September 2, 2026 · @springstosold

The Labor Day Lift Off turns 50 this year, and it’s still free to walk in.

The Labor Day Lift Off turns 50 this year, and it’s still free to walk in. Memorial Park, Saturday through Monday. Balloons go up at 7am, and the glow is at 7pm Saturday and Sunday when they light all the burners after dark. Fireworks Saturday at 9:45pm. Monday is morning only. Gates at 5:15am, last launch at 7am, closed by 10am. So if Monday is your day, go early or don’t go. Admission is free but parking lots are not. Passes are $15 ahead of time, $5 for the east lot, and they go up the day of. Street parking in the neighborhoods is free, but watch the signs, some streets close for the festival. And expect a walk unless you get there really early. There’s also a free bike valet if you’d rather ride, 5:30am to 10pm Saturday and Sunday. Over in Manitou, the Commonwheel Art Festival runs all three days, 10am to 5pm, free to get in and free to park with a shuttle. Saturday there’s also Boots on the Mesa, a free country festival at Gold Hill Mesa from noon to 6:30pm. The reptile expo is at the Event Center Saturday and Sunday, $10 and kids 6 and under are free. And Peak Improv is doing a free pay-what-you-want show Friday night. Swipe for the whole list, and save it for the weekend. New to Colorado Springs? DM me.