Memorial Day weekend in Colorado Springs offers a unique blend of community celebration, patriotic observance, and consumer-focused promotions. For residents and visitors seeking no-cost activities and special offers, the region provides a variety of free events, military discounts, and promotional deals. This guide compiles verified information about free activities, event access, and special Memorial Day offers available in Colorado Springs and the surrounding Pikes Peak region.
Free Community Events and Festivals
Territory Days Street Festival
Territory Days is a prominent Memorial Day weekend event in Old Colorado City, celebrating the area's history as Colorado's first territorial capital. The festival operates from Saturday, May 24, through Monday, May 26, with hours from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Monday. The event is free to attend and features over 30 bands performing on three stages, more than 180 craft vendor booths, Wild West gunfight re-enactments, mechanical bull rides, period-costumed characters, and a kids' zone with toy train rides, games, and a petting zoo. Cultural experiences include Native American dancers and live birds of prey demonstrations. Beer gardens are available for attendees. Parking can be challenging, but a free shuttle service operates from the Colorado Springs C.A.B. Garage at 130 S Nevada Ave, where parking costs $1 per hour.
Memorial Day Run & March
The Special Forces Foundation organizes an annual Memorial Day Run & March at America the Beautiful Park (126 Cimino Drive). The event offers 5K, 10K, and 30K route options for participants of all ages and capabilities. Children 12 and under receive free entry to the fairgrounds and any route, though timing bibs, medals, and shirts are not included. Dogs are welcome to participate. The event focuses on supporting homeless veterans through food donations; participants are encouraged to fill rucksacks with 25 pounds of nonperishable foods for the 30K ruck march, which is then donated to feed Colorado's homeless veterans. Since 2015, the event has donated 205,000 pounds of food. The first 100 participants to cross the finish line receive an exclusive t-shirt. Packet pickup occurs on Friday, May 16, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Wackadoo Brewing (5158 Centennial Blvd) and Saturday, May 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 AM at America the Beautiful Park.
Patriotic Ceremonies and Observances
Veterans Day Ceremonies
While Veterans Day occurs in November, the Pikes Peak region hosts several free ceremonies that may inform Memorial Day planning. These include wreath-laying ceremonies at Memorial Park and Pikes Peak State College's Centennial campus at 11:00 AM on Veterans Day. The Classical Academy holds a "Honoring America's Heroes" assembly open to the public from 9:30 to 10:45 AM, and Doherty High School features patriotic performances and a naval plaque collection. The Ute Pass Cultural Center in Woodland Park offers a free dinner for veterans and their families from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The ANA Money Museum hosts a Purple Heart Exhibit open from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Colorado state parks offer free entry to veterans and active military members on Veterans Day. Downtown Colorado Springs displays more than 1,000 American flags as part of a patriotic salute to active duty military and veterans.
Free Activities and Entertainment
Sports and Recreation
Rocky Mountain Vibes baseball games at UCHealth Park offer entertainment during Memorial Day weekend with varying game times. While specific ticket pricing is not detailed in the source material, baseball games are traditionally family-friendly entertainment options.
Wellness Activities
A unique paddle yoga, sound bath, and brunch event takes place at Quail Lake on Monday, May 26, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This two-hour SUP yoga session is followed by a live sound bath and lakeside brunch. While the source material does not specify whether this event is free or requires payment, it represents a wellness activity available during the holiday weekend.
Art and Culture
The Cripple Creek Art Alliance hosts an art show and sale at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center from May 23 through May 26, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. This event features works from local artists including watercolors, acrylics, photography, and jewelry, providing a cultural experience for visitors.
Military and Veteran Freebies
Food and Beverage Offers
Several establishments offer free items to veterans and active-duty military personnel on Memorial Day. LaMar's Donuts provides a free donut and coffee to all veterans and active-duty military on May 26, 2025. With eight locations in Colorado including Aurora, Denver, Englewood, Fort Collins, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Louisville, and Westminster, this offer extends to the broader Colorado area.
McDonald's offers a buy-one-get-one for $1 deal on various menu items during the holiday weekend and continues its $5 Meal Deal through summer 2025. Additionally, the Colorado Rockies partnership provides a free Double Cheeseburger at McDonald's on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025.
Retail Discounts
Lowe's holds its Memorial Day Sale from May 15 to 28, 2025, offering savings on patio furniture, outdoor power equipment, tools, paint, and smart home products both in-store and online. On May 26, 2025, the grocery store offers a military discount providing an extra 10% off in-store food and household purchases for qualified customers.
Transportation and Parking
For Territory Days attendees, free shuttle service is available from the Colorado Springs C.A.B. Garage at 130 S Nevada Ave. Parking at the garage costs $1 per hour, making it an economical option for accessing the festival in Old Colorado City.
Local Exploration Opportunities
Old Colorado City offers additional opportunities for exploration beyond Territory Days. The historic district features charming shops, galleries, and eateries. The Michael Garman Museum & Gallery showcases handmade sculptures and unique art pieces, providing an indoor cultural experience.
Event Planning Considerations
Participants in the Memorial Day Run & March should note that packet pickup occurs the day before the event at Wackadoo Brewing and on event morning at America the Beautiful Park. The 30K ruck march requires a 25-pound rucksack filled with nonperishable food items, which are donated after completion. Children 12 and under receive free entry but do not receive race amenities.
For those interested in the Classical Academy's Veterans Day assembly, the event is open to the public and features patriotic performances and student tributes. The school's naval plaque collection, noted as the largest in the country, can be viewed during the assembly.
Community Engagement
The Memorial Day Run & March has donated over 205,000 pounds of food to homeless veterans since 2015, demonstrating significant community impact. The event welcomes participants of all abilities, including those who wish to ruck, walk, run, or roll. Dogs are permitted, making it a family-inclusive activity.
Conclusion
Memorial Day weekend in Colorado Springs provides numerous opportunities for free community engagement, patriotic observance, and special offers for military personnel. The region's celebrations balance entertainment with solemn remembrance, offering street festivals, athletic events, cultural experiences, and veteran-focused promotions. Key free activities include the Territory Days street festival, the Memorial Day Run & March with its food donation component, and various patriotic ceremonies. Military personnel and veterans can access free meals at LaMar's Donuts, discounted groceries, and retail savings at Lowe's. The free shuttle service for Territory Days and free entry for children to the Memorial Day Run & March further enhance accessibility. These verified offerings reflect Colorado Springs' commitment to honoring military service while providing community-wide celebrations.