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Colorado Springs sees continued growth, new census numbers show

Colorado Springs added 2,288 residents between July 2024 and July 2025.

News

Colorado Springs experienced the largest one-year increase in population among Colorado cities in 2025, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new census data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-city-town-pop-estimates.html" data-vars-content-id="03ffe73d-0f12-4f1b-86c2-37add32ba03a" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs sees continued growth, new census numbers show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-city-town-pop-estimates.html" target="_blank">new census data</a> shows.Why it matters: The continued growth is rapidly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transforming the Springs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/12/02/colorado-springs-future-growth-economy-politics" data-vars-content-id="03ffe73d-0f12-4f1b-86c2-37add32ba03a" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs sees continued growth, new census numbers show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/12/02/colorado-springs-future-growth-economy-politics" target="_self">transforming the Springs</a> — the state&#x27;s second largest city — into a vibrant urban core.

The new college graduation ritual: booing AI

Grads don't seem to want to hear about the technology on their big day.

Education Brief

As artificial intelligence forces students to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rethink their majors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/02/ai-college-students-change-majors-poll" data-vars-content-id="9f652b1f-e66a-40eb-914a-c6e92c3650f6" data-vars-headline="The new college graduation ritual: booing AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/02/ai-college-students-change-majors-poll" target="_self">rethink their majors</a> and reshapes the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="job market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/ai-entry-level-jobs" data-vars-content-id="9f652b1f-e66a-40eb-914a-c6e92c3650f6" data-vars-headline="The new college graduation ritual: booing AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/ai-entry-level-jobs" target="_self">job market</a>, it&#x27;s clear that many graduates don&#x27;t want to hear about the technology on their big day.The big picture: Several commencement ceremonies last month were interrupted by boos and jeers when speakers brought up AI.

What Colorado Springs college graduation speakers said about AI

Vice President Vance talked about how AI will change warfare.

College graduates elsewhere <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/college-graduates-ai-commencement-speech" data-vars-content-id="2cf60ab9-1fea-47d1-bdfe-3850bc75a87f" data-vars-headline="What Colorado Springs college graduation speakers said about AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/19/college-graduates-ai-commencement-speech" target="_self">booed</a> AI mentions. In Colorado Springs, not so much.The big picture: As the class of 2026 enters a frosty job market, many are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fearful" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/gen-z-jobs-unemployment-college-grads-ai" data-vars-content-id="2cf60ab9-1fea-47d1-bdfe-3850bc75a87f" data-vars-headline="What Colorado Springs college graduation speakers said about AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/21/gen-z-jobs-unemployment-college-grads-ai" target="_self">fearful</a> about the technology&#x27;s impact on their careers and futures.

Going Dutch tastes great at Boonzaaijer's bakery

Boonzaaijer's just does so many things right — probably why the Fillmore Street sweet spot consistently wins awards.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boonzaaijer&#x27;s Dutch Bakery" data-vars-click-url="https://dutchpastry.com/" data-vars-content-id="bdb21cd4-4b57-49fb-8dd2-85dbe0da00d7" data-vars-headline="Going Dutch tastes great at Boonzaaijer&#x27;s bakery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dutchpastry.com/" target="_blank">Boonzaaijer&#x27;s Dutch Bakery</a> happens to be a too-convenient place for my family to swing by regularly — 😁 bad news for the waistline.State of play: Boonzaaijer&#x27;s just does so many things right — probably why the Fillmore Street sweet spot consistently wins <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="awards" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/best-southeast-bakery/" data-vars-content-id="bdb21cd4-4b57-49fb-8dd2-85dbe0da00d7" data-vars-headline="Going Dutch tastes great at Boonzaaijer&#x27;s bakery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/best-southeast-bakery/" target="_blank">awards</a>.

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Colorado Springs

From pubs to breweries, here's where fans can catch every match.

For Colorado Springs soccer fans, the road to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="02ebb3f0-ca2c-434c-b68c-aec525524ea9" data-vars-headline="Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">2026 FIFA World Cup</a> won&#x27;t start at kickoff — first you&#x27;ve got to decide where to watch.State of play: Local bars, pubs and breweries are gearing up for packed watch parties, early-morning kickoffs and plenty of celebrations.

How Colorado Springs' parks stack up

68% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

In a study of park quality across U.S. cities, Colorado Springs ranked 66th.Why it matters: Residents love their parks, and parks in turn help improve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resident health and area tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/economic-benefits-parks" data-vars-content-id="fee6c40d-80f7-4b24-b995-93dbfe2aff13" data-vars-headline="How Colorado Springs&#x27; parks stack up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosprings.gov/parks/page/economic-benefits-parks" target="_blank">resident health and area tourism</a>.

Air Force Academy artist's home to hit market with 727 inside

The unusual property tells the story of a longtime Air Force Academy artist.

