Good morning, Colorado Springs.

VENU, a hospitality company known for its Ford Amphitheater in our city, debuted a $44.5 million hospitality collection with Roth’s Sea & Steak and is expanding with construction underway in Centennial & Broken Arrow; plans for venues in McKinney, El Paso and Webster are in motion.

VENU in Colorado Springs is slowly recovering its stock after a 40% drop following a withdrawn $75 million share offering in late January.

The company reported nearly 100% asset growth year-over-year and expects to reach operational profitability by year's end.

Colorado Springs marks 10 years of the Olympic City USA brand, launched in Feb.

2016 to showcase its Olympic heritage, with Winter Fest at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum celebrating the milestone as officials aim to boost sports tourism before the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Colorado’s mountain resorts face fewer visitors as a season-long snow shortage drops hotel occupancy by 6.7% and Vail Resorts lowers its outlook if snowfall does not improve before President’s Day weekend + limited terrain openings at key resorts add to uncertainty.

Manitou Springs D-14 was accredited with distinction for outstanding performance across its four schools during the 2024-25 year and joined only 18 Colorado districts in the top ranking.

The district credited its updated curriculum and smaller student-teacher ratio (12-1) with fostering personalized instruction and safety.

Colorado State University Extension advises homeowners to water plants (evergreens and young trees) when air temperatures top 40° and the soil is unfrozen to avert winter drought damage.

Deep watering once or twice monthly is recommended to help boost healthier spring growth.

Data from Colorado Division of Insurance shows hail accounts for up to 54% of homeowners insurance premiums in some counties, prompting lawmakers to propose tax deductions + disaster assistance funds.

Gov. Jared Polis said saving homeowners money is key to lowering housing costs.

Colorado Springs expanded safety zones in 2025 for elementary schools and added them around middle and high schools as more students traveled by vehicle.

The city will add new zones this year at schools like Vista Ridge and Cheyenne Mountain High (limiting speeds to 20 mph) to boost safety.

An active duty Army soldier from Colorado Springs, Trace Bailitz, qualified for the 2026 World Axe and Knife Throwing Championships (in Tulsa) after training for just over a year.

He is raising funds for travel and hopes to put his city on the map.

The Gazette Preps announced its all-area girls volleyball teams including Peak Performer Ashlyn Delaney and Coach of the Year Layne Witmer from The Classical Academy — selections also recognize players from local schools for regional excellence.

Colorado Springs pairs figure skaters Ellie Kam and Danny O’Shea scored 71.87 points in the short program at the Winter Olympics and ranked seventh - they will skate the free program today at noon as they aim for another gold medal following a team win.

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.

Saturday Bike Ride

6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Enjoy an evening ride with the Colorado Springs Cycling Club to Glen Eyrie Castle.

Birds & Brews: Birdwatching Hike and Brewery Visit

4-7 p.m. — Ute Valley Park & 105 West Brewing — Waitlist available — Search for birds like Bluebirds and Finches before enjoying craft brews at a nearby brewery.

Early Childhood Development: Music and Movement

6-8 p.m. — Family Success Center - Pikes Peak United Way — Free entry — Discover how music and movement enhance early childhood development in a fun and engaging way.

Bleating Heart Night for Suicide Prevention

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Support Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership while enjoying great craft beer.

Family Swim at Peterson SFB Aquatic Center

10 AM – 1 PM — Peterson SFB Aquatic Center — Active Duty: $2.00, Adults: $5.00, Children: $4.00 — Dive into family fun in a shallow swim area.

Unplugged at the Lodge

6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Happy Hour pricing available — Enjoy live acoustic performances by local musicians every Thursday evening.