Colorado Springs is a vibrant city that comes alive after dark, offering a diverse array of Colorado Springs nightlife experiences for visitors and locals alike. From lively bars and pulsating nightclubs to intimate live music venues and craft breweries, this Rocky Mountain destination has something for everyone.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Downtown Colorado Springs boasts a thriving bar scene with iconic spots like Tony's, Gasoline Alley, and Blondie's.
- Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods offer unique outdoor nightlife activities like stargazing and night hikes.
- The city's live music venues, breweries, and rooftop bars contribute to its vibrant nightlife culture.
Destination Overview
Colorado Springs’ nightlife scene is a captivating blend of urban energy and natural beauty. This Colorado Springs Nightlife Guide is meant to help you navigate all of the amazing things there are to do in this Colorado city. The city’s downtown area is a hub of activity, with bars, clubs, and entertainment venues lining the streets. Tejon Street, in particular, is a popular destination for those seeking a lively atmosphere and a taste of the local nightlife.
Beyond the city center, Colorado Springs offers a range of outdoor nightlife experiences that take advantage of its stunning natural surroundings. Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods provide breathtaking backdrops for stargazing, night hikes, and other after-dark adventures.
Local Experiences and Culture
Immersing oneself in the local culture is an integral part of the Colorado Springs nightlife experience. The city’s vibrant arts scene is on full display at various live music venues, where visitors can enjoy everything from rock and hip-hop to jazz and blues performances.
Craft breweries have also become an integral part of the local nightlife culture, offering happy hour and unique beer tastings with a lively social atmosphere. Many breweries host events and live music, making them popular gathering spots for locals and visitors alike.
Downtown Colorado Springs Bars
Downtown Colorado Springs is home to a diverse array of bars, each with its own unique character and vibe. Tony’s, a beloved dive bar, is a popular happy hour spot for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff. Gasoline Alley, on the other hand, caters to a rock-oriented crowd, while Blondie’s is a go-to destination for club dancing and pop music.
Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant is an Irish pub located in downtown Colorado Springs. At Jack Quinn’s, you can enjoy a classic Irish pub vibe with Irish drinks and food. They host live music and events, adding to the vibrant ambiance.
For those seeking a more upscale experience, rooftop bars like Lumen8 offer stunning city views and craft cocktails. Speakeasies like Shame & Regret and District 11 provide a touch of mystery and exclusivity, transporting guests back to the Prohibition era.
Pikes Peak Nightlife Activities
Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s most iconic natural landmarks, offers a range of nightlife activities that allow visitors to experience the great outdoors after dark. Night hikes and stargazing tours provide a unique perspective on the area’s stunning scenery, while events like full moon hikes and outdoor concerts add an extra layer of excitement.
Garden of the Gods After Dark
The Garden of the Gods, a stunning natural wonder known for its towering sandstone formations, takes on a different character after the sun sets. Night tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s otherworldly landscapes under the glow of the moon and stars, providing a truly unique and memorable experience.
Manitou Springs Entertainment
Just a short drive from Colorado Springs, the charming town of Manitou Springs offers a vibrant entertainment scene of its own. The Lemon Lodge Ski Bar is a popular spot for live music and après-ski vibes, while the Manitou Art Theater showcases independent films and hosts cultural events.
Colorado Springs Live Music Venues
Colorado Springs’ live music scene is thriving, with venues catering to a wide range of genres and tastes. The Black Sheep is a renowned concert hall that hosts rock, hip-hop, and alternative acts, while The Gold Room offers a more intimate setting for jazz, blues, and acoustic performances.
Breweries in Colorado Springs
Craft beer enthusiasts will find themselves right at home in Colorado Springs, where a vibrant brewery scene has taken root. Establishments like Goat Patch Brewing Company, Metric Brewing, and Lost Friend Brewing Company offer a diverse selection of locally crafted brews, often accompanied by food trucks and live music.
Cocktail Bars
For those seeking a more refined nightlife experience, Colorado Springs boasts a number of sophisticated cocktail bars. Cork & Cask offers an impressive selection of spirits and a unique speakeasy vibe.
Outdoor Dining
Colorado Springs’ mild climate and stunning natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for outdoor dining. Many restaurants and bars offer al fresco seating, allowing guests to enjoy their meals and drinks while taking in the fresh mountain air and scenic views.
