We went for the Summer Live Music series and it was absolutely wonderful! So my experience is based on that specifically... we got there at 5:30 and finding parking was a little hard, but they rent out the church parking next door so I was able to find parking there! Otherwise you just do street parking and it's not too bad. But it does get busy as a fair warning! With the music series specifically, it's $18 to get in but you get a free drink with it. So I would say it's worth it. And the drinks were actually pretty cheap anyways! We all shared a bottle of wine for $25. Not bad. And there are some great food vendors! We got nachos and they were insanely good and huge. I also got a donut from Runaway Bake Shop. I love that they partner with local restaurants and what not. But let's talk about Hillside specifically. It was so cute. Lots of tables. Much bigger than you'd think at first glance. We wandered around and loved all the fun areas. The decor is cute, the vibe is great, and I loved the green vine arch. I'd love to come back to maybe go look at what they're selling! Maybe try the coffee shop even? But I think this is a great spot and this will become my Wednesday routine for sure! read more

Hillside Gardens - Runaway bake shop peaches and rose donut - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

See all

I finally made it to Hillside Gardens and will make sure my next visit will follow soon after I have followed their social media for quite some time and knew they had concerts in the summer, a coffee shop and bar, and they sold plants during the day. I visited on a weekend and had a good time checking out the property in general, going to the indoor plant dome, and then checking out the greenhouse. I talked to Donna and she was so pleasant, offered help and told me I can always come back with questions since I want to start my own garden this year. read more

See all

Hillside Gardens is amazing , so excited when it opens for Spring . This place is a garden which is eclectic, beautiful, fun & beautiful. This place has so many areas to check out & each one is unique in its own special way , they have food & drinks & adult beverages , they have little shops of things maybe interested in purchasing. You can sit in the grass, you can sit at the tables or the benches & just absorb the gardens . This place is spectacular & oh before I forget they have music & yes you have to pay an entry fee . I'm just excited when I come out in July , we already have plans to go to Hillside . I didn't have the opportunity last year but will be 2026 ! See y'all soon ! I thought I had more picture , I will add those too !! read more

See all

Great music! Great bands! We come every Wednesday for the music, drinks and food trucks. Colonel Mustards for great hot dogs and friendly people or BBQ brisket tacos in the orange truck. Or maybe and organic pizza or a bowl at the tent near Cactus Jack's. All the food is so good that sometimes it's hard to decide. If it's a popular band in the pavilion buy your tickets in advance. Especially for Sofa Killers! If you don't like the pavilion band, there's two more to choose from. Just seeing the gardens is amazing. Donovan and Ashley have done wonders cleaning it up. New gardens always popping up. Come in the Spring and see the irises. So many different colors! Some even bloom again in the fall. We hope to see you on Wednesdays! read more

Hillside Gardens - Sunset on the upper level - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

I visit Colorado at least twice a year. My daughter took me to this beautiful place for a concert. This is a weekly event. Being from the Midwest, the gorgeous nights in Colorado are the best! No humidity and perfect temperatures. I do appreciate that they have an age limit. Sometimes it's nice to have an adult only event. Now, you can bring your infant with you. We did bring my four month old granddaughter and saw several other babies. I enjoyed listening to three bands, tasting great food and enjoying refreshing cocktails. The gardens, alone, are spectacular! It's an oasis in the middle of The Springs. I hope to return next season. read more

See all

If you're actually handicapped they won't let you park in their handicap parking spaces only their friends without a handicap sticker are allowed to park close by. I literally took photos of all the cars without the handicap stickers and they said they don't care lol. read more

Great venue for Wednesday night concerts! Unique atmosphere outside! Fun drinks and food options!

