Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Bear Creek Nature Center will mark its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a special Bear-thday party on Saturday, Aug.

22 at the center. The event celebrates five decades of environmental education and community bonding in El Paso County (details to come).

Misty Mountain Collective, a new downtown coffee shop, promotes zero-waste by offering drinks in reusable glass jars with a deposit plus its owners plan a two-day music fest at Lulu’s Downtown to honor a local music icon.

Barnes & Noble will open its third store in Colorado Springs next week at 3173 Cinema Point in the First and Main shopping center.

Local author Rebecca Yarros and Corduroy the bear will join the grand opening at 9 a.m. on March 4 — featuring Storytime and deals for readers.

The Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs will host Sublime on Aug.

6 as tickets go on sale Thursday — the venue was recently named Top West Coast Amphitheater on Billboard’s 2026 list and will also feature shows like Dierks Bentley on July 2.

Colorado Springs theater picks offer shows this week with comedy by Taneshia “Just Nesh” Rice at Loonees Comedy Corner Friday (7:30 and 9:45 p.m.) and musical theater with The Music Man today at 190 S.

Cascade Ave., plus a poem-play at Fine Arts Center and improv at Peak Improv Theater.

Palantir Technologies moved its headquarters from Denver to a Miami suburb last week, a decision that may cost Colorado $178M if 90 employees leave & trigger further tech exits.

Local business leaders say this move deepens concerns over the state’s regulatory climate.

The UCCS student-run radio station won the international 2026 Best Streaming-Only Station award after a weekend trip to New York City.

It is the second time the college station has earned the title and is known for its 24/7 streaming and 20 student-run shows.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported bear sightings in the Pikes Peak area rose 102% in 2025 with 567 bears spotted near Colorado Springs as euthanasia rates dropped.

The increase was linked to bears seeking human food from inconsistent natural sources — urging improved coexistence practices.

The Edison Fire Protection District received over $218K in grants and donations that cut emergency response times by nearly 12 minutes in 2025, strengthening rural services in El Paso, Lincoln, and Pueblo counties (including FEMA and local gifts).

Fire Chief Aaron Hicks said the improvements mark a turning point for the district.

Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is hiring seasonal staff for summer programs — including day camp leaders, park rangers, and historical interpreters — with roles starting in spring and continuing into fall.

Interested candidates should apply through GovernmentJobs.com.

Rylee Edmondson scored 32 points as Lewis-Palmer beat Rampart 54-46 in the 5A girls basketball playoffs on Wednesday.

The team will face Palmer Ridge on Saturday in the second round.

Just Nesh Comedy Show

9:45 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — General Admission: Two item minimum purchase — Experience high energy comedy from Taneshia 'Just Nesh' Rice, a rising star on the circuit.

Film in the Community: Screening of I'm Carl Lewis

1-3 p.m. — Peak Education — Free entry — Celebrate Black History Month with a documentary exploring the legacy of Olympic legend Carl Lewis.

Pasta Making with Chef Juwanza

12:00–2:00 p.m. — uva wine bar — All ingredients included — Learn to make delicious pasta from scratch in a fun, hands-on class.

The Nonprofit Leadership Exchange

5:30-7:30 p.m. — UCCS Downtown — Free entry — Connect with fellow nonprofit leaders while focusing on governance and clarity.

Sweet T’s Rude Blues Jam

6-9 p.m. — PEAK 31 @ Union Station — Free entry — Enjoy a lively blues jam session in the heart of Colorado Springs.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge with trivia and enjoy craft beers at one of Colorado Springs' favorite breweries.

John Wise/Tribe Performance

5-8 p.m. — Rico's Café and Wine Bar — No cover — Enjoy an evening of live music with John Wise and his band at a cozy venue.

Mike Stanley Stand-Up Comedy Show

9:45-11:15 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — General admission available — Experience the hilarious wit and heart of Mike Stanley, a comedian known for his engaging stand-up performances.

Lunar New Year Celebration: The Year of the Horse

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the Year of the Horse with family-friendly activities, performances, and cultural displays from local organizations.

Pikes Peak Morning

$12 Bottomless Mimosas All Weekend — 11 AM – 1 PM — Painting with a Twist — $40-$48 per person — Enjoy a guided painting session with unlimited mimosas and coffee refills.