Lulu’s Downstairs closes Manitou Springs location; what’s next?
Lulu’s Downstairs has closed its doors in Manitou Springs, owner Marc Benning confirmed Wednesday.
But, all is not lost — the live music, comedy and entertainment site is planning on relocating as soon as possible, Benning said.
Benning declined to say why Lulu’s Downstairs moved out of its location at 107 Manitou Ave. Lulu’s has not yet provided information on rescheduling shows and refunds.
In a post to the business’ Instagram account, Lulu’s stated, “When one door closes another one opens. Bare with us as we do some rearranging. Lulu’s Downstairs in Manitou Springs is now closed … we are excited to move forward and look forward to the next chapter. Stand by for info on upcoming show changes, refunds, reschedules and more. Thanks for the support and patience as we do our best to navigate this change.”
Lulu’s, located in the historic Greenlight District of Manitou, is known for hosting touring musicians and shows. Benning opened Lulu’s in July 2019, bringing life back into the location of the once-thriving Castaways restaurant, which had remained mostly vacant during the 2000s.
The site serviced two bars and a kitchen, and was popular for its retro-style, with dozens of thrifted art pieces and bright red leather chairs.
The downstairs venue has a capacity of 450 people while the upstairs, opened in the past few years, has a capacity of 100.
Local musician Jeremy Facknitz said in an Instagram post that his band was the last to play at Lulu’s, this past Friday. Facknitz said “I loved that space” and that he would miss it.
“It was haunted. Ray Charles and Tina Turner played there,” Facknitz said. “It was the setting for the best memories I have with my band, with the release show upstairs for ‘Smilin’ At the Future’ topping the list.'”
A mirror reflects customers as they come and go on the stairs at Lulu’s Downstairs in Manitou Springs.
“I’ve always loved bars that have character,” says Marc Benning, owner of Lulu’s Downstairs.
Owner Marc Benning sits on the empty stage at Lulu’s Downstairs in Manitou Springs.
Owner Marc Benning sits on the empty stage at Lulu’s Downstairs in Manitou Springs.
Bartender Brandon Allen, center, serves drinks to customers at Lulu’s Downstairs in Manitou Springs in 2019.
Desirae Garcia plays the stage in 2019 at Lulu’s DownstairsFriday, Sept. 13, 2019. Beginning Wednesday, people will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result within 72 hours to enter the venue.
The Red Mountain Boys played at Lulu’s Downstair on Jan. 18, 2024.