Restaurants
Shuga’s
Eclectic globally inspired eats plus creative cocktails & coffee served in a slick, retro-feel room.
702 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 328-1412 | Web: www.shugas.com
Edelweiss German Restaurant
Rustic Bavarian beer garden & eatery where folk music accompanies the classic dishes like schnitzel.
34 E Ramona Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Phone: (719) 633-2220 | Web: edelweissrest.com
Carlos Bistro
Popular, upscale restaurant serving creative global fare & drinks in a warm, atmospheric space.
1025 S 21st St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Phone: (719) 471-2905 | Web: www.carlosbistrocos.com
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The Rabbit Hole
Late-night New American haunt crafting creative bites & cocktails in a sleek, subterranean space.
101 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO
Jack Quinn’s
Comfy Irish pub home to traditional cuisine, grog, sing-alongs & a local running club’s home base.
21 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO
Jax Fish House & Oyster
Bar
Upscale chain serving gourmet seafood dishes & creative cocktails in a relaxed, stylish setting.
11 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO
Streetcar 520
Cozy, relaxed pub offering Irish & local beers, a sizable bar-bites menu & live music nights.
520 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO
Bonny and Read
Thoughtful selection of seafood & steaks, plus creative cocktails, in a modern setting with a patio.
101 N Tejon St #102, Colorado Springs, CO
Four by Brother Luck
Unique Southwestern-style dishes & creative cocktails served in relaxed digs with craft beer on tap.
321 N Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO
Paravicini’s Italian Bistro
Rustic trattoria with a lively atmosphere doling out classic Italian dishes with homemade sauces.
2802 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO
Caspian Cafe
Casual yet elegant eatery with a mix of Greek & Middle Eastern dishes accompanied by belly dancers.
4375 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
La Bella Vita Ristorante
Lauded fine-dining locale specializing in elevated Italian offerings with old-world charm.
4475 Northpark Dr, Colorado Springs, CO
EVENTS 2024
Aug 31
Labor Day Lift Off
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with the 2024 Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off from Memorial Park August 31 - September 2. With early morning balloon launches, a 5k run, live entertainment, skydiving demonstrations and evening balloon glows, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss. Learn more at visitcos.com.
Sep 6
First Friday ArtWalks in Old Colorado City
Marvel at striking artworks and watch lively performances. The First Friday ArtWalks in Old Colorado City are unforgettable monthly events, where local businesses and galleries cultivate unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for date night ideas or seeking new ways to appreciate the arts in the Pikes Peak Region, this Old Colorado City tradition offers one-of-a-kind memories for all interests and ages. Learn more at visitcos.com.
Sep 14
Best of the West Wing Fest
Best of the West Wing Fest is meant to be a fun, community building festival with something for everyone, ending the summer season with your last chance for some HEAT, where the community (not a panel of judges) gets to crown the best chicken wing in Colorado Springs. Learn more at visitcos.com.
Sep 21
Water Lantern Festival
The Colorado Springs Watern Lantern Festival fosters connections and community spirit. Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, engaging games, fun activities and vibrant vendors. The highlight of the night is the stunning display of thousands of lanterns, each adorned with heartfelt messages of love, hope, and dreams, gently floating and reflecting upon the water. Come and be part of this
EVENTS 2024
enchanting celebration that brings people together in a beautiful, serene setting. Learn more at visitcos.com.
Oct 2
Visual & Culinary Arts
Creative Stays is a digital campaign to attract cultural tourists to the Colorado Springs area during Arts Month and throughout the year. The series features 13-weekend getaway itineraries curated by diverse local creatives. Each of these local creatives will share a little about themselves, and recommend some of their favorite lodging accommodations, community attractions, restaurants, entertainment activities, hidden hangouts, and not-to-miss cultural destinations. Details at visitcos.com.
Oct 26
Emma Crawford Coffin Races & Festival
The Emma Crawford Coffin Races in Manitou Springs are an entire day of spooky fun and one of Colorado Springs’ can’t miss Halloween events. Each year, Manitou Springs hosts the Emma Crawford Coffin Races to commemorate a local tale and bring the community together in celebration of Halloween! Learn more at visitcos.com.
Nov 17
90s Party Drag Brunch
Get ready to party like it’s the ‘90s at our in-person Drag Brunch in Colorado Springs, serving up fabulous entertainment and delicious food. Learn more at allevents.in.
Nov 23
Emo Drag Dinner
Get ready for a wild night of emo vibes, fabulous drag performances, and a delicious dinner in Colorado Springs! Learn more at allevents.in.
Nov 27
Colorado Springs Thanksgiving Eve Bar Crawl
This isn’t your average bar crawl – it’s a celebration of gratitude and fun.
From one iconic venue to the next, immerse yourself in a whirlwind of festive decorations, themed costumes, and boundless enthusiasm. Our hand-picked stops feature specialty Thanksgiving-themed cocktails and lively entertainment to keep the celebration alive. But the party doesn’t end there – it’s a chance to embrace the festive spirit, spreading joy and camaraderie with every step. Learn more at allevents.in.
Nov 30
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a celebration of passion, innovation, and community. Experience the magical winter wonderland of toy soldiers, King of the Mice, Sugar Plum Fairy, and so much more. Learn more at allevent.in.
Dec 2
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is an unforgettable experience for the entire family to enjoy a world-class circus experience infused with the holiday classics we all love. Create memories you will cherish forever at Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland! Learn more at allevent.in.
Dec 21
Colorado Springs Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Gather your friends, wear your ugliest sweaters, and hit the town for this thrilling bar crawl experience. As you move from one lively venue to the next, each bar will welcome you with unique drink specials to celebrate the season. The Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is an opportunity to explore the best local hangouts, make new friends, and revel in an atmosphere brimming with enthusiastic holiday cheer. Learn more at allevent.in.
