Colorado Springs is a city that loves its arts. From local creators and venues to regional, national and world-class artists, exhibits and performances, there’s always something intriguing going on. Get started with these cornerstones of the Springs arts scene.

Colorado Springs Philharmonic

Globally known music director Josep Caballé Domenech doesn’t just lead the Philharmonic through classics from Beethoven and Rachmaninoff. The symphony also performs modern favorites, such as the soundtrack works of John Williams, just to name one. The Phil also hosts internationally renowned performers, such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma. It’s great for families too; adult tickets for many shows include up to two free seats for kids 7 to 17.
111 S. Tejon St. #305, 719-575-9632, csphilharmonic.org

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College

The FAC has been a cultural icon for a century. Founded in 1919 as the Broadmoor Art Academy, the multidiscipline institution hosts an extensive museum permanent collection of regionally made Spanish colonial and Southwestern indigenous art. The FAC also regularly brings in inspiring artists exploring wide-ranging themes in mediums traditional and cutting-edge. Its award-winning theater company stages classics and modern plays for a variety of audiences, all with polish and production values among the best in town. And you can get hands-on in almost any discipline at the Bemis School of Art.

30 W. Dale St., 719-634-5581, csfineartscenter.org

Cottonwood Center for the Arts

The Cottonwood Center has cemented itself as a standout destination for lovers of visual arts in a range of mediums, thanks to the center’s two floors of studios filled with local working artists. In addition to monthly gallery shows with regular live performances, Cottonwood’s David H. Lord Theater hosts stage productions, concerts, spoken word performances and more.
427 E. Colorado Ave., 719-520-1899, cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com

Art on the Streets

Since 1998, the Colorado Springs Downtown Partnership has brought beauty to public spaces by displaying more than 300 art pieces and outdoor installations all around downtown. Each year’s collection ups the ante a little more, and 2019 will emphasizes murals. The Partnership offers guided tours and self-guided audio tours, so there’s no need to go it alone.
111 S. Tejon St. #703, 719-886-0088, downtowncs.com/aots

Millibo Art Theater

When founders and artistic directors Jim Jackson and Birgitta DePree aren’t staging challenging, thought-provoking theater for adults, they’re clowning around, sometimes literally, with their Kids First series or kids summer camps. But the MAT isn’t just for kids and families. Its annual Circus of the Night includes cabaret and burlesque for grown-up audiences.
1626 S. Tejon St., 719-465-6321, themat.org

Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region

The Cultural Office doesn’t make art so much as facilitate and connect art’s infrastructure. Its PeakRadar.com events calendar, free First Friday shuttles and Arts Month celebration every October help locals explore more events and exhibits. An indispensable resource for art lovers and art makers alike.
121 S. Tejon St. #111, 719-634-2204, culturaloffice.org

Manitou Art Center

More than just a gallery space, the MAC hosts maker spaces for kids and adults, as well as classes, gallery talks and studios. The spot also hosts shows that welcome younger artists, giving some Manitou Springs locals their first exhibition before they even leave high school.
513 Manitou Ave., 719-685-1861, manitouartcenter.org

Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts

Located in idyllic Palmer Lake, the Tri-Lakes Center hosts a range of gallery art shows, theatrical and musical performances, classes and more. It’s the heart of the arts scene for northern El Paso County. Keep an eye on its calendar for world-renowned artists, such as Billy Bob Thornton & the Boxmasters and Judy Collins.
304 Highway 105, 719-481-0475, trilakesarts.org

UCCS Presents

In the striking, state-of-the-art Ent Center for the Performing Arts, UCCS Presents blends education with professional arts programs:

Artists Series

The annual performance season brings to town a diverse, innovative and world-class slate of lecturers, filmmakers, dance companies and musicians who run the full gamut of styles.

Galleries of Contemporary Art

With its main gallery at the Ent Center and a downtown satellite space, GOCA pushes the envelope on contemporary dialogue through compelling visual art exhibitions and public programs. Expect national and international artists that will make you think.

Theatreworks

The UCCS house theater company frequently nets nominations for the Colorado Theatre Guild’s prestigious Henry Awards, claiming two for its 2018 production of Amadeus alone. Each annual season includes a range of productions, from originals to interpretations of stage classics and popular favorites. Don’t miss summer Shakespeare at the historic Rock Ledge Ranch next to Garden of the Gods.
5225 N. Nevada Ave., 719-255-3232, uccspresents.org