Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Two local businesses donated a 250 sqft gazebo to Springs Rescue Mission on West Las Vegas Street to help homeless residents beat the summer heat — Challenger Homes and Dream Team Construction provided the materials and labor despite zoning challenges.

Community members gathered yesterday for the annual Off the Street Breakfast held under Colorado Avenue Bridge near Sierra Madre to raise funds for The PLACE, which supports youth in finding stable housing.

The event featured speakers — including artist Christopher Ulloa, who shared his painting and journey.

Colorado Springs Parks officials are reviewing a proposal by advocate Logan Henning to allow regulated slacklining and highlining in designated park areas while protecting trees and ensuring public safety; the board is gathering input to shape new rules.

Cat Fest Colorado returns tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Norris Penrose Event Center (1045 Lower Gold Camp Road) with $20 tickets; the festival offers adoptable cats, cat bingo, fashion shows, and interactive activities while aiming for its 600th adoption this year.

Dr. José Antonio Arellano and Green Box Arts will offer free art walks every Saturday in August and September to showcase world-class art in Green Mountain Falls — the tours feature both permanent and rotating works that highlight art in a natural setting.

Funky Little Theater Company will launch its 2026 season at Palmer Lake Town Hall on July 31 with a 10-performance run of The Savannah Sipping Society—a comedy about friendship and reinvention featuring 7 p.m. evening shows on Thurs-Sat and 1 p.m. matinees on Wed, Sat, and Sun.

At the Air Force Academy’s Jacks Valley training, scheduled air cannon booms—part of a planned exercise—woke cadets at 4:30 a.m. on Thursday and disturbed nearby residents until 9 p.m.

This fall, three charter schools will open in Colorado Springs.

East Hills Academy (District 11) will offer free bus service and a classical model, Spruce Community School will use project-based learning, and Ascend College Prep in Academy District 20 will launch a college prep program.

Yesterday, the Colorado Springs Planning Commission met at 9 a.m. at the Shockley-Zalabak Theater to review Project Taurus—a proposed 50 megawatt data center near Garden of the Gods Road—with residents voicing concerns over water, power, noise, and environmental impacts, and officials noting the decision may be appealed to the City Council.

Perriteaux’s Cajun Restaurant at 604 S.

Union Blvd serves bold Cajun dishes including po’boys and gumbo with a full bar, outdoor seating and gluten-free and vegan options, operating Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (credit cards accepted and Wi-Fi available).

Highland Happy Hour

6-10 p.m. — Jack Quinn's Irish Pub and Restaurant — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of drinks and camaraderie at a beloved local pub.

Sunday Market in Acacia Park

9 AM – 2 PM — Acacia Park — Free entry — Browse fresh food and local goods at this vibrant weekly community market.

Aqua Zumba with Natilia

9:30-10:15 a.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — $15 per class for locals, free for overnight guests — Enjoy a fun, water-resistant dance party that's easy on the joints.

Tuesday Trivia Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy great beer while competing for fun prizes.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge at a fun trivia night with beer and prizes.

Cos Racing Group Bike Ride

5:30–6:00 p.m. — Fossil Craft Beer Company — Free entry — Enjoy a weekly trail cycling ride followed by a refreshing beer with the community.

Rocky Mountain Sunset Painting Event

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $37-$49 per person — Unleash your creativity while sipping on drinks and painting your own masterpiece.

Comedy Night with Vicki Barbolak

7-8:30 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — See ticket information for pricing — Enjoy laughs with Trailer Nasty comedian Vicki Barbolak from America's Got Talent.

Makers Market at Red Leg Brewing

11 AM – 3 PM — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Explore local artistry, baked goods, and farm fresh produce at this vibrant market.

Toddler Time

10-11 a.m. — Peterson Library — Free entry — Play, laugh, and connect with new friends during a fun-filled play date for toddlers.