Happy Friday, Longmont! And happy birthday to Will Smith! He’s a man who should be known for Academy Award-winning performances, being the first black rapper to win a Grammy, and shirtless sprinting, but is actually known for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars. His life story is a stark reminder of a sad fact of life: No matter how well you’ve built your reputation and legacy, it can fall apart in an instant. I still love Hitch, though.

Today — the Longmont Museum is banking on big money in 2027, the airport saga continues, and Longmont High School’s football team…is undefeated?

Let’s dive in.

After closing its galleries and exhibits for over a year to make way for a massive expansion, the Longmont Museum is preparing for a big influx of visitors.

At a recent Longmont City Council budget meeting, Museum Director Eric Mason reported he expects the museum to see a significant jump in both visitation and revenue.

So, what’s new?

The museum is unveiling three new exhibits as part of the nearly-$10 million expansion that grew gallery space by more than 70%.

But…big changes come with a cost. The museum will be hiking admission fees for both children and adults. Adult tickets will rise from $8 to $12. Child tickets increase from $5 to $8. It marks the first time in 12 years the museum has risen prices.

But Mason emphasized that it remains critical that the museum is still accessible to anyone from any financial situation.

“It’s very important to us that admission prices are not a barrier to attending the museum,” Mason said.

The public can enjoy the upgrades on October 17 when the museum hosts its Grand Reopening Celebration. It begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. and festivities continue until 5 p.m. The best part of all? Entry is free.

“I think this is an incredible thing the community is about to experience,” Councilmember Jake Marsing said.

Airport Vision Discussion: Longmont City Council will meet tomorrow morning for a planned six-hour work session to discuss the future of Vance Brand Municipal Airport. Called by Mayor Susie Hidalgo-Fahring, the session’s primary objectives include creating a list of new & improved amenities, programs, and facilities at the airport, how to build bridges of trust with the community, identifying next steps forward and much more. It begins at 10 a.m. at the City of Longmont Public Works & Natural Resources Field Operations Building.

Longmont High Football is still undefeated…technically: LHS’ football record improved to 4-0 this week after their September 11 loss to Sand Creek High School was reversed. The Colorado Springs-based school became aware of an ineligible player last week, and self-reported the issue to the Colorado High School Activities Association, forcing Sand Creek to vacate wins against Longmont and Highlands Ranch. It’s a lucky break for Longmont who had lost the game 41-7. The Trojans will try to extend their “winning streak” today as they head east to take on Greeley West. Regardless, Longmont is off to a stellar start in 2026 — especially when you consider the Trojans’ last season, when they had just one win.

Staffing issues puts future of Racheli’s Italian into jeopardy: Downtown Longmont restaurant Racheli’s was supposed to host the grand opening of a new location tomorrow. Now, its owner is contemplating whether to remain open at all. Racheli’s has been in Longmont for over a decade and recently completed a move into its third location. The restaurant softly opened several weeks ago, and was supposed to fully make its downtown entrance tomorrow, but chronic understaffing has those plans in peril, owner Joseph Rachelli confirmed in a phone call with The Longmont Brief. The grand opening is being postponed, and Rachelli said he will decide “in a week or two,” what his plans moving forward will be.

Looking for a night out on a budget? Look no further and head to Grossen Bart Brewery to see three touring comedians: Marina Wool, Chris Phillips and headliner Mike Stanley — all for free. Enjoy local craft beer while you’re at it, and sample Grossen Bart’s newly-released Marzen. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. tonight, the show begins at 7:30 and ends at 9. You can find Grossen Bart at 1025 Delaware Ave. Learn more here.

Happy Day Plants’ five-year anniversary party: The Main Street nonprofit is celebrating five years of business, and wants the community to join in on the fun. Happy Day Plants is much more than a plant shop — they’ve made it a priority to provide employment and belonging to local adults with disabilities “through plants, education, and inclusive community experiences.” The party takes place tomorrow from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Left Hand Octoberfest: Left Hand Brewing Company is hosting an all-day Oktoberfest tomorrow with live music, stein holding, brat eating and costume competitions, bounce houses and activities for the kids, and dozens of local vendors. Tickets are $5, but kids under 12 get in for free.

Community Show & Tell: Bring out your inner child and get ready to brag about yourself. Culturado Crew is hosting a show & tell to bring locals together, share experiences, and grow closer as a community. Bring anything from a project you’ve worked on, to a family heirloom, unique skill, pet, or anything that brings you joy. It begins tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Roosevelt Park. Be sure to RSVP, or learn more, here.