Entry No. 11 — the Colorado Springs file — filed under: ritual-music
Manitou Thursday Drum Circle
A free community drum circle takes over Manitou Memorial Park every Thursday in season — spare drums to borrow, hula hooping, dancers, and fire/flow light shows as the sun goes down behind Pikes Peak.
The story
For over two decades, every Thursday evening from May through October, a crew unloads a haul of extra djembes, shakers, and hand drums directly onto the grass at Manitou Memorial Park. It isn’t a city-staged performance or a paid festival—it’s an open community rhythm engine that has been running on pure volunteer muscle for 20-plus years, though the city did eventually hand over a $750 mini-grant to keep the communal drum pile stocked.
The setup is unpretentious: grab a drum from the pile, take a spot on the lawn near Fountain Creek, and fall into a continuous three-hour groove. As dusk settles and the light drops behind Pikes Peak, the gathering pivots into a flow-arts circle, with dancers, hula hoopers, and fire-spinners moving around the perimeter while the percussion holds down the beat.
What it's like
Walk toward the east edge of the downtown strip on Manitou Avenue until you hear the low-end thrum from the park lawn along the creek. Don't waste your evening hunting for tight, metered street parking—stash your car at the free lot at Fields Park and take the shuttle or walk in. Bring a blanket, grab a communal shaker or drum if you don't have your own, and pack out whatever trash you bring. The main crowd hangs around straight through twilight when the LED hoops and fire gear light up.
The move: Bring a blanket and a bottle of something, borrow a drum from the pile, and stay for the flow show at dusk — pure hippy-Manitou ritual, completely free.
📍 Before you go Memorial Park sits right on Manitou Avenue at the east edge of the downtown strip — look for the open green by the creek, not a building. Parking in Manitou is famously tight and metered; the easy move is the free lot at Fields Park with a shuttle into town, then walk in. This is a warm-season ritual, so come in the longer-daylight months and aim to arrive before dusk to catch the fire-and-flow show as the light drops behind the peak. Drums are shared and it's family-friendly, but you're in a residential resort town, so keep it mellow and pack out what you bring. Afterward, the mineral-spring fountains and the shops and taprooms along Manitou Avenue are all an easy stroll. Days and timing shift seasonally — check ahead.
- 📍 Manitou Springs
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: Manitou Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Hours: Thursdays 6–9pm, May–October only. Free. Check the event Facebook page before going.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- SunWater Spa — Cedar Tubs & Full-Moon Soak — Walk five minutes west up Manitou Avenue after the rhythm shuts down to soak in cedar tubs filled with spring water from 7 Minute Spring.
- Hart & Horn — Hit this 25-year practicing witch's retail shop on Manitou Avenue before heading to the park for ritual tools and handmade oddities.
- Yoga Studio Satya — Third Thursday Kirtan — If you want to trade communal park drumming for sacred chanting, harmonium, and didgeridoo on third Thursdays, head across town to Satya.
- The Fifty-Niner — Contrast the open-air park circle with a hidden 20-person gold-rush speakeasy tucked behind board game aisles in Old Colorado City.
Good to know
Do I need to bring my own drum?
No. A dedicated crew brings extra drums, shakers, and kid-friendly instruments specifically for anyone to pick up and play.
When does the drum circle take place?
Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, running rain or shine during the warmer months between May and October.
Where is the best place to park?
Parking along Manitou Avenue is notoriously tight and metered. Park for free at Fields Park down the street and either ride the free shuttle or take a brief walk into Memorial Park.
Is the event open to all ages?
Yes. It's family-friendly, completely free, and features dancers, hoopers, and shared instruments tailored for kids.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Facebook · koaa.com · Reddit · steemit.com · Official site
last checked: 2026-06-04