Celebrating 150 Years of Manitou Springs
Join us for special 150th events all year long!
1 year to celebrate 150!
Where did we start, where are we at, and where are we going? With one year to celebrate our 150 year history, there is so much to do we can’t fathom creating any more lengthy an introduction that takes your time away from getting busy with all of these fantastic events taking place this year! We’ve laid it all out right here for you, so without further ado….Happy 150th, Manitou!
Community Call Out!
“I am most excited to see the community come together in celebration after a tough couple of years! Manitou’s future is bright because of the people who live here & we will have a blast celebrating everything to come.”
An Art on the Avenue
In honor of the City’s 2022 Sesquicentennial Celebration, Creative Alliance Manitou Springs received MACH funding to double the annual visiting art installations in the community from 4 to 8. These curated public artworks included sculptures in stone, ceramic, cast iron, acrylic and mixed media, and added a mural for the first time in the history of the program. The eight new works of art are all on view starting at 10 Old Mans Trail and progress westward to Seven Minute Spring and up to the 900 block of Manitou Avenue.
2022 Photo Contest Winners
The City of Manitou Springs has announced the winners of their 2022 Photo Contest! The winning images can be seen below, as well as the name of the artist who took the picture. For this contest, there were 41 submissions totaling in 90+ pictures to decide from.
First place wins $200 in Manitou Money and will become the profile pictures for the City’s social media, second place wins $150 in Manitou Money and will become the cover photo for the City’s applicable social media, and third place wins $100 in Manitou Money.
To view the full quality images, please visit this shared folder.
Past Events
Relive all of the excitement that has occurred during Manitou Springs’ 150th Anniversary here, including events and celebrations throughout the city.
Sunday December 31, 2022 at 9pm
Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of AdAmAn’s Fireworks Show from the Summit of Pikes Peak!
On New Year’s Eve 1923, five Colorado Springs men, later known as the “The Frozen Five”, climbed Pikes Peak in the dead of winter on New Year’s Eve and launched fireworks to mark the beginning of an annual Pikes Peak holiday tradition followed by thousands of spectators throughout the region each year.
150th Anniversary Exhibit
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum and the Pikes Peak AdAmAn Club are proud to present their exhibit, “The Pikes Peak AdAmAn Club 100th Anniversary Exhibit”.
The date was December 22, 1922. At that time, the event was not one that would mark any particular group or place. Five Colorado Springs men, later known as the “The Frozen Five”, decided they would venture to do something unique and that no one had done before. They would climb Pikes Peak in the dead of winter on New Year’s Eve and launch fireworks. The moment marked the beginning of an annual Pikes Peak holiday tradition followed by thousands of spectators throughout the region each year.
150th Anniversary Exhibit
Manitou Pollinator Garden Tours
Christmas Brass & Dance Wonderland 2022
"The 100th Running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb” by Racer Don Sanborn
Saturday June 11, 10:00am
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum welcomes Pikes Peak Hill Climb racer Don Sanborn and his presentation, “The 100th Running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb”. The Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb originally started by Spencer Penrose in 1916 has now been running for 100 years. This presentation will look at the history of the Hill Climb and its racers, and how the race has changed over the course of time.
“The Peak of Racing”, a presentation by Pikes Peak International Hill Climb winner Chris Lennon
Sunday June 12, 1:00pm
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum welcomes auto racer and author Chris Lennon for a talk and presentation of his book, “The Peak of Racing”. Mr. Lennon’s presentation and book are a “must” for racing fans everywhere. Pulling in stories from legends like Mario Andretti, the Unsers, Dominic Dobson, Rick Mears, Romain Dumas, Ari Vatanen, Randy Pobst, Jeff Zwart, and a host of others, it puts you in the driver’s seat in one of the world’s most famous races.
Pollinator Party
Saturday June 25, 9:00am-12:00pm
Keep up with the buzz and join us at Mansions Park for a Pollinator Party featuring the Pollinator Puppet Parade orchestrated by K8e Orr of Jibwa Studio. Enjoy free guided PaCMan Tours of Manitou’s Gardens, live music from the Tenderfoot Bluegrass Band, and vendors and information booths to ensure for an un-bee-lievably bee-autiful day!
