Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Tri-Lakes Women’s Club will host its Fifth Annual Joys of the Season Holiday Home Tour on November 21-22 in northern El Paso County.

Visitors will tour five uniquely decorated homes—starting at the Hospitality House at Woodmoor Community Center in Monument while supporting community grants.

Outdoor events kick off today with hikes at Bear Creek Nature Center, nature walks at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, pumpkin hikes, and ghost tours at Manitou Springs Heritage Center—each event gives families a chance to explore local nature.

Other activities include a Dark Sky Hike on Oct. 21 and weekend running events, with programs running through Oct. 31—residents can register by phone or online with the organizers.

Meadows Park Community Center closed on Friday due to an anticipated 2026 budget shortfall, ending a free food service that helped up to 120 local residents weekly—leaving many community members, especially seniors, without an accessible nearby resource.

The city will now direct residents to three other centers that offer food distributions located three to five miles away.

After losing her husband in 2015, Sandra Martinez started a free grief support group for widows and widowers in Colorado Springs that met last month at The Warehouse Restaurant.

The group will meet twice a month to offer friendship and help with practical matters—such as managing paperwork—to anyone who has lost a partner.

The Human Bean drive-thru at 275 CO 24 in Woodland Park changed ownership when Holly Speer and Amie Greathouse sold the location to Stan Kelley—who said the coffee quality and service will remain unchanged.

Kelley, who owns two other drive-thrus in Colorado Springs, promised to continue hiring locals and support community programs like Food Drive Giveback.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is asking the community for help to find missing at-risk teen Alexandria who was last seen at her home on Morley Court in Peyton with a white dog, a cat, and a backpack—she has autism, needs medication, and may have met a male friend in a gray or dark-colored SUV or minivan.

City officials have proposed an expansion of Cheyenne Mountain State Park by adding 473 acres near the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station—using $3.9 million from TOPS funds to buy 125.8 acres while Colorado Parks and Wildlife would cover the remainder.

The deal, set for a vote next month—could strengthen wildlife protection and help control nearby development.

Rick Williams, an Oglala Lakota citizen with Cheyenne ancestry, pushed for Colorado’s Indigenous rights by urging that land acknowledgements lead to action—he pressed for nullifying old proclamations that allowed violence against Native Americans.

Through his group People of the Sacred Land, he gathered historical records and called for a return of Indigenous people and buffalo to their ancestral lands.

On October 7, USAFA graduates rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange to mark the 50th anniversary of President Ford’s law that allowed women to enroll at military service academies—15 women, including retired Air Force Colonel Carolyn Benyshek, joined the podium to honor the trailblazers. The event celebrated a key milestone in military education and recognized decades of progress for women in service.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks had their match against Charleston Battery postponed from Saturday due to unplayable conditions at Patriots Point — weather delays during halftime halted play.

The teams will replay the match in full from the opening kickoff today — kickoff time is still to be announced.

The Classical Academy earned the top seed in 4A flag football playoffs after finishing with a 12-3 record, and five local schools qualified for postseason play starting Tuesday, October 14.

The playoffs include both 5A and 4A brackets with semifinals scheduled for October 22 and title games on October 25 using designated stadiums for each round.

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.

Black Jacket Symphony

7:30-9 p.m. — Pikes Peak Center For The Performing Arts — Cost varies — Experience classic albums brought to life in a unique concert setting.

Easton Corbin Live in Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Phil Long Music Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets required — Experience the neotraditional sounds of country music star Easton Corbin, known for his captivating baritone and hit singles.

Villain Arts Tattoo Arts Festival

11 AM – 11 PM — Colorado Springs Event Center — $25 Day / $50 3-Day Pass — Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of tattoo culture with live art and performances.

Me & My Boo Day Date at the Sunflower Field

2-4 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35-$39 per person — Unleash your inner artist in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying drinks and painting fun.

Lena Rich Concert

7-11 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Entry cost not specified — Experience the earthy and ethereal sounds of Lena Rich inspired by folk traditions.

Thursday Lunch & Learn

12-1:30 p.m. — MacKenzie’s Chop House — All welcome — Network with inspiring individuals while enjoying a delicious meal and guest speakers.

Let's Get Spice-Y

1-4 p.m. — The French Kitchen — Free entry — A flavorful collaboration with Savory Spice shop featuring tasty bites at an open kitchen market.

Mischief District 2025 Convention

1-6 p.m. — Ivywild School — Free entry — Explore an All Hallows Eve themed outdoor art market while enjoying fire pits and local food options.