Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Day festivities celebrate our sesquicentennial on Saturday with free events at Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (215 S.

Tejon St.) featuring a new 'Freedom to Thrive' exhibit, live music, and a Guinness record attempt for doughnut dunking at 11 a.m., while Rock Ledge Ranch hosts a living history festival.

Nova West will become Mr. Billiards, a pool hall and bar with 10 Diamond pool tables, shuffleboard and planned darts addition in August.

The venue is at 1124 W. Colorado Ave and will serve food + drinks to fill a gap in Old Colorado City’s leisure options.

The Stray Cats will rock the stage at the Pikes Peak Center on Aug.

5 at 7:30 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets starting at $74 to enjoy the classic rockabilly sound & support from Pete Bernhard of The Devil Makes Three.

Colorado celebrates its 150th birthday as local experts curate 150 miles of classic trails (including Four Pass Loop and Barr Trail) to help outdoors enthusiasts explore the state's natural beauty starting this weekend.

Colorado Springs D-11 board will decide at its Aug.

5 meeting whether to offer a $775 million bond for school building upgrades, including new HVAC for Coronado High School. If passed, the measure would redirect some funds to teacher pay and cost homeowners about $252 a year.

Earlier this month, local hiker Daniel Prutz spotted a mother bear with two cubs on Pikes Peak near 13,700 feet while climbing loose rock, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife noted that dry conditions have driven bears to seek food at higher elevations.

Today, officials from American Medical Response (AMR) remind families that as students return to school and preseason sports begin amid major heat risk conditions in El Paso County, they must watch for signs of heat illness such as heavy sweating, dizziness, and muscle cramps.

Early Bird Hike and Bike lets locals enjoy Garden of the Gods without car traffic as walkers and cyclists explore quiet roads.

The monthly summer event offers a safer window for discovery (next event on Aug. 26).

Surf Shack will open this Saturday on the north side at Polaris Point, bringing indoor water surfing with a double wave machine, sauna, volleyball courts and event spaces.

The two-story center was developed by owner Dr. Michael Kofford, who also founded the Next Wave Learning Foundation.

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.