Memorial Day Free Events And Offers In Colorado Springs Complete Guide

Memorial Day weekend in Colorado Springs offers numerous opportunities to honor those who served while enjoying free activities, events, and special offers. This comprehensive guide highlights the free events, military discounts, and special offers available to residents and visitors during the Memorial Day holiday period.

Territory Days Festival: A Free Historical Celebration

One of the most significant free events during Memorial Day weekend is Territory Days in Old Colorado City. This historic street festival celebrates Colorado's first territorial capital and has been a community tradition for 50 years.

Event Details: - Dates: Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26 - Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday), 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday) - Location: Old Colorado City (Colorado Avenue between 23rd & 27th Streets) - Entrance Cost: FREE

Festival Attractions: - Live Music: Over 30 bands performing on three stages - Craft Vendors: More than 180 booths featuring unique handmade goods - Wild West Entertainment: Gunfight re-enactments, mechanical bull rides, and period costumed characters - Kids' Zone: Toy train rides, games, and a petting zoo - Cultural Experiences: Native American dancers and live birds of prey demonstrations - Beer Gardens: Adults can enjoy beverages while listening to live music

Transportation Information: Parking in the area can be challenging, so festival organizers recommend using the free shuttle service from the Colorado Springs C.A.B. Garage, located at 130 South Nevada Avenue. Parking at the garage costs $1 per hour, but the shuttle service itself is free of charge.

Exploring Old Colorado City: Visitors are encouraged to explore the historic district beyond the festival grounds. Old Colorado City features charming shops, galleries, and eateries that blend old-world charm with modern amenities. A notable destination within walking distance is the Michael Garman Museum & Gallery, which showcases handmade sculptures and unique art pieces.

Memorial Day Run & March: Supporting Homeless Veterans

The Special Forces Foundation organizes the annual Memorial Day Run & March, which combines physical activity with community service to support homeless veterans in Colorado.

Event Details: - Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 (Note: This appears to be for 2025, not 2026 as mentioned in one source) - Location: America the Beautiful Park, 126 Cimino Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 - Purpose: To help feed homeless Veterans while providing a challenging fitness event for civilians, Veterans, and uniformed Military personnel

Race Categories: Participants can choose from three different routes: 1. 5K Run/Ruck: The shortest option suitable for various fitness levels 2. 10K Run/Ruck: A moderate distance challenge 3. 30K Ruck March: The most challenging option requiring participants to carry a 25-pound rucksack

Special Features: - Free Entry for Children: Kids 12 years and under receive free entry to the fairgrounds and any route. (Note: Timing bib, medal, and shirt are not included for free entries) - Dog-Friendly Event: Well-behaved dogs are welcome to participate with their owners - Food Donation Component: All participants are encouraged to fill their rucksacks or backpacks with 25 pounds of nonperishable food items, which will be donated to feed Colorado's homeless Veterans - Community Impact: Since 2015, the event has donated 205,000 pounds of food to support local Veterans

Registration and Packet Pickup: - Pre-race packet pickup is available on Friday, May 16th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Wackadoo Brewing (5158 Centennial Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80919) - Additional packet pickup is offered on Saturday, May 17th from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM at America the Beautiful Park - Registration fees and donations directly benefit the Special Forces Foundation's programs supporting brain, body, and emotional well-being of Veterans

Military and Veteran Freebies

Several local businesses and organizations offer special deals and freebies for military personnel and veterans during Memorial Day weekend.

LaMar's Donuts

Offer: Free donut and coffee for all veterans and active-duty military personnel - Date: Monday, May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day) - Locations: Eight Colorado locations including Aurora, Denver, Englewood, Fort Collins, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Louisville, and Westminster - Requirements: Must present valid military identification or proof of service

McDonald's

Offers: - Free Double Cheeseburger on Memorial Day (May 26, 2025) - Buy-one-get-one-for-$1 deal on many breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites - $5 Meal Deal available through summer 2025 - Note: The free Double Cheeseburger is offered through a partnership with the Colorado Rockies

Grocery Store Military Discount

Offer: Additional 10% off in-store food and household purchases - Date: Monday, May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day) - Eligibility: All qualified customers (likely military personnel and veterans) - Note: The specific grocery store name is not mentioned in the source material

Colorado State Parks Free Entry

While primarily associated with Veterans Day rather than Memorial Day, the sources indicate that veterans and military members receive free entry to Colorado state parks on certain holidays. Memorial Day weekend may offer similar benefits, though specific confirmation for Memorial Day is not provided in the source material. Those interested should check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the most current information about holiday access policies.

Additional Memorial Day Weekend Activities

Beyond the specifically free events and offers, Memorial Day weekend in Colorado Springs provides various opportunities for entertainment and recreation:

Paddle Yoga, Sound Bath & Brunch

Event Details: - Date: Monday, May 26 - Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM - Location: Quail Lake - Description: A unique 2-hour stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga session followed by a live sound bath and brunch on the lake - Note: Cost information is not provided in the source material

Cripple Creek Art Alliance Art Show & Sale

Event Details: - Dates: May 23 – May 26 - Daily Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Location: Cripple Creek Heritage Center - Description: Showcasing works from local artists including watercolors, acrylics, photography, and jewelry - Note: While the art show may feature items for purchase, admission cost is not specified in the source material

Rocky Mountain Vibes Baseball Games

Event Details: - Dates: May 23 – May 25 - Times: Vary by game - Location: UCHealth Park - Description: Local baseball team games during Memorial Day weekend - Note: Ticket pricing information is not provided in the source material

Planning Your Memorial Day Weekend in Colorado Springs

When planning to participate in these Memorial Day events and offers, consider the following tips:

Transportation: - For Territory Days, utilize the free shuttle from the Colorado Springs C.A.B. Garage to avoid parking challenges - Plan your route to multiple events, as some may be located in different areas of the city - Consider rideshare options or public transportation for events like the Memorial Day Run & March

What to Bring: - For the Memorial Day Run & March: Nonperishable food items (25 pounds if participating in the 30K Ruck March) - Valid military identification if claiming veteran or military freebies - Comfortable walking shoes for Territory Days and other outdoor events - Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) for outdoor activities - Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated

Scheduling Considerations: - Territory Days runs for three days, allowing flexibility in attendance - The Memorial Day Run & March is a single-day event requiring advance registration - Some free offers like LaMar's Donuts and McDonald's are specifically for Memorial Day (May 26) - Check event websites or call ahead for the most current information, as details may change

Conclusion

Memorial Day weekend in Colorado Springs offers a diverse range of free events, special offers, and opportunities to honor those who served. From the historic Territory Days festival to the community-focused Memorial Day Run & March, residents and visitors have numerous options to celebrate the holiday without spending money. Additionally, several local businesses show their appreciation for military service with complimentary food items and special discounts.

By taking advantage of these free events and offers, community members can enjoy a meaningful Memorial Day weekend while supporting local veterans and businesses. Whether participating in physical activities, exploring cultural events, or simply enjoying free refreshments, Colorado Springs provides multiple ways to observe the holiday with family and friends.

Sources

1. Pink Realty - Memorial Day Weekend in Colorado Springs
2. Special Forces Foundation - Memorial Day Run & March
3. RunSignup - Memorial Day Run & March
4. KKTV - Veterans Day in Colorado Springs
5. KOAA - Pikes Peak Region Honoring Veterans
6. Mile High on the Cheap - Memorial Day Deals