They call it “a city in celebration.”

Now in its 35th year, Springs Spree offers two days of live entertainment, carnival rides, classic festival food and open spaces in which to bask. More than 70,000 people are expected to attend this year.

New this year is the SOCO Car Show, which boasts 200 cars will competing in specific categories for first, second and third place prizes. The car show takes place 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday on Stage 2.

“Every type of vehicle you can imagine – from low-riders to antiques – is a part of it,”says event coordinator Mike Tapia.

About 30 performers will also strut their stuff on three stages. Headliner Bucky Covington, an “American Idol” season four finalist, will perform at 3 p.m. Saturday on the main stage. Tapia expects the show to be a hit.

“The great thing about this year is that there’s so much variety in the music we’re offering and it’s all free,” he says. “We’ve lined up some great local and national acts that just about anyone can come enjoy.”

Here are some of this year’s highlights.

• Carnival – Named one of the Top 10 carnivals companies in the nation, Crabtree Amusement will bring 20 carnival rides including a Drop Tower, Ring of Fire, the Human Hamster Ball and more. Carnival rides are open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

• BMX Stunt Team – Former World Champion and X-Games competitor James McGraw leads the team in a display of Xtreme BMX tricks. Performances are held on the hour this weekend.

• Colorado Disc Dogs – Watch the Frisbees fly at the Colorado Springs Kona Canine Classic. These pups will compete starting 9 a.m. Saturday.

• The Lost Trailers – A national recording artists and country band, The Lost Trailers will bring their raucous energy to the Main Stage at 3 p.m. Sunday.

• Flames football team  – The seven all-time Colorado Football Conference Champions will host a drill clinic for kids, incorporating basic football skills into challenging exercises. Drills begin at 11 a.m. each day and reoccur every two hours throughout Springs Spree.

• Native American dancing exhibitions – A Springs Spree favorite, the performers share authentic ritual dances throughout both days of the festival.