Territory Days is a staple of Old Colorado City. In 2025, the event marks its 50th year. Like mining to the gold rush era, Territory Days belongs on W. Colorado Avenue.
For three days over Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, a spirited street festival takes over Old Colorado City – Colorado’s first Territorial Capital. Vendors, street food, live music and kids’ activities are some of the highlights of Territory Days.
From 23rd to 27th streets, W. Colorado Avenue will be closed to car traffic and open for foot traffic. On Saturday and Sunday, the event hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dogs are not allowed.
Parking is extremely limited, but VIP parking passes are available for purchase online. A free shuttle service will run from 130 S. Nevada Ave., the Colorado Springs C.A.B. Garage. Parking at the garage is $1 per hour. See shopoldcoloradocity.com/territory-days-parking for more information.
Kristyn Cline, owner of Sweetwater, a Flower Market (2419 W. Colorado Ave.), encourages visitors to step inside the brick-and-mortar boutiques during their Memorial Day weekend stroll. Sweetwater offers a fresh flower bar along with local items unique to Colorado.
“We’ll be open on Saturday and Sunday,” Cline said. “Please come inside and visit us.”
Further west along the avenue, Silver Sparrow Beads (2501 W. Colorado Ave.) in Old Town Plaza plans to fill the shop’s front sidewalk with interactive jewelry making.
Shop owner Michele Underwood will host a make-and-take table outside, manager Kate Conrad shared. “Shoppers will be able to choose their beads,” she said. “Michele, or another one of our artisans, will string them on adjustable wax cords.” All of this happens while you wait.
Conrad said the store will be open all three days of the festival, with special sales happening throughout the long weekend. She said the iconic event always brings more customers to the shop, which she enjoys.
Live music and food are highlights of Territory Days. More than 30 bands on three stages will play throughout the event. Bancroft Park (2408 W. Colorado Ave.) is the hub for musical guests, including the Tom Petty cover band High Country Heartbreakers. On Sunday at 9:30 a.m., The Fellowship of Christian Cowboys will offer a music-filled Cowboy Church. Bancroft Park is handicap accessible and offers in-season public restrooms.
As visitors wander between tent-covered pop-up shops and street vendors, freshly squeezed lemonade and other street food will be plentiful.
There will be tons for little ones to do, including carnival-style rides, an inflatable toddler zone and bounce house, interactive gold panning and a train. Adults can enjoy several Beer Gardens.
A Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony will be held Monday in Bancroft Park at 3 p.m.
For more information, go to ShopOldColoradoCity.com.