Culture

There&#x27;s a house going up for sale in Colorado Springs — five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths and half a Boeing 727.Why it matters: The unusual property tells the story of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rick Broome" data-vars-click-url="https://gazette.com/2017/07/08/colorado-springs-artists-love-of-flight-leads-to-aviation-honor-c295f0e6-6e57-5742-b437-d0717904e75b/" data-vars-content-id="bd1b9cb1-f8b9-4211-8d69-aefd8c817bc1" data-vars-headline="Air Force Academy artist&#x27;s home to hit market with 727 inside" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gazette.com/2017/07/08/colorado-springs-artists-love-of-flight-leads-to-aviation-honor-c295f0e6-6e57-5742-b437-d0717904e75b/" target="_blank">Rick Broome</a>, a local aviation artist whose paintings became a generations-long tradition at the U.S. Air Force Academy — and whose work documented the evolution of American air power for nearly half a century.

Colorado Springs summer music guide for 2026

Summertime, and finding outdoor music in Colorado Springs is easy.

Memorial Day unofficially kicks off Colorado Springs&#x27; outdoor music season — and this year, there are more live concert options than ever.Why it matters: Music fans can pair live shows with summer weather, mountain views and long holiday weekends.

Former El Paso County coroner is making a horror movie

A Colorado Springs horror fest is now making feature films.

Former El Paso County Coroner Leon Kelly is producing his first feature-length film, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Devil in the Trunk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/devilinthetrunk/" data-vars-content-id="d0cdbf7a-80aa-435d-a2da-5d5c40f1fed9" data-vars-headline="Former El Paso County coroner is making a horror movie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/devilinthetrunk/" target="_blank">Devil in the Trunk</a>,&quot; teaming up with fellow forensic pathologist Dan Lingamfelter to bring a homegrown project to the silver screen.Why it matters: Kelly&#x27;s unlikely evolution — from elected official to horror producer — mirrors how a niche hobby helped carve out one of Colorado Springs&#x27; most unusual grassroots arts communities.

Colorado Springs to take a Swig

Swig's soda-and-cream drinks are headed to El Paso County.

Business

Swig, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a drive-through &quot;dirty soda&quot; chain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/11/swig-sodalicious-dirty-soda-phoenix-mesa-tiktok-popular" data-vars-content-id="22f63a48-48e7-4b88-a6af-6005e66e6cd1" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs to take a Swig" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/11/swig-sodalicious-dirty-soda-phoenix-mesa-tiktok-popular" target="_self">a drive-through &quot;dirty soda&quot; chain</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plans to expand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/swig-announces-10-unit-deal-in-colorado-springs" data-vars-content-id="22f63a48-48e7-4b88-a6af-6005e66e6cd1" data-vars-headline="Colorado Springs to take a Swig" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/swig-announces-10-unit-deal-in-colorado-springs" target="_blank">plans to expand</a> to the Colorado Springs area, with the first location expected to open by year&#x27;s end, and a total of 10 planned for El Paso County.For the uninitiated: This is soda mixed with cream, syrups and other flavorings.

Ford Amphitheater opens with local artwork

A local artist's mural will greet fans as Ford Amphitheater opens its 2026 season.

Colorado Springs artist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tyler Haynie&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://bsky.app/profile/tynamedty.bsky.social" data-vars-content-id="82f5a815-8423-4c72-ac71-24b32d1bbcd3" data-vars-headline="Ford Amphitheater opens with local artwork" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bsky.app/profile/tynamedty.bsky.social" target="_blank">Tyler Haynie&#x27;s</a> mural &quot;Front Row Colorado&quot; is one of two works debuting inside the Ford Amphitheater as the venue opens its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fordamphitheater.live/standard-shows/" data-vars-content-id="82f5a815-8423-4c72-ac71-24b32d1bbcd3" data-vars-headline="Ford Amphitheater opens with local artwork" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fordamphitheater.live/standard-shows/" target="_blank">2026 season</a>.Why it matters: The 8,000-seat amphitheater gives local artists like Haynie a built-in audience every show — a major boost for their creative work.

Pulpit Rock adds "Inspiration" to trail offerings

A new trail will improve access to Pulpit Rock but bring temporary closures.

Colorado Springs is building a 400-step trail up Pulpit Rock as part of a broader overhaul to Austin Bluffs Open Space.Why it matters: The new trail expands access to one of the city&#x27;s most visible landmarks and highlights the importance of outdoor recreation to the city&#x27;s identity and economy.

CityServe returns for spring volunteer weekend

Thousands will volunteer across the city, helping nonprofits, schools and neighbors in need.

Expect volunteers to fan out across Colorado Springs — along trails, in church parking lots and inside homes — for this weekend&#x27;s springtime CityServe event.Why it matters: The twice-yearly effort, now in its 10th year, is built on a simple idea: get residents out of their routines to show up for their neighbors in need.

Strong stage presence for Colorado Springs comedy scene

More big-name comics are performing locally, boosting your chances to see acts without driving to Denver, and also giving the local comedy scene a boost.

Big-name comedians are coming to Colorado Springs in growing numbers — a sign that the city has made it onto the national comedy map.Why it matters: The momentum means bigger shows for fans and more opportunities for local comics to get noticed.

Axios What's Next

A heat table showing U.S. cities with the highest and lowest ParkScore in 2026. D.C. earned 85 points out of 100 for the overall quality of its parks system, the highest in the analysis, followed by Irvine, Calif., Minneapolis and St. Paul. Durham, N.C., had the lowest overall score, at 36, followed by Glendale, Ariz., and Lubbock, Texas. Cities have scores across five metrics, including park access, acreage, amenities, equity and investment.