Dec 22
Christmas Symphony
Experience Charles Dickens’s classic holiday tale as only the Muppets can tell it. Kermit and the gang help Ebenezer Scrooge, played by actor Michael Caine, find redemption and his holiday spirit one. Learn more at allevent.in.
EVENTS 2025
Jan 8 2025
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
Puzzling Adventures are a cross between a scavenger hunt, an adventure race, and an informative self-guided walking tour. Each adventure consists of a series of locations that you are guided to where you are required to answer a question or solve a puzzle to receive your next instruction. Compete as a group, individually or create multiple teams and race each other. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
Feb 8 2025
Cripple Creek Ice Festival
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is one of the most exciting times of the year in historic Pikes Peak Region. Discover icy experiences, fantastic selfies, excitement for the whole family, and memories you’ll never want to forget. This two-weekend event unveils striking ice sculptures that embraces the joy of the winter season in the Pikes Peak Region. Details at visitcos.com.
Mar 9 2025
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Put on your favorite green accessory and come down to 3rd & Fairfax for our St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. From 12:30-3:30pm, Glen the bagpiper will be strolling the aisles and from 4-6pm, The Merry Minstrels will be performing their traditional Irish folk music on the East Patio. Magee’s Kitchen, the Market’s first eatery, will be serving their world famous corned beef, cabbage and potato plate all day long! Learn more at visitcos.com.
Apr 26 2025
Spring Book Bash 2025
Welcome back, or just welcome! We are at it again, planning the 2025 Book Bash. This time around we have a larger planning committee, a brand new event space, and even more opportunities to get books and meet local authors! Learn more at allevents.in.
Apr TBD 2025
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
For more than two decades, the Durango Bluegrass Meltdown has been the perfect event for music fans in the Southwest to celebrate spring. Each year, the festival continues to grow slowly but surely, while remaining a quaint, everybody-is-your-friend bluegrass party. Learn more at uncovercolorado.com.
May TBD 2025
MeadowGrass Music Festival
Every year, the MeadowGrass Music Festival brings together music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, showcasing a variety of live performances amid a backdrop of the stunning Pikes Peak area. Groove to an array of unforgettable songs in a grassy clearing, where a forested area will surround your senses and exude a tranquil atmosphere. Learn more at visitcos.com.
May 26 2025
Territory Days
From its humble beginnings, Territory Days has grown from a small neighborhood craft fair into a popular three-day street festival.The event is held every Memorial Day Weekend in the historic Old Colorado City, located on the west side of Colorado Springs. Learn more at visitcos.com.
Jun 7 2025
Manitou Springs Wine Festival
Calling all wine enthusiasts! Spend a day in Manitou Springs enjoying generous tastings from 30 Colorado wineries. Known as the “Colorado Wine Festival,” the Manitou Springs Wine Festival marks the first such festival of the season. Stroll through Memorial Park as you enjoy unlimited tastings from local and regional Colorado wineries with live music, food trucks, and more.
Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions:
1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~
In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.
2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~
Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise,
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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.
3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.
4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience. Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.
5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.
6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.
7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.
8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.
Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!
ONE COLORADO
One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families. We effectively advocate for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families by lobbying the General Assembly, the executive branch, and local governments on issues like safe schools, transgender equality, relationship recognition, and LGBTQ health and human services. Web: one-colorado.org | Location: 303 E. 17th Ave, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203
THE CENTER ON COLFAX
Engaging, Empowering, Enriching & Advancing the LGBTQ Community of Colorado. The Center on Colfax provides a host of free services, targeted programs, enriching cultural events, and more! Web: lgbtqcolorado.org | Location: The Center on Colfax, 1301 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80218 | Phone: 303-733-7743
PFLAG COLORADO SPRINGS
Promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) persons, their families and friends. Web: www.CSPFLAG.org
PIKES PEAK METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH
A progressive community of faith, welcoming all people, with special outreach to the LGBTQ communities of the Colorado Springs area. Web: www.PPMCC.org
QUEER ASTERISK
A nonprofit organization guided by queer and transgender leadership and rooted in community. We provide counseling services, educational trainings, and therapeutic programs centering queer and trans experiences. Web: queerasterisk.com
NORTHERN COLORADO EQUALITY
Northern Colorado Equality seeks to empower the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies through activities, programs, services and education. Honoring, promoting and celebrating our community’s diversity is our central organizing principle. Web: www.nocoequality.org
EVENTS 2025
Jun 14 2025
Pikes Peak Pride Fest
Celebrate Pride with the Colorado Springs community. Pikes Peak Pride 2025 is a community event expected to gather thousands of visitors together from across the state and Pikes Peak Region into downtown Colorado Springs. There will be two full days of vendor booths, food trucks, beer garden and high energy entertainment to include a fabulous parade. Learn more at visitcos.com.
Jul 12 2025
El Paso County Fair
Come on out to the El Paso County Fair — a whole week packed full of fun entertainment, fair rides, food, live music, and thrilling competitions sure to entertain the whole family.Responsible for over a century’s worth of family memories, the El Paso County Fair is one of Colorado Springs’ signature summer events and is not to be missed. Learn more at visitcos.com.
Jul TBD 2025
Rocky Mountain State Games
The Rocky Mountain State Games (RMSG) is Colorado’s largest multisport festival for athletes of all ages and athletic abilities, including those with physical disabilities, visual impairments, and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD).The Rocky Mountain State Games is held primarily over the last two weekends in July in various premier venues across the Pikes Peak region. Learn more at visitcos.com.
