In 2026, two major anniversaries converge: the United States turns 250, and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood. The dual celebration, often referred to as “America 250 – Colorado 150,” is inspiring events, exhibits and community projects across the state.

“America 250 and Colorado 150 give us a rare opportunity to reflect on the foundational ideals that built this nation—liberty, individual rights and a deep commitment to freedom,” said Carrie Geitner, chair of the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners.

Colorado became a territory in 1861 following the Pike’s Peak gold rush, then joined the Union on August 1, 1876—exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, earning its nickname as the Centennial State.

Planning efforts between local counties, the America 250 initiative and the state’s 150 commission have focused on creating events, exhibits and interactive experiences throughout 2026, many designed to connect residents with local history.

“Planning a countywide commemoration of this scale requires cross-department coordination, long-range planning and strong partnerships on national and county levels,” said AmyJo Fields, El Paso County marketing communications manager. “The focus was on creating opportunities that highlight our local history, celebrate shared milestones and engage residents of all ages.” 

COMMUNITY STORIES

The most meaningful discoveries, Fields said, have come directly from the community.

The “Moments That Made Us” social media campaign invites residents to share photos and stories that reflect the experiences, traditions and milestones that have shaped who they are today. 

Fields pointed to one story as an example of the history emerging through the campaign.

“Jesse Nathaniel Funk, a Calhan rancher and World War I Medal of Honor recipient, repeatedly risked his life rescuing wounded soldiers under heavy fire,” she said. “After the war, he returned to ranch in El Paso County, embodying a legacy of courage, humility and service.”

Community members can submit photos and stories to EPCpio@El PasoCo.com for a chance to be featured on social media and displayed on a community timeline during the El Paso County Fair on July 11-18.

For more information: ElPasoCo.com/America250-Colorado150

EL PASO & TELLER COUNTY EVENTS

July 4 Celebrations

Family Fourth at Rock Ledge Ranch
3105 Gateway Road · 10 a.m.-4 p.m. · $7-$14

Green Box Arts 4th of July Block Party
Lake Street, Green Mountain Falls · 5-9 p.m.

Star-Spangled Symphony & Grand Fireworks Show
Ford Amphitheater, 95 Spectrum Loop · 6:30 p.m. · $18-$25

 Tri-Lakes 4th of July Celebration
Limbach Park, Second & Washington Streets, Monument · 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cripple Creek Fourth of July
337 E. Bennett Ave. · 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Woodland Park Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
200 N. Park St. · 8 a.m. Fireworks—Woodland Park High School, 151 Panther Way · Dusk

Colorado Springs Philharmonic launched the “Moments That Made Us” campaign with a photo of former maestro Charles Ansbacher, who served as music director from 1970 to 1989. A visionary leader, Ansbacher helped transform the Philharmonic and played a key role in efforts that led to the opening of the Pikes Peak Center in 1982. 

The orchestra is also tying its 100th season to the 250-150 celebration with its 2026 American Soundtrack Festival, which includes performances like the “Star Spangled Symphony” on July 4 at Ford Amphitheater.

For more information: CSPhilharmonic.org | 719-575-9632

Pikes Peak Expeditions at Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center explores early attempts to summit Pikes Peak in the 1800s, including that of the first European woman to succeed. The exhibit highlights the tools and determination of early explorers, offering a window into the region’s past.

For more information: GardenOfGods.com | 719-634-6666

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is hosting programming as part of the 250 - 150 commemoration, with exhibits and events tied to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Colorado’s path to statehood.

One program is “Marking Time: Commemorating the Past in the Pikes Peak Region,” a one-hour guided tour offered Tuesdays and Saturdays that explores how Colorado Springs has recognized key moments in history through artifacts and stories.

The museum is also presenting the “We The People: Colorado at 150” Lecture Series, with programs on select Saturdays for just $5. Upcoming lectures include: 

• July 11: Freedom to Thrive: A Conversation with Community Curators

• Aug. 29: The Westerners: Mythmaking and Belonging on the American Frontier

• Sept. 12: Fountain Creek: Big Lessons from a Little River

• Oct. 17: Give Her Credit: The Untold Account of a Women’s Bank That Empowered a Generation

• Nov. 14: Bombs, Bombers, and Armaments: Lowry Field and Colorado’s WWII Efforts

Learn more: CSPM.org/am250co150 | 719-385-5990

Pike artifacts on exhibit at Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Historic artifacts connected to U.S. Army Lt. Zebulon Montgomery Pike will be displayed at the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center June 12-August 10 as part of the America 250-Colorado 150 commemoration. The exhibit includes Pike’s original field notebook, on loan from the National Archives, along with a sword owned by Pike and his 1810 commission as a lieutenant colonel signed by President James Madison. During the exhibition, the Pikes Peak Highway uphill gates are open daily from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m., with entry allowed until 6 p.m. The Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, 101 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs, is open until 7 p.m. Admission fees apply. For tickets, visit DrivePikesPeak.com. For more information about the exhibit, call 719-385-5990.