"Combat Contrails: Vietnam" by author William B. Scott
Saturday July 2, 11:00am
The Pikes Peak Library District and the Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum welcome historian and author William B. Scott for a talk and presentation on his new book, COMBAT CONTRAILS: VIETNAM. Mr. Scott’s presentation will cover 18 stories told by combatants who fought on the ground, in the air and over the water. From rescuing downed pilots as a determined enemy closed in, to dealing with a crazed water buffalo in the back of a lumbering C-123K transport, weathered warriors share their amazing, unforgettable Vietnam War experiences. COMBAT CONTRAILS: VIETNAM is the first book in a series of true stories ranging from the Cold War and reconnaissance to flight testing, combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, and special operations around the world.
First Friday Art Walk
"The Pikes Peak Peanut Pusher"
Friday July 1, 4:30 – 7:30 (Now Showing Through December 2022)
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum proudly announces its nutty exhibit, “The Pikes Peak Peanut Pusher”. Oddly, three individuals have managed the nutty task of pushing a peanut up the dangerously steep slopes of Pikes Peak to its omnipresent summit. The first, Bill Williams, had lost a bizarre bet that knew no bounds and subsequently performed the feat on May 20 through June 9, 1929. Perhaps, the most notorious Peanut Pusher was rockabilly music star, Ulysses Baxter, who performed The Peanut Push in a record breaking eight days. In 1963, Mr. Baxter’s fame was forever cemented through extensive news coverage in every major newspaper, an appearance on The Jack Paar Program and even an appearance on the American game show, I’ve Got a Secret.
"The Pikes Peak Peanut Pusher"
- Live from Barr Trail
Saturday July 9, 9:00am
The City of Manitou Springs and the Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum proudly present The Pikes Peak Peanut Pusher-Live from Barr Trail. Since its recorded history, Pikes Peak has been the inspiration for both tests of courage and willpower. Bob Salem, a local resident of Colorado Springs, will attempt to push a peanut up Barr Trail to the summit of America’s Mountain. The feat has been accomplished only three times during Manitou Springs’ 150-year history. The event will start at the Barr Trail trailhead (near the corner of 540 Ruxton Avenue) and feature live entertainment with the Thursday Drum Circle. Meet the Peanut Pusher and cheer him on to the top of Pikes Peak.
Due to limited parking at the trailhead, please consider parking in downtown Manitou Springs and take Manitou Incline Shuttle No. 33 to the event.
The Peanut Pusher
Pikes Peak, July 9-17, 2022
For the first time in the 21st Century, an ambitious gentleman is looking to make history – by pushing a peanut up Pikes Peak with a contraption taped to his nose. This is no easy feat, but with support from the community and region at large, this peanut pusher can cement his place in history!
"Where Manitou's Past
Meets the Present"
Saturday July 16, 11:00am
The Kingsleys in 1870s Colorado reveals the story of how one Englishwoman, Rose G. Kingsley, the eldest daughter of an Anglican clergyman, arrived in the newly-founded town Colorado Springs in November 1871 to organize the first reading room, the first music concert, and the Fountain Society of Natural Science. Rose’s brother, Maurice, was already in Colorado, inspired to emigrate there by city founder, William J. Palmer, a Civil War veteran and President of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, and his English business partner, William A. Bell. The cultural influence of Maurice Kingsley and Rose was such that the town was soon referred to as “Little London.” In the summer of 1874, the Reverend Kingsley sojourned in nearby Manitou Springs for six weeks and extended the family’s legacy onto the culture of this nearby town.
Comedic Historical Theatre
Prominent characters come to life in a comedic homage to the charming town we know and love. Various dates, check ticket link for details.
Pollinator Passport
Have you heard the buzz? Pick up a Pollinator Passport and visit local Manitou businesses in order to collect stamps and win prizes donated by local vendors! The more stamps you collect, the better chance you have of winning.
Get your passport at the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, 354 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829 & register your passport here.
Speaker Series- Spa Rooftop Style
Heritage Brew Fest
Support local history in Manitou Springs at the Heritage Brewfest, back for the 7th year. Over 20 breweries & 3 great bands to entertain!
The 7th Annual Heritage Brew Festival features unlimited craft beer tastings from over 20 breweries, local bites and music, along with a priceless Pike’s Peak backdrop in beautiful Manitou Springs, Colorado
Paid attendance will be limited to 750
You must be 21 or older to gain admittance to the festival.
ClayFest 2022
October 1-2, 2022, 10:00am-4:00pm
Once upon a time a potter joined the Manitou Art Center fresh out of college… From an offhand remark to the director– “wouldn’t it be cool to hold a pottery olympics”– Clayfest was born. Our Potters’ games haven’t been seen in 16 years and we would like to change that. We will still hold our teaching events and will add the competitions on October 1st. Prizes will be given AND FUN WILL BE HAD…
Located at Soda Springs Pavilion, in Soda Springs Park.