Night Hikes Near Colorado Springs
Adventurous souls will find plenty of opportunities for night hikes near Colorado Springs. These guided excursions offer a unique way to experience the area’s natural beauty, with trails winding through forests, canyons, and scenic overlooks.
Cultural Events
Colorado Springs’ nightlife scene is enriched by a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. From art walks and outdoor concerts to film festivals and theater performances, there’s always something exciting happening in the city after dark.
Tejon Street Nightlife
Tejon Street, located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, is a hub of nightlife activity. This lively strip is home to a diverse array of bars, clubs, and restaurants, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Old Colorado City Nightlife
The historic district of Old Colorado City offers a charming and unique nightlife experience. This pedestrian-friendly area is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops, many of which are housed in beautifully preserved buildings from the late 19th century.
Rooftop Bars
Colorado Springs’ rooftop bars provide a one-of-a-kind nightlife experience, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Lumen8 Rooftop Social and The Rabbit Hole are two popular spots for enjoying craft cocktails and taking in breathtaking scenery.
Speakeasies
For those seeking a more clandestine nightlife experience, Colorado Springs is home to several speakeasies and hidden bars. These intimate and exclusive spots offer a taste of the Prohibition Era, with carefully crafted cocktails and a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Dance Clubs
Colorado Springs’ dance clubs cater to a variety of musical tastes, from hip-hop and EDM to Latin and country. Venues like Copperhead, Mansion, and Cowboys offer lively atmospheres, pulsating beats, and plenty of space to dance the night away.
Night Markets
Colorado Springs night markets provide a unique and vibrant nightlife experience, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment. These lively events feature a variety of vendors selling everything from handcrafted goods to delicious street food, accompanied by live music and performances.
LGBTQ+ Nightlife
The Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ community is well-served by a number of inclusive bars and clubs, such as ICONS. These venues offer safe and welcoming spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to socialize, dance, and celebrate.
Craft Beer Tours
For those looking to delve deeper into Colorado Springs’ thriving craft beer scene, a variety of guided tours are available. These tours offer the opportunity to visit multiple breweries, sample a wide range of locally crafted beers, and learn about the brewing process from knowledgeable guides.
Stargazing Spots
With its clear skies and minimal light pollution, Colorado Springs is an ideal destination for stargazing. Several parks and open spaces in the area, such as Cheyenne Mountain State Park and the Starr Kempf Trailhead, offer prime viewing locations for taking in the night sky’s celestial wonders.
Late-Night Coffee Shops
For those seeking a cozy and caffeinated respite from the city’s lively nightlife scene, Colorado Springs boasts a number of late-night coffee shops. Establishments like Loyal Coffee and Switchback Coffee Roasters offer a warm and inviting atmosphere, as well as a selection of specialty coffee drinks and light bites.
Night Photography Spots
Colorado Springs’ stunning natural landscapes and urban cityscapes provide ample opportunities for night photography enthusiasts. Popular spots for capturing the city’s nighttime beauty include the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the downtown area, where the city lights create a captivating backdrop.
FAQ
What are some of the best bars in downtown Colorado Springs?
Some of the most popular and iconic bars in downtown Colorado Springs include Tony’s, a beloved dive bar; Gasoline Alley, which caters to a rock-oriented crowd; and Blondie’s, a go-to spot for club dancing and pop music. Rooftop bars like Lumen8 and speakeasies like Shame & Regret also offer unique nightlife experiences.
Are there any outdoor nightlife activities in Colorado Springs?
Yes, Colorado Springs offers a range of outdoor nightlife activities that take advantage of its stunning natural surroundings. These include night hikes and stargazing tours in areas like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, as well as outdoor concerts and events.
What kind of live music can I find in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs has a vibrant live music scene, with venues catering to a wide range of genres. The Black Sheep is a renowned concert hall for rock, hip-hop, and alternative acts, while The Gold Room offers an intimate setting for jazz, blues, and acoustic performances. Many breweries and bars also host live music events.
Are there any unique nightlife experiences in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs offers several unique nightlife experiences, such as speakeasies and hidden bars that transport guests back to the Prohibition Era, as well as night tours of the Garden of the Gods and other natural wonders. The city’s night markets and outdoor dining scene also provide a distinctive nightlife experience.
Is Colorado Springs a good destination for LGBTQ+ nightlife?
Yes, Colorado Springs has a welcoming and inclusive LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Venues like ICONS offer safe and welcoming spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to socialize and celebrate.
