Colorado Marks 150 Years of Statehood with Celebrations Across State Agencies

STATEWIDE - On Aug. 1, Colorado is celebrating our sesquicentennial, or 150th birthday, along with America's 250th birthday. In 2024, Governor Polis directed state agencies to do what they can within current resources to celebrate our 150th anniversary and our history

"This year, Colorado turns 150 and America turns 250 - a once-in-a-lifetime alignment worth celebrating with all the joy and pride Coloradans can bring to it. In January of 2024, I signed an executive order directing every state agency to build 150th commemorations into their work, because a milestone this big belongs to the whole state. From the San Luis Valley to the Western Slope to the Front Range, state agencies have put together a multitude of events honoring our history and the bright future still ahead of us. I encourage every Coloradan to find an event nearby and be part of writing the next chapter of Colorado's story," said Governor Polis.

State agencies have planned initiatives and events across the state celebrating Colorado's birthday, some highlights include:

Department of Personnel and Administration: The Colorado State Archives is hosting an open house on Friday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their headquarters at 1313 Sherman St. in Denver. Catch a glimpse into Colorado's past through displays highlighting significant historical events and records. The Archives team will offer tours of their collections and show how Colorado's cherished historical records are preserved and stored.

Colorado Department of Agriculture: On July 31, Colorado Proud members will participate in the Civic Center Night Market. Then, on Aug. 1, the CDA will continue the celebration by partnering with Longer Tables to set the Mile-Long Table at the National Western Center. Coloradans are encouraged to check out the coffee table book available for sale at History Colorado. While at the History Colorado Center, make sure to stop by the Agriculture Mural which will be up until Aug. 7.

Office of Economic Development and International Trade and Department of Natural Resources: On Aug. 1, OEDIT's Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources, will host the 14er Climb: Summit 2026. The initiative is inspired by Colorado's iconic peaks and outdoor legacy, inviting Coloradans to celebrate the mountains, landscapes, and outdoor experiences that shape Colorado - whether by joining a climbing team or finding their own 14er adventure.

On Aug. 1, OEDIT will open the Creative Capitol Exhibition: Past, Present, Future at the State Capitol. Additionally, the Colorado Tourism Office will also host Drone Shows in honor of Colorado Day in Kiowa and at the Rockies game in Denver.

Department of Higher Education and Office of Information Technology: DHE and OIT are teaming up for History Colorado's Colorado Day Community Fest. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31 at Denver's Golden Triangle Creative District, attendees can enjoy live musical and cultural performances, browse local vendors at the Artisans and Colorado Proud Markets, explore a lowrider car show, and participate in family-friendly games and activities.

Colorado Mesa University will host a Flag Day on Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. At the event, a 150 ft tall flagpole will be unveiled, featuring a 40'x80' American flag and a 34.552'x54.295' Colorado flag (1,876-square-feet in honor of Colorado's founding year).

On Aug. 1 at Colorado College's Armstrong Hall, Coloradans can check out the Everybody Welcome™: A Celebration of Culture and Diversity. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, cultural performances, traditional dance, ethnic foods, craft vendors, cultural villages, health and education zones, workshops, community discussions, and hands-on children's activities. Children can participate in a festival passport experience, collecting stamps as they complete cultural learning activities.

Department of Early Childhood: Through its ongoing 150/250 Early Childhood Champions campaign, CDEC is celebrating the educators, child care providers, home visitors, health care professionals, early intervention specialists, county partners, and many others who support young children and families across Colorado.

Coloradans are encouraged to visit the CDEC website to explore Early Childhood Champion spotlights and nominees, read inspiring stories from communities across the state, and nominate an Early Childhood Champion whose dedication is helping children learn, grow, and thrive.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: As Colorado turns 150, thousands of people are just entering the world - and making their grand entrance right here in Colorado. To celebrate the state's sesquicentennial, CDPHE added a special Colorado 150 logo to birth certificates for babies born in Colorado this year. So far, 36,506 births have occurred in Colorado in 2026. That number includes all births in the state, regardless of maternal residence, and is typically higher because Colorado serves as a regional referral center for high-risk births. We are proud to celebrate Colorado's 150th anniversary by honoring the people who represent our state's future.

Department of Local Affairs: In June, DOLA launched a social media series honoring the sesquisemiquincentennial that will run until the end of the calendar year. Tune in to DOLA's LinkedIn and Facebook every Monday to test Colorado trivia knowledge. Then come back every Thursday for Past & Present photos of a Colorado Main Street Community.

Department of Transportation: CDOT encourages travelers to discover Colorado's beautiful and scenic byways by visiting COtrip.org and selecting the "scenic byways" box on the legend. Follow the map to discover some of America's most stunning sights. The byways showcase natural beauty, spanning soaring peaks, aspen groves and deep red-rock canyons. Some roads, like Mount Blue Sky, climb above the tree line into the clouds and others pass by old mining towns, ghost towns and deep river canyons. COtrip.org is your guide to check out Colorado's 26 scenic and historic byways, providing interactive maps, drive times and designated points of interest for your trip.

Colorado Energy Office: In honor of the 150th anniversary of our state, CEO put together a list that offers 150 ways the state can help Coloradans address climate change. All Coloradans want cleaner air, abundant water, fewer wildfires, and a safe world for future generations. This list offers tangible ways the State of Colorado is showing up to help individuals, communities, and businesses achieve these goals.

Department of Revenue:

In celebration of Colorado Day, the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles will host a DMV License Plate exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Martin Building, attendees can check out the exhibit and youth can design their own license plate (not for production).

To find more celebrations and learn more, visit the Colorado 150-America 250 webpage.

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