Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs pet news offers owners details for upcoming events starting Feb.

14 including Fur Ball on May 9 at the DoubleTree hotel — featuring a benefit for the Humane Society — as well as a cat café at 615 S. Nevada Ave and a variety of pet service resources.

News5 reporters Tony Keith and Alan Rose met with residents at Wayfinder Coffee near Rangewood on Friday to discuss what stories and volunteer opportunities to highlight, as locals expressed a desire for uplifting coverage.

The City of Colorado Springs has a volunteer page for neighborhood services, parks, and public safety.

BJ’s Velvet Freez is opening a second location at 2900 E.

Platte Ave. in March—with new offerings like dirty sodas and Chicago-style hot dogs—and relocating its Human Bean store near Pine Creek High School; the expansion places it next to Fargo’s Pizza Co. for added local nostalgia.

Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs was named one of Billboard’s top music venues for 2026 — ranking as the top West Coast amphitheater among international venues.

VENU said the honor underscores the venue’s role in expanding local entertainment.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) has been nominated for Best Zoo in the U.S. for the 10th consecutive year in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Voting for the 2026 competition is open until 10 a.m. MT on March 9.

The African American Historical and Genealogical Society celebrates Black History Month by showcasing artifacts and over 2,000 books on local history at the Westside Community Center in Old Colorado City.

Founder Shirley McKnight started the museum in 2003 — featuring displays on early settlers and community pioneers.

During Black History Month, a Colorado Springs historian spotlighted the Buffalo Soldiers, the all-Black regiments that served as law enforcement in the West after the Civil War, highlighting how they secured trails and protected communities.

He emphasized that their legacy is part of all our history.

Lawmakers will review Senate Bill 65 on Feb.

26 which proposes restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides used on crops to protect pollinators and water (farmers warn the change could risk crop yields by limiting treated seed options). Gov. Polis and key senators support the measure.

El Paso County will begin construction of new sidewalks and pedestrian improvements along Ute Pass Trail (including Chipita Park Road, Fountain Avenue and Spring Street) starting Feb.

23 in the public right of way; tree removals and ADA ramps are among the upgrades planned to finish by December.

CommonSpirit’s new lung cancer screening program will offer free annual low-dose CT scans for active firefighters in El Paso County with 10+ years of service—hosted at Penrose Hospital Cancer Center and supported by a $50K community donation to help detect cancer early and improve outcomes.

The commercial real estate market is normalizing as multifamily rents reset with 7% lower rates and more concessions and retail remains strong with vacancies under 5%.

Office space softens at 11.6% vacancy due to hybrid work and limited development is expected to support gradual recovery over the next two years.

Colorado teen Ollie Martin finished fourth in Olympic snowboard big air today (he will compete in slopestyle with qualifying rounds starting Monday, Feb.

16, and finals on Feb. 18). He is known for record-setting tricks and now aims to earn an Olympic medal.

Coach Ronald Gorr of Air Academy led the selection of the all-area boys golf team, with peak performer (Brayden Destefano) from Cheyenne Mountain and players from Falcon, Lewis-Palmer, Manitou Springs, The Classical Academy, and St. Mary’s honored for their achievements.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge and enjoy great brews and pizza with friends.

Lovers of the Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $37-$49 per person — Unleash your creativity in a cozy atmosphere with painting and candle-making fun.

Band of Brothers — Springs of Living Water

2-3 a.m. — Pierce Home — Free entry — Connect with fellow men through faith-based activities and outdoor challenges.

Valentine's Day Crafting Session

1:30-5 p.m. — Pikes Peak Library District - Library 21c — $20 — Unleash creativity making handmade gifts for your loved ones this Valentine's Day.

All Ages! U Make My Heart Saur with Free Beverages

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Painting with a Twist — $30 per person — Enjoy a creative family-friendly event with hot beverages and guided painting fun.

MeadowGrass Music Festival 2026 Lineup Release Party

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 from every pint supports local music — Celebrate the 2025 MeadowGrass lineup while enjoying great brews and supporting the community.

Sweet T’s Rude Blues Jam

6-9 p.m. — PEAK 31 @ Union Station — Free entry — Experience a lively atmosphere with local blues musicians performing weekly jams.

Ricky Sweum Sax Trio Live Performance

5:00 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of innovative jazz sounds from a talented local trio led by award-winning saxophonist Ricky Sweum.

Rodger Lizaola's Comedy Special Filming

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter as Rodger Lizaola films his 30-minute special for Open Bar Comedy.

Steven Briggs Live!

9:45-11:15 PM — Loonees Comedy Corner — General Admission and VIP Options Available — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Steven Briggs, fresh from his tour performing for US troops.