Happy almost weekend, Colorado Springs! The next few days have something for everybody, from high-energy monster trucks to competitive puzzling and comedy. Whatever you end up doing this weekend, I hope you have fun doing it!
Do you know of any artists, eateries, or local happenings that deserve a spotlight in The 719 Direct? Send them my way at [email protected].
In today’s 719 Direct:
💃 Of Earth and Error
😂 John Novosad – Pikes Punks Comedy Show
🏎️ Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow‑N‑Fire
🧩 Puzzle Palooza
🥳 Mama Needs a Moment
🎳🚗 WhirlyBall Colorado Springs Closure
🥯☕ Jeff’s Bagel Run Opening in Colorado Springs
🎶 Live Music
🏈 Local Sports
⛰️ Trail of the Week
Let’s get to it.
-Eric Saul
I’m using this week’s ad space to bring attention to the Rallies for Reading Charity Pickleball Tournament that is happening March 29th from 10 am - 2 pm! All proceeds will go towards the Children’s Literacy Center, whose mission is to provide one-on-one tutoring to Colorado children reading below grade level. There will be a raffle, t-shirts included with registration, and lots of fun. Hope to see some of you there!
Interested in featuring your business or event in our next ad spot? ⬆️ Fill out THIS FORM
🗓️ Your Weekend in Colorado Springs
1. Of Earth and Error
Friday–Saturday, February 27–28, 2026 — 7:30 PM (Also March 1 at 2:00 PM; March 6–7 at 7:30 PM)
Celeste Theatre, Cornerstone Arts Center • 825 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Price: Free
An evocative contemporary dance performance presented by the Colorado College Department of Theatre & Dance as part of their annual Dance6 production. Inspired by Southwest landscapes and culture, the showcase features choreography by guest artist Yvonne Montoya and works by José Limón alongside original pieces by CC faculty and students. Tickets are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. John Novosad – Pikes Punks Comedy Show
Saturday, February 28, 2026 — 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Public House at The Alexander, 3104 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Price: $10–$20 (Early Bird / Door)
A night of stand-up comedy featuring John Novosad as part of the Pikes Punks comedy series at The Public House at The Alexander. Expect a lively comedy club atmosphere with top comics from the Rockies and beyond — perfect for a fun night out.
3. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow‑N‑Fire
Saturday, February 28 – Sunday, March 1, 2026
The Broadmoor World Arena • 3185 Venetucci Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Price: $22+
A high‑energy family‑friendly monster truck spectacle bringing fans’ favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life in a glow‑in‑the‑dark, fire‑enhanced show. Expect massive vehicles like Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5‑Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Skelesaurus™, and the all‑new Rhinomite™ performing car‑crushing stunts, jumps, and thrilling action. Shows run on Saturday afternoon and evening and Sunday afternoon — perfect for kids and fans of high‑octane entertainment.
4. Puzzle Palooza
Saturday, February 28, 2026 — 6:00 PM
Bristol Brewing Company • 1604 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Price: ~$22 per team of 2
Bristol’s ultimate puzzle challenge returns! Team up with a friend and race against the clock to complete puzzles, enjoy two included pints, and compete for puzzle prizes — all in a festive and social atmosphere.
5. Mama Needs a Moment
Friday, February 27, 2026 — 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Lulu’s Downtown • 32 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Price: $25 (at door)
A guilt-free night out dance party designed for moms and their crew to unwind and have fun. DJ Astral Selector spins all-vinyl sets, there’s a bubbly toast and cake, vintage vendors, hair sparkles, and more — all celebrating you.
🏔️ What’s New in the 719
🎳🚗WhirlyBall Colorado Springs Closure: After nearly a decade of operating on the city’s east side, the WhirlyBall entertainment center in Colorado Springs has permanently closed, with its last day of service on February 6, 2026. The Chicago-based company’s local location, known for combining electric bumper-car games like WhirlyBall with social gatherings and events, is no longer taking bookings, marking the end of a unique amusement and dining-adjacent venue that had been part of the community since its 2017 opening.
🥯☕Jeff’s Bagel Run Opening in Colorado Springs: Jeff’s Bagel Run, a Florida-based bagel shop celebrated for its scratch-made New York-style bagels and house-whipped cream cheese, is opening its first Colorado location in Colorado Springs at 6082 Stetson Hills Blvd, with a grand opening scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026. The brand, now marking its 30th shop nationwide, will kick off the celebration with early-morning festivities, raffles for customers in line, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bringing fresh bagels, coffee, and community engagement to the area.
