What to Do in Colorado Springs Today — Character Stroll, Anastasia Musical, History Day, and More

Saturday, November 14 is one of the more event-packed family days COS has seen this fall. The free Character Stroll at Acacia Park is the headliner, but there's enough going on around the city to fill the whole day if you want it. Here's what's worth knowing.

Handmade HollyDays Market — Opens 9 AM

If you're starting early, the Handmade HollyDays market is running from 9 AM with local artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music. It's a solid option for families who want to do some holiday shopping while keeping kids entertained — the food trucks and outdoor atmosphere make it easier to manage than a traditional mall. The market is in full swing by the time the Character Stroll begins, so combining both is realistic if you're in the area.

History Day at Garden of the Gods — 10 AM to 2 PM (Free)

The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center hosts History Day from 10 AM to 2 PM. This is a learning-focused family program at one of Colorado Springs's best free destinations. The Visitor Center is worth a stop on its own — the views from the building are exceptional — and History Day adds structured programming for kids who do well with hands-on educational formats. Free admission to the Garden of the Gods itself means this can easily anchor a morning before heading to the Character Stroll at 11.

Anastasia Musical Youth Edition — 2 PM and 6:30 PM

The Anastasia Musical Youth Edition plays at the Ent Center for the Arts at 2 PM and again at 6:30 PM. This is the ticketed option of the day — appropriate for school-age kids who are ready for a full-length theatrical production. The Ent Center is at UCCS, 5765 Leona Jayne Dr. If you're planning to go, check the Ent Center's website for ticket availability and pricing before heading over.

Also Today

Colorado Cosmic Con is running all day at the Norris-Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd., starting at 10 AM — a good option for families with older kids who are into comics, pop culture, and cosplay. The Acacia Park ice rink continues its season ($15/person, children 4 and under free) with sessions through the day if skating is on the agenda.

Quick Reference

What's Next

Tomorrow, Sunday November 15, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo hosts its Stroller Safari: Nocturnal November program at 9 AM — a good option for families with toddlers looking for a morning activity. The zoo's holiday programming season is about to begin, so it's one of the last quieter Sunday windows at the zoo before the holiday lights crowds arrive. Keep an eye on this week's events — the holiday season is fully underway in COS.