Good morning, Colorado Springs.

The 15th Colorado Springs Garden Tour returns June 27-28 at the Country Club and nearby neighborhoods plus it will feature seven gardens with live demos by Master Gardeners and Plein Air Garden Artist paintings while tickets cost $25 for adults.

Lynn Bartels, known as Colorado’s most respected political journalist, died Thursday at 69 — she worked at the Rocky Mountain News, the Denver Post and the Secretary of State’s office.

A memorial service at the Denver Press Club will be announced soon.

Colorado Springs is part of a statewide trend as more foster children reunite with their families; 335 kids in El Paso County returned home last year compared to 288 in 2023 (child welfare experts credit increased funding and community support for the boost).

The Gibbs twins, 96, celebrated their birthday at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on Friday, June 19 with 24 family members and friends.

The zoo, marking its 100th birthday, welcomed the twins with a centennial coffee table book & a memorable day with giraffes and family moments.

Five people died on North Nevada Avenue over the past five years, and temporary speed feedback signs installed are only a start as local residents urge a lane reduction to improve safety — a change supported by multiple traffic studies.

The free sixth annual Southern Colorado Juneteenth Festival moved indoors to Norris Penrose Event Center, with a Saturday session at 8 a.m. and today’s session starting at 10 a.m. The event features live music, vendors and kids’ activities to celebrate freedom in a safer setting.

Mush Love, Tee has opened in Old Colorado City at 2627 W.

Colorado Ave., offering mushroom-themed gifts, art, and wellness products from local vendors. The store operates noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and hosts monthly events (including movie nights) to bring the community together.

Local historian Steve Plutt and the Ute Pass Historical Society share a story about the 1895 Victor train robbery (when Bob Taylor’s gang stopped Engine No. 6 at the Victor Depot and held passengers at gunpoint), marking a dramatic moment in the region’s mining history.

Today, a new six-week series begins that counts down 150 cultural figures who have shaped Colorado — including influential artists, writers and entertainers such as Blinky the Clown and Philip K.

Dick — as the state nears its 150th birthday.

Lynn Bartels, a respected political journalist, died Thursday at 69 after a storied career with the Rocky Mountain News, Denver Post, and Colorado Secretary of State’s office (she earned awards including a Pulitzer Prize); a memorial service will be announced at the Denver Press Club.

Three past kings of the mountain, including Faggioli, Shute and Dumas, will race in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb today.

The 12.42-mile course features 156 turns and a 4,725-foot climb with rookie Caruso and Woodland Park’s Vahscholtz also among the top qualifiers.

The PBR Space Cowboys presented by the U.S. Space Force held a bull riding event at Falcon Stadium on Saturday, June 20, where 28,000 fans watched riders compete and Tim McGraw performed.

Renovations to the stadium & community support set the stage for more big events.

Jaccob Slavin, who played his first game at Memorial Park’s Sertich Ice Center, credits his father’s supportive faith and weekly family dinners with inspiring his record-setting NHL career—marked by a Stanley Cup win and Olympic gold medal.

The Colorado native leads as a defenseman and finds strength in family values.

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.

Summer Cosmic Adventures: Mission to Mars

9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Space Foundation Headquarters and Discovery Center — $180 per camper — embark on a hands-on adventure to tackle engineering challenges and explore Mars.

Reel Fun Craft Night

4:30-6 p.m. — Peterson Library — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly movie while indulging in crafts and artistic fun for all ages.

Poolside Pals Family Fun: Paint Your Favorite!

12:00-1:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $29 per person — Enjoy a fun art class suitable for ages 5 and up where families can create colorful memories together.