Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of July.
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
🏘️ Community
Colorado’s aviation community will host events this summer, starting with the Colorado250 Flyover on July 4 and the Colorado 150 Centennial Flyover on Aug.
1, featuring coordinated pilot formations across the region. The Division of Aeronautics announced additional fly-ins and airshows — a busy season celebrating aviation history.
💼 Business
Local hospitality and entertainment company VENU joined the Russell 3000 Index in the 2026 semiannual reconstitution.
Finalized after the market closed on June 26 — with changes effective from June 29 — the move boosts its visibility with institutional investors and is set to support future growth.
🎭 Culture
Many art exhibits open this First Friday under free receptions starting today.
Cottonwood Center for the Arts features 'Margins of Mercy' (5 to 8 p.m., through July 27), Auric Gallery debuts 'Nate Travis – Left to Write' this Friday, and visitors can also explore shows at Manitou Springs Heritage Museum, Miramont Castle and Hunter-Wolff Gallery.
Country artist Tyler Hubbard will headline Front Range Freedom Fest at Fort Carson on Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Iron Horse Park, joining pop rock band X Ambassadors and rapper Bryce Vine; the free event marks the US 250th and Colorado 150th anniversaries.
🌲 Environment
Rocky Mountain Field Institute volunteers work on a new Devils Playground trail on Pikes Peak, adding three miles of blueprinted path and planning a half-mile extension this summer despite a dry base camp + Colorado Fourteeners Initiative will finish three miles of trail on Mount Shavano by summer’s end.
🏛️ Government
Fire Chief Randy Royal (citing safety risks) announced extra staffing for professional fireworks shows on the July 4 weekend after wildfires and burn restrictions prompted strict enforcement of the fireworks ban; eight police officers will handle calls, and officials may cancel events if red flag warnings occur.
After nearly a month of repairs from storm damage on June 6, North Cheyenne Canyon Road reopened Wednesday and Gold Camp Road will reopen Thursday — city officials also plan temporary restrictions on Saturday to manage holiday crowds.
Pikes Peak United Way and the city took over the regional homeless services system on July 1 with plans to boost outreach and case management; the new team added five staff (to manage expanded services) and is applying for about $5 million in HUD funds to strengthen support.
🏈 Sports
On Wednesday, the Avalanche signed Jaden Schwartz (34) to a three-year contract ($3.25m cap hit) as he returns to Colorado to add depth following recent player trades.
🎉 Colorado Springs Events
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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.
Yoga in the Park with Cambio Yoga
9-10 a.m. — PikeRide, Inc. — Free trip available — Enjoy outdoor yoga sessions at Nancy Lewis Park with Cambio Yoga this summer.
🏠 Colorado Springs Real Estate
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📣 Colorado Springs Announcements
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