There's something quietly magical about Hillside Gardens. Not the polished, Pinterest-perfect kind of magic but the kind that feels real, loved, and deeply alive. I was lucky enough to get a golf cart tour of the property (thank you, Donovan!), and what I saw was a space in motion: part oasis, part community canvas, part secret garden full of surprises. The view from the wedding altar alone is worth the visit - breathtaking, expansive, and soul-stirring. It's the kind of place that remembers your ceremony, long after you've left. Tucked throughout the grounds are unexpected delights: * A charming little tequila bar tucked inside a cactus-filled dome * A sweet whiskey bar for cozy gatherings * Pops of vibrant color and whimsical metal artwork everywhere you turn * A very fun art installation made entirely of colored bowling balls * A vintage camper ready to be transformed into a quirky, character-rich bar space What struck me most - beyond the views - was the gift shop. Every item felt intentional, handpicked by someone with vision. These weren't generic souvenirs. They were pieces chosen by artisans who clearly understand the soul of this place. And then there's Donovan. An absolute treasure trove of Colorado Springs history and local knowledge. Effortlessly easy to talk to, full of stories, insight, and that rare gift of making you feel like you belong. Being around him gives you the sense that you're part of something living and evolving, not just visiting. The rest of the staff I met were just as lovely - warm, funny, and completely lit up by what they're building. It's clear they love this place. And you can feel it. There's also a thoughtfulness woven through the layout: plenty of seating options and pathways that are welcoming to those with mobility needs, making it feel inclusive and easy to settle in. Hillside Gardens may still be in its refinement phase in some areas, but that's part of its charm. It feels like a living, breathing place with history, heart, and a whole lot of possibility. If you're getting married, hosting an event, or just want to sit with a drink surrounded by beauty and color this is a place worth knowing. read more

Hillside Gardens is hands-down, one of the most amazing wedding venues I've ever been to. The owner greeted us with smiles, treated us with kindness, and spoke with passion about his gem of a property. Tucked into a neighborhood near downtown, I dearly wish that I could've stayed in town for the Wednesday night concert series. Anyone lucky enough to find this gem while still in the planning stages of their ceremony, or whatever they'd like to host, should definitely choose Hillside. You and any guests will be glad you did. Thank you again to the owner and all the wonderful staff. read more

See all

This was such a gorgeous venue with so many wonderful sites and amazing live music! Everyone there was so sweet and it was just an all around positive environment. read more

Hillside Gardens - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Hillside Gardens Wednesday night concert series is really lovely! Even tonight there was rain but the rain brought all the more people into the pavilion to dance and have an amazing time! I will be trying my hardest to make it to every Wednesday that I can get to! Can't say enough about my experience, food drinks, setting. It is a must! read more

Hillside Gardens - Dancing! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

See all

Wonderful venue for concerts, weddings, and now an additional garden center that's positively delightful! Wedding reception area can hold around 150. Park benches and lovely garden paths make for a quaint walk ways for quiet strolls while admiring the gardens. Stop in at one of their eight bars when they are open.. read more

See all

Under new ownership and voted best wedding venue of Colorado Springs, we decided to visit this venue to help my family member plan her wedding. Erica the wedding event's coordinator was very responsive and detailed of the venue's offerings. Upon booking a tour, we were enamored with the beautiful view of Pike's Peak and lush gardens. My cousin loved how accommodating they were with her requests and their bar upgrade options were extensive. We ended booking with them and are excited to host our family's wedding at this gorgeous location! read more

See all

With 3 stages, always find music that we like. Reasonable prices and a fun way to spend a Wednesday night. We've assemble a group of friends who join when they can to even better the experience. BEAUTIFUL surroundings and pleasant bartenders. Several options for food but more would be even better. Can get quite crowded mid June thru late August, so get there early and set up your chairs. Always a good time! read more

OKTOBERFEST!!!!! No it wasn't. There were a few Oktoberfest signs at the entrance, no indication of Deutschland anywhere. In four bars there were only three German beers, but there were dozens of US and local beers and craft beers, pumpkin ale, angry orchard, etc. REALLY, OKTOBERFEST??? Three stages two playing God knows what. When we got there like 6:10 there was some German music on one stage. 6:30ish it stopped, didn't start again until like 7:30. We walked all over the entire property and found dozens of people in lines for food WHICH WASN"T GERMAN. Seriously, Caribbean Cuisine truck? And tacos, nachos, enchiladas Mexican food all over. The venue was nice. The event was good. IT JUST WASN'T AN OKTOBERFEST. read more

Beautiful setting and great entertainment on Wednesday evenings! Many great dining and drink options!

