Springs and Things: Your Insider's Guide to Colorado Springs Culture & Community

Looking for things to do in Colorado Springs this November, but feeling buried by the options? The holiday season is kicking off, and Lauren and Carly have whittled it all down to the few personal picks they're actually making room for.This isn't an everything-list. It's a conversation about doing November on purpose: protecting your calendar, spending where it matters, and choosing outings that leave you feeling more like yourself, not more tired. You'll walk away with a short, doable plan and probably a few ideas you'd never have thought of.Listen if you want:A November that feels full in the good way, not franticFresh ideas for girls' nights, date nights and solo outingsPermission to fully embrace your inner 2000s teenHoliday shopping that keeps your money right here in the SpringsA way to kick off the holidays that feels joyful, not obligatoryA night out that gives back to local kidsThe fall coffee drink we can't stop talking about, and the one that nearly made Lauren lose her lunchPlus so much more!We LOVE our sponsors!Colorado Springs AirportVanguard AestheticsCore CollectiveIf this helped you plan your month, leave a five-star review. It helps more people in Colorado Springs find the show. Share it with a friend who needs a November plan, and follow Springs and Things on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss our monthly picks.

Want more time with your girlfriends and less time out past your bedtime? This episode is your Colorado Springs friend-date playbook for women who'd rather be home by 8:30.Carly and Lauren share 15+ local outings that are cozy, creative, a little bit silly, and over early. You'll walk away with a plan for every friend in your life: the gamer, the bookworm, the wellness girl, the one who's always up for karaoke, and more.Tune in to find out:The hidden Old Colorado City speakeasy with a major twist (your drink comes with a side of friendly competition)Why one local yoga class leaves your face sore from laughingThe book club where nobody has to talk (and why that's the point)The tranquil outing with Pikes Peak views Two can't-miss October workshops to put on your calendar nowThe low-key hangout that's secretly how Carly and Lauren became friendsWhich pick nearly caused a friendship betrayal, and the karaoke regular who gave Carly singing notesAnd those are just the beginning!Chapters:00:00 – Intro (and a debate we'll save for another day)02:13 – A speakeasy with a twist03:30 – The pick that made us friends04:33 – Make-it-yourself classes05:45 – A unique yoga experience (yes, really)06:56 – Book clubs for introverts08:00 – The calmest outing on the list09:30 – A 20-minute art night10:00 – Cooking and crafting with your crew11:20 – Night-out picks that still end early12:40 – Mark your calendar: October events13:55 – Karaoke confessions16:30 – The best show in the Springs17:15 – Picks of the Week21:00 – Wrap-upLove the show? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other Colorado Springs locals find us (and boosts our egos, if we're being honest). Share this episode with the girlfriend you want to hang out with, and follow Springs of Things so you never miss an episode.Follow us on Instagram!We Love Our SponsorsColorado Springs AirportVanguard AestheticsCore Collective

The newly renovated Colorado Springs Airport is here, and it’s seriously impressive. We toured the updated concourse and got the inside scoop on how to fly smarter from COS this holiday season.Carly and Lauren head to Colorado Springs Airport (COS) to talk with Aidan Ryan and Bud Geng about the Elevate COS renovation. They cover what changed, how it all happened while the airport stayed open, and why flying from home beats the drive to Denver.In this episode:The before and after of the renovated COS concourseHow you renovate a working airport without shutting it downHidden accessibility upgrades: hearing loops, adult changing rooms, and moreThe real math of COS vs. DIA: gas, parking, time, and stressWhy COS doesn’t mean connecting through DenverHoliday travel tips: when to book and the best-value days to flyMilitary homecomings, a baggage-claim flash mob and a Pikes Peak momentCarry-on must-haves (and the great tomato juice debate)Picks of the week: Josh & John’s, Switchbacks at Weidner Field and CC HockeySearch flights and deals: flycos.comSee the renovation reel on our Instagram!Enjoyed the episode? Leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend who’s planning holiday travel. Subscribe to Springs and Things on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.We Love Our Sponsors!!Colorado Springs AirportVanguard AestheticsRocky Mountain Women's Film FestivalCore Collective

