Thousands of special events and activities take place Downtown every year, most produced by a wide variety of civic and cultural organizations. Downtown Partnership, through its charitable arm Downtown Ventures, produces several of its own programs specifically designed to lure more people Downtown for arts, culture, learning and exploring.
November 13, 2020
We have made changes to help us follow health guidelines, make your experience more enjoyable, and keep you safe!
This allows us to manage COVID capacity limits and have extra time to clean & disinfect between sessions. We are unable to offer open skating this season.
All skaters and spectators must make reservations online, so we can manage capacity limits.
We are unable to refund for no-shows, or to transfer tickets to a different date or time.
Admission purchases will only be available 1-2 weeks in advance of each session, so we can adjust to ever-changing capacity limits and health guidelines accordingly.
Acacia Park, in Downtown Colorado Springs
115 E. PLATTE AVE., Colorado Springs, 80903
719-385-6521
Download a fun Skate in the Park coloring sheet! CLICK HERE.
Are skate rentals available?
Yes, skates are included in the price of admission (*sizes and quantities are limited).
What is the capacity?
We follow capacity limits set by the El Paso County Health Department. These guidelines for outdoor events may shift throughout the season.
Are masks required?
Masks are required inside the building. While not required for skating (as an outdoor activity) they are encouraged.
Are skating aids available?
Yes, Bobby the Seal skate aids are available for rental. They allow a skater to push the back, providing support and stability. They also allow small skaters a seat to ride on. Limited quantities, so be sure to reserve yours when you purchase your admission online.
Can Spectators attend without having to skate?
Yes, but they must reserve a Spectator Admission (free) with a paying customer. This is necessary to maintain proper capacity levels at the rink.
Where to do I park?
There are metered, on-street parking spaces surrounding Acacia Park. Meters are in effect seven days a week, and can be paid with coins, credit cards or ParkMobile app. The less expensive option is the parking garage at Bijou and Cascade. Find parking details HERE.
Can my pet join me?
No, pets are not allowed. Service animals are allowed on site, but not on the ice.
Is there a place to store my valuables while I skate?
Yes, 25 cent lockers are available to store your valuables – be sure to bring your own quarters since Skate in the Park is cashless. The facility is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Are there other items available for purchase to make my experience more enjoyable?
Yes, retails items such as hats, socks, gloves, hand warmers, ear muffs, glow products and bottled water are available for purchase on site. Please bring a credit card, we are not able to accept cash.
If I reserved a Spectator Admission and decide I’d like to skate, can I modify my reservation?
Yes, once you arrive on site for your session, see a cashier to change your reservation and take your credit card payment. No modifications can be done over the phone or by email, they can only be modified on site at the time of your session.We
December 4, 2020
Free and open to the public, First Friday Downtown features new art, live music, and special events on the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. at dozens of galleries, retailers and nonprofits throughout Downtown Colorado Springs.
Many galleries offer in-person First Friday experiences compliant with current public health guidelines. Scroll down for a comprehensive of participating venues, updated monthly.
Don’t see anything here? Check back in the week preceding First Friday for the latest and greatest events!
December 5, 2020
Hour-long guided tours introduce the historic landmarks, contemporary artwork, and cultural highlights of Downtown. Catch a public tour for $10 on the first Saturday of each month, or email info@downtowncs.com to reserve a private tour for 10 or more. Student and corporate tours also available.
Tours frequently sell out in advance. Click individual dates below to purchase tickets.
NEW for 2021: Morning and afternoon tours available! Tours are held the first Saturday of each month, and depart at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. from various Downtown coffee shops (check individual dates for location details). Participants are encouraged to arrive 30 min. early to enjoy a free beverage of their choice (included in ticket price).
Downtown Walking Tours are conducted in compliance with all current public health orders.
As of most recent update to this page (November 10), safety precautions will include:
– Masks required for tour guides and for participants
– Tour groups of no more than 10
– Tour participants encouraged to maintain physical distancing of 6′ or more
– Pre-tour beverages will be offered outdoors only
Tickets are non-refundable. Given 24 hours cancellation notice (call 886-0088 or email info@downtowncs.com), tickets may be transferred to a later tour date.
What did suffrage mean to the lives of women in the Pikes Peak Region? Facilitated by staffers of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, this tour highlights women’s stories of work, activism and philanthropy in the historic working-class neighborhood of Southwest Downtown.
In honor of Colorado Springs’ sesquicentennial anniversary, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum unveils a new walking tour, COS@150. This robust exploration of our community’s history and culture is drawn from the museum’s newest exhibit, which features 150 objects, illuminating 150 stories, commemorating 150 years. Join Museum staff to explore how objects tell stories about people and place.
In honor of Colorado Springs’ sesquicentennial anniversary, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum unveils a new walking tour, COS@150. This robust exploration of our community’s history and culture is drawn from the museum’s newest exhibit, which features 150 objects, illuminating 150 stories, commemorating 150 years. Join Museum staff to explore how objects tell stories about people and place.
This special walking tour highlights lesser-known figures from the history of Colorado Springs who took a stand against violence and injustice. Downtown Partnership would like to thank the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum for the educational research and resources that informed this tour.
In honor of Colorado Springs’ sesquicentennial anniversary, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum unveils a new walking tour, COS@150. This robust exploration of our community’s history and culture is drawn from the museum’s newest exhibit, which features 150 objects, illuminating 150 stories, commemorating 150 years. Join Museum staff to explore how objects tell stories about people and place.
