2009 Festivals and Events in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs is home to a super group of summer events. Here is a list of the four best events for summer, 2009.

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Friday, July 17, 2009 in downtown Colorado Springs is the lead-up to a weekend of practice and racing. Race fans will be able to get close to the machines and talk with the drivers who will try to bust the ten minute barrier. Most fans thought 2007 would see the barrier topple. The fans of Nobuhiro Tajima, certainly expected him to rocket through the 156 turns to the peak and claim his record. It was close, 10:01. The following year was not any better for Nobuhiro and his fellow racers. The ten minute barrier is patiently waiting for this year's racers.

Balloon Classic

The 2009, Colorado Balloon Classic will mark its 33rd year. More than 100 balloons will be tethered on the ground at Memorial Park. The balloons will be at the park Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. As dusk approaches on Saturday and Sunday, the balloons are filled with hot air. As the pilots fire the burners and hot air fills the balloons, the night is filled with a warm glow that lights up Memorial Park.

If you are new to the Colorado Springs area and have never attended the Balloon Classic, here are some insider tips to help you enjoy the event. The parking is limited. You will have to park on a street that approaches the park or on one of the side streets. Carry an umbrella. I think it has rained on this event every year since it began.

The Balloon Classic takes place over Labor Day weekend, September, 5th, 6th and 7th.

Colorado College Music Festival
The music festival is actually an intense music program that is assembled for 45 high school and college students from around the world. The festival is an intense three-week learning experience. The music festival runs from June 9, 2009 to June 29, 2009. The concerts begin June 11, 2009 and end June27, 2009. Students and faculty will each present their own concerts.

Territory Days
Old Colorado City was the first capitol of the Colorado territory. Every year we celebrate that fact with a three-day street party. If the sun is shining for the entire event, there might be 140,000
people show up and enjoy the festivities. Territory Days will showcase more than 180 booths. Artists, members of the business community and loads of food booths give you plenty of chances to stimulate the economy.

The summer festival runs May 23rd - 25th.

Music acts for the summer event include ,Jake Loggins, a popular local band, performing Sunday, May 23. For a complete listing of all bands and entertainment look here.

Some of the scheduled activities at Territory Days include, climbing walls, trampolines and rides for the kids. If you like your entertainment to be interactive, try the mechanical bull ride. The list of street entertainment is quite large and varied.

Tips for Territory Days

Pets of any kind are not allowed. Please don't bring them. Parking is non-existent. Please park at Coronado High school and take advantage of the free shuttle that runs from 9:45 a.m. until closing.

Summer is a wonderful time in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Pack up the car and go grab some fun!

Resources
Colorado College
Territory Days
Balloon Classic