Community Spotlight · · 9 min read
Chris Vawter headshot By Chris Vawter, Broker Associate, Coldwell Banker Realty

Colorado Springs Community Spotlight: Summer 2026 Events & What's New

Downtown Colorado Springs on a sunny summer afternoon with Pikes Peak visible behind the city skyline

Summer is in full swing in Colorado Springs, and there is no better time to explore what makes this city one of the best places to live in Colorado. Whether you are a longtime resident or thinking about making the move, here is a look at the events, developments, and community changes shaping Colorado Springs right now.

Summer Events Worth Your Calendar

Colorado Springs comes alive every summer with a packed lineup of community events. Here are some of the highlights happening in July and August 2026:

  • Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (June 21) — The 104th running of this legendary race up America's mountain. Downtown Fan Fest kicks off the weekend with live music, food vendors, and a festival atmosphere on Tejon Street.
  • Star Spangled Symphony & July 4th Block Party — Colorado Springs' signature Independence Day celebration with fireworks, live music, and community festivities throughout the downtown area.
  • Broadmoor Traditions Fine Art Festival (July 4–5) — A juried fine art show at The Colorado Springs School featuring dozens of regional artists. A wonderful way to spend the holiday weekend.
  • Manitou Chamber Music Festival (July 12–26) — Classical concerts in their 13th season, bringing world-class performers to intimate venues in Manitou Springs.
  • The Pioneer Rodeo & Demolition Derby (August 14–16) — A signature Colorado Springs tradition at Norris Penrose Event Center with PRCA rodeo action, concerts, and community events.
  • Rocky Mountain Flower Fest & Tacos and Tequila Festival (August 8) — A doubleheader weekend with a flower festival and a food-and-drink celebration in downtown Colorado Springs.
  • Cycle to the Summit (August 8) — Bicycle race up Pikes Peak. One of the most unique athletic events in the state.

Beyond the big events, the weekly Farmers' Market runs every Sunday from early June through early September with over 70 local vendors. The Summer Night Series in Old Colorado City features free live music every Thursday evening in Bancroft Park, and Wednesday Nights in the Garden at the Garden of the Gods Resort run weekly through October.

Brand-New Openings to Check Out

Beyond the events, Colorado Springs has seen some exciting new additions in 2026 that are worth exploring:

  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo — 100th Anniversary. The zoo is celebrating a full century in 2026 with special events and free daytime admission at select times. It is a must-visit this year.
  • Surf Shack Indoor Wave Pool. A new indoor FlowRider Double wave pool in Northgate near Topgolf lets you surf year-round — the first of its kind in the region.
  • The Blue Star Reopens. The beloved Ivywild restaurant is back, bringing a community favorite back to life.
  • New Dining. Angelo's Taverna and Carboy Winery (Italian and craft wine in northern Colorado Springs), Homegrown Tap and Dough (Denver-based, first Springs location), L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (Broadmoor Towne Center), and Por Favor Tacos & Tragos (second location opening soon).

What Is Happening in the Market

The Colorado Springs housing market has settled into a balanced, buyer-friendly rhythm heading into mid-summer. Here is where things stand:

  • Average sale price: $577,202 — Median price $498,000. Prices remain stable across the region, with Colorado Springs continuing to offer strong value compared to the Denver metro area.
  • Active listings: 3,600+ — Inventory is elevated, giving buyers more choices and more room to negotiate than they have had in years.
  • Average days on market: 45 — Based on the latest June 2026 data from the Colorado Association of Realtors (July 14 report). This is a 12% increase year-over-year but reflects a healthy, balanced market where buyers can evaluate options and make informed decisions.
  • Sales activity: up 1.6% year-over-year — Demand remains steady, with June 2026 showing a slight increase in transactions compared to the prior year.

For a deeper dive into the numbers, check out my full market report with area-by-area breakdowns.