Hear spooky stories from Colorado Springs’ early days in this interactive tour featuring local storytellers from the Pikes Peak Writers Guild. Some stories are real; some are fake – can you tell which is which? Hear the untold stories of local historic buildings and get to know the Ghosts of Downtown in this special offering from Downtown Partnership.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a VERY popular tour! Multiple dates are available, but don’t wait to register.
In honor of Colorado Springs’ sesquicentennial anniversary, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum unveils a new walking tour, COS@150. This robust exploration of our community’s history and culture is drawn from the museum’s newest exhibit, which features 150 objects, illuminating 150 stories, commemorating 150 years. Join Museum staff to explore how objects tell stories about people and place.
What’s that crane in the sky? What new business is coming to your favorite block? Where did that piece of public art go? Get the answers with What’s Up Downtown, an interactive experience of all the exciting changes coming to the heart of the city in 2022.
Downtown Walking Tours are sponsored by Maggie Turner, Realtor with Springs Homes.
History tours are conducted in partnership with the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.
Downtown Partnership would also like to thank Pikes Peak Writers Guild, The Perk Downtown, the Wild Goose Meeting House, Loyal Coffee and Story Coffee for their ongoing support.
January 20, 2021
FREE ONLINE EVENT
January 20, 4 – 5:15pm MST
What is an employer’s role in raising young people out of poverty?
BITWISE INDUSTRIES and its associated entities have built an equitable, sustainable talent pipeline for Fresno’s technology sector through training, education and a long-term commitment to local under resourced communities. This in turn has sparked a renaissance for Downtown Fresno.
Listen in as Colorado Springs tech industry leaders talk with Irma and Jake about what it takes to equitably develop local talent in a way that builds success for all.
The 2021 City Center Speaker Series is presented by COLORADO SPRINGS HEALTH FOUNDATION, providing grants that target immediate health care needs and encourage healthy living in El Paso County and Teller County, CO.
Sponsors of individual speaker events include CONO, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE COALITION and COLORADO SPRINGS FOOD RESCUE.
COLORADO SPRINGS BUSINESS JOURNAL has been the media sponsor of the City Center Speaker Series since its inception.
February 17, 2021
with Tamika L. Butler
FREE ONLINE EVENT
February 17, 4 – 5:15pm MST
Active multimodal transit is key to economic and public health for growing cities. How do we ensure its benefits are accessible to ALL citizens?
Tamika L. Butler is a national expert on issues related to the built environment, equity, anti-racism, diversity and inclusion, and change management. Recently, Tamika was Toole Design’s Director of Planning for California and the Director of Equity and Inclusion. Formerly serving as Executive Director of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, they addressed social and racial equity in wellness by building parks and gardens in park-poor communities.
Presented by TRAILS & OPEN SPACE COALITION
The 2021 City Center Speaker Series is presented by COLORADO SPRINGS HEALTH FOUNDATION, providing grants that target immediate health care needs and encourage healthy living in El Paso County and Teller County, CO.
Sponsors of individual speaker events include CONO, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE COALITION and COLORADO SPRINGS FOOD RESCUE.
COLORADO SPRINGS BUSINESS JOURNAL has been the media sponsor of the City Center Speaker Series since its inception.
March 17, 2021
with Dan Carmody, president of Detroit Eastern Market Partnership
FREE ONLINE EVENT
March 17, 4 – 5:15pm MST
Dan is a dynamic speaker who led the renaissance of Detroit’s Eastern Market as a hub for healthy food and local jobs, eventually expanding a wholesale food district to include mixed-use buildings, additional light manufacturing, and better public spaces. “Don’t change a thing; just make it better” – the motto of many longtime Eastern Market stakeholders – speaks to how long-venerated institutions must evolve with the times to survive.
Presented by COLORADO SPRINGS FOOD RESCUE
Q&A facilitated by REV. DR. STEPHANY ROSE SPAULDING
The 2021 City Center Speaker Series is presented by COLORADO SPRINGS HEALTH FOUNDATION, providing grants that target immediate health care needs and encourage healthy living in El Paso County and Teller County, CO.
Sponsors of individual speaker events include CONO, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE COALITION and COLORADO SPRINGS FOOD RESCUE.
COLORADO SPRINGS BUSINESS JOURNAL has been the media sponsor of the City Center Speaker Series since its inception.
April 14, 2021
FREE ONLINE EVENT
April 14, 4 – 5:15pm MST
The upheavals of 2020 highlighted long-standing inequities in how public space serves public health. What needs to change to make our city center safe and healthy for all?
Dr. Keshia Pollack Porter’s (Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg
School of Public Health) research focuses on tactics to center equity and public health in how we address public spaces, promoting safe and healthy environments where people live, work, play and travel.
Q&A facilitated by Tilah Larson, Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and cultural services
The 2021 City Center Speaker Series is presented by COLORADO SPRINGS HEALTH FOUNDATION, providing grants that target immediate health care needs and encourage healthy living in El Paso County and Teller County, CO.
Sponsors of individual speaker events include CONO, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE COALITION and COLORADO SPRINGS FOOD RESCUE.
COLORADO SPRINGS BUSINESS JOURNAL has been the media sponsor of the City Center Speaker Series since its inception.
