The smell of freshly cut grass is in the air. Kids laugh as they skip across the lawn, aiming for the slip-and-slide on the hill. Neighbors wave and greet each other as they unfold blankets and camping chairs. Savory smells waft from nearby food trucks as bands play a few riffs for soundcheck. Soon they will launch into favorite covers and original tunes as the grassy dance floor fills with dancers of all ages. Welcome to Music on the Mesa.
The outdoor concert series is a favorite for Colorado Springs locals whether they live in Gold Hill Mesa or elsewhere around town. Running from midsummer to fall, the live music gatherings epitomize the welcoming community spirit of the Traditional Neighborhood Development that connects the best of Colorado Springs living with its easy access to both downtown and the Westside mountains and trails.
But music is only one facet of arts events regularly hosted at Gold Hill Mesa. Vibrant creative culture is as much a part of the community as its purposeful walkable design, and that includes monthly Art on the Mesa events, the Blues on the Mesa festival, a fall festival benefiting nearby Bear Creek Nature Center and more.
“Arts events are so important to us at Gold Hill Mesa because they bring the community together and add beauty to the environment,” says Stephanie Edwards, Executive Vice President and CMO of Gold Hill Mesa. “Gathering people together is part of the Traditional Neighborhood Design, and connecting people is the soul of the community.”
From Gold Hill Mesa’s beginnings, arts events have been a priority. Edwards points to the world’s Blue Zones as an inspiration. Those regions have gotten a lot of attention as areas where people have the highest longevity, and one of their characteristics is that people have close connections and a strong sense of community.
“When you’re revitalizing an area like we’ve done with Gold Hill, bringing in the arts is a great way to enhance the community and to provide opportunities for people to gather,” Edwards says. “It creates a setting that helps to promote a healthy lifestyle.”
Most outdoor concerts and events happen at the grassy Central Park, while Art on the Mesa and other indoor events are held at the Community Center. And as Gold Hill continues to build toward the completion of its premier planned community, meaningful connection remains a priority. Restoration work has begun on the historic smokestack where gatherings can happen at an eventual park or possible amphitheater.
“Building connections with the arts, outdoors and each other strengthens community,” Edwards says. “It’s what Gold Hill Mesa is all about.”
Here’s how to enjoy music, art and community events now at Gold Hill Mesa. Blues on the Mesa is the only ticketed event; each of the others are free and open to the public.
Music on the Mesa
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to the lawn in Central Park. This series of free outdoor concerts is open to the public and always features a stellar lineup of local bands in summer and early fall. A beverage tent and collection of weekly food trucks are always there serving yummy treats.
• Aug. 23: SofaKillers, 4-7 p.m.
• Sept. 6: Harry Mo & The Cru, 4-8 p.m.
• Sept. 13: D11 / Wirewood Station, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Sept. 20: Fall Festival featuring Countrywyde, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Art on the Mesa
On the second Thursday of each month, the Gold Hill Community Center buzzes with creativity and community for Art on the Mesa. Free and open to the public at 5-8 p.m., the opening reception features new artwork by more than 50 local, regional and international award-winning artists.
Carol Losinski Naylor, PPWS, CWS, curates all the work. The watercolor batik artist is a past president of both the Colorado Springs Art Guild President and the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society. “Carol lines up about 60 artists, and the artwork is floor to ceiling art,” Edwards says. “The visuals are amazing.”
“Art on the Mesa is the most unique venue in the city if not the state,” Naylor says. “The variety of art and artists is what makes the exhibits so interesting and eclectic. My approach is to give all artists — young, old, experienced or beginners — an opportunity to display their art with pride. Art normally hangs for three months, so the monthly receptions allow for everyone to invite family and friends to attend.”
Live music is part of each Art on the Mesa event, with exciting local artists curated by Dizzy Charlie’s. And complimentary beverages and appetizers are provided.
“The response to Art on the Mesa is overwhelming!” Nylor says. “The residents are excited to have their community center filled with quality art that adds to the ambience of their personal events as well.”
“It’s a different theme at each Art on the Mesa, and the exhibits are fantastic,” Edwards says. “Several residents have purchased art, and builders have exhibited it in their model homes. That kind of synergy is just another way we’re bringing the arts to life.”
Blues on the Mesa
For the past five years, the local A Music Company Inc. has hosted the popular Blues on the Mesa festival at Gold Hill Mesa. The one-day festival features national and regional blues artists. And local food trucks, breweries, distillers, artisans and more add to the festive ambiance and rollicking good time.
“Blues on the Mesa takes place in a lush, green, park-like setting which is laid-back and family friendly for a full day of blues music,” says Amy Whitesell, co-owner of A Music Company Inc.
This is the only concert at Gold Hill Mesa that is ticketed, so be sure to order your tickets ahead. Blues on the Mesa happens this year on Sept. 27. The 2025 lineup features:
• Ruthie Foster
• Mike Zito
• Eden Brent
• Jack Hadley with Peaches Embry
• Grant Sabin
Whether you come to a concert, art reception or other gathering at Gold Hill Mesa, you’ll find a vibrant community to welcome you.
Learn more about new homes, arts and community events at Gold Hill Mesa at goldhillmesa.com.
