It’s Friday, Colorado Springs! In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: A new discovery plaza, a dog pool party, and a witches’ market + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today's sponsor, Babbel, is for folks around Colorado Springs who've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You got by, but more than once you wished you could just talk to people. Ten minutes a day gets you holding real conversations in about three weeks, with lessons built by 200+ language experts. Make your next trip the one where you can -- an annual subscription is 55% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New park amenities unveiled: City leaders opened the new Mary Starsmore Discovery Plaza in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, with an outdoor classroom, improved walkways and renovated restrooms, funded by city and public donations -- see the new plaza.
Community support pays off: Colorado Springs' Ronald McDonald House installed nearly $300,000 in solar panels, slashing electricity costs by two-thirds so more funding can support families of critically ill children across the country -- read how the project helps.
Long-term energy roadmap: Colorado Springs Utilities’ board unanimously endorsed energy updates, directing research into small modular nuclear toward 2045, seeking 300 megawatts of renewables by 2030, and retiring Ray Nixon’s coal unit -- see the energy updates.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.*
Best Father's Day gifts from your local CVS. Sunday is almost here and online orders won't make it. Your local CVS is the fix: the card, the gift, and a little something extra, all ready in hours with same-day delivery or pickup -- see what's available.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language.You got by. You pointed at the menu, you found someone who spoke a little English, you smiled and nodded through the parts you missed. But more than once you wished you could just talk to people, ask a local where to go, understand what was being said around you, and be part of it instead of watching from the outside. Babbel changes that in ten minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks, because every lesson is built by 200+ language experts. And it works: 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold. Annual access is available for 55% off through the end of June.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Banking that knows your name: Minnequa Works Credit Union* has been locally rooted in Southern Colorado since 1937, with five Pueblo-area branches (including the new Pueblo West location and a 24/7 walk-up ATM), competitive rates on autos and home loans, and real people behind every desk. Open the account, refinance what's costing you, and skip the faceless 1-800 for someone who'll remember you.
Korean crunch, no fuss: When your week needs crispy fried chicken and a Korean-style corn dog to match, Angry Chicken (Colorado Springs) & Juicy 88 Hotdog has you covered. Bold sauces, fun sides, and zero pretense make it a clutch local move before couch time.
Backyard glow-up time: If your deck is more splinter than sanctuary, Premier Custom Decks and Outdoor Living designs and builds custom decks, patios, and cozy outdoor hangout zones perfect for Front Range evenings. Friendly crew, solid craftsmanship, and you get to enjoy the view while they handle the heavy lifting.
Bikes, dogs, and hoops: Rampart Park packs a BMX track for your inner daredevil, courts and fields for pickup bragging rights, and a fenced dog park so the pup can zoom. Add a playground, a picnic shelter, and a perimeter loop for a quick reset with neighbors this week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
The card that pays you to pay down debt: Most balance-transfer cards skip the rewards. Most rewards cards skip the long 0% intro APR. This one has both: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, plus 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations (up to the quarterly max, when you activate) and 1% on everything else. No annual fee, and the cash back you earn is automatically matched at the end of your first year. *Worth a look →
Summer just went on sale at CVS: The seasonal shop is stocked with sun care, beach chairs, coolers, fans, pool toys, and snacks — hundreds of items under $10, with 25 summer staples at buy one, get one 50% off. Sun Bum and Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen are marked down with ExtraBucks back, and the soda 12-packs are buy two, get one free. Pick it up in store, get it same-day, or have it shipped. *Shop the summer sale →
Not every financial advisor has to put you first: It surprises a lot of folks, but "financial advisor" isn't a regulated promise. Only fiduciaries are legally bound to act in your best interest, while others can recommend products that earn them a commission. SmartAsset's free tool asks you a few questions and matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area, so you can compare them and decide for yourself. There's no cost to get matched and no obligation to hire anyone. *Find your match →
Plastic and wood are no good: Every time you use a plastic cutting board, microplastics end up in your food. You can’t see it, but it's happening and it’s gross. Wood isn't any better since it absorbs bacteria so deep into the grain you can’t get it out. More than 50,000 people have already ditched both for something better. *See what they're using instead →
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town this weekendOur favorite events this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🏎 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Fan Fest @ Downtown Colorado Springs | Friday (6/19) at 5:00 PM – Downtown becomes a 12-block love letter to horsepower as Fan Fest takes over Tejon, free, loud, and weird in the best way. Meet Hill Climb drivers, catch FMX mayhem, then find the blue Toyo arch, hit the beer gardens, and wander the car show.
🎆 Fireworks Demonstration @ Affordable Flags, Fireworks & Sports | Friday (6/19) at 8:00 PM – Lighting up the night with a free fireworks demo, you can test-drive the booms before the Fourth with free popcorn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, the whole family, and maybe win a fireworks basket celebrating 37 years, quality control for backyard patriotism.
🐶 Poochella - Dog Pool and Park Party @ Under the Sun Dog Training and Daycare | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Because Colorado summer means the dog gets the good pool, Poochella takes over Under the Sun's dog park with free entry, splashing pups, and food trucks. First 200 swimmers snag a towel, plus photo ops, enrichment games, and a pool party where humans stay dry.
🧒 Colorado Springs Children's Business Fair @ Courage Academy | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Think you’re ready for a farmers market run by pint-size CEOs right here in Colorado Springs? Little locals pitch handmade goods, clever services, and big ideas, while you browse, beam, and practice your best "I’m not crying, you are." Real hustle, real learning, surprisingly good lemonade.
🎉 4th Annual Summa Solstice Block Party @ Summa | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – Solstice weekend calls for an all-day block party with live music, a market, games, and $1 raffles, free and all ages. Bristol Brewing and Breckenridge Distillery pour for Trails and Open Space Coalition, plus speakeasy, tastings, and cornhole, so you can call it philanthropy.
🌞 Sun & Moon Market @ Meanwhile Block | Sunday (6/21) at 11:00 AM – Summer Solstice on the Meanwhile Block means a witchy market taking over indoors and out with up to 150 vendors. Expect art, ritual goods, tarot, music, and food trucks, all the weird and wonderful this town does best. Charge your crystals, or just your appetite.
🚗 Father's Day Car Show @ Victory World Outreach Church | Sunday (6/21) at 11:00 AM – Celebrate Dad the Colorado Springs way with a free car and bike show in the south side church lot, complete with music, food, and shiny nostalgia. Watch dads explain carburetors, kids pick their favorites, and trophies land for People’s, Kid’s, and Driver’s Choice. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Join The Insiders' ClubWe've had hundreds of folks already join (thank you!!). For a few bucks a month, The Club gives you every newsletter ad-free on your schedule, plus members-only updates to help you stay connected to your community. The Weekly Events Roundup is my favorite feature. You get one email a week with all the best events and nothing else cluttering it up. Want only that? Skip the daily emails and turn the rest off. Join the club → |
07 — The Colorado Springs report Weather forecastToday — High: 89°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 12%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. East northeast wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 95°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 21%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind 0 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. This house is wildThis luxury ranch estate spans 35.2 acres with jaw-dropping Pikes Peak and mountain views in every direction. The remodeled home features a gourmet kitchen, stacked stone fireplaces, a walk-out lower level, and a spacious primary suite with deck access. Outside, an indoor arena, four-stall barn, fenced pastures, hot tub, and multiple garages complete the package.
Take a peek inside → |
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