Wow! I'm shocked! Like in a good way. Hillside Gardens is a quaint and charming retreat in an otherwise not so nice neighborhood. We went a couple weeks back for their Wednesday night concert series. $8 to get in and that gets you a drink as well (beer or wine). Not too shabby! The grounds are quirky. But there was plenty of space for people to spread out and listen to the band. The Mountain Pies folks were there selling freaking awesome meat pies! Get the pork green chili pie. Do it. We plan on going back by the end of summer. read more

If you are in a wheelchair, DO NOT GO to Hillside Gardens. It was a nightmare. Was not wheelchair friendly in the least. Uneven ground, curbs, even their "ramp" to go to the building with the bathroom was not smooth. read more

I attended a summer concert here last year while in Colorado and was blown away. The fun garden art and beautiful landscaping was so interesting. You can tell someone really put a lot of effort into this property. I could not believe the entrance fee included a glass of wine or beer. The Mountain View's were the best of any place we visited except for maybe the garden of the gods! What a fun night and beautiful place! read more

What a mystical venue for weddings and other special events. It used to be a junk yard but now is a retro, antique filled space that's totally transformed.They also have live music on Wednesday evenings for only $15 which includes a drink. I genuinely enjoy this place, and cannot recommend it enough!! read more

We've lived in Colorado Springs for 16 years & how the HECK?!? Did we not know about this hidden gem. I was in town visiting, my Dear Friend took me out here! It was truly beautiful & eclectic & charming in it's own beautiful way. I truly love the decor of the antiques & garden & gazebos. I was in total AWWW! The different food & wine & beer vendors they were so absolutely friendly. We hung out & listened to the Swing band. I so enjoyed the time we spent, when my husband & I are back in town visiting next summer I will definitely be going out there for date night. Beautiful venue ! read more

See all

This place is perfect for a charming outdoor wedding. After walking by the nursery you head down one of many dirt paths to the event space. Gazebos, fountains and gardens surround you and the view of the mountains is breath-taking. Of course, the bar is the best part of the whole deal. It's made out of an old truck and has the awesome microbrew Bristol on tap. Try the Laughing Lab Scottish Ale. Mmmmm Mmmm. The event space itself is covered, but other wise open to the elements. There is a fireplace and room for dancing and up to 200 guests or so. The space is truly sweet and it was a joy to see two people I loved get married there. Oh, and the open bar helped of course. read more

Hillside Gardens - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Well, if you are on your game you will notice that Bonnie S and I are reviewing the same place at the same time...coincidence? The hillside gardens is a nursery but also acts as a large area for events, such as weddings. They have a an area that is devoted to weddings (i.e. a stone stage with seating and a wedding backdrop thing-ey) as well as a nice pavilion which can probably hold 100+ guests. They also have a nice bar with some seriously local and seriously kick-ass microbrews. The best part of course is the incredible views of the front range, which makes one hate the Beach less than otherwise. Seriously...I think it is open to the public, so take a strizoll. read more

Hillside Gardens - Dustin G - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Colorado Springs, Colorado

Tonight was my first visit to Hillside Gardens and I promise to go again. Tonight's concert series was so much fun!! There was no shortage of laughter and dancing. During the breaks, we wandered the property, taking in the wonderful sites and sounds. I cannot wait to go again. read more

See all

This is probably the most helpful and friendly staff I've had the pleasure of working with in a really long time. Such a beautiful and gorgeous place! Will definitely be recommending to friends and family!!!! read more

