Best October Events in Colorado Springs

Posted by Lauren Schneider on Friday, September 24th, 2021 at 7:38am.

Top Annual October Events in Colorado Springs, COWhen fall arrives along with the spookiest month of the year, locals around the city of Colorado Springs have many annual events to consider. From arts festivals to 5K runs, Colorado Springs has plenty of events that welcome the season. Read on to learn about Colorado Springs events in October that draw locals and tourists alike to the Pikes Peak Region.

Colorado Springs Arts Month

During October, the arts abound throughout the community and the Colorado Springs area. Local talent is showcased alongside cross-sector collaborations from around the nation. Colorado Springs Arts Month aims to celebrate local artisans and encourage people to get out and have a culturally inspired experience during October.

  • Location: Various Venues
  • Date: All of October
  • Cost: Most events are free

The Hilariously Wild Emma Crawford Coffin Races

Festival goers convene around the Miramont Castle Museum in the Manitou Springs community each October for the wild and wacky Emma Crawford Coffin Races. The races started in 1995 to honor an early resident named Emma Crawford, who came here searching for a remedy for her tuberculosis.

She passed away at age 19, and rumors have been passed down for generations that her coffin slid down a mountain after heavy rains. Today, teams decorate coffins and gleefully race down the street adorned in costumes. The parade is held afterward, where hearses, street dancers, and other events create a fun-filled celebration.

Kids Learn & Play at the Cool Science Festival

The Cool Science Festival is hosted by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. While some experiments and programs take place on campus, many outdoor events and special field trips off-campus are part of this nine-day festival. There are demonstrations and STEAM-focused activities and opportunities for kids to build their own model rockets, and much more.

Several nature hikes are planned to destinations like Cave of the Winds and the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum. There are scheduled visits to the planetarium, stargazing nights, and trips to open spaces for paleo hikes. Registration is free, but some outings may have a small fee.

The Gallop 5K

The Gallop 5K is a newer annual event, and participants ride stick horses throughout the striking scenery in the Garden of the Gods area. Costumes are encouraged, and it's a great activity for people of all ages. There will be games, yoga, beer gardens, live music, and more at the festival. Registration covers admission to the festival and an official Gallop 5K stick horse.

Manitou Springs Haunted Beer Tours

Throughout October, Wednesdays and Saturdays are a treat for beer enthusiasts. A knowledgeable beer master takes thirsty folks aged 21 and over throughout the community to enjoy a few craft beer tastings from local breweries on Haunted Beer Tours. Attendees will learn all about the history of Manitou Springs and its storied haunted past while tasting the afternoon away. Guests are encouraged to dress up for the occasion and register early, as spaces are limited and typically sell out each week.

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