Daily editionFriday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
Community
The Crafts and Drafts Passport celebrates 10 years and has gone digital with its Level Up Your Beverage Game theme – offering BOGO drinks and discounts at over 22 local spots in the Springs while earning points for prizes; the free program has run since May 20 and continues until Dec. 31.
SpringsRead more
Business
Ent continues to honor its military heritage with its original branding at the UCCS Center for the Arts (a well-known cultural landmark) and along Ent Parkway, even as the credit union merges into Wings.
The gradual conversion starts with a new digital platform launching on June 9.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Mimi’s Cafe closed its last Colorado Springs location on Wednesday afternoon at 7133 N. Academy Blvd (near Woodmen Road) as a taped sign thanked customers and directed them to the website.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Culture
Colorado Springs residents can experience the NFR Open at Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo from July 14-18 at the Norris Penrose Event Center (1045 Lower Gold Camp Road) showcasing top rodeo contestants, military support events, and family-friendly activities that celebrate local heritage.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
The Downtown Partnership revealed the Elevate Downtown plan to refresh downtown’s music scene by upgrading the City Auditorium — set to reopen in quarter 1 next year — and launching a summer concert series at Acacia Park (City Council vote scheduled for May 26).
KOAA News5Read more
A new study by COPPR shows cultural tourists spend 17% more in local venues plus boost local hotel nights, according to data from the Arts Tourism Survey and national reports.
The findings show how live music, comedy and local arts are strengthening this cultural destination.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Airport launched the Art at COS exhibit (featuring quarterly themes like airline food) to showcase local artists on the second floor near TSA screening and will run until July.
11 NewsRead more
PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure arrives at Pikes Peak Center this weekend (10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday) with a show featuring heroic pups facing a supervillain scientist; tickets range from $57 to $180 for a fun, family-friendly outing.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Education
Graduates of Bijou School received their diplomas Thursday morning at Colorado College's Ed Robson Arena, and next year the school will join Tesla Educational Opportunity School to automatically enroll its current students.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Pine Creek High School senior Barton Li (a promising entrepreneur) has excelled in academics, business ventures and community mentoring, saying that making a difference matters more than personal success; he will study business and computer science at Carnegie Mellon while managing his family restaurant.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Government
Fort Carson honored Staff Sgt. Benjamin Pennington during Thursday’s Memorial Day ceremony at Founders Field, launching a weekend of remembrance events for fallen service members - volunteer flag placements on Saturday, an Honor Flight on Sunday, and memorial services at local cemeteries on Monday.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Lifestyle
Local voters ranked four top barbecue spots; BC’s Barbecue earns our nod for mixing new and old school flavors.
The Chuckwagon draws crowds on the Springs east side, Bird Dog BBQ serves smoked meat at several sites, and Front Range Barbeque is opening a new location (at Academy Blvd.).
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Sports
Ross Colton helped the Avalanche in Game 1 with strong physical play and key assists despite a costly penalty.
He will return for Game 2 today at Ball Arena as coach Jared Bednar expects him to maintain his edge—pushing the team to even the series against the Golden Knights.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Turnpike Troubadours Concert
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 · 7:30-9 p.m. — Ford Amphitheater — Ticketed entry — Catch the rising star Avery Anna along with the beloved Turnpike Troubadours in an evening of great music.
Summer Music Series at Goat Patch Brewing Co.
Sunday, May 24th, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live local music and craft beer in a vibrant summer beer garden.
Open Mic Night at Seven's Gate Brewing
Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 · 9:00 – 10:30 PM — Seven's Gate Taproom — Free entry — Show off your talents or relax with great live performances at this chill open mic night.
Unplugged at the Lodge
Thursday, May 28th, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Happy Hour pricing available — Enjoy local musicians playing acoustic originals and covers every Thursday night.
Disco Night with Disco Revue
Friday, May 29th, 2026 · 7:30-10:30 p.m. — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices not specified — Experience the vibrant energy of a disco revival with iconic hits and a dazzling live band.
Beers and Gear Outdoor Expo
Saturday, May 30th, 2026 · 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Bristol Brewing Company — Free entry — Connect with outdoor brands and gear up for adventure this season.
Roma Ransom at Goat Patch Brewing
Sunday, May 31st, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — No cover — Enjoy live music and cold craft beer on a perfect Colorado summer evening.
Sweet T’s Rude Blues Jam
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — PEAK 31 at Union Station — Free entry — Experience the local blues scene at this vibrant jam session every Tuesday evening.
Alpha Wolf Concert
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 · 6:00 – 7:30 PM — The Black Sheep — Ticketed event — Enjoy an electrifying performance by Alpha Wolf in Colorado Springs.
Collective Groove Concert
Thursday, June 4th, 2026 · 7-10 p.m. — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices not listed — Experience high-energy grooves and vibrant horns from Collective Groove and The Martini Shot.