49. 12 Years of Arts Month in COS: What’s New, What’s Next, and What You’ll Love Most

It’s officially Arts Month in Colorado Springs, and there’s no better time to dive headfirst into our city’s creative scene! In this episode of Springs and Things, Carly and Lauren sit down with Jonathan Toman from the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPR) to talk about 12 years of celebrating local arts, this year’s “Open Your World with the Arts” theme, and the brand-new Arts Month Passport that turns exploring the arts into a citywide adventure.

From opera at the Air Force Academy to immersive dance in cemeteries (yes, really), they cover how art shows up in unexpected places, why you don’t have to be “artsy” to enjoy it, and how creativity connects us all. Grab a drink, open your world, and join us for a fun, inspiring conversation that’ll make you want to fill your October with color, music, and meaning.


MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• VisitCOS Crafts & Drafts Passport
• Pikes Peak Center
• Peak Radar
• Chamber Orchestra of the Springs
• Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
• Colorado Springs Philharmonic
• Colorado Springs Pioneer's Museum

PICKS OF THE WEEK

• Nana's Dim Sum and Dumplings
• Axe and the Oak Distillery
• Fountain Valley School Open House

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Ent Center for the Arts
It’s Arts Month in Colorado Springs, and the Ent Center for the Arts is spotlighting Cabaret at Theatreworks! Step inside the Kit Kat Klub for music, freedom, and a story that dances on the edge of history. Performances end October 12! Love it? Turn your Cabaret ticket into a full-season subscription by October 31 and catch The Importance of Being Earnest, Romeo and Juliet, and more from Theatreworks’ 50th Birthday Season.

Core Collective
Core Collective is where Pilates meets community, and where sore muscles somehow feel like a badge of honor. It isn’t your typical workout spot. Core Collective has the nicest instructors, killer playlists, and a vibe that makes you actually want to show up. Whether you’re brand-new to Pilates or already rocking the reformer like a pro, Core Collective in downtown Colorado Springs is the place to find your strength, your balance, and maybe even your people. AND if you enter the code SPRINGSANDTHINGS at checkout, you can get 3 classes for just $30 ($10/class)!

What is Springs and Things?

Welcome to Springs and Things, the podcast where two close friends spill the tea on all things Colorado Springs! From culture and community to hidden gems and neighborhood lore, we’ve got it covered. Join us as we sip our coffee (or maybe something stronger) and dive into the stories and secrets that make this city so unique. Whether you're a local or just passing through, our fun, light-hearted, and always entertaining take on the quirks, hot topics, and insider tips will keep you coming back for more. Discover what’s really happening in the Springs—beyond the mountains and parks!