Daily editionWednesday, July 1st, 2026
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of July.
Culture
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.
Colorado Springs IndependentRead more
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.
Colorado Springs IndependentRead more
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.
City of Colorado SpringsRead more
Economy
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.
City of Colorado SpringsRead more
Environment
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.
11 NewsRead more
Health
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.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
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).
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
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.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
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 Springs GazetteRead more
Lifestyle
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.
11 NewsRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Jazz Thursdays: Henrique De Almeida Jazz Trio
Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Experience free live jazz in the downtown hotel lobby featuring drummer Henrique De Almeida.
Live Music: School of Rock Performance
Friday, July 3rd, 2026 · 5-8 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live music from School of Rock students at a local brewery this summer.
Star Spangled Symphony & Grand Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 4th, 2026 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Ford Amphitheater — Free entry — Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a spectacular symphonic performance and dazzling fireworks.
LIVE at the Lodge - 4 Peace Man & Good Grub Food Truck
Sunday, July 5th, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Free entry — Enjoy a free public concert on the Party Patio with local brews and a vibrant atmosphere.
Mellow Mondays Coloring Night
Monday, July 6th, 2026 · 4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxed evening of coloring with various themed pages and a pint in hand.
OCC Summer Concert Series featuring John Long
Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 · 6-8 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Free entry — Enjoy free live blues music by John Long in a charming park setting.
PPMA Jazz Orchestra Performs The Planets: Reimagined
Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 · 6:30-7:30 p.m. — Louie Louie's Piano Bar — Free entry — Experience the Pikes Peak Music Association Jazz Orchestra's reimagining of Holst's classic work.
2026 Taste of Pikes Peak
Thursday, July 9th, 2026 · 6-9 p.m. — Hillside Gardens & Event Center — Admission fee TBA — Celebrate 28 years of culinary excellence with top regional restaurants and breweries.
Mt. Carmel Food Distribution
Friday, July 10th, 2026 · 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Norris Penrose Event Center — Free — Offering essential food supplies to community members in need, including veterans.
Live Music: SofaKillers
Saturday, July 11th, 2026 · 4-7 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy the SofaKillers performing live and catch the summer vibes at this local brewery.