Monu-Palooza returns to celebrate this coming Labor Day eve.

The Monu-Palooza Music Festival returns Aug.31 for its ninth annual Labor Day Eve celebration, featuring a full day of live music and community fun. Advance all-day passes are $15 at Monupalooza2025.eventbrite.com or by calling or texting 719-649-0058. Admission at the gate is $25.

The festival’s origins date back to 2015, when Ashtōnz frontman Charlie Searle decided to organize his own event after being unable to join Monument’s summer concert series.

“We were unable to get our foot in the door of the summer concert series (in Monument), so after a couple of years of that I just decided to take the proverbial bull by the horns,” Searle said.

That first show, held in memory of his late sister Shelley, drew a strong crowd and raised money for her cause. The following year brought another benefit concert, and in 2017, other bands joined in, giving rise to the festival’s present format.

The Monu-Palooza 9 lineup features a wide range of musical talent, starting with Emily Hall, a singer-songwriter now based in Elbert. Originally from southern Illinois and raised in a musical family of seven children, Hall’s roots are in bluegrass and gospel, having performed in groups like The Chris Talley Trio and The Hall Sisters Band. Influenced by classic country greats from Alan Jackson to Dolly Parton, she blends heartfelt storytelling with a repertoire of country favorites and originals, often bringing the same passion she has for the outdoors into her performances.

Denver’s Cirkus delivers a high-energy tribute to the hard rock and metal of the ’70s and ’80s, performing anthems from bands like Def Leppard, Motley Crüe, Van Halen and Iron Maiden. Known for their polished musicianship and faithful renditions, the group is a regular draw at venues across Colorado, appealing to fans of classic rock with electrifying riffs and powerhouse vocals.

Sandy Wells, a Colorado Springs–based artist originally from southern Oregon, mixes country, Southern rock and blues into a dynamic live show. With a strong, sultry voice, she moves easily between intimate acoustic numbers and full-band performances, covering everyone from Patsy Cline to Carrie Underwood while showcasing her own originals. Her engaging stage presence has made her a favorite with audiences across the region.

Mojo Filter is a Monument ensemble led by frontman Bill Flynn, renowned for his vibrant stage presence and soulful vocals. The band delivers a spirited blend of rock, blues, and funk, featuring covers of iconic artists like Santana, the Allman Brothers, and the Rolling Stones. Their performances—often held at venues such as Limbach Park—infuse festivals and community events with infectious grooves and crowd-pleasing energy

The Matt Bloom Band, based in Palmer Lake, blends pop-rock, alternative and blues-rock influences into heartfelt songs about resilience, love and personal growth. Formed by singer-songwriter Matt Bloom and expanded into a four-piece in 2015, the band’s warm, authentic live performances and relatable songwriting have made them a local fixture, earning them repeat appearances at community events like Monu-Palooza.

Ashtōnz, fronted by Monument’s Charlie Searle, mixes pop, rock, country, folk and “a shot of blooze” into a versatile and fun-loving sound. Performing as anything from a solo act to a full ensemble, the band has logged more than 100 shows a year, earned “Best of the Springs” nominations, and built a reputation for crowd-friendly sets filled with energy and humor.

WireWood Station, an award-winning acoustic group from Monument, blends bluegrass, folk, and Americana with pop and rock classics. Recognized as “Best Acoustic Band in Colorado” and multiple-time “Best Band” winners in Colorado Springs, their tight harmonies and expert musicianship have taken them to stages from Carnegie Hall to Red Rocks. Their wide-ranging setlists and lively “dancegrass” style make them a standout in any festival lineup.

This year’s event is sponsored by Voda Cleaning and Restoration, Timberview Animal Hospital, Ellie Mental Health, Premier Vision, Palmer Lake Pub, Axe Sausage and Sauce, The Law Office of Kevin R. Hancock and My Door Company.