Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Advance Auto Parts opened its 10th store today at 8124 Peony Heights on Colorado Springs' northeast side—across from AutoZone and near Brakes Plus—in a fast-growing area where construction began in February; the chain, based in Raleigh, said it supports 120 local employees and plans to add 30 new stores nationwide this year.

Colorado Springs’ first El Pollo Loco opened Wednesday at 825 E.

Fillmore St in a renovated former KFC—renowned for its fire-grilled chicken and quick Mexican fare—and drew a busy crowd at its dining room and drive-thru. The franchisees said more local locations will open soon to meet rising demand.

Over 700 Colorado Springs D11 students transformed Acacia Park and 750 students decorated the Pioneers Museum area with patriotic chalk murals on Friday and Thursday — the murals featured images like Lady Liberty, eagles, and flags.

The two-day Chalktober event celebrated Arts Month and aimed to brighten the community's day.

Musician Danny Stewart released the third volume of Colorado Springs Underground on Friday to preserve recordings from local punk, post-punk, and metal bands active between 1983 and 1994.

He spent months digging through old cassettes and flyers—looking for rare tracks and stories to keep the city’s hidden music scene alive.

Colorado Springs is planning a $1 billion project to redevelop a section of Fountain Creek near downtown for environmental and recreational access.

The city is accepting proposals for a feasibility study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers + proposals are due in October and the work is expected to take 10 years to complete.

City experts are drafting a conservation easement for Avenger Open Space west of Colorado Springs—asking the public what should or should not be allowed in the forest bordering Woodland Park while the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board holds an open house at 5 p.m. Oct.

15. Local residents can attend to share their views and help shape the open space's future.

Manitou Springs business owners met Thursday night at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post to oppose a ballot initiative that would raise the excise tax on admission fees from 5% to 14% for six local attractions as part of a plan to address a $4.3 million budget shortfall.

They warned the steep tax could hurt town revenue and urged city officials to work with them on other solutions + one owner said he might move his zipline if the increase passes.

On Wednesday evening, Dublin Boulevard reopened between Fieler Drive and Issaquah Drive after a three month closure aimed at improving road safety and mobility—drivers now face traffic shifts and pedestrian detours while finishing work continues on other segments.

The project now expects to finish by spring as construction phases adjust the schedule.

The Board of El Paso County Commissioners and the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority are inviting community volunteers from El Paso County to serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee to advise on local transportation, capital, and maintenance projects.

Applications must be submitted by October 16—meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the PPACG Offices at 14 S. Chestnut St.

A new change in the National Defense Authorization Act lets up to three cadets per academy play professional sports immediately while serving as commissioned reservists—this update reverses the rule that once required two years of active duty.

The policy gives service academy athletes a direct route to pro leagues and is expected to boost military recruitment.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks coach James Chambers said his team earned a 4.41 expected goals rating in its last two matches and lost three straight games with four winless.

The team faces San Antonio FC today at 6 p.m.—where better defense and the return of injured forward Huerman will be key to ending the streak.

The Colorado College Tigers played the 10th-ranked UConn Huskies in their season opener on Friday in Colorado Springs, marking the start of their season.

Anna Ash Live at Lulu's Downtown

7-11 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Tickets available now — Enjoy an enchanting evening with Anna Ash and special guest Malena Cadiz in Colorado Springs.

2fer-1 Tuesday BOGO Seats | Date Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $40-$45 per person — Enjoy a fun, relaxing evening painting step-by-step with friends while sipping your favorite drink.

Colorado Springs Monthly Evening Networking Mingle

5-7 p.m. — ViewHouse — Free for entrepreneurs — Casual networking for business owners in a welcoming atmosphere.

Colorado Springs Veterans Job Fair

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — The Broadmoor World Arena — Free entry — Discover entrepreneurship and business ownership opportunities tailored for veterans and military personnel.

Springs Comedy Festival

9:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — Ticket price includes fees — Enjoy laughs from 25 top comics competing for a comedy special!

Live Music with Sofakillers

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Catch Colorado Springs' favorite local band for an energetic farewell to the outdoor music season.

Crushed Glass & Resin Art Workshop

2-4:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35 per person — Create a stunning faux stained glass piece using vibrant crushed glass and resin in this hands-on art workshop.

Game Night at MoJoe's

6-8 p.m. — MoJoe's Cafe — Free coffee with own game — Connect with fellow board game enthusiasts over coffee and snacks while enjoying diverse games.

Bleating Heart Night: Happy Cats Haven

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy craft beer while supporting Happy Cats Haven with every purchase.

BOGO Wine Wednesday at Painting with a Twist

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — BOGO wines available — Enjoy a fun evening of painting guided by an artist while sipping wine.