Good morning, Colorado Springs.

On July 4, Colorado Springs will host new Pikes Peak experiences featuring a sunrise (4 a.m. start) and a sunset opening at 7 p.m.; families can also join the Family Fourth at Rock Ledge Ranch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a parade, tours, games and live music.

July features a full month of live music in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs and Pueblo, with performances ranging from funk + rock to jazz and bluegrass.

Fans can catch a show at Hillside Gardens today at 5 p.m. and look forward to many more varied events throughout the month.

Professor Katharine Lee Bates arrived in Colorado Springs in July 1893 for a summer assignment and climbed Pikes Peak on July 22, where the breathtaking view inspired her to write verses that eventually became America the Beautiful.

She revised her poem over the following years to capture the region's natural beauty.

In May, COS recorded 106,722 passenger enplanements—a 4.7 percent drop from last year, as Delta and American Airlines increased services; the airport plans a July birthday art exhibit, sponsors the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo from July 8 to 12, and announced $7.5 million in federal funding for terminal upgrades.

The Aspen Acres Fire burned nearly 23,000 acres in Pueblo and Custer counties on Monday night — prompting evacuations, road closures and requests for donations as crews battled high winds and dry brush.

Officials reported no injuries and urged residents to follow safety guidelines.

Air Academy senior Elly Siebert was diagnosed with leukemia on Dec.

5 after months of unexplained pain and hospital visits; she received a transfusion and began treatment and is now in remission with maintenance care planned until March 2028, aiming to return to volleyball in 2027 (family confirmed).

Local seniors adjust their routines by taking early morning walks at Garden of the Gods and joining yoga classes at 9 a.m. Health providers remind them to drink plenty of water to prevent heat-related illness.

Colorado’s early visitors trusted natural mineral springs in Manitou as healing retreats, and today residents boost their well-being by enjoying local parks and trails; recent studies note over 83% of Coloradans exercise regularly.

The piece links historic wellness practices to current community health trends.

CommonSpirit Health is restructuring three local hospitals amid workforce shortages and growing care needs.

The plan includes retooling Penrose’s historic building (at 2222 N. Nevada Ave) for new community programs and expanding services at St. Francis and St. Francis-Interquest this fall.

Coco, a 10-year-old Labrador mix with a gentle nature, is available for adoption through the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

The $50 fee includes a vet exam + vaccinations, and she enjoys calm walks and tug-of-war in a quiet home.

Shallow End Fitness

2-6 p.m. — Peterson SFB Aquatic Center — No cost listed — Enjoy independent workout time in a reserved area of the pool designed for adults.

Live Music: School of Rock Performance

5-8 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live music from School of Rock students at a local brewery this summer.

Rockledge Ranch 4th of July Celebration

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with the Pikes Peak Brass Band playing patriotic favorites.

Glow Animals | Family Day

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $25 per person — Enjoy a fun, guided painting experience perfect for families and beginners.

Aqua Zumba with Natilia

8:45-9:30 a.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — $15 for locals, free for overnight guests — Dive into a fun dance party that blends Zumba with water resistance for a low-impact workout.

OCC Summer Concert Series featuring John Long

6-8 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Free entry — Enjoy free live blues music by John Long in a charming park setting.

The Planets: Reimagined

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Free entry — Enjoy an all-star big band performance of The Planets arranged by Jeremy Levy in a tribute to Gordon Goodwin.

$35 Thirsty Thursdays at Painting with a Twist

7-9 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35 per person — Enjoy a fun paint and sip experience with discounted drinks.

Zeppelin Alive!

6-11 p.m. — Stargazers Theatre & Event Center — $22.00 plus fees — Experience the thrill of Led Zeppelin's music brought to life by talented tribute artists.

Live Music: SofaKillers

4-7 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy the SofaKillers performing live and catch the summer vibes at this local brewery.