On August 1, 1876, Colorado officially became the 38th state in the Union, earning the nickname the Centennial State by joining exactly 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Now, 150 years later, it’s time to celebrate.

Whether you’re a Colorado native or just lucky enough to call this place home, there are plenty of ways to mark the milestone. From birthday festivals and baseball games to drone shows and free museum admission, here’s how to celebrate Colorado’s big day.

’Round The Clock: 24 Hours of Colorado in Prints

  • When: Now–March 7, 2027
  • Cost: Free on August 1, otherwise exhibit included in museum admission
  • Address: 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, Denver (Golden Triangle)

Don’t choose between nature, culture, history, and whatever else you love about Colorado—take a trip to ’Round the Clock. This special exhibition at the Denver Art Museum explores how artists have captured the state’s landscapes, people, and daily life across generations, offering a unique perspective on Colorado’s past and present.

Colorado Day Community Fest

  • When: August 1,  9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Cost: Free
  • Address: 213 W. 13th Ave., Denver (Golden Triangle)

No birthday is complete without a party, so why wouldn’t there be one for Colorado? Celebrate at the Colorado Day Community Fest in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District, where there’ll be a community pancake breakfast, live music and performances (including Isaac Slade, formerly of the Fray), local vendors, food trucks, and family activities, as well as free admission to the History Colorado Center, the Center for Colorado Women’s History, and the Denver Art Museum.

Colorado Day State Capitol Celebration

  • When: August 1,  9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Cost: Free
  • Address: 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver (Capitol Hill)

Join your fellow Coloradans to mark the official anniversary of statehood at the Capitol at the annual Colorado Day celebration. The ceremony honors the state’s admission to the Union on August 1, 1876, and commemorates 150 years of Colorado history through remarks from state leaders, the cutting of the Colorado birthday cake, ringing of the Liberty Bell, and more.

Colorado Day Bazaar

Photo by Julianna Photography
  • When: August 1,  12–6 p.m.
  • Cost: Free
  • Address: 1550 Little Raven St., Denver (Union Station)

The best gift you can give to Colorado is shopping local, and we know just the place. Head to Colorado Day Bazaar in Denver’s Commons Park, where more than 140 Colorado makers will hawk their wares. There’ll be live music, food vendors, and activities like getting a portrait done for your pup.

Mile High 150 Expo

  • When: August 1,  4–9:30 p.m.
  • Cost: Starting at $43 (kids are free)
  • Address: 11755 Airport Way, Broomfield

Cheer on all things Colorado from the runway at this expo at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. Highlights include an airshow with aerobatics and aerial displays, live music from Nashville artist Scotty Hasting, and a 300-drone light show, to honor 150 years of Colorado aviation and innovation.

Mile Long Table

People chat at an outdoor table
Photo courtesy of Longer Tables

When: August 1,  5–8:30 p.m.
Cost: Starts at $5.28
Address: 4655 Humboldt St., Denver (Elyria-Swansea)

Pull up a seat and dig in at this sesquicentennial dinner. On Colorado Day, the Mile Long Table will bring together 5,280 people around a 5,280-foot-long dinner table at the National Western Center for a shared meal, live music, birthday cake, and conversation.

Drone Shows: Stories in the Sky

  • Date: Now–December 31
  • Cost: Varies by location and event
  • Address: 2001 Blake Street, Denver (Ballpark)

The America 250-Colorado 150 Commission knows the best celebrations last longer than a day, which is why they’re putting on a drone show series to mark the sesquicentennial. On Colorado Day, catch one following the Colorado Rockies’ game against the Kansas City Royals at Coors Field, which you can see downtown even if you didn’t attend the ballgame.

Colorado 150 Film Festival

  • Date: Now–November 28
  • Cost: Varies
  • Address: Multiple locations

The Colorado 150 Film Festival has been celebrating all summer by bringing 150 iconic Colorado-connected films to theaters across the state. On Colorado Day, you can make your way to Wildhorse Cinema in Steamboat Springs to watch the western drama True Grit. In Denver, the party continues at the Sie FilmCenter with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid on August 4, Coffy on August 7, and Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead on August 8.

Read More: Fun Things to Do in Denver This Week

Malia Logan
Malia Logan
Malia Logan is 5280’s audience engagement editor.