Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Family Life Services broke ground Wednesday on its Cheyenne Road and South Cascade Ave campus to build nine new townhouse apartments (opening next summer) that will expand transitional housing for single moms and children facing hardship.

More units will be built later to replace aging buildings.

On Wednesday, June 17, locals in downtown Colorado Springs joined the annual Western Street Breakfast in cowboy attire to promote the upcoming Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo benefiting military families + enjoyed dancing, creative pancake eating, and unique displays.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department held a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday at 11 a.m. at the Starsmore Visitor and Nature Center + 2120 S.

Cheyenne Cañon Rd as it opened Mary Starsmore Discovery Plaza, offering outdoor education and community events at North Cheyenne Cañon Park.

Today, local organizers kick off Summer Nights with live music, street entertainment, and vendors at Bancroft Park, and upcoming events include the Hill Climb Fan Fest and Gem & Mineral Show starting June 19 downtown, with more festivals planned through October.

Citra Space Corporation celebrated expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its Colorado Springs headquarters on June 17 after raising $15 million in a Series A round led by Washington Harbour Partners.

Local leaders and company representatives attended the event – marking a milestone for the veteran-owned business.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado launched BBB AI Hub & offers free online AI classes and training pathways to boost practical skills for small businesses, nonprofits, and locals in a changing economy.

Registration is open and new resources will be added regularly.

Local cultural venues are launching a packed schedule of events starting today with Scriptorium con safos: Yard at the Fine Arts Center and continuing with theater, comedy, and improv shows at spots like Pikes Peak Center and Loonees Comedy Corner through November.

The 92-year-old Vern Smith's son and grandson carry on a three-generation legacy with the Pikes Peak Range Riders—a group that preserves local Western traditions through trail rides and community volunteering.

The family continues a commitment started in 1969 to support youth programs and local charities.

Colorado Springs will host art events — Etsuko Ichikawa performs at 6 p.m. on June 26 at the Ent Center for the Arts and First Friday art walks run on multiple dates in Old Colorado City and downtown.

More exhibitions and recitals are scheduled at local galleries, museums through next year.

More than 35,000 race fans will gather tomorrow in downtown Colorado Springs for the annual Fan Fest ahead of Sunday’s The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

The event features FMX Freestyle Motocross shows, autograph sessions with top drivers, beer gardens, and a car show near the Pioneers Museum.

The E Ola Mau Ka Po’e Festival will take place Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. + at The Lot at Meanwhile Block, featuring hula, music by John Cruz and Shawn Ishimoto, dance, food, and art vendors to celebrate Hawaiian and Polynesian culture at a free event.

Harrison’s Thiago Roberts was named the Gazette Preps Boys Track and Field Peak Performer of the Year after winning four state titles and posting personal bests in the 400 and 200 events; he has committed to CU and aims for an Olympic-qualifying 400 time (a milestone for his promising career).

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.

Banning Lewis Ranch Summer Concert Series Featuring The Burroughs

6 p.m. — Vista Park Pavilion — Free entry — Experience a lively night of 'sweaty soul music' under the stars with food trucks and community vibes.

Music in the Yard: The Fuzzheads

6-8 p.m. — Bristol Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy summer vibes with live music and local brews in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Books & Brews at Goat Patch Brewing

2-7 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 OFF pints — Browse curated books and enjoy a unique listening experience with audiobooks.

Pikes Punks Comedy Show: Billy Anderson

8-9:30 p.m. — The Public House at The Alexander — In-person event — Get ready to laugh your head off at the premiere Colorado Springs comedy show featuring the hilarious Billy Anderson.

The Garbologists

4 PM — Ent Center for the Arts — Ticket pricing not specified — Discover the connection and comedy between two sanitation workers through trash talk and unexpected truths.