The New Horizons Band and Orchestras of Colorado Springs invite the community to a Semiquincentennial Celebration on June 27 at 3 p.m.
The free patriotic concert, held at the Mitchell High School Auditorium at 1205 Potter Drive, honors 250 years of American history, spirit and achievement. Featuring a powerful selection of patriotic favorites and musical tributes, the performance will take audiences on a journey through the nation's past, present and future. While admission is free, donations are welcome. Families and friends are encouraged to attend and celebrate this historic milestone together.

PUEBLO & FREMONT COUNTY EVENTS

America 250 Art Show Opening Reception Celebrate the perfect pairing of painting and patriotism at this exhibition showcasing America’s history on July 3. Meet the artists, view the gallery and catch the awards presentation at the Pueblo Art Guild in Mineral Palace Park.
6-8 p.m. | 1500 N. Santa Fe Ave., Pueblo | Free | puebloartguild.org | 719-543-2455

July 4 Celebrations

Jack Fowler Memorial Fourth of July Celebration
Civic Center Park, 61 E. Civic Center Plaza, Pueblo West · 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Fourth of July Drone Light Show
Centennial Park, 221 Griffin Ave., Cañon City ·  Around dusk

Ol’ Fashioned Fourth of July
Penrose Parks & Rec, 401 Park Place, Penrose · 12-4 p.m.

Rollin' on the Riverwalk is Pueblo’s largest Independence Day celebration. The free event at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk on July 4 will feature food vendors, live music and fireworks. Pueblo leaders will also read a proclamation honoring the 250-150 Commission and recognizing the community’s history and the milestone anniversaries. Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo · 4-10 p.m. For more information: PuebloRiverwalk.org | 719-595-0242

Let Freedom Howl! on July 4 invites students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community to CSU Pueblo for a festival with live music, food trucks, yard games and a bubble tower. The celebration concludes with a patriotic concert followed by a choreographed fireworks and drone show.
For more information: ColoradoStateFair.com/america-250-colorado-150 | 719-561-8484

Exhibit explores 200 years of Pueblo and American history
A new exhibit at Rawlings Library explores how Puebloans and Americans communicated, worked, traveled and entertained themselves between 1776 and 1976. “How Far We’ve Come” is presented in recognition of America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th anniversaries. The exhibit uses photographs, advertisements, film and other primary sources to show how daily life changed across generations. An opening reception with refreshments will be held from 5-7 p.m. July 9 in the library’s second-floor gallery, 100 E. Abriendo Ave., Pueblo. For more information, visit PuebloLibrary.org or call 719-562-5660.

Colorado State Fair on August 28-September 7 includes additional programming tied to the state and national anniversaries, including “Stories in the Sky” drone shows on September 3 and 7, along with Colorado Department of Agriculture “Setting Colorado’s Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy.” 

For more information: ColoradoStateFair.com/america-250-colorado-150 | 719-561-8484

TRAVELING EVENTS

Thomas “Detour” Evans’ Traveling Mural uses vivid colors and images of tractors, waterways and crops to tell the story of Colorado agriculture from past to present. Designed to be read from left to right, it begins with snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains, the water source that sustains fields, rangelands and livestock across the state. Evans said the piece is meant not only to reflect on 150 years of agricultural history but also to inspire pride, curiosity and the next generation of farmers, ranchers and land stewards.

Check for viewing location updates: SettingColoradosTable.com/ag-mural

Stories in the Sky, developed with the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission, will bring free drone shows to communities across Colorado. The synchronized aerial displays use hundreds of drones to illuminate scenes from local, state and national history, with performances planned from the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope.

Stops include: 

• July 16 in Colorado Springs during the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo

• September 3 & 7 in Pueblo during the Colorado State Fair.

• September 5-7 in Colorado Springs during Labor Day Lift Off 

Learn more: HistoryColorado.org/Colorado-150/Initiative-Stories-In-The-Sky 

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