I hope you are reading this review BEFORE you book -- something I dared not do after the "owner" was rude, profane, obnoxious and showed himself to be motivated only by greed, and we only had a 5 minute phone conversation! Heed the warning, read past the good reviews. This place has been there Forever and should literally have hundreds. But they have like 12. ... read more

I'm basing my stars on the summer concert series, so it could be because I ended up there on a perfect summer evening and was surrounded with people I enjoy :), but I honestly do love the atmosphere anytime I've been. It's super quirky, and the variety is just overall fun. I love that you can listen to a concert AND get a drink thrown in for just $7! A great deal for sure! read more

Gorgeous place for weddings or other reception type event. Snuggled in the gross part of the Springs, this place is a hidden treasure. We've lived here 7 years and never heard of this until today when we attended a wedding. read more

See all

We held my daughter's wedding there last Saturday my daughter asked him 3 times was it okay to bring in Just 4 bottles of champagne for the toast he said yes each time at the wedding he started yelling at my daughter and her fiance about why they brought in alcohol also he charged us $200 after the wedding in addition to what we already paid for setup and cleanup when we set up everything and we cleaned up everything before we left we also rented the venue from 8:30 to 2:30 and when we got there he told us we had to be cleaned and gone before 2 because he had already scheduled another wedding. The venue is a beautiful place but the owner is money hungry and very rude. read more

Went there this summer for the first time for the Wednesday concerts - wish i would have known about the place sooner. Awesome place to meet and take friends. Didnt hear one negative comment all summer or fall. It is a definite place to return to next year. read more

I used to come here all the time for the summer concerts and was so excited once I had my son to bring him to enjoy the fun we used to have until we walked up to find out the owner no longer allows children in. Such a shame. It is completely out of line to disregard the families that loved this place. if I could give 0 stars I would. Will not be returning again. read more

First time to Hillside Gardens was last night for a outdoor concert. So beautiful, good sound, and good people. I'm sad I didn't know this place existed before last night. I will definitely be back. Every Wednesday, during the summer, there is live music. It's $6 to enter, and that includes a drink ticket. Two food vendors were on site. There is so much to discover here, if you visit be sure to take a stroll around the property. The crowd was very dynamic, everyone is welcome. Keep up the good work Hillside Gardens read more

See all

Hillside Gardens is the most eclectic nursery/event space I have ever seen. This review is only for the atmosphere and potential of the place - we did not purchase anything or deal with their coordinators. Yesterday was my second time there, and I was once again amused and amazed by the contrast of a beautifully landscaped area complete with graceful ceremonial and charming reception space against discarded, rusting metal artwork, vintage washers, sad-looking stoves, and decaying box springs that can be found deeper within the gardens. Overall, I was glad someone had turned recycled this area into a useable 7 acres, and I think almost everything on the grounds is available for purchase, including the old Army rocket shells used as décor. I had been here for a wedding several years ago and remembered it to be cute, so yesterday we scoped it out for our own future nuptials. The main parking lot is unpaved dirt just past the gates. Only one employee was around and she pottered about her business, leaving us largely alone to wander the gardens. We noted the nicely-appointed, standalone bride's cabin with a convenient walking path to the ceremonial site. Several vine-covered archways and gazebos scattered around the gardens provide great opportunities for photographs, along with little ponds and streams. The covered reception space has a nice Asian-inspired roof, a fireplace at the far end, and is quite large - plenty for dancing and seating. There is a bar area with taps coming out the side of a vintage delivery truck, along with several stone picnic tables and benches for those who want to sit away from the groups. Just don't go too far west on the grounds; the dumpy part (including broken glass, so keep an eye on the kiddoes and dogs aren't allowed at all at Hillside) begins about halfway in with views of... bright red Bestway Disposal trucks on the other side of the fence! We did go inside the main office. It's a nice, comfortable space with restrooms and some chairs around a central table with a few wedding albums scattered about to discuss your event with the managers. Not our top spot, but certainly the most interesting and possibly entertaining. Always something for you and the guests to check out. read more

