What’s in store for the new year? Here are some of the big new openings and celebration we’re looking forward to in Colorado Springs in 2026.
Big New Openings in Colorado Springs
U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor Center
Expected Opening May 2026
The launching plane-shaped architecture of the Air Force Academy Visitor Center has been preparing for takeoff for several years, and it is finally approaching wheels up. Officially named the General Bradley and Zita Hosmer Visitor Center, the 34,000-square-foot center will give visitors an immersive look at the cadet journey with seven themed galleries and interactive displays The 105-foot tall glass atrium offers an inspirational view of Pikes Peak. And with a pedestrian bridge connecting to Hotel Polaris, the visitor center will complete the last of the city’s placemaking City 4 Champions projects.
Jungle Reef
Expected Opening January 2026
Colorado Springs is getting its first interactive aquarium, coming to Chapel Hills Mall in January. Expect touch pools where you can feel and feed stingrays. A 60,000-gallon shark tank will house a school of black tipped reef sharks. There will also be exotic reef fish displays, interactive reptile exhibits and a tropical bird room.
Surf Shack
Expected Opening February 2026
This will be the year you can catch a wave in Colorado Springs. Surf Shack plans to open its indoor wave pool in Northgate next to the Top Golf entertainment venue. The 12,000-square-foot venue will feature a FlowRider Double creating a surfable wave with a trampoline-like surface underneath to cushion the falls. You can also enjoy a sauna, outdoor beach volleyball courts, a hot tub, food and drinks and plenty of beachy vibes.
The Blue Star
Expected Opening Summer 2026
Before Colorado Springs’ dining scene renaissance of the past decade, The Blue Star was a beacon of approachable elevated cuisine cozily situated in the Ivywild neighborhood. It was a loss when the restaurant closed in 2017. But owner and restaurateur Joe Coleman is bringing The Blue Star back as a 2.0 version. Work on the total renovation has been ongoing through last year, and The Blue Star Group tells us they are eyeing a third quarter opening. In the meantime, watch for their intimate wine tasting events for a taste of what’s to come.
Big Celebrations in 2026
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 100th Anniversary
Happening All Year
It’s a big year for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo as the family favorite venue celebrates 100 years. The mountain zoo has grown into a leader for animal care and conservation, and you can expect some fun celebrations to mark the milestone throughout the year. That starts with free daytime admission to the zoo on Jan. 1 plus 25% discounts at the zoo restaurants and gift shop. Watch for a weeklong celebration when the new giraffe center opens this summer.
America 250 Colorado 150 Celebrations
Happening Throughout the Year
Colorado joined the Union 150 years ago, and you know the U.S.A. got started 250 years back. That makes a lot to celebrate this year in the Centennial State. “There’s a lot in store for this coming year in the Springs,” says Nate Shull, communications chair of the Pikes Peak Area Local Organizing Committee for the A250 – CO150 Sesquicentennial. “We have a whole slate of activities and events pre-planned.”
The bulk of those will be concentrated in the spring and summer. Highlights include an extra big Star Spangled Symphony & Fourth of July Fireworks show at Ford Amphitheater and special themes on America’s Mountain for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Aug. 1 is Colorado Day, and you can join Gov. Polis to hike Pikes Peak. You can also head to Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site for live music, food and drinks, classic games and historical characters. There will be lots more to come to say Happy Birthday, America — Happy Birthday, Colorado!
Watch our Events and Peak Radar for more to come.
You can always watch our What’s Next COS for announcements about new restaurants, retail and other new openings in Colorado Springs.
