Oktoberfest 2025
- Colorado Springs OktoberFest –Sept 26–28, 2025
Western Museum of Mining & Industry – 225 North Gate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
• Free admission | Live German bands | Beer, wine & schnapps tasting classes | Dachshund Dash & more
• Info & tickets: https://csoktoberfest.com/festival-experience/
• Event listing: https://allevents.in/gleneagle/2025-colorado-springs-oktoberfest/200028546746444
- Pikes Peak Oktoberfest (Hillside Gardens) –Oct 1, 2025
Hillside Gardens – 1006 S Institute St, Colorado Springs, CO
• Garden fest | Costume discounts | Stein-holding contests | German wine tasting with sommelier | Kids activities
• Event details: https://www.hillsidecolorado.com/oktoberfest
- Templeton Gap Oktoberfest (Whistle Pig Brewing) –Oct 4, 2025
Whistle Pig Brewing Co. – 2117 Templeton Gap Rd, Colorado Springs, CO
• German-style brews | Brats & schnitzel | Live polka | Dog-friendly | Non-alcoholic beer tent
• Visit COS listing: https://www.visitcos.com/events/oktoberfest/
• Event listing: https://allevents.in/colorado-springs/pikes-peak-oktoberfest-at-hillside-gardens/200028517854854
- Breckenridge Oktoberfest –Sept 12–14, 2025
Main Street, Breckenridge, CO (~1.5 hr drive)
• Large street party | Live music | Family fun zone | 5K trail run in fall colors
• Official info: https://gobreck.com/event/breckenridge-oktoberfest
• Colorado.com listing: https://www.colorado.com/breckenridge/events/breckenridge-oktoberfest
- Vail Oktoberfest –Sept 5–7 (Lionshead) & Sept 12–14 (Vail Village)
Vail, CO (~2 hr drive)
• Bavarian concerts | Yodel contest | Keg bowling | Brat eating contest | Alpine views
• Official site: https://www.oktoberfestvail.com/
- Steamboat OktoberWest® –Sept 5–6, 2025
Steamboat Springs, CO (~3 hr drive)
• Craft beer fest | Beef cookoff | Family activities | Mountain vibe
• Official site: https://www.steamboatchamber.com/events/annual-events/steamboat-oktoberwest/
Moving to the Front Range with a Disability
Everything You Need to Know
Moving to Colorado’s beautiful Front Range can be an exciting new chapter, especially for individuals with disabilities who want both outdoor adventure and supportive community resources. From accessible transportation to top-tier advocacy and care services, the Colorado Springs area offers a wide variety of disability-friendly programs designed to empower and support independent living. Whether you're seeking assistance with daily tasks, need accessible transit, or want to connect with community services, this region has you covered. At ERA Shields Real Estate, we understand the importance of finding a home that works for your specific needs. Our team is here to help you navigate the local market and find a home that’s not only accessible but one that truly fits your lifestyle.
Local Disability Organizations & Services
The Independence Center (Colorado Springs)
Offers peer support groups, self-advocacy training, transition services, veteran programs, and community classes—all tailored to empower individuals with disabilities. The Independence Center
The Resource Exchange (TRE)
Supports children and adults with disabilities and long-term care needs. Services include early childhood programs, Medicaid advocacy, and community integration. Main office in Colorado Springs, tre.org.
Mosaic Colorado (Colorado Springs)
Provides person-centered services for individuals with intellectual disabilities such as housing support, job coaching, day programming, healthcare coordination, and mental health services Mosaic.
Developmental Disability Resource Center (DDRC)
Helps individuals with developmental disabilities through early intervention, residential programs, day services, recreation, behavioral health, and community support DDRC
Disability Connections (Pikes Peak Region)
A local 501(c)(3) offering support for children and adults with disabilities—organizes inclusive events, provides support services, and offers small grants.
Special Kids Special Families (SKSF)
Offers respite care, childcare, adult day programs, host-home services, behavioral health services, foster care, and support for veterans—serving the Pikes Peak region since 1998. Special Kids Special Families
State & Federal Supports
Colorado Department of Human Services – Office of Adult, Aging, & Disability Services
Oversees adult disability services, developmental disability divisions, disability determination services (e.g. SSA eligibility), and veteran care centers. Colorado Department of Human Services
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC)
Statewide advocacy group led by and for people with disabilities—supports individual advocacy, civil rights enforcement (ADA), and public policy-focused programs, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition
Disability Law Colorado
Provider of legal representation and advocacy focused on civil rights in areas like housing, employment, education, and benefits. Acts as Colorado’s Protection & Advocacy agency. Disability Law Colorado
Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB)
A K–12 residential and outreach program located in Colorado Springs, offering specialized instruction and early home intervention for young children. CSDB
Transportation
Mountain Metro Mobility (MMT Paratransit)
ADA-compliant paratransit service for individuals unable to use fixed-route buses within Colorado Springs. Offers door-to-door rides and accessible transport. Mountain Metro Mobility
Additional Colorado Resources
(These statewide supports may be accessed locally or online)
- Assistive Technology Partners & SWAAAC – AT device demos, loans, training, especially for educational settings. Peak Parent
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) – Vocational training, job placement, employment support Peak Parent
- Medicaid & Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) – Long-term supports, home health, respite, and benefits guidance. ADRCs
TrackChair Recreation
Colorado Springs also offers unique outdoor opportunities, like the track chair program available at local parks such as Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Blodgett Open Space. These all-terrain, motorized chairs make it possible for individuals who use wheelchairs to explore trails and areas of the park that would otherwise be inaccessible. You just need to sign up in advance to reserve one and enjoy a more inclusive outdoor experience.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
Guided TrackChair hikes run here Wednesday–Sunday, with morning and afternoon sessions.
