Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Local Friends Groups support public parks through volunteer projects (like trail maintenance and wildfire risk reduction) and community events.

This summer, groups such as Friends of Ute Valley Park and Guardians of Palmer Park in Colorado Springs will work with staff to keep parks welcoming and safe for all.

Monument residents are invited to join the 2026 Great American Cleanup Pikes Peak Partners on May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at 645 Beacon Lite Road, where 100 volunteers will clean parks and trails and remove litter, organized by Fountain Creek Watershed District to boost community pride.

El Paso County Parks staff are preparing for a busy summer visitor season at historic Paint Mines in Calhan as new interpretive guides start today on weekends to assist visitors - a trail counter is in place to collect data for future improvements.

Motorless Morning at Garden of the Gods will block vehicles on Sunday, Apr.

26 from 5 a.m. to noon, allowing pedestrians, bikes, and skateboards to enjoy a quieter park (visitors can park near 30th Street and Gateway Road) before summer crowds arrive.

Josh & John's Gourmet Ice Cream opened its first drive-up location today on Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs; the longtime local favorite marked its seventh store with crowds drawn despite cold weather and introduced a new drive-up concept the owner had planned for three years.

Faricy Automotive rebranded from Faricy Boys to honor its team and 15 years of growth.

The auto group expanded to four locations, including adding Peak Kia Colorado Springs, and is updating signage & branding gradually.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue opened its third Colorado Springs location on April 1 at Broadmoor Towne Center on Southgate Road, Suite 101.

The casual restaurant serves Hawaii’s Plate Lunch with generous portions and local flair for families and visitors.

Two Colorado Springs TV stations remain unavailable to subscribers as DISH Network dropped KKTV in early March and Comcast cut KOAA on March 31 due to ongoing contract disputes.

Negotiations remain unresolved (impasse noted as of April 13) affecting local viewing.

Happy Hour Donuts is serving made-from-scratch gourmet doughnuts with rotating flavors, and on Sunday it will host an 'I Love the ’90s Day' pop-up from 7 a.m. + noon at 6660 Delmonico Drive, Suite B to offer nostalgic treats to local customers.

Colorado Springs celebrates Earth Day with several local events.

The 29th annual Garden of the Gods Earth Day Celebration takes place today from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1805 N. 30th St., and community cleanups are planned throughout the week.

Tejon Street in downtown Colorado Springs will be closed from Monday to Friday next week for final paving and crosswalk installation as part of the revitalization project; pedestrian access stays open and nearby parking is available.

Talon Trail at Cheyenne Mountain State Park draws local hikers with its 7.4-mile loop and scenic mountain views, starting at the Limekiln parking lot (across from Fort Carson’s gate) and offering both South and North Talon loops for varied outdoor options.

Victory Garden Market

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Cottonwood Center for the Arts — Free entry — Learn from Master Gardeners and shop local artisan goods at this vibrant community market.

Hoodoo Honey Blues Night

6:00 – 9:30 PM — Louie Louie's Piano Bar — Cost info not provided — Experience soulful blues with a touch of funk from Hoodoo Honey and Teri Senior.

Eric Thorin: Lyons Jam - Open Bluegrass Jam

6-10 p.m. — Oskar Blues Grill & Brew — Free entry — Immerse yourself in a vibrant bluegrass jam led by renowned bassist Eric Thorin.

Moms Group Meeting

4-6 p.m. — Church For All Nations — Free entry — Connect with fellow moms and share experiences in a welcoming environment.

Open Bar: Live Comedy Recording

7:30-9 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — General Admission and VIP options available — Experience comedy specials filmed live featuring top headliners.

Igor and Red Elvises Concert

8-11 p.m. — Vultures — Tickets starting at $28.05 — Experience a lively mix of Siberian Surf Rock and humorous lyrics from the celebrated Red Elvises.

Pikes Punks Comedy Show Featuring Ben Bryant

8-9:30 p.m. — The Public House at The Alexander — Early Bird tickets available — Experience top-notch comedy in an intimate setting with acclaimed acts from Comedy Central, Netflix, and HBO.

Use It On Monday Veterinary CE Symposium

7 AM – 1 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs — Registration required — A dynamic symposium delivering immediate, practical veterinary insights and networking opportunities.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind with a relaxing evening of coloring and craft beers.

Lyons Jam with Eric Thorin - Open Bluegrass Jam

6-10 p.m. — Oskar Blues Grill & Brew — Free entry — Experience an all levels bluegrass jam led by renowned musician Eric Thorin amid the vibes of Colorado Springs.