The owner is very rude and charged me a service fee of $200 for set up and clean up which he did not do. My family did all the work and he was very mean to me and my guest on my wedding day. I would not recommend this place to anyone for a wedding no matter how pretty it is. I would rate a zero if I could. read more

I was born and raised in Colorado Springs but haven't lived here for 40 years. When my dad died, we knew we wanted to celebrate his life in the place he'd lived for more than 60 years. I asked a local friend where we should plan a gathering and his immediate and only response was Hillside Gardens. He couldn't have recommended a more perfect place. The site itself is absolutely beautiful, looking west toward the west and the Front Range, including iconic Pike's Peak. There are beautiful outdoor rooms for everything from a wedding or recommitment ceremony to a covered pavilion for a dance party to little intimate spots for smaller gatherings. All with eclectic collections of wonderful objects curated with a great sense of fun scattered all over the grounds. This is a unique and wonderful spot and we're so grateful we know about it. What makes anyplace special aside from the grounds is the staff who are the ambassadors. Hillside Garden's is top notch - Larry Ash is one of the nicest and most accommodating people I've ever worked with and his vision for the place is ever evolving and inspiring. Shay was our event manager and couldn't have been more helpful, understanding, and a ton of fun at our event. Im grateful to Larry and Shay and so glad we were pointed to Hillside Gardens. read more

We had our wedding here on May 26, 2018 and it was the most magical venue ever. We got so many compliments on how beautiful, open, and great for guests to get up and move around the garden! I would definitely recommend it to anyone! read more

We had our wedding ceremony here in August. What an amazing spot! There is so much to look at and we loved that only our guests were permitted in the gardens. Our photos are amazing and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful location and day. I am giving it a 4 star review because we had brought a large cooler of water for our guests and when we asked if one of the staff could drive it down to the pavilion area on their golf cart, we were told no, we needed to move it ourselves. It was a simple request but instead members of the wedding party had to do in their full suits. This was the only issue we had, otherwise I highly recommend this venue for a wedding. read more

Hillside Gardens is a hidden gem in Colorado Springs. It's like no venue I've ever seen and the staff is incredibly helpful and kind! I've been to two weddings here as well as the outdoor concerts and both exceeded my expectations. The weddings were gorgeous and everything transitioned flawlessly. The outdoor concert series they have are incredibly fun and they have a great bar with great service! I REALLY wish I had know about Hillside before my wedding! I would have booked this venue in a heartbeat! Don't let the poor reviews lead you astray, Hillside is where it's at! :) read more

We used to enjoy summer concerts here but we are noticing that there are never any improvements to the grounds. It always looks like a work in progress... with no progress! Lots of dirt areas with no grass or plants, rusty metal crap or old machinery, broken glad on pathways, etc. This place needs maintenance and better music, especially if they are raising the price $1 a ticket each summer. Not worth the $8 now for a poor cup of wine, mediocre concerts, and run down grounds. read more

Hillside is a hidden treasure! The owner has over the course of 20 years turned this forsaken piece of land into a magnificent piece of art. seriously, this is a contemporary mix of lush green gardens interwoven with relics of americana from old gas pumps to washing machines, Blacksmith foundry and beer on tap from an old 1940's delivery truck. From the 20's up to the 60's there is something for every generation. Hillside Gardens and its owner Larry Ash) are one in the same. Its apparent to anyone who has truly walked the grounds, that Larry has poured his heart and soul into every nook and cranny. Hillside has served as both as a top notch wedding and music venue for almost 2 decades. Do yourself of favor and stop by to check it out. Parents, treat Hillside with the respect as you would an art museum.Letting your kids climb onto and over everything is disrespectful and not really prudent or wise. read more