Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs Police Department is running the Phone it Forward campaign to collect old cellphones from drop-off locations at sub stations and the operations center—donated phones will be securely wiped by a third party and qualify as tax-deductible to help survivors of domestic violence.

On Friday, Oct. 24, Colorado Springs will host a two-day ski gear swap at Roy J.

Wasson Academic Campus where shoppers can find new and gently used equipment and service members may enter free from 5:30 p.m.—9 p.m. Staff will help consignors from 10 a.m.—3 p.m. and the event continues Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m.—4 p.m.

Drip Queen Coffee opened a new spot at 3230 Centennial Blvd. on Sept.

16th—Russell and Zakiya Moss now serve seafood dishes like crab cake sliders with their signature Latte-ish coffees in a space built for slowing down.

On Monday, Oct. 13, native tribes led a sunrise blessing atop Pikes Peak to mark Indigenous Peoples Day and unveiled new plaques with native names for the mountain — including names from the Kiowa, Comanche, Ute, Pawnee, Jicarilla Apache and Arapaho nations.

A podcast episode published on October 13 offers local tips on enjoying the scenic Pikes Peak Highway—featuring advice from a local expert on safe driving and notable stops during fall and winter.

Listeners can watch or listen to the episode on the City website.

Abandoned train tunnels in the North Cheyenne Cañon area above Colorado Springs are said to be haunted with eerie lore of a tragic collapse and ghostly encounters, with one tunnel sealed off while the other two remain accessible for vehicles.

Visitors have reported hearing children laughing and feeling unexplained touches—fueling local legends of lingering spirits.

The Western Museum of Mining & Industry celebrated the unveiling of a new, safer entrance on Oct.

10 after replacing an old ranch drive that had become unsafe with nearby development. The project involved partners including the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, City of Colorado Springs Public Works Department and contractors Wildcat Construction and RockSol—improving access to the museum's historic 28-acre campus.

Voters in the Pikes Peak region will soon decide on measures in four school districts—Widefield D-3, Manitou Springs D-14, Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1 and Peyton 23-JT—that propose tax increases to fund bonds and overrides for repairs, safety upgrades and new career training facilities. Each district has outlined plans to address aging infrastructure and improve programs, with local tax impacts based on assessed property values.

The Vanguard School marks 30 years of charter education by offering a classical liberal arts program with small classes and simple dress codes since 1995.

Executive Director Jim Smith said the school plans to build a fieldhouse and improve facilities to support its enrollment of roughly 1,600 students—its legacy helping shape local school choice.

In Woodland Park, city leaders and local groups are planning a conservation easement for the 120 acre Avenger Open Space and are asking residents to weigh in on land rules—an open house will be held at Ute Pass Cultural Center on October 15 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

El Paso County announced that renovations at Fox Run Regional Park north of Colorado Springs will begin this fall.

The project will involve grading and drainage improvements on ponds, installing new pond liners, and replacing the gazebo—enhancing park accessibility—with new ADA-compliant parking and sidewalks, with work set to finish by spring.

Eleven teams from the Pikes Peak region will compete in regional softball tournaments this Friday and Saturday for spots at the state tournament at Aurora Sports Park on Oct.

24-25. Palmer Ridge earned the 4A No. 2 seed after a 19-4 season—other qualifiers include Cheyenne Mountain, Air Academy, Widefield, Discovery Canyon and Mesa Ridge while teams in 5A and 3A will play to advance.

Colorado College hockey is ranked 19th nationally—after wins over Bentley and Air Force—and returned to the top 20 for the first time since March 3; the Tigers are set to start a road series in Northern Michigan this weekend.

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.

Twisted Tuesday Painting Party with $4 Drinks

$4 Drinks — 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35 per person — Enjoy a guided painting session with affordable drinks and a fun atmosphere.