Daily editionThursday, October 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Colorado Springs.
The Daily Colorado Springs Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
Community
City officials expect up to 10,000 people to attend the 31st Emma Crawford Coffin Races and Festival in Manitou Springs on Saturday, with 60 to 70 costumed racers competing and a parade + food trucks, merchandise, and an afterparty with live music by the Denver band RADO scheduled. The free event also offers shuttle service from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and bike valet service from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo placed the final steel beam on the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe to build a new habitat that will give guests indoor and outdoor giraffe feeding areas when it opens next summer.
The $40 million project is funded by zoo revenue and donations (dating back over 20 years since the old habitat was built) and aims to let visitors feed the animals from different angles (bringing guests closer to the giraffes).
11 NewsRead more
The Ascent Church at 1750 Deer Creek Road in Monument is starting a two-year renovation to add a new atrium and a 750-seat worship center to better serve its congregation.
The church will finish phase one by the end of January — break ground on the worship center in January and complete it by December — and has raised $5.7 million toward the $8-10 million project.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Business
Mazatlán-based Totem is opening its first U.S. location in downtown Colorado Springs at 315 E. Pikes Peak Ave. on Friday at 7:30 a.m. The restaurant will serve international comfort food (inspired by Latin and Mexican flavors) and restore a space that once housed The Well food hall.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Culture
The Colorado Springs chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism hosted a medieval combat tournament on the outskirts of town that featured nearly 20 competitors dueling with rattan weapons—each match deciding the next king and queen for a four-state region from Wyoming to El Paso. The nonprofit, which holds tournaments twice a year, showcased its passion for recreating medieval skills and culture.
KOAA News5Read more
Government
Colorado leaders announced new state funding to support food banks and pantries amid federal cuts affecting SNAP and WIC, as the shutdown stresses local food assistance programs.
The state will deliver $10 million in three payments—beginning November 1—to help meet rising demand.
11 NewsRead more
Colorado Springs Utilities announced that the South Suburban Reservoir in Stratton Open Space will permanently close after water quality concerns were raised following the discovery of nearly 1,000 dog toys linked to E. coli, PFAS, and microplastics.
The reservoir has been drained since April—repairs are underway and it is expected to refill next spring.
KOAA News5Read more
Health
A new industry group started in July 2024 is working to improve addiction treatment by promoting care that works and raising awareness for better support.
Porch Light Health from Colorado Springs, a founding member with 60 local sites, is teaming up with eight other providers nationwide—serving 166,000 patients—to help set better care and payment standards.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
An 8th-grade teacher in Colorado Springs is testing the faster PowerBuddy AI tool after beta testing showed it now generates questions more quickly.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has texted and emailed nearly 59,000 families with young children to remind them to update overdue measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines.
11 NewsRead more
Lifestyle
New interactive dining spots bring Korean culture and DIY cooking to Colorado Springs at Hot Pot Story and BBQ & Hotpot Story, offering conveyor belt choices and table grilling options.
Local food events continue with a Bristol Brewing beer dinner tonight at 7 p.m., a French Kitchen spice event and Downtown Candy Crawl on Oct 25, and a wine dinner at Joseph’s Restaurant on Oct 29.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Sports
Rockies play-by-play voice Drew Goodman said the team must boost its farm system by following the Dodgers’ way of drafting and developing players.
The Rockies will soon choose a new front office leader to rebuild the team and expand international scouting—moves seen as vital to turning things around.
Colorado Springs GazetteRead more
Colorado Springs Events
Let's Get Spice-Y
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 · 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
Sunday, October 26th, 2025 · 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
Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 · $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.
Wednesday Night Comedy Open Mic
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 · 6-10 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Free entry — A night of laughter where seasoned and newcomer comics share the stage in a fun atmosphere.
Halloween Boo-wling Spooktacular
Thursday, October 30th, 2025 · 5-8 p.m. — Main Event Colorado Springs — Various activities — Enjoy a night of bowling, crafts, and contests for all ages in a spooky Halloween atmosphere.
A Wicked Halloween Party with Cocktails and Karaoke
Friday, October 31st, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $39-$47 per person — Revel in witchy cocktails, karaoke, and a festive painting experience at this all-ages Halloween extravaganza.
Sunset over Snowy Pines Painting Class
Saturday, November 1st, 2025 · 4:30-6:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $37-$55 per person — Unleash your creativity while sipping on drinks in a fun, social atmosphere.
Fusion Night
Sunday, November 2nd, 2025 · 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. — 1106 N Circle Dr, Colorado Springs, CO — Free entry — Experience a vibrant fusion of music and entertainment every Saturday night.
Soulfly Concert
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — The Black Sheep — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the iconic sound of Soulfly as they celebrate over two decades of music and tours.
Real Estate Investor & House Hacker Meetup
Thursday, November 6th, 2025 · 6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Network with local investors and learn about ADUs in a friendly environment.