Happy almost-Valentine’s weekend, Colorado Springs! The next few days are packed with colorful parades, live music, comedy, and high-energy shows, from giant puppets taking over Manitou Avenue to Beatles tributes, dueling pianos, and lively Cajun rhythms around town. Whether you’re out on a date night or flyin’ solo this weekend there will be plenty of fun activities to go around.
Do you know of any artists, eateries, or local happenings that deserve a spotlight in The 719 Direct? Send them my way at [email protected].
In today’s 719 Direct:
🎭 33rd Annual Manitou Springs Carnivale Parade
😂 My Funny Valentine Comedy Show
🎸 Yesterday — A Beatles Tribute live at Stargazers Theatre
🎹 The 3-Grand Dueling Pianos Spectacle
🎶 The High Life Cajun Band —
🍦 BJ’s Velvet Freez announces second Colorado Springs location opening soon
🎶 Live Music
🏈 Local Sports
⛰️ Trail of the Week
Let’s get to it.
-Eric Saul
I’m using this week’s ad space to bring attention to the Rallies for Reading Charity Pickleball Tournament that is happening March 29th from 10 am - 2 pm! All proceeds will go towards the Children’s Literacy Center, whose mission is to provide one-on-one tutoring to Colorado children reading below grade level. There will be a raffle, t-shirts included with registration, and lots of fun. Hope to see some of you there!
Interested in featuring your business or event in our next ad spot? ⬆️ Fill out THIS FORM
🗓️ Your Weekend in Colorado Springs
1. 33rd Annual Manitou Springs Carnivale Parade
Saturday, February 14, 2026 — 1:00 PM
Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Price: Free
A beloved community-powered arts parade filled with giant puppets, drummers, dancers, and colorful krewes, all centered around this year’s theme, “All You Need is Love.” Family-friendly, interactive, and a long-running Manitou tradition.
2. My Funny Valentine Comedy Show!
Saturday, February 14, 2026 — 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Peak Improv Theater, Colorado Springs, CO
Price: $15 General Admission (discounts available)
An award-winning, family-friendly improv comedy night in the style of “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” featuring Oxymorons Comedy and free door prize giveaways — designed as a playful Valentine’s date-night experience.
3. Yesterday — A Beatles Tribute
Friday, February 13, 2026 — 7:00 PM
Stargazers Theatre & Event Center, 10 S Parkside Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Price: $33
A live Beatles tribute concert featuring era-spanning hits, authentic performance style, and a nostalgic concert experience celebrating the legendary catalog.
4. The 3-Grand Dueling Pianos Spectacle
Friday, February 13, 2026 — 6:00 PM
The Antlers Hotel, 4 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Price: $37.50+
A high-energy interactive show featuring three grand pianos, crowd requests, comedy, and sing-along party vibes in a lively downtown venue setting.
5. The High Life Cajun Band
Friday, February 13, 2026 — 7:00 PM
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, 2 El Paso Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Price: Free
A lively Cajun and zydeco performance bringing Louisiana dance rhythms and upbeat live music to a casual, community-focused venue atmosphere.
🏔️ What’s New in the 719
🍦 Colorado Springs favorite BJ’s Velvet Freez, in operation since 1954, is opening a second location at 2900 East Platte Avenue, replacing the current Human Bean site. The new spot is intended to ease crowds and long lines at the original North Union Boulevard location while continuing to serve classic ice cream treats, hot dogs, and select menu items. The expansion, managed by owner Corey Houger and partner Stan Kelley, is scheduled to open by the end of March 2026.
🎶 Live Music
Thursday 2/12/2026
Easton Corbin — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — ~ 7:30 PM
Gentle Rain Trio — Rico’s Cafe, Chocolate & Wine Bar — ~ 5:00 PM
Jazz Thursdays: Susan Rissman — The Mining Exchange Hotel lounge — ~ 5:00 PM
Friday 2/13/2026
The Marshall Tucker Band — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — ~ 7:30 PM
The Mitguards — Rico’s Cafe — ~ 6:00 PM
Americana Fridays: Boomtown — Mining Exchange Hotel — ~ 4:00 PM
Saturday 2/14/2026
Colorado Springs Philharmonic: Jurassic Park in Concert — Pikes Peak Center — ~ 7:30 PM
Departure: Tribute to Journey — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — ~ 7:30 PM
Bill Snyder live music — Rico’s Cafe — ~ 6:00 PM
Sunday 2/15/2026
“Come Away with Me” — Roots Music Project — ~ 7:00 PM
🏈 Sports
🏒 College & University Hockey
Air Force Falcons (Men’s Hockey) — Friday, 2/13/2026 — vs. Mercyhurst Lakers | Cadet Ice Arena, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO | ~ 7:05 PM (Division I college hockey)
Air Force Falcons (Men’s Hockey) — Saturday, 2/14/2026 — vs. Mercyhurst Lakers | Cadet Ice Arena, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO | ~ 5:05 PM (Division I college hockey)
🏀 College Basketball
Air Force Falcons (Women’s Basketball) — Saturday, 2/14/2026 — vs. San Jose State Spartans | Clune Arena, Colorado Springs, CO | ~ 1:00 PM (Division I women’s basketball)
🤼 College Wrestling
Air Force Falcons (Wrestling) — Saturday, 2/14/2026 — vs. Utah Valley Wolverines | Clune Arena, Colorado Springs, CO | ~ 7:00 PM (NCAA wrestling)
Air Force Falcons (Wrestling) — Sunday, 2/15/2026 — vs. California Baptist Lancers | Clune Arena, Colorado Springs, CO | ~ 12:00 PM (NCAA wrestling)
🏔️ Trail of the Week
🌲 Palmer Upper Loop & Central Garden Trail Loop
📍 Location: Garden of the Gods Park, Colorado Springs, CO
🛤 Length: ~2.5 miles loop
⛰ Elevation Gain: ~250 ft
⭐ Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
⏱ Estimated Time: ~1–1.5 hrs
🔄 Trail Type: Loop
🏞 Best For: Hiking, walking, sightseeing, photography, red rock scenery
A scenic and approachable loop through the iconic red rock formations of Garden of the Gods, combining portions of the Palmer Trail with the Central Garden area for close-up views of towering sandstone fins and dramatic Front Range backdrops. The trail is well-maintained and popular with visitors looking for a shorter but visually rewarding hike, with mostly smooth paths and gentle elevation changes.
🙏Thank you!
Thanks for tuning in everyone, hope you have a great time checking out some of these events. I’ll see you back here next week with more of Colorado Springs’ best happenings. Contact me at [email protected] if you have an event that you think would be perfect for this publication.