New Developments and Construction

Colorado Springs continues to grow, and several major development projects are shaping the city's future. Here is what is new:

Master-Planned Communities Actively Building

  • Banning Lewis Ranch — One of the largest master-planned communities in Colorado Springs continues releasing new phases on the far east side, with infrastructure and lot releases for thousands of planned homes.
  • Wolf Ranch — A major source of new homes in the northeast (Academy District 20), offering single-family and townhome options from multiple builders with walking trails and community amenities.
  • Cordera — Final phases continue in the Briargate corridor with move-up and semi-custom homes, community parks, and active lifestyle amenities.
  • Forest Lakes — A newer master-planned community in Monument with trails, lakes, and open space, starting in the mid-$700s.
  • The Farm — A master-planned community with open space, wetlands, and mountain views, with homes from the $700s to over $1 million.
  • Meridian Ranch — An active community in the northeast corridor with newer homes and competitive price points.

Downtown and Multi-Family Projects

The city approved several significant multi-family projects in 2025 that are expected to add nearly 500 middle-class and affordable housing units to the downtown area:

  • Draper Commons Phase Two (Bristow House) — 185 units for middle-class residents (80%–120% of Area Median Income), expected to begin construction this summer.
  • Venture on Venetucci — 336 units approved at 4446 Venetucci Blvd.
  • Sierra Junction Apartments — 368 units at 13050 Sierra Creek Circle.

Infrastructure and Trails

  • Rock Island Trail expansion — About 1.95 miles of new trail and a pedestrian bridge across Sand Creek are in the design/completion phase, adding recreational access in the eastern corridor.
  • Academy Boulevard corridor improvements — Major road upgrades along one of the city's busiest corridors, improving traffic flow and connectivity.
  • Circle Drive bridge replacements — Ongoing bridge work that will improve safety and traffic flow in the central part of the city.
  • Old North Avenue traffic safety — Residents are actively advocating for traffic calming measures along North Nevada Avenue, including a proposal to reduce it to one lane in each direction.

Neighborhood Highlights

Different parts of the city are experiencing their own changes. Here is a quick snapshot:

  • North Colorado Springs (Briargate, Cordera, Northgate): New construction continues to draw buyers to top school districts. Cordera's final phases and ongoing Wolf Ranch releases keep this corridor active. Price range: $500K–$900K.
  • Central Colorado Springs: Strong interest from first-time buyers and those seeking a walkable, urban lifestyle. Older homes with character are moving quickly when priced well. Price range: $400K–$600K.
  • Westside / Manitou Springs: Limited inventory near Garden of the Gods keeps this area desirable. The Manitou Chamber Music Festival and Old Colorado City summer concert series add to the lifestyle appeal. Price range: $450K–$800K+.
  • Falcon / Peyton corridor: Wolf Ranch and Parcheron continue to attract buyers with newer construction and larger lots at competitive prices. Price range: $400K–$650K.
  • Monument / Northgate: Forest Lakes adds a new master-planned option to the premium north corridor. Strong school ratings and Pikes Peak views remain the draw. Price range: $550K–$900K+.

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Living

Colorado Springs continues to invest in its outdoor spaces. The city's Parks System Master Plan outlines a decade-long vision for developing parks, trails, open spaces, and recreational facilities, with a focus on equitable access for all neighborhoods. The Rock Island Trail expansion is one of the most visible examples of this investment.

For anyone considering a move to Colorado Springs, the outdoor lifestyle remains one of the biggest draws. From Garden of the Gods to Pikes Peak to the extensive trail network, it is hard to find a city that offers this much natural beauty and recreational access at this price point.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

If you are thinking about buying this summer: This is a more balanced market than we have seen in years. You have options, negotiating room, and time to find the right home. New construction communities are actively releasing phases with builder incentives, and the resale market has more inventory than it has had since 2013. Take advantage of that.

If you are thinking about selling: The market still rewards well-prepared sellers. Professional photography, realistic pricing, and a solid marketing plan are non-negotiables. Homes that are competitively priced are still selling, but overpriced listings are sitting longer.

Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or just want to understand where the market stands, I am here to help. After 19 years in Colorado Springs real estate, I have the market knowledge and local expertise to guide you through every step.

Ready to talk about your real estate goals? Contact me today. Thank you, talk to you soon!