Governor Polis Kicks Off Celebrate Colorado: A Celebration of Colorado’s 150th Birthday!

STATEWIDE - Today, Governor Polis announced the upcoming kickoff to Celebrate Colorado, a month-long statewide celebration honoring Colorado's 150th birthday and celebrating the incredible parts of Colorado. August 1, known as Colorado Day, marks the sesquicentennial of Colorado's entrance into the Union. In its 5th year, and this year for the entire month of August, Colorado businesses and local communities will host a variety of free and discounted statewide events to celebrate Colorado's 150th birthday.

"Happy 150th birthday Colorado! I'm getting out and joining fellow Coloradans to celebrate Colorado's sesquicentennial. This is an incredible milestone for our state, especially as America turns 250. To celebrate throughout the whole month of August, Coloradans can participate in over 650 free and discounted festivals, events, and celebrations taking place in communities across the state. I encourage all Coloradans to get out into the community to enjoy festivals, farmers markets, and support local businesses!" said Governor Polis.

Coloradans are invited to celebrate the state's 150th birthday with friends, family, and community at more than 650 festivals, concerts, fairs, art exhibitions, shows, farmers markets, and other community events. Many different kinds of celebrations and events emphasizing this important milestone are happening all across the state. To learn about the wide variety of events, visit the Celebrate Colorado map for the full list of events across the state.

What some of participating businesses are saying:

"We're excited to celebrate Colorado's 150th anniversary. To honor this statewide celebration, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is rolling out an amazing membership offer: 30% off our most popular membership levels with promo code YAYCOLORADO. We invite you to join us as a member and start your journey of discovery at the Museum!" - Christina Fritts, Chief Development Officer at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

"Come celebrate Colorado's 150th birthday with the Colorado Rapids on August 1st at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Enjoy a special Buy One, Get One ticket offerand stick around for postgame fireworks following the match!" - Colorado Rapids

"State 38 Distilling is proud to once again take part in Celebrate Colorado. As a distillery named after Colorado, the 38th state, Colorado Day has always been one of our favorite traditions. This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate Colorado's 150th anniversary. We're excited to mark the occasion with the release of our 6th Annual Colorado Day Whiskey-a limited-edition Bourbon Whiskey finished in a cherry vanilla barrel-and invite everyone to join us on Friday, July 31 from 4-9pm, for a fun, family-friendly celebration in Golden. We can't think of a better way to celebrate Colorado's 150th birthday than by bringing the community together for great whiskey, local food, talented makers, and a fun evening for the whole family." - Don Hammond, Owner of State 38 Distilling.

"History Colorado is eager to join together with our communities and our neighbors to recognize this significant anniversary of our beloved state. We are hosting a series of uplifting events that honor the beautiful diversity and spirit of our state, and we hope community members across Colorado will join us for free museum admission and special activities at any of our museums statewide," - Dawn DiPrince, History Colorado's President and CEO.

"The Arvada Center is proud to take part in Celebrate Colorado this year! Our mission is to celebrate and elevate the human experience through the arts, and what better way to celebrate the culture and communities of our state than an incredible music or dance performance? We hope to celebrate with you this month!" - The Arvada Center

"Colorado has given us 150 years of unforgettable stories, rugged characters, and views that still stop people in their tracks. I'm proud to celebrate our incredible state by helping visitors experience it in a more personal way. In honor of Celebrate Colorado, I'm offering 15% off all private, customized sightseeing tours that take place during the month of August because Colorado's 150th birthday deserves more than cake. It deserves an adventure," said Wes Yowell, owner of Colorado Yeti Tours in Colorado Springs.

Here are just a few ways to celebrate Colorado this weekend are encouraged to check out:

Friday, July 31st:

• Through August 1st - Colorado Day Open House at the Governor's Residence: Visit the Governor's Residence anytime between 10:00 AM-2:00 PM at the Boettcher Mansion to learn about the architecture, legacy, and unique role of the Residence in our state's history.

• Denver - Annual Colorado Day Whiskey Release, 4:00-9:00 PM: State 38 Distilling in Golden will host the release of the 6th Annual Colorado Day Whiskey-a Bourbon Whiskey finished in a cherry vanilla barrel, featuring a limited-edition label by local artist Jesse Crock. This event is family and pet friendly.

Saturday, August 1st:

• Denver - 150th Colorado Day At The Capitol: The Colorado State Capitol will be open Saturday, August 1st 2026 from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM to celebrate our 150th Colorado day. See our website for a schedule of events and more details.

• Denver - Celebrate Colorado's 150th birthday in the heart of Denver's historic LoDo neighborhood. From Colorado Day celebrations at Denver Union Station, McGregor Square and Dairy Block to dog-friendly festivities at Larimer Square, LoDo invites locals and visitors alike to spend the day enjoying live music, family-friendly activities, local food and drinks, and the community spirit that has made the walkable neighborhood the heart of the Mile High City for generations.

• Cripple Creek - Colorado Day at Cripple Creek: Celebrate Colorado Day in the historic charm of Cripple Creek as part of the once-in-a-lifetime 250/150 anniversary. Join the festivities along Bennett Avenue, where the excitement of the Rocky Mountain Rambler 500 brings energy and action to the heart of downtown.

• Eagle County - Colorado Day Celebration, 12:00-3:00 PM: The local Historical Society has planned a special celebration that will include a special Eagle County-themed scavenger hunt, hands-on artifacts at specific exhibits, and a special, Colorado-themed bake sale at the Eagle County History Museum, 100 Fairgrounds Road in Eagle.

• Louisville - Colorado Day and Louisville's Old Time Fiddle Contest: Join the City of Louisville on Colorado Day at the Steinbaugh Pavilion for a fun, and ever so slightly competitive, show of local talent from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. Or, at the Louisville Historical Museum, step back in time and celebrate Colorado Day from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM!

• Statewide - Colorado Day 2026 with History Colorado: History Colorado museums across the state will host free events that showcase Colorado's rich history, vibrant culture, and local community spirit. Commemorate Colorado Day by visiting the various community museums and historic attractions around the state.

To view the full list of over 650 events, county fairs, farmers' markets, exhibits, concerts, and other festivities the state is highlighting for the entire month of August, visit celebrate.colorado.gov/.

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