Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Over the weekend, Pikes Peak United Way hosted its third annual Community Block Party at the Family Success Center, handing out over 1,200 backpacks + offering free haircuts by Paul Mitchell School students to help local students start school with confidence.

A guide to free and low-cost summer concerts in the Pikes Peak region details shows starting on July 27 at Soda Springs Park + The Black Sheep, with events scheduled through August 30 across local venues.

Colorado Day at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum on Aug.1 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) features a 150th birthday celebration with live music, food trucks and family friendly activities, while other festivals, comic cons and film fests are scheduled at local venues through October.

Monika Celly founded the Indian Food Festival to celebrate India’s diverse flavors & vibrant culture.

The festival takes place on Aug. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Liberty High School and will feature food vendors, dance, and cultural activities for all ages.

The Conservatory stages 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' Friday-Saturday at 7 p.m. with a 19th-century London thriller while Loonees Comedy Corner offers stand-up and roast battles along with a secret comedy show at Knob Hill and a family circus show at Millibo Art Theatre Saturday and Sunday.

Two new superintendents will begin their roles in local school districts this fall; Academy District 20 names interim leader Susan Field while Widefield District 3 appoints Steffanie Howell (150-plus-year history) to champion student success.

The Colorado Department of Education is awarding nearly $24 million to fully implement the Healthy School Meals for All program, which provides free breakfast, lunch, and wage increases for cafeteria staff.

The grants also support local food purchasing training and technical assistance for school districts and producers.

Black Hills Energy and Colorado Springs Utilities offer summer energy-saving tips, including setting thermostats at 75 degrees (78 for best efficiency) and unplugging devices, as a Friday night call to reduce peak electricity use addresses high regional grid demand; residents can monitor consumption and access rebates online.

City officials say Pope’s Valley Drive — between Germaine Court and Rusina Road — remains closed until early to mid-week Aug.

3 after a fallen tree and heavy rainfall eroded the embankment. Emergency vehicles may use the eastbound lane overnight as crews work to restore the street.

The Switchbacks won 2-0 at Weidner Field on July 22 as Bennett scored both goals against Miami FC.

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.

The Ex-Faces Reunion Concert

6:00 – 8:30 PM — Sunshine Studios Live — All Ages — Experience the nostalgic reunion of Ex-members from Mushroomhead playing classic hits and rare tracks.

STEM Quest

4:30 – 6:00 PM — Peterson Library — Free entry — Engage in hands-on STEM activities with family-friendly experiments and challenges.

Bike to First Friday — PikeRide

5-9 p.m. — Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs — $15 for unlimited 30-minute eBike trips — Explore local art and music while pedaling through vibrant downtown Colorado Springs.