Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Organizers said the 2025 Pikes Peak Pride Festival attracted an estimated 40,000 visitors over the weekend — the largest turnout to date — with over 165 vendors and more than 80 floats in the parade as local attendees celebrated growing acceptance.

At about 6:50 p.m. Sunday, a mini-bike collided with a vehicle at the intersection of Dublin and Union boulevards in north Colorado Springs — the mini-bike driver was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries while the vehicle driver was unharmed and the intersection was closed for a few hours before reopening as police investigated the cause.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is asking for help to locate 86-year-old Merilou Athens-Barnekow who was last seen Saturday at noon near 20900 Deputy Point in Midway while driving a 2005 Silver Dodge Caravan and wearing a blue button-up shirt and jean shorts—she has memory and cognitive issues.

On Saturday evening, police arrested Carlos Garcia-Rivera after his wife reported he sent a video of himself pouring gas in their living room and standing at the window with a lighter on the 7700 block of Orange Sunset Drive—fire crews later found the house uninhabitable and disconnected utilities to prevent accidental ignition.

A man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly doused his house in gasoline on the 7700 block of Orange Sunset Drive—where a domestic dispute led the victim to send video evidence—and the Fire Department later declared the home uninhabitable—by disconnecting utilities to prevent any fire risk.

On Sunday, June 15, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office asked for help finding 55-year-old Russel Hardy, who was last seen in Colorado Springs after he traveled from New Hampshire to hike Pikes Peak, with his Toyota found at the Crags Trailhead and search teams from El Paso and Teller Counties now looking in nearby areas.

In 1941, Colorado Springs set aside land for a new Army camp to support rapid military expansion during World War II, and Camp Carson was built with plans that included a mule barn and POW camp.

It was renamed Fort Carson in 1954 and now supports nearly 90,000 soldiers, family members, and civilians, playing a vital role in the local economy.

Family Fun Nights at the Library

4:30-6:00 p.m. — Peterson Library — Free entry — Experience a delightful STEAM activity with family every Tuesday night.

Epic Kids Only Alien Art Camp

11:00 AM – 3:30 PM — Painting with a Twist — $85 per person — Blast off into cosmic creativity with alien-themed art projects and fun for ages 6-13.

Music Video Bingo Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Challenge your musical knowledge with visual and audio clues at this fun bingo event.

Ivywild Summer Solstice Sound Bath Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Ivywild School — Ticket prices vary — Experience a serene sound bath with crystal bowls, gongs, and more in celebration of the Summer Solstice.

Colorado Springs Autism Walk and Resource Fair

10 AM – 1 PM — Memorial Park — Support local autism initiatives — Participate in a community-driven walk and resource fair to enhance awareness and support for autism.

Painting with a Purpose Fundraiser

3-5 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $38-$50 per person — Enjoy a creative afternoon supporting a local non-profit while painting your own masterpiece.

Self Defense Academy Youth Summer Camp

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs — Registration required — Engage in a week of outdoor fun and self-defense training designed for kids.

Steve Langemo Live at The Mining Exchange

5-8 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Experience a vibrant performance blending jazz, funk, and electronic music in a lively hotel lobby.

Hillside Summer Concert Series

6-8:30 p.m. — Hillside Gardens — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy live music from Grizzly Gopher, Roma Ransom, and John Wise & the Tribe in a beautiful garden setting.

Monthly Lunch Networking Mingle

12-2 p.m. — Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant — RSVP appreciated — Network with local business owners over delicious food in a relaxed setting.