October is Arts Month in Colorado Springs. The annual initiative is orchestrated locally by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region as part of a collective movement across the United States. The Springs’ arts scene is always vibrant, but each October the calendar overflows with creative entertainment. Heading into the start of Arts Month, there were already more than 200 events scheduled at 100-plus venues over the 31 days. That means lots of opportunities to experience, celebrate and even unleash your own creativity.
Arts Month is always about discovering something new. The goal is to have at least one new cultural experience with family or friends. It’s a chance to get out and explore something new — and in keeping with this year’s Arts Month theme, to “Open Your World with the Arts.”
“The growth of the region’s community is spurring growth in our arts and entertainment, so there’s always something new that you haven’t seen, tasted or experienced,” says Angela Seals, executive director of the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region. “Getting out there with curiosity and joy is what Arts Month is all about! And yes, we hope you’ll realize that these invitations are there all year long.”
Even during a difficult time for the arts nationally, Seals says she sees continuing momentum in the local arts scene due to resourcefulness and authentic relationships that power resilience and energy. “But for that momentum to continue and thrive, we must keep believing in this as a soulful, creative place, and keep choosing local experiences and local goods,” she says. “Let’s build the community we want by the choices we make on date night, on Saturday with our families, when we’re shopping for holidays. Support the arts, during Arts Month and beyond, and we’ll see a more vibrant future for the Pikes Peak region that’s already beginning.”
To do that, you can find full schedules of Arts Month events at ArtsOctober.com. Some of the options will challenge your preconceptions and make you think. Others will pull you into the action and let you forget — your worries, your inhibitions or your insecurities that you’re not artistic. Many of the events will inspire and entertain you. There’s something for everyone.
To help you get started, here are our Top 12 ways to celebrate the 12th Annual Arts Month in Colorado Springs.
1. Download the Arts Month Digital Passport.
There’s a new digital passport for Arts Month this year, created by Visit Colorado Springs, and it’s the easiest way to open your world of art from your fingertips.
“The Arts Month Digital Passport makes it fun and easy to check in at over 30 local sites to earn points and win prizes,” Seals says. “Behind that game is the realness of driving economic impact to our creative businesses, nonprofits and local artists. Buy creative, buy local, buy tickets, support our arts scene this October. And with the passport, you might even win some great rewards, too!”
All you have to do is sign up here, and you can follow the instructions to add the app to your phone’s home screen. You’ll have a pocket guide to events and creative stops all over the region. And you can check in at geolocated spots to earn points and be able to …
2. Win Prizes
When you check in with the digital passport, you can get swag like custom collectible stickers by local artists, lapel pins and bucket hats. Plus you earn a chance to win the grand-prize: a deluxe creative stay that includes an overnight at The Mining Exchange Hotel, a paint with an animal experience at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, a $150 gift card to the Ent Center for the Arts and more.
3. Go to Arts Month First Friday
First Friday Art Walks are always a great monthly opportunity to roam new gallery exhibitions, meet artists and savor special events and receptions throughout Manitou, Old Colorado City and downtown. Arts Month First Friday will be even more festive on Oct. 3 as artists and art lovers around the region gather to see and celebrate new work. Learn more about the experience in our Insider’s Guide to First Friday.
4. Savor the Visual and Culinary Arts
There’s a loose theme for each week of Arts Month, and the month begins with an emphasis on artistic expressions you can see and taste. First Friday includes a full range of new gallery openings, and many blend drinks and light bites. Ephemera is displaying art by surrealist painter Shannon Palmer and serving an Oct. 3-5 menu highlighting the best dishes from its five years. There’s a Matcha Rave at Stompin’ Groundz. Stellina Pizza Cafe is hosting a Community Constellations night on Oct. 8 when 10 % of all sales go to support the arts advocacy of the Cultural Office. And Rocky Mountain Food Tours will guide you on a delicious experience of local food and drink. See the full schedule at artsoctober.com.
5. Applaud the Theater and Film
Focus your Arts Month festivities on the stage and screen. Cabaret by Theatreworks is one play you don’t want to miss. Hurry to be sure to see Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B at the Fine Arts Center Theatre through Oct. 5. The Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival is another. And with Halloween on the horizon, you’ve got many other options to lean into the spooky vibes of the season, from scary movie series to haunted ghost tours and more. Highlights include the Three Nights of Horror Film Festival, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Vampire of Cripple Creek. Check the Arts Month schedule for more options. And find all the Halloween festivities in our Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Colorado Springs.
6. Be Moved by Music and Dance
Get out to a concert or dance performance — or sing some karaoke and kick up your own heels at a dance event. There’s always a full lineup of live music, from local artists to national acts, and this month is no exception. October brings options ranging from Judy Collins to Alice Cooper and Judas Priest, bluegrass and Americana at Buffalo Grass to classical and movie soundtracks by the Philharmonic. Check out Dizzy Charlie’s schedule of curated live music all around town or pick your favorite venue. You can find lots of music and dance at artsoctober.com too.
7. Be Inspired by Poetry, Prose and Comedy
Be moved and inspired by the spoken word, whether it’s in poetry verse or jokes and comedy skits. The Poetry 719 Annual Poetry Festival hosts open mics, poetry slams, workshops and inclusive events all month. Loonees Comedy Corner hosts the Colorado Springs Comedy Festival Oct. 8-12. And the Pikes Peak Zine Fest hosts its free small press gathering on Oct. 18. Find more Arts Month options here.
8. Make Your Own Art
Arts Month is all about a new creative experience — so it’s the perfect time to get out and make something. Bemis School of Art has a wide range of creative classes, where you can make pinatas and ofrendas for Dia de Muertos or learn basic drawing photography and more. Or sign up for a painting event at a place like Painting With a Twist. Create pottery at Cottonwood Center for the Arts or Color Me Mine. And make crafts at Who Gives a Scrap. These no-pressure DIY workshops are great for date night, family fun or girls night out.
9. Explore Public Art
Colorado Springs is a gallery in and of itself thanks to its vibrant public art installations. Downtown is host to 12 new sculptures and murals, plus permanent pieces, in the Art on the Streets collection, and you can follow a guided or self-guided tour to enjoy them. The east side is home to an incredible new piece by world-renowned sculpture Andy Scott at Percheron. And you’ll find more interesting art all over town, from Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City to University Village, Briargate and more.
10. Hit the Road
The Pikes Peak region is big and filled with creative and artistic discoveries. Fall is a beautiful time to explore it while the aspen trees add an artful glow of gold. Head to Cripple Creek for a show at the Butte Theatre. Take a day trip to Green Mountain Falls to see Patrick Shearn’s shimmering, kinetic Off the Beaten Path — but hurry: It’s only there through Oct. 19. Take a short hike to visit Rita the Rock Puller, the giant troll in Victor, by international artist Thomas Dambo. Or upcycle new treasures that you find in the antique shops of Penrose and Canon City.
11. Find Something Weird and Unusual
Take a walk on the offbeat side and find new curiosities to add to your decor, gallery or gift-gifting stash. The small local shops of Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City and downtown are great places to find unique treasures. Novis Mortem and Cronk Art and Curiosities are standouts. And don’t forget about the May Natural History Museum, aka the Bug Museum, for a beautiful and unusual collection of insects.
12. Keep the Arts Going with Season Tickets
Don’t stop enjoying, celebrating and supporting the arts when Arts October ends. If you tried and loved a new experience, consider buying season tickets or a membership to a local arts organization or group. Most groups, such as the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Theatreworks, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College and the Millibo Art Theatre, offer a variety of ticket packages and memberships to meet every budget. And your support keeps the arts in Colorado Springs strong and thriving.
