Good morning, Colorado Springs.

On New Year’s Day, a record 1,200 runners participated in the Rescue Run in Colorado Springs to raise funds for El Paso County Search and Rescue, an all-volunteer team that usually responds to over 200 calls a year.

Colorado Springs residents begin 2026 by sharing ideas for enhancing downtown, from fresh paint on older buildings to adding candy stores and free vendor events — all meant to revive its homey charm.

Lost Island Adventure Park will open in Monument in spring 2027 with dinosaur figures and four mini golf courses.

The park (with bounce houses, a restaurant, and party rooms) is designed for family fun.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo marks its 100th anniversary by offering free admission for visitors.

The centennial celebration gives families a chance to enjoy the historic attraction (a longtime community favorite) as they honor a century of service.

Linda Seger, undergoing treatment for Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, practices daily for her performance at the International Piano Competition at the Broadmoor next month and will take the stage Saturday afternoon while sharing life lessons in her memoir (Unpacking) about relationships and adventure.

Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center will host '12 Days of Christmas is for the Birds' today at 2 p.m.—attendees learn the story behind the classic carol and the event continues next Tuesday with free registration.

Safety improvements on Garden of the Gods Road resume Monday, Jan.

5, with closures of eastbound lanes near Northpark Drive and Mark Dabling Boulevard while one lane stays open in each direction+ safety barriers, new signals, and heavy equipment signal work set to finish in late January.

In Colorado Springs, gyms witnessed a surge in visitors two days into the New Year — fitness experts advised setting clear, achievable goals and using workout partners for support.

Some gyms offered free guidance sessions to help locals build healthy habits.

Air Force hockey routed Michigan Tech with an 8-2 win at the Desert Hockey Classic in Tempe and will play Arizona State for the trophy today at 7 p.m. The Falcons achieved their highest single-game goal total this season with a fast start.

Trivia Night at Summa

6-8:30 p.m. — Summa — Free entry — Gather your brainy bunch for a night of fun and prizes with free trivia.

Japan How I Love Thee

5:30-8:30 p.m. — The French Kitchen — $109.00 — Explore the cozy and colorful world of Japanese home cooking in a creative culinary class.

Trivia Tuesdays

7:30 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Colorado Springs — Free entry — Test your pop culture knowledge every Tuesday with themed trivia nights for all ages.

Newcomer Orientation

5:15-6 p.m. — Listening Heart Medicines, LLC David W. Armstrong — Free entry — Discover the RMI introduction and meditation protocol in a friendly, in-person setting.

Jazz Thursday with Susan Rissman

5-8 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Experience the smooth sounds of the Susan Rissman Trio performing jazz standards and contemporary covers.

Cybersecurity First Friday

4-6 p.m. — University of Colorado Colorado Springs — Free entry — Connect with the Colorado Springs cybersecurity community for socializing and networking.

Family Fun: Paint Your Favorite Squishy Friend

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Pricing varies — Get ready to paint, sip, and unleash your creativity regardless of experience level.

Stranger Things Trivia and Blind Bag Prizes

2-4 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Cost varies — Test your knowledge on Stranger Things and win fun blind bag prizes.

Game Days at Dave & Buster's

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Colorado Springs — Special deals on wings — Score big with game day deals at D&B including 10 wings for $10.

Twisted Tuesday Art Class

$4 Drinks — 6:30-8:30 PM — Painting with a Twist — $35 — Enjoy a fun painting session with guided instruction and $4 drinks!