On Saturday, August 1, 2026, History Colorado museums across the state will host free events that showcase Colorado’s rich history, vibrant culture, and local community spirit. This year is especially significant, as Colorado’s Sesquicentennial coincides with America’s Semiquincentennial marking a once-in-a-generation Sesquisemiquincentennial. As the only state commemorating these twin anniversaries in 2026, Colorado has a unique opportunity to reflect on our shared past, celebrate the stories that connect us, and imagine the future we will build together.

Colorado Day Around the State

Commemorate Colorado Day by visiting the various community museums and historic attractions around the state. Learn more about Colorado’s collective history by experiencing each destination’s local culture and unique attractions. The following locations will be open on Sunday, August 1st, with exciting events, family-friendly fun, and FREE admission for all guests.

Center for Colorado Women's History

FREE Museum admission available from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Colorado Day attractions open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Attractions include:

• Interactive Community Art Project
• Roaming musicians throughout the day
• Grand opening of the "Shared History" mural 
• Performing arts and games on the lawn
• Open House Women's History Tours with Votes and Dreams Exhibition
• Host location for CO Day Community Fest in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • FREE Pancake Breakfast (first come, first serve) starting at 9:00 AM in front of the History Colorado Center
    • Enjoy pancakes while you participate in the “Rocky Mountain High” Sing-Along, with special guest Isaac Slade, formerly of Colorado's own indie band The Fray!

Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center

FREE Museum admission available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Colorado Day attractions are from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Attractions include:

• Artisan Market featuring local vendors, food trucks, and live music
• Exhibit Opening of O Say Can You See
  • A new fiber art exhibition honoring the service of Buffalo Soldiers stationed at Fort Garland during Colorado's transition to statehood in 1876 opens. In recognition of Colorado’s newly confirmed statehood, on the morning of August 1, 1876, 9th Cavalry members raised the flag at Fort Garland. O Say Can You See features two elements: First, an original 37-flag that flew over Fort Garland immediately prior to statehood and second, a thoughtful reimagining of the Colorado state flag through the creation of a large-scale fiber collage hand-crafted from reclaimed textiles by artist Chloé Duplessis. 
  • To open the exhibition, there will be a flag raising by current Buffalo Soldier re-enactors, an artist talk by Chloé Duplessis, and Buffalo Soldier presentation by Dennis Moore.

Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin

FREE Museum admission available from 9:45 AM to 4:00 PM

Colorado Day attractions are from 9:45 AM to 4:00 PM

Free General Admission includes Winter Warriors in the Exhibit Hall and the half-hour ground floor tour (full tours will be regular price)

Attractions include:

• Lawn games on the grounds
• Free refreshments
• Old-timey photo booth by the cabin
  
   

Trinidad History Museum

FREE Museum admission available from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Colorado Day attractions are from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Attractions include:

• Lawn games, cake, and FUN!
• 150 Framed: A Visual History Community Mural Installation
• Additionally, the third community engagement workshop on the Adobe Horno Build will occur, as eight volunteers (preapproved) will help plaster the Adobe Horno Build to prepare for the September fire up. 

America 250 - Colorado 150 Events

As Colorado marks 150 years of statehood and the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission invites you to the Sesquisemiquincentennial as a chance for Coloradans to come together, share stories, honor the people and places that have shaped the great state, and envision the next chapter of the collective future.

This statewide commemoration will feature special programs, exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community-led events in every corner of Colorado, inviting everyone to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. For more information on America 250 - Colorado 150 events visit here.