
Website: https://raftmasters.com
River Runners (Royal Gorge Rafting operations)
Address: 44641 US Hwy 50, Cañon City, CO 81212
Phone: 719-395-2466 (general rafting line) / 719-275-2291 (Royal Gorge center)
Email: rafting@whitewater.net
Website: https://whitewater.net
People online constantly say:
“Perfect mix of adrenaline and scenery”
“First-timers can absolutely do it”
“You will scream and laugh in the same breath”
It’s the closest big-water rafting experience to Colorado Springs, and one of the most booked in Colorado.
Honorable Mention: Taco & Tequila Festival
The Tacos & Tequila Festival is bringing a full day of throwback hip-hop, street food, and summer party vibes to Colorado Springs on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at UCHealth Park. Headlined by T.I., the lineup also features performances from Ginuwine, Chingy, Petey Pablo, Ying Yang Twins, Bubba Sparxxx, Murphy Lee, and DJ Shwasty. In addition to live music, visitors can expect local taco vendors, craft margaritas, tequila tastings, lucha libre wrestling, exotic cars, interactive photo ops, and even a Chihuahua beauty pageant, making it one of the most unique summer festivals in the Pikes Peak region. The event is 21+ and is expected to draw large crowds, so purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Final Word from Springs Things Staff
Thanks for tagging along! We truly love this city and we want you to experience it the way we do! See how many things you can knock out this weekend… or this month, or whatever fits your timeline! If you are ever looking for more fun things to do in Colorado Springs, check out our extensive EVENT PAGE. We keep a running inventory of all the cool shit going on in the city! Cheers to summer in Colorado Springs!
P.S. comment below and let us know what you think of our picks!
