What will inspire you Downtown?
An exuberant, evolving creative scene.
Staged or impromptu, classic to experimental, it’s all happening Downtown. A plethora of visual and performing arts, a burgeoning literary scene, and ample opportunities for stimulating intellectual discourse are yours for the taking. Patron or participant, you’ll find your niche.
Awed by the visual arts? They’re revolutionizing the Downtown scene. Art on the Streets introduces up to 15 new strategically placed works each year—and publishes a walking tour of ALL public art Downtown, too. More than 20 galleries and museums, including the expansive Fine Arts Center, 
the Cornerstone Arts Center (especially the I.D.E.A. Space), and GOCA 121, ignite your senses and sensibilities. Monthly art walks are offered in several mini-districts, too.
Full Art on the Streets Walking Tour Brochure with map
Is music your thing? For the classically inclined, check out our renowned Philharmonic, Chorale, or the Chamber music at Colorado College’s Summer Music Festival. Attuned to other genres? Acoustic folk, smooth or swing jazz, blues, hip hop, alternative, classic rock and more live in Downtown’s parks, pubs, clubs and unique small and large venues alike.
Prefer live theatre? Check out the FAC Theatre Company’s annual repertoire of musicals, comedies and dramatic plays. Discover the local talents of The Star Bar Players. Enjoy student and professional theater at Colorado College, and touring productions at the Pikes Peak Center.
Dedicated to dance? Discover the magic that works its way across the stages at Pikes Peak Center and Colorado College—from ballet to modern, flamenco to stomp. You can also shake your own tail feathers at numerous Downtown clubs.
Got a hankering for history? The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Carnegie Reading Room at Penrose Library and The McAlister House keep it alive and unfolding, as will a stroll that takes in the abundant historical architecture throughout Downtown.
Love the literary? Enjoy varied programs through Pikes Peak Library District’s Penrose facility, including a local Poet Laureate program. Published and aspiring writers can connect and grow their craft via Pikes Peak Writers, based out of Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Colorado College’s Visiting Writers series brings national and international voices September through April.
Fixated on film? The Indie Spirit and Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festivals rock the district each year—
along with other film series at the library, Fine Arts Center and at commercial establishments. The historic Twin Peaks Theatre shows both mainstream and small release films, too.
Stimulated by intellectual discourse? Lectures, discussions, topical panels and more abound, at the Fine Arts Center, Colorado College, Penrose Library and beyond.