By Daliah Singer
Special to The Gazette

It’s a big year for Colorado, which celebrates its 150th birthday Aug. 1. Events are being held throughout the state to mark the occasion. We’ve rounded up the ones that shouldn’t be missed.

Stories in the Sky
Ongoing

A series of nearly 150 drone shows is taking to the skies across the state in celebration of Colorado’s birthday. Catch the show in Canon City on May 2 at the Music & Blossom Festival, in Denver on May 30 during Outside Days, in Breckenridge on July 2 and in Colorado Springs on July 16 at Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and Sept. 5-7 during Labor Day Lift Off.

We The People: Colorado at 150
Through November

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is hosting a monthly lecture series that explores the Colorado experience, from land stewardship to untold stories of women to the time the state turned down an Olympic Games. Kiddos ages 3 to 5 will be more interested in Little Learners: Pikes Peak Wonder Series, which teaches about history through games, songs and more on the third Thursday of each month.

The State of Colorado: Celebrating 150 Years
May 3-4

ChoralSong of Colorado Springs honors its home with presentations at Ute Pass Cultural Center in Woodland Park and First Lutheran Church in the Springs. Expect works from the choir that represent the pioneering spirit of the Centennial State as well as its Native American and Hispanic heritage.

America@250
Starting April 18

A multi-concert festival by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, with shows in April, May and July, highlights the sonic sounds that have helped shape America, kicking off at Pikes Peak Center with renowned Jewish violinist Itzhak Perlman.

Freedom Plane National Tour
May 28–June 14

America is marking its own special occasion this year: 250 years since its founding. And for the first time, the public will be able to view some of its founding documents. History Colorado Center in Denver is one of only eight museums across the country to host this touring exhibition, which includes a secret printing of a draft of the U.S. Constitution.

BurroFest 2026
June 20

Travel to the southwest corner of the state for one of Colorado’s most fun and most quirky celebrations. BurroFest is all about the adorable and hardworking animals. This year’s burro obstacle course will be built around various moments in state history. Art, food and kid-focused activities round out the offerings in Mancos.

Colorado 150 Celebration
Aug. 1

Highlands Ranch is throwing a party. This Saturday festival is built around live music, all of which was chosen to represent different chapters of Colorado history, from bluegrass to jazz. Local food and drink vendors will keep everyone grooving throughout the day.

Mile High 150 Expo
Aug. 1

Look to the air for this aviation-themed fête at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield. Air and drone shows, fireworks, live music and entertainment are all on the schedule. The event kicks off with a special VIP gala July 31.

Colorado 150
Dates TBA

From “True Grit” to “Dumb and Dumber,” Colorado has a surprisingly robust cinematic history. This statewide film festival will include outdoor screenings and additional programming (think: local comedians, chats with filmmakers).