Blodgett Open Space
Alternating hike locations: one day’s session may be at Blodgett instead of Red Rock Canyon.
Plans to Expand
The city is looking to add two more locations before year-end, though the exact parks haven't been announced yet. KKTV
How to Participate
- Reserve your hike via the PRCS TrackChair program (Free of charge).
- Hikes guided by trained staff or volunteers during scheduled sessions.
Track Chair Program - To join, sign up in advance and come with a companion if needed for transfers. Colorado Springs Parks
"I believe the two most important issues when finding accessible housing are to LISTEN and to COMMUNICATE CLEARLY. Each situation is unique, and taking the time to listen and learn what accommodations are necessary is a great place to start. Once the process is moving forward, it is crucial to communicate clearly with the buyer and the other agent regarding expectations, timelines, and any details related to the unique situation. No two transactions are the same, so taking time to understand and work together creatively is key to a successful realtor relationship and eventual sale."
Angela Hunter
ERA Shields REALTOR©
Top 5 Reasons to Live in Downtown Colorado Springs
Discover Downtown Colorado Springs: a lively urban hub where the buzz of creativity hums through the streets, and modern living meets mountain charm. Whether you're an art lover, foodie, night owl, or someone seeking a fresher lifestyle, this downtown district offers plenty to surprise and delight you. Here are the top five reasons why living in the heart of Colorado Springs isn’t just a smart choice: it’s a celebration of culture, cuisine, and community.
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Vibrant “Creative District”
Downtown Colorado Springs boasts a wonderful oasis for creative types to follow their passion and indulge in artistic community events. Whether it’s the First Friday gallery openings, monthly guided walking and biking cultural tours, or the Art on the Streets sculpture exhibit, there is always something to spark joy and inspire.
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Dynamic Shopping & Dining Experiences
If you’re craving exceptional cuisine and unique shopping, downtown delivers it all. The Main Tejon Corridor offers a lively assortment of restaurants and shops set among historic buildings, independent boutiques, and sidewalk cafes. Nestled between local landmarks, you’ll find colorful murals, designed to celebrate the city’s culture, history, and creative spirit.
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Electrifying Nightlife
When the sun sets, downtown Colorado Springs truly comes to life. On Tuesday nights, lace up your running shoes and join a spirited run through the heart of the city—an energizing tradition followed by cold craft beers and sizzling brats, perfect for unwinding and connecting with fellow locals. Walk along Tejon Street and discover cozy bookstores, stylish boutiques, and lively bars. Downtown’s many wineries, cideries, and distilleries are passionately dedicated to flavor, offering locally crafted refreshments.
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Cultural & Art Museums
With so many museums within walking distance, you can spend an invigorating day or two exploring all the history, culture, and art downtown has to offer. Travel back in time at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum and experience a taste of life back in the colonial days. Then, immerse yourself in the spirit of determination, equality, inspiration, and courage at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum—one of the most accessible and interactive museum experiences in the world. Next, head to the Ghost Town Museum for an authentic Western experience, featuring preserved artifacts and buildings, along with hands-on activities like cranking a butter churn or panning for real gold (a summertime favorite!). Finally, indulge in creative contemplation as you explore the stunning exhibits at the Taylor Museum, located in the Fine Arts Center. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious, downtown Colorado Springs has a museum experience to inspire every kind of explorer.
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Walkable Streets
While cities like Denver or Los Angeles are spread out over vast areas, Downtown Colorado Springs offers a much more relaxed and convenient walking experience. With well-maintained paths and thoughtful urban planning, residents can spend less time driving and more time enjoying all that downtown has to offer.
Welcome to Keyed in with ERA Shields!
Hey there! We’re so excited to welcome you to Keyed in with ERA Shields, your new go-to blog for everything home, community, and real estate—brought to you by your friends at ERA Shields Real Estate.
Whether you’re a longtime local, a new homeowner, or just daydreaming about making the move to Colorado Springs, this blog is for you.
Here’s what you can expect:
Real Estate Tips & Insights
From market trends to how to prep your home for sale, we’re diving into the need-to-knows to help you navigate buying, selling, or investing in real estate with confidence.
Community Spotlights
Get to know the neighborhoods, hidden gems, and local favorites that make the Springs so special. Think local events, parks, small businesses, and all the things that give our city its charm.
Homeowner Hacks & Tips
We’ll share seasonal maintenance checklists, renovation inspiration, and smart home tips to help you love where you live.
For Aspiring Real Estate Agents
Curious about starting a career in real estate? We’ve got behind-the-scenes tips, agent success stories, and practical advice for breaking into the industry, with the support of a top-tier local brokerage.
At ERA Shields Real Estate, we believe in building community, sharing knowledge, and helping people live their best lives right here in Colorado Springs. So hit that subscribe button, and let’s live local together.
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