Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 40 years of helping families achieve affordable homeownership in El Paso County (via press release).

The organization is preparing to roll out its largest neighborhood project yet to expand affordable housing.

The 49th annual Colorado Renaissance Festival opens this weekend in Larkspur with a Magical Fantasy theme, a noon costume contest, and over 30 activities.

Organizers warn heavy Interstate 25 traffic and ticket limits; pricing is $32 for adults, $15 for children, plus free for kids 5 and under.

Grammy Award-winning bluegrass artist Molly Tuttle will perform with guest Mair and her all-female band at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers (tickets start at $44.50).

Her set will mix bluegrass, country and pop with electric elements.

A historic exhibit at the Summit Visitor Center in Colorado Springs displays a notebook and sword from Lt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike through Aug.

10, honoring 250 years of U.S. history and 150 years of Colorado. The display gives visitors a glimpse into Southern Colorado’s past.

Pikes Peak Housing Network executive director Jill Gaebler spoke with Digital Content Producer Tyson Sintas about rising living costs.

The conversation highlighted challenges for residents and strategies planned to ease expenses.

Colorado schools report quieter classrooms and improved teacher morale after banning cellphones; local District 11 and others took steps to reduce distractions as a new law requires all districts to adopt policies by July 1 (officials say students are more engaged despite some parental concerns).

Parks and Wildlife officials in Colorado Springs are sharing bear safety tips this summer to help residents stay safe while exploring local parks (advice includes remaining alert and avoiding areas with bear activity).

Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises residents to secure trash and remove bird feeders at night to avoid attracting bears — a measure intended to reduce conflicts in areas near prime bear habitat west of I-25.

Colorado Springs Planning Department approved the Development Plan Modification for Project Taurus—a proposed data center at 1565 High Tech Way near Garden of the Gods Road and Centennial Boulevard on Thursday.

Appeal requests are due by 5:00 p.m. Monday, June 22.

More than 1,000 community members gathered on June 6 at Boot Barn Hall for The Fletcher Team and Associates’ annual event that honored the Monument-based group's national ranking as No. 1 in Colorado in transaction sides + sales volume.

The celebration showcased strong local support.

Fifteen-year-old Will Friesema, a News5 sponsored racer and state champion, will race in the 2026 Pikes Peak Apex Gravel and Mountain Bike Races in Colorado Springs on Sunday as he faces top competitors and pushes his skills on challenging trails + giant jumps.

Summer Music Series: Deuces Wyld

2-5 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live music and craft beer in the summer sun with local band Deuces Wyld.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind with coloring pages and craft beer at a relaxing weekly tradition.

ACI Learning Colorado Springs IT Talent Hiring Event

12-3 p.m. — ACI Learning Colorado Springs — No cost — Connect with job-ready IT candidates and kickstart your hiring process.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your trivia skills while enjoying local brews and winning prizes.

Pedal Party Kickoff with UpaDowna

6-7:30 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Pay what you can — Enjoy a community bike ride with friends and refreshing post-ride specials.

VIP Fan Festival Weekend for the 104th PPIHC

PPIHC PreRace Car Show — Jun 19-20 — Winslow BMW of Colorado Springs — Free entry — Celebrate automotive passion with fellow car enthusiasts at this exciting pre-race event.

United We Rock Festival

12:00 PM — Red Leg Brewing Company — Experience award-winning craft beers and great vibes at this music and beer festival celebration.

The Garbologists

4 p.m. — Ent Center for the Arts — Check for ticket pricing — A sharp and heartfelt comedy about finding connection in the mess of everyday life.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind and enjoy a creative evening with coloring pages and a pint at this relaxing new tradition.

OCC Summer Concert Series

6-8 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Free entry — Enjoy electrifying blues and rock tunes by Hurricane Dave and the Stormchasers.