D11 art teacher and muralist Lisa Roman will join students for a celebration of creativity, community and engaged learning

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — September 24, 2026 — Downtown Colorado Springs is about to become a canvas for creativity as Colorado Springs School District 11 presents its second annual Eighth Grade Peak Experience: Chalktober.

On Thursday, October 1 and Friday, October 2, D11 eighth-grade students will transform downtown sidewalks into vibrant works of chalk art inspired by this year’s theme, “Freedom to Thrive.” Through their artwork, students will explore what freedom, opportunity and thriving mean to them while bringing their ideas to life in the heart of their community.

Students will be chalking in front of the Pioneers Museum from 9:30am-12:30pm on Thursday and in Acacia Park from 9:30am-12:30pm on Friday. Drop by and see them in action!

Community members are invited to admire the artwork again during the Colorado Springs First Friday Art Walk, an evening to experience the completed pieces alongside the many galleries, exhibits, shops and restaurants that make downtown Colorado Springs a destination for arts and culture.

“Creative careers become more imaginable when young people have a chance to develop their creative voice and share their work with the community,” said Michelle Winchell, Director of Creative Economy for Downtown Partnership. “Chalktober gives these young artists a place in Downtown’s First Friday art scene, and we hope the experience helps them see the possibilities for creating here in the future.”

WHAT: D11’s Second Annual Eighth Grade Peak Experience: Chalktober in partnership with First Friday kicking off Arts Month in the Pikes Peak region
WHEN: Thursday, October 1 and Friday, October 2 ALL DAY
WHERE: The Pioneers Museum and Acacia Park
THEME: “Freedom to Thrive”
SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST: Lisa Roman, muralist and D11 art teacher
COST: Free and open to the community

Local Muralist Brings Real-World Artistic Experience to Chalktober

This year, D11 is excited to welcome muralist and current D11 art teacher Lisa Roman as Chalktober’s special guest artist. Before joining D11, Roman created lasting works of art in New York and had opportunities to work with artists including Fifth Harmony and Camila Cabello.

During Chalktober, Roman will share her professional experience and help students explore how public art can bring people together, strengthen a sense of place and help a community thrive. Her participation will give students the opportunity to learn directly from a working artist while imagining how their own creativity can make an impact beyond the classroom. She will be working with students on Friday, October 2nd at Acacia Park from 9:30am - 12:30pm. 

Chalktober is part of D11’s districtwide Peak Experiences, which provide students at every grade level with immersive, standards-connected learning opportunities. Through exploration, creativity and collaboration, students build confidence, strengthen their agency and discover new possibilities for their futures.

D11 invites students, families, alumni and community members to experience Chalktober, celebrate the creativity of its eighth graders and see firsthand how the district is bringing learning to life throughout Colorado Springs.

For more information about Chalktober and D11 Peak Experiences, visit: https://www.d11.org/academics/curriculum-instruction/peak-experience

The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Wing is scheduled to rally around a bonfire in the Cadet Area on Friday, Oct. 2, ahead of Saturday’s football game against the U.S. Naval Academy at Falcon Stadium.

Closed to the public, this annual school spirit event leads up to Saturday’s rivalry game against Navy for the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. The gathering will feature participation from senior Academy leadership, musical performances by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, and food trucks for the cadets.

In previous years, the celebratory bonfire was visible as far away as Interstate 25. Academy firefighters and emergency response vehicles will be present on site throughout the duration of the event as a standard safety precaution.

Kickoff for the Air Force versus Navy game is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Falcon Stadium. Please see the Air Force Athletics website (goairforcefalcons.com) for more information about the game, including the B-21 Air Power legacy uniforms.

Community members and area motorists should also anticipate increased military flying activity and aircraft noise over the Academy and Colorado Springs communities throughout the week leading up to the game.

For questions or additional information, please contact U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications at (719) 333-7731, or by email at USAFA.media@us.af.mil.