America and Colorado’s Shared Milestone Anniversaries to Take Center Stage at 2026 Colorado State Fair

Fairs have always been the heartbeat of our communities, and this year, the Colorado State Fair will tell the story of a nation and a state growing up together. With 2026 marking both the 250th anniversary of the United States signing the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado's statehood, the 11-day Colorado State Fair will feature special educational and entertainment elements to highlight this year's dual celebrations.

"Celebrating this double milestone is a special opportunity for the Colorado State Fair," said Andrea Wiesenmeyer, Colorado State Fair general manager. "Fairs have always been about community, culture, and honoring history. Bringing America's 250th and Colorado's 150th anniversaries together under one roof means this year's fair isn't just an event-it's a historic celebration you won't want to miss! "

Fairgoers will experience the American story in many unique ways. The Freedom Truck, which will be onsite for all 11 days, is a semi-truck-based mobile museum touring the country in recognition of the nation's 250th birthday. The interactive exhibit brings U.S. history directly to communities, allowing visitors to explore artifacts that tell the American story from the Revolution to the present day.

To honor those who have served, the fair will host American Heroes Day presented by United Rentals on Sunday, August 30, featuring a special tribute to veterans of all eras as part of that evening's PRCA Rodeo. Nominate a veteran to be honored during American Heroes Day.

"This year, the fair is going to be all red, white, and blue - with a splash of yellow to honor Colorado," Wiesenmeyer said.

To celebrate Colorado's agricultural heritage, the Colorado Department of Agriculture's traveling ag mural will be featured at the fairgrounds for the entirety of the fair. The mural, painted by Thomas "Detour" Evans, unfolds as a visual narrative designed to spark imagination and highlight the interconnected systems that sustain agriculture across the state.

CDA has also collaborated with History Colorado on a Setting Colorado's Tablecoffee table book, highlighting the history and stories of Colorado agriculture. The book features more than a dozen oral histories of Colorado's farmers and ranchers and will be available for sale at the fair, in the State Fair Foundation store inside the Palace of Agriculture.

The fair will also host the Governor's Table this year on September 1, which will be part of the larger 150 tables across Colorado initiative, aimed at bringing Coloradans together to share a meal, engage in connection, and create a state where everyone feels like they belong. More information about tickets for this event will be available soon.

The celebration continues in the Colorado building, where The Art Quilt, featuring contributions from 50 artists from across Colorado, will also be on display. This quilt is a unique way to celebrate Colorado's history and heritage from various diverse perspectives representing all regions and sub-cultures of the state in a singular, shared, story-rich piece.

Thursday, September 1, will feature a special free performance by the Westernaires at the Big R Arena. The Westernaires are a mounted horse precision drill team that has been teaching Colorado youth western riding, precision drills, and horse care for more than 75 years.

On Labor Day, the fair will feature several "old-time" contests including a "Best Beard" and "Most Beautiful Baby" competition, celebrating the traditions and heritage of both Colorado and the United States.

For three nights, the fair will feature the Stories in the Sky Drone Show, an America 250 - Colorado 150 signature initiative featuring 150 drone shows across Colorado. The initiative is sponsored by Chevron, Tallgrass, UCHealth, and the Colorado Lottery in partnership with the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission and the Colorado Tourism Office. Shows will take place on the nights of September 1, 3, and 7.

Tickets to the Colorado State Fair, including general admission, concert, and rodeo tickets, can be purchased online at ColoradoStateFair.com, or via phone at 1-800-514-3849, as well as in person at the Colorado State Fair box office. Entertainment tickets purchased before August 28 include general admission to the fair, offering up to a $15 discount.