This weekend in Fountain, CO

Marking its 50th year, this Labor Day tradition fills the mornings with the sight of more than 70 hot air balloons lifting into the sky. Throughout the weekend, the new SkyFest Village adds even more to explore, with a larger beer garden, extra food options, and interactive family attractions such as the Ninja Nation Obstacle Course. As evening arrives, the Balloon Glow lights up the night, and live performances from Cody Cozz and The Martini Shot Band keep the celebration going. Admission is free.

Enjoy a beautiful day at Bancroft Park during the Old Colorado City Farmers Market.

Premier Prospects Baseball hosts a Labor Day weekend youth tournament built around competitive games, strong matchups, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Divisions are available for 10U through 14U, and every team is slated for four games. Created for groups looking to compete, develop, or make an impression heading into the fall season, the event pairs quality facilities with a balance of intensity and fun to create lasting memories for players and families.

Explore handmade goods and original creations in the heart of Old Colorado City as local artisans and makers gather for a weekly craft fair. A rotating roster features 28 artists each week, so there is always something new to discover. The fair is presented by the Old Colorado City Historical Society and takes place at the Old Colorado City History Center. Shopping small here supports the History Center and helps keep local history thriving. After browsing, the neighboring farmers market at Bancroft Park offers even more to check out. Please note that comments asking for vendors are scams.

A year-round Saturday road ride hosted by Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort welcomes both overnight guests and the local cycling community. Expect roughly two hours at an intermediate pace, with chances for quicker riders to stretch their legs, and a no-drop policy supported by a designated sweep to keep everyone together and help with mechanicals. Routes often feature nearby favorites like Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Gold Camp Road and Seven Falls, Manitou Springs, Flying W Ranch Road and Blodgett Peak, with frequent use of the Midland, Greenway, Sinton, and Foothill trails. On the first Saturday of each month the destination is Glen Eyrie Castle by special permission. Riders should be prepared with aired tires, a helmet, and water, and are asked to park toward the back of the property rather than in front of the lodge or guest rooms. Many participants relax afterward with a beverage at the resort’s Watering Hole. The group is a member of and insured through the League of American Cyclists, and it also gathers to take part in other Colorado rides and events. An optional $25 annual membership offers supplemental insurance, a pair of resort socks upon joining, waffles and coffee before or after rides, happy hour pricing at the Watering Hole, a discount on the pool membership, 15 percent off rooms, and 20 percent off labor at Westside Bicycle Service, with details available at the resort front desk.

Breaking Glass Creations appears at the Commonwheel Art Festival in Manitou during Labor Day weekend. This visit marks a third year of participation and a well loved way to close out the summer.

Colorado Farm and Art Market brings its weekly market to The Margarita at Pine Creek, celebrating farms, art, food, and community. Everything on offer comes from Colorado, from produce grown by in-state growers to artwork, handmade goods, body care, fresh baked treats, and prepared foods crafted in local communities. Visitors can browse a rotating selection of farm stands and makers, enjoy live music, and take time to shop for the week while meeting the growers and creators behind the products.

Commonwheel Artists Co-Op marks its 52nd year with an annual festival featuring art and music for all ages. The event takes place at Memorial Park in the historic town of Manitou Springs, just west of Colorado Springs.

Gather at Painting with a Twist for a warm book club discussion of The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb. The novel follows Corby Ledbetter, a stay-at-home father and former commercial artist, after a devastating accident that takes the life of his young son, Niko. Convicted of involuntary manslaughter, Corby confronts the realities of prison while reckoning with his past, including his relationship with his wife, Emily, a difficult childhood, and struggles with addiction. Within prison he discovers unexpected support, opportunities to mentor, and creative outlets that help him move toward self-forgiveness. Conversation centers on grief, guilt, redemption, resilience, the healing role of art, and the complexities of the prison system, with space for questions and reflections on the characters and the moral and emotional choices that shape the story.

In its second year, this purpose-driven car show brings together Colorado’s custom scene to benefit local kids. New winter coats are being collected for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, sizes 5 through 16. For participants, one new kids coat donation per vehicle serves as entry into the showcase. Expect shining builds with chrome and color across custom and classic rides from all makes and models. Highlights include Top 5 People’s Choice honors, food trucks, and music throughout. Admission is free for all ages, with coat donations appreciated to help keep children warm.

Danny Tramel performs at Garden of the Gods Trading Post on two consecutive evenings.

Bike Night fills The Bone Yard with two evenings of laid-back fun. Whether you ride or just want to hang out, everyone is welcome. Expect friendly faces, positive energy, and a full night of good times.

A Cajun and Creole edition of a summer community dinner series comes to the historic Rockledge House at Smokebrush Farm, set beneath Tava and influenced by the waters of Manitou and the abundance of the land. Guest chef Jamar Pierre creates a menu built on peak-season harvests, with ingredients grown, foraged, and gathered on-site, and additional sourcing from nearby producers who follow organic, small-scale, regenerative practices. Gatherings range from casual farm picnics to intimate evenings indoors, bringing the farm’s bounty to the table with live music from local performers. The full menu and performer lineup will be announced soon. Pricing reflects a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. Reservation options include vegetarian, gluten-free, or both. Farm tours begin 30 minutes after doors, and boots are recommended.

At Memorial Park, The Martini Shot performs live music as part of the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off, a long-running community tradition that signals the close of summer. The band plays two sets over the course of the evening, with a balloon glow in between and a drone show to cap the night. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages, making it suitable for families.