Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Chris Layne, a disabled athlete and wheelchair user, climbs Mount Blue Sky today for Colorado Day’s 14er Climb: Summit 2026 with a volunteer crew ready to push & pull her adaptive equipment up steep trails to celebrate 150 years of statehood.

Salsa Brava Fresh Mexican Grill, open for 24 years at 5925 Dublin Blvd., closes on Aug.

29 as Urban Egg expands into the space to add seating, improve service, + test new dishes. The restaurant honors its legacy with live music and throwback margarita pricing on its final August weekends.

The Collective Boutiques opens today at the former Painted Tree boutique on Barnes Road, as local vendors prepare for a soft opening ahead of a grand celebration set for Aug.

29. CEO Melanie Greer, a former shop owner, emphasized supporting local businesses with flexible one-year leases & renewed opportunities.

Today, Colorado Springs celebrates Colorado’s 150th birthday with events beginning before sunrise on Pikes Peak at 4:30 a.m., where visitors join a Guinness donut dunk attempt plus later enjoy museum exhibits, live music and the United We Rock Festival at Rock Ledge Ranch.

ACCO Engineered Systems plans a $36 million new fabrication facility at Falcon Commerce Center along I-25 and Baptist Road to create 135 jobs with an average annual wage of $87,000 in Monument, as announced by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade on Thursday.

On July 28, U.S. News ranked Colorado No. 1 in education as programs like universal preschool (championed by Governor Jared Polis) boosted preschool enrollment and improved K–12 funding ahead of the state's 150th birthday.

Colorado’s review of the free preschool program shows that while many families benefit from tuition-free early education, state leaders plan to roll out new quality measures—such as improved teacher training and smaller class sizes—in coming years to address concerns raised by experts.

U.S. military, veterans and National Guard members can visit state parks free this August when they show valid ID to receive a complimentary Military Parks pass from Colorado Parks and Wildlife — the pass is available only for service members.

Jonathan Liebert, CEO of BBB Southern Colorado, testified before the U.S. Senate HELP Committee on July 29 to explain how AI reshaped jobs and workforce training after teaching over 5,500 local people practical AI skills through the new BBB AI Hub.

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.