Packy the Packrat Puppet Show
Wednesdays 10:30 – 11:30 September 14 – October 5
A production that is inspired by the book, “Packy Climbs Pikes Peak” written by locally renowned author, Maud M. Keithley
Packy’s story continues at the Manitou Springs Heritage Center (517 Manitou Avenue) every Wednesday. All shows are free for all ages and include a free Packy-themed activity book for you to take home.
Indigenous Weekend
Arts Month October
Arts Month! Oct 1 -31
From the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Manitou Springs to public art walking and biking tours, October is a beautiful time to explore the rich arts & culture offerings of Manitou Springs artists, galleries, musicians, poets, and other creative pursuits.
Ghost Stories of Old Manitou Walking Tours
Various Dates in October 2022
These eerie yet fun ghost tours will walk you through long lost stories of real residents in Manitou Springs’ history. This year, the ghostly spirits come back to visit for four weekends in October (Oct 7, 8,14 ,15, 20, 21,22 , 27 and 28). For the first time we are offering events on Thursday nights.
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center, along with our friends at THEATREdART, provide these evening tours that are thoughtfully scripted and brilliantly presented to provide a fun, family experience.
Halloween High Tea
Seatings at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm each day.
The Queens Parlor Tea Room will be doing Our Halloween High Teas
Spota are filling up fast so call for your reservations today, this is a lot of fun and we often fill up. Please call (719) 685-1011 to make your reservation. Costumes welcomed!
Emma Crawford Coffin Races
RETURNING OCTOBER 29, 2022
Celebrating 28 Years in 2022
The Emma Crawford Coffin Races
and Festival
The traditional races ARE BACK this year for the 150th Anniversary of Manitou Springs! Sign up your team today!
History of Christmas Hymns/Songs
The Women of the AdAmAn Club
Saturday December 3, 2022 at 11am
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum and the Pikes Peak AdAmAn Club are proud to host, “The Women of the AdAmAn Club” presented by John Graham (Member No. 59).
On New Year’s Eve 1923, five Colorado Springs men, later known as the “The Frozen Five”, climbed Pikes Peak in the dead of winter on New Year’s Eve and launched fireworks to mark the beginning of an annual Pikes Peak holiday tradition followed by thousands of spectators throughout the region each year.
Learn about the Women of the AdAmAn Club, including Sue Graham (Member No. 79), the first woman to join the Club. During her life, Sue has scaled nineteen Colorado Fourteeners and served as unofficial spokesperson for the club as the first woman member of the club.
Breakfast with Santa
The History of the AdAmAn Club
Saturday December 10, 2022 at 11am
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum and the Pikes Peak AdAmAn Club are proud to host, “The History of the AdAmAn Club” presented by Donald Sanborn (Member No. 85).
On New Year’s Eve 1923, five Colorado Springs men, later known as the “The Frozen Five”, climbed Pikes Peak in the dead of winter on New Year’s Eve and launched fireworks to mark the beginning of an annual Pikes Peak holiday tradition followed by thousands of spectators throughout the region each year.
Manitou Christmas Parade
Front Porch Singers Carolling
The Front Porch Singers are four Manitou residents who love to sing together and find joy in singing for others. Annie Rodgers, Jane Turnis, Sue Graham and Nancy Fortuin have been sharing their wide range of a capella selections with the community for the past 6 years and are known for their lovely harmonies with Annie on low harmony, Jane on high and Sue and Nancy on melody.
Storytime with Santa
Join Santa and his elf at the Manitou Springs Library on Saturday, December 17 2022, from 1:00-3:00pm for storytime.
Fred Barr: Pikes Peak Entrepreneur
Saturday December 17, 2022 at 11am
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum and the Pikes Peak AdAmAn Club are proud to host, “Fred Barr: Pikes Peak Entrepreneur” presented by author, Eric Swab.
As one of the original “Frozen Five” founding members of the AdAmAn Club, Fred Barr holds an iconic place in the eyes of the club members. Each year, thousands of runners and hikers enjoy his trail up Pikes Peak. Aside from Spencer Penrose, it’s hard to think of anyone else who has had a larger and longer lasting impact in our community.
The History of the AdAmAn Club
Saturday December 17, 2022 at 1pm
The Manitou Springs Heritage Center and Museum and the Pikes Peak AdAmAn Club are proud to host, “The History of the AdAmAn Club” presented by Dan Stuart (Member No. 82).