🎶 Live Music
Thursday 2/26/2026
Beers & Beats with Chuck Snow — Cerberus Brewing Co. — ~ 6:30 PM
Cask & Chisel — Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub — ~ 7:00 PM
Colorado Springsteen: Bruce Springsteen Tribute — Phil Long Music Hall — ~ 7:30 PM
The Devil Makes Three with Lightnin’ Luke — Lulu’s Downtown — ~ 8:00 PM
Eric Golden Band — The Whiskey Rose — ~ 8:00 PM
Friday 2/27/2026
Stone Gray — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — ~ 6:00 PM
Devon Allman’s Blues Summit — Phil Long Music Hall — ~ 7:30 PM (tribute/blues)
Soapdish — Stargazers Theatre & Event Center — ~ 7:30 PM
Irah Nox with Lucked Out, Playn for Keeps, Hard to Kill, Bangalore — The Black Sheep — ~ 7:00 PM
Eric Golden Band — The Whiskey Rose — ~ 8:00 PM
Saturday 2/28/2026
Stone Gray — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — ~ 6:00 PM
The Long Run — Stargazers Theatre & Event Center — ~ 1:00 PM (Eagles tribute)
Paizley Park — Phil Long Music Hall — ~ 7:00 PM (Prince tribute)
Blue Canyon Boys with Colorado College Bluegrass Ensemble — Black Rose Acoustic Society — ~ 7:30 PM
Sunday 3/1/2026
Eric Golden Band — The Whiskey Rose — ~ 8:00 PM
🏈 Sports
🏀 College Basketball (UCCS Women’s)
UCCS Mountain Lions (Women’s Basketball) — Thursday, 2/26/2026 — vs. Adams State | Gallogly Events Center, Colorado Springs, CO | ~ 5:00 PM (RMAC conference game)
UCCS Mountain Lions (Women’s Basketball) — Saturday, 2/28/2026 — vs. New Mexico Highlands | Gallogly Events Center, Colorado Springs, CO | ~ 1:00 PM (Senior Day / RMAC conference)
🏀 College Basketball (UCCS Men’s)
UCCS Mountain Lions (Men’s Basketball) — Thursday, 2/26/2026 — vs. Adams State | Gallogly Events Center, Colorado Springs, CO | ~ 7:00 PM (RMAC conference)
UCCS Mountain Lions (Men’s Basketball) — Saturday, 2/28/2026 — vs. New Mexico Highlands | Gallogly Events Center, Colorado Springs, CO | ~ 3:00 PM (RMAC conference)
🏫 High School Ice Hockey — State Playoffs (at Ed Robson Arena)
4A Ice Hockey Semifinal — Saturday, 2/28/2026 — Ed Robson Arena, Colorado Springs, CO — ~ 11:30 AM (Colorado High School Activities Association)
4A Ice Hockey Semifinal — Saturday, 2/28/2026 — Ed Robson Arena, Colorado Springs, CO — ~ 2:00 PM (CHSAA)
5A Ice Hockey Semifinal — Saturday, 2/28/2026 — Ed Robson Arena, Colorado Springs, CO — ~ 4:30 PM (CHSAA)
5A Ice Hockey Semifinal — Saturday, 2/28/2026 — Ed Robson Arena, Colorado Springs, CO — ~ 7:00 PM (CHSAA)
🏔️ Trail of the Week
🌲 Mays Peak from Bear Creek
📍 Location: Bear Creek Cañon Park, Colorado Springs, CO
🛤 Length: ~6.2 miles round-trip
⛰ Elevation Gain: ~1,627 ft
⭐ Difficulty: Moderate
⏱ Estimated Time: ~3.5–4 hrs
🔄 Trail Type: Out & Back
🏞 Best For: Hiking, trail running, mountain biking, creekside exploration, wildlife & scenic views
A popular moderate hike starting at the Bear Creek trailhead, this route takes you past creekside sections and varied terrain up to Mays Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and foothills. The trail is generally well-maintained and moderately trafficked, dog-friendly on leash, and provides a rewarding mix of natural scenery, including forested areas, open ridges, and wildlife sightings. Portions of Trail #666 are currently closed for habitat restoration, so hikers should follow signage and respect private property boundaries beyond the mapped endpoint
🙏Thank you!
Thanks for tuning in everyone, hope you have a great time checking out some of these events. I’ll see you back here next week with more of Colorado Springs’ best happenings. Contact me at [email protected] if you have an event that you think would be perfect for this publication.