Your Memorial Day Weekend Territory Days Run-down

Territory Days is back for 2023

There’s a reason that Territory Days in Old Colorado City has been the event to attend over Memorial Day weekend since 1978 — it’s absolutely epic! Music, food, family; you name it, you’ll likely find it at the Pikes Peak region’s favorite street fair. There is so much to see and do over this three-day event that no one could list it all, so we’ve begrudgingly broken it down into our top five favorite activities and thrown in a few tips for making sure the day is super fun, too (the biggest is to use the free shuttle, but more on that in a moment). Here we go!

Live Music All Weekend Long

There is music for every taste going all weekend long at Territory Days — no joke. Celtic rock, country, classic rock, blues, folk, classical … the organizers were not messing around when they booked talent for the weekend. It’s safe to say that there’s a live act nearly every hour of the day, so if live music is your thing, welcome to paradise.

Street Food Galore

Eating counts as an activity, right? If it’s your favorite sport (hello kindred spirit), bring your A-game to Territory Days because there are so many delicious foods that you’ll want to have breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, three desserts and maybe another snack. Check out grilled goods, fried treats, sweets and more. You can also eat at any of Old Colorado’s City’s restaurants as you wander — plenty of them will be offering specials.

Fun for the Kiddos

Territory Days offers many ways for the small humans in your life to have a blast. There’s a Kid Zone on 24^th, a cool train, gold panning, inflatables, bungee trampolines and a whole lot more. Visit the petting zoo, ride a pony, watch some old-school blacksmithing and top it all off with ice cream or fresh-squeezed lemonade from one of the event’s friendly vendors. Want to chill out for a while? Hang out and watch a gun show or Native American dancers. Kids totally dig this event (and so do parents).

Culture and Heritage

Old Colorado City is already a much-loved historic district in the Pikes Peak region, but during Territory Days, you’ll get an even bigger taste of the time before Colorado became a state (1876, if you were curious). Native American dancers, art and displays are found throughout the fair, as well as Old West traditions like cowboy church service, gunfighting, blacksmithing and more.

200 Different Vendors

In addition to all those food booths we talked about earlier, Territory Days is packed with vendors selling unique crafts, clothing, art, jewelry, souvenirs and treats. In fact, the event originally began as a vendor fair for local businesses and its kept the tradition going ever since. There are booths at the fair that you’ll never find anywhere else. Oh, and the shops all along Colorado Avenue will be open for business, too.

Quick Tips for Maximum Territory Days Fun

We’re going to give you a fast and fabulous rundown of tips to make sure you have the best time ever. Here you go!

Weather

Colorado is unpredictable, so bring some layers to ensure you’re ready for any contingency. We also suggest you go earlier in the day, since afternoon showers can happen regularly. The way we see it, if it doesn’t rain, that’s just more time for fun! Bring sunscreen, too. No one likes a sunburn!

Parking

There are lots in Old Colorado City and street parking, but most of Colorado Avenue and several sections of the streets that cross it will be closed. We highly recommend you take the shuttle from Coronado High School that runs from 10:30 a.m.-6:45 p.m. If you do park near the event, be considerate and don’t block driveways and follow all signage. Handicap parking is at 26^th and Cucharras Street, Pikes Peak National Bank and behind Junior Achievement.

Cost

Territory Days is free, but there will be lots of fun stuff to do and great food to eat, plus, all the local shops will be open for business all weekend long. Bring some walking around money for that special item you can’t live without (or that turkey leg you must eat right now!).

You’ve got three days to enjoy all that Territory Days has to offer. Slather on the sunscreen and hit the road for Old West entertainment, shopping, live music, delicious food and a whole lot of fun.