On New Year’s Eve 1923, five Colorado Springs men, later known as the “The Frozen Five”, climbed Pikes Peak in the dead of winter on New Year’s Eve and launched fireworks to mark the beginning of an annual Pikes Peak holiday tradition followed by thousands of spectators throughout the region each year.
Celebrate Manitou Week! Aug 1 - Aug 6, 2022
Day of Friendship
Join the community at Memorial Park on Monday, August 1st starting at 3:00 pm to celebrate our designation as the 3rd Friendliest City in the United States!
If you’re interested in attending with your local organization or non-profit, please email Jenna@manitouchamber.com
Community Potluck
Come one, come all! We’re ready to reach the record for largest potluck to ever happen in Manitou Springs on Monday, August 1st!
Bring your most delectable dish (along with your plates, napkins & utensils) at 5:00 pm to Memorial Park and join in this epic potluck event. Hotdogs and Hamburgers provided by Kiwanis Club. Let’s face it- it’s what we do in Manitou.
Good Ol’ Fashioned Ice Cream Social & Pie Baking Contest
A gathering of friendly competition and ice cream enjoyment for all. New location this year, Mansions Park. Arrive with your pie between 4:00-4:30pm on Monday, August 1st.
Are you a baker? We need you and your pies! Sign up to bake at this classic Manitou tradition this year. 150 pies is what we’re after!
Vintage Baseball DOUBLE HEADER
Manitou Springs Heritage Center Springers playing by 1864 rules followed by Manitou Springs Fire Dept vs the City of Manitou Springs Game!
Games start August 6th at 11:05 am at Roger Maestas Field, 60 Beckers Lane, Manitou Springs
Movies in the Park
The Manitou Springs Parks & Recreation Department Presents:
Movies in the Park
Enjoy a FREE family movie on the first Friday of June, July & August. Activities include live music, face painting and more fun leading up to the movie. Events begin at 6:00 pm and the movie will begin around 8:30 pm.
Small Business Saturday - November 26, 2022
Don’t Get Malled This Holiday Season!
Skip the mall and join us for Small Business Saturday® in Manitou Springs! It’s a holiday shopping tradition, backed by American Express, that celebrates small businesses like the ones that make our community so incredible. It wouldn’t be a celebration without customers like you joining us! Mark your calendar for the Saturday after Thanksgiving and get ready to Shop Small® in Manitou Springs.
You can help get the word out and celebrate Small Business Saturday by using #ShopSmall on Facebook, Instagram, and all your social networks. Thank you for all your support, and we’ll see you there!
September 30, 2022, 1:00pm
“Welcome Home Mustangs” Join the Manitou Springs School District students, staff, alumni, and community on September 30th, 2022 at 1:00pm for the Homecoming Parade throughout Downtown Manitou!
September 30, 2022, 7:00pm
Come cheer on the Manitou Mustangs Football team as they play against Woodland Park High School at this year’s Homecoming game! The game starts at 7:00pm on Friday, September 30, 2022. Located @ Manitou Springs High School.
October 1, 2022, 5:00-8:00pm
Alumni & Friends are invited to this fundraising event for the Manitou Springs School District on Saturday, October 1st, 2022 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Trading Post Pavilion (upstairs). Appetizers, dancing, and celebration!
2022 PHOTO CONTEST
In recognition of October being Arts Month, the City of Manitou Springs will be hosting its Annual Photo Contest – with a 150 Year Celebration twist! For the City’s 2022 Photo Contest, the theme is: city life and who we are.
Maybe you think that “city life” is a picture of our downtown area during a busy Saturday, or perhaps its of Fountain Creek during a cold Fall morning that best portrays life in Manitou Springs. Perhaps “who we are” is neighbors coming together at one of Manitou Springs’ many community potlucks, or perhaps it is a wide-angled picture of our beautiful landscape. All photos are welcome!
The prizes are as follows:
First Place: $200 in Manitou Money
Second Place: $150 in Manitou Money
Third Place: $100 in Manitou Money
The top two pictures will be featured as the City of Manitou Springs’ profile picture and cover photo on all applicable social media accounts. The top 10 pictures will be used in promotional materials by the City and may even replace some of the background images on the City’s website.
To enter and view all of the official rules, please visit: https://bit.ly/MSPhotoContest.The deadline to enter is 11:59PM on November 4th!
