Colorado Marks 150 Years With Statewide Celebrations and Historical Reflections
Colorado is celebrating its 150th anniversary as a state with a year-long series of events across the state. These celebrations, coordinated by the Colorado 150/America 250 Commission, include festivals, concerts, film screenings, drone shows, and outdoor adventures. While many communities…
Denver, CO, July 29, 2026 —
Colorado is commemorating its 150th anniversary as a state with a comprehensive calendar of events spanning the entire year and reaching communities across the state. The sesquicentennial celebrations are being organized by the Colorado 150/America 250 Commission.
The planned activities are diverse, encompassing festivals, concerts, film screenings, elaborate drone shows, and various outdoor adventures designed to engage residents and visitors alike. These events aim to highlight the state’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
While a significant number of communities are participating enthusiastically in the sesquicentennial with historical and cultural programming, the occasion also serves as a moment for reflection for some Indigenous groups. These communities are using the anniversary to consider the state’s multifaceted history, including the historical displacement of Native peoples.
Major urban centers, including Denver and Colorado Springs, are participating in the commemorations. Additionally, numerous smaller municipalities such as Fairplay, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Grand Lake are also hosting a variety of events. The programming in these towns includes museum exhibits, historical reenactments, community gatherings, and art showcases, reflecting local heritage and contemporary culture.
The Colorado 150/America 250 Commission is overseeing the coordination of these statewide festivities. The year-long celebration is intended to mark this significant milestone in Colorado’s history.
Story summarized from the original created by Molly Cruse on www.cpr.org, see more information here.
