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!

150th Anniversary - Holiday Edition

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

Purple Mountain Dance Hall

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.
Adaman Fireworks Show at Pikes Peak Summit

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 Original Frozen Five
November 4 through January 8, 2023

 

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

Opening June 3, 2022 The Heritage Center’s 150th Anniversary exhibit will explore four key themes: Health Resort, Attractions, Community Builders and Road to Revival. The exhibit showcases how Manitou Springs evolved from its initial roots as a health resort to a center of tourist attractions.

Manitou Pollinator Garden Tours

Mansions Park Garden
A 1.7 mile (point to point) walking or cycling tour of mostly city park gardens, as well as a few privately owned businesses. Enjoy viewing gardens featuring native grasses, shrubs, and perennials specifically selected to support a healthy and diverse pollinator habitat. This entry was created thanks to support from Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage (MACH).
 
 

Christmas Brass & Dance Wonderland 2022

Christmas Brass - Brass Quartet
Sundays November 27-December 18, 2022 & Christmas Eve 12-2pm
 
The best way to get into the holiday mood is to listen to Christmas music. Get ready for a jolly good time with this free, family-friendly event featuring some of the greatest sounds of the season. Christmas Brass is a Brass Quartet with a long tradition of entertaining in Manitou Springs.  Every Sunday from Thanksgiving to Christmas, musicians stroll along Manitou Blvd. playing Christmas Carols and interacting with the holiday shoppers.  The group is made up of professional musicians from the Pikes Peak region and consists of two trombones and two trumpets who look forward to spreading Holiday cheer in Manitou each year. This year Christmas Brass will be accompanied by Dance Wonderland on 12/4, 12/11, and 12/18.
 

"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.  

Track the Peanut Pusher’s Progress Here

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

July 22 -30, 2022
Celebrate Manitou Springs’ 150th anniversary in City Hall with a raucous ride through the decades through the eyes of Generation Alpha.
 

Prominent characters come to life in a comedic homage to the charming town we know and love. Various dates, check ticket link for details.

Watch our FOX21 News interview to learn more!

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

August 20, 2022
 
The Heritage Center will host guest speaker Doris McCraw on the rooftop deck at the Spa Building to deliver a program about early women physicians.  Exhibit materials specific to the Spa Building’s history/ mineral water treatments provided and on permanent display in the Spa Building’s lobby.
 

Heritage Brew Fest

September 24, 2022
 

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

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

original, older looking, Packy the Packrat book next to a page of text.

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

October 8-10, 2022
 
A celebration all weekend long featuring special guest speakers from Indigenous Peoples of the Southern Ute, Ute Mountain, and Uintah Ouray Ute Tribes, a re-dedication of the Historic Ute Trail in Manitou Springs, ‘Food From the Earth’ potluck featuring Seven-Minute Stew, and more throughout this amazing event!
 
 

Arts Month October

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

Halloween High Tea
October 28-30, 2022
 

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

Coffin racers at the 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

History of Christmas Hymns and Songs
December 2, 2022 6:00-8:00pm
 
Learn the history of where Christmas songs came from, even back many centuries ago.

The Women of the AdAmAn Club

Sue Graham Women of Adaman

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

Breakfast with Santa
December 10, 2022 8:00-10:00am
 
Come have breakfast with Santa at the Community Congregational Church! Saturday morning, December 10th from 8 am – 10 am, Santa will share a tasty breakfast with you. The menu includes scrambled eggs, ham, and pancakes; as well as hot chocolate, coffee, and orange juice. $7 for adults, $4 for kids (4-12) and 3 and under eat free. Sponsored by the Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club. For more information, please visit www.manitoukiwanis.org.

The History of the AdAmAn Club

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

Manitou Christmas Parade
December 10, 2022 6:00pm
 
The 7th Annual Manitou Christmas Parade celebrates the holiday season for all of us. There will be no better way to experience this than spending it in Manitou Springs! Come out and shop, stay for dinner and enjoy the parade!

Front Porch Singers Carolling

Front Porch Singers Carolling
November 25 – December 17, 2022 6:00-7:00pm
 

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

Storytime with Santa
December 17, 2022 1:00-3:00pm
 

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

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

100th Anniversary of 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 

potluck

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

Small Business Saturday

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!

Manitou Springs School District 14
Homecoming Parade
*Photo compliments of Angela Haas

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!

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