Looking for things to do in Colorado Springs this October? Carly and Lauren share their favorite fall events, Halloween activities, and date night ideas around the Pikes Peak region, recorded live from Pizzeria Leopold. Whether you want family-friendly fun, a spooky night out, or a new fall tradition, this episode has you covered.In this episode:Venetucci Farm themed weekends: Great Pumpkin Weekend (Oct 10–11), Scarecrows & Flannel (Oct 17–18), Witches & Wizards (Oct 24–25), Costume Party & Pupkin Fest (Oct 30–31)Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival: 16 days of mostly free STEAM events for all ages, including a bats and cave tour at Cave of the WindsFolk & Flannel Festival: Chili cook-off, line dancing, brews and inflatable archery, supporting outdoor access for all (Oct 17)Bristol Beer Choir: No auditions, all voices welcome; rehearsals are Sunday nights through Nov 15, ending with a Greatest Showman performanceColorado Wolf and Wildlife Center: Wolves get meat-filled pumpkins, followed by a bonfire (Oct 25, reservations required)CC Tigers hockey: Come for the energy, stay for the ice creamEdward Scissorhands with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic: Live score at the Pikes Peak Center (Oct 30–31)Manitou Springs Ghost Tours: Historic legends and lore, family-friendly; Fridays and Saturdays in OctoberExperience FVS at Fountain Valley School: Be a student for a day (Oct 30, pre-registration required)Breakfast of Champions: Signature annual fundraising event hosted by Peak Vista Community Health Centers in Colorado Springs.Pick of the week: Pizzeria Leopold (try the beet salad and eggplant pizza) and the fall drink menu at Frankly Coffee down the streetWe Love Our SponsorsColorado Springs AirportVanguard AestheticsRocky Mountain Women's Film FestivalCore CollectiveLove the show? We just hit 100 episodes! The best birthday present is a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, since it helps other Colorado Springs locals find us. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share this one with a friend you'd want to bring to one of these events.

It's our 100th episode, and we're celebrating by kicking off Arts Month live from Yobel in downtown Colorado Springs! We sit down with Angela Seals and Luke Harper Prince from COPPR (the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region), which is marking its 20th anniversary this year.Arts Month brings more than 200 events across 31 days to the entire Pikes Peak Region, not just Colorado Springs. We talk about why the Springs was founded as a cultural home, how the local arts scene bridges political divides, why this year's theme is "Made for the Moment," and how to find your way into the arts even if you don't consider yourself an "arts person."In this episode:Why Colorado Springs was once the largest U.S. city without a local arts agencyGeneral William Palmer's vision of Colorado Springs as a home, not an industry townHow the arts bring together faith communities, activists, and everyone in betweenWhat would amaze someone from 2006 about today's arts sceneThe 2026 Arts Month theme: "Made for the Moment"Why investing in the arts matters for the local economyTips for first-timers: you don't need an invitationArts Month picks mentioned:Colorado Springs Philharmonic's 100th (centennial) seasonRocky Mountain Women's Film Festival (mid-October)First Friday in Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, and Manitou SpringsStronger Together exhibit: 21 artists honoring 34 arts organizationsStronger Together open house at the Cultural Office, Saturday, Oct. 4, 1–4 p.m. (yes, there's an ice cream truck)PeakRadar.com for the full Arts Month event calendarWe Love Our SponsorsVanguard Aesthetics: Skincare treatments with real, noticeable results.Core Collective: Our favorite spot for pilates! Use code SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes for $30.Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival: Join us October 16–18, 2026, in Colorado Springs for three days of documentary, narrative, short, and animated films that honor the drive, spirit, and diversity of women.Love the show? Leave us a five-star review, share this episode with a friend who needs to get out to Arts Month, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. See you next week on Springs and Things!