Updated: February 18, 2026
What do you get when you mix a semiquincentennial (250 years) and a sesquicentennial (150 years)? A sesquisemiquincentennial, of course! Learn about all the history, celebrations and festivities happening in the Pikes Peak Region to honor America 250 | Colorado 150.
In 2026, the United States celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood. These milestone twin anniversaries invite us to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our communities and look to the future together.
History Colorado has compiled resources and events from across the state for visitors, residents and businesses to get involved.
The local organizing committee developed a resource for how people and businesses can support and engage in the twin anniversaries right here in the Pikes Peak Region.
Sign up for free, mobile-exclusive passes that reward you for discovering the best of the Centennial State. The interactive passports make it easy and fun to explore Colorado’s vibrant towns, cultural landmarks and local businesses — all while earning prizes and perks along the way. Interested businesses can participate for free by filling out this form.
2026 is truly a year of celebration, with even more anniversaries and milestones to shout out in addition to the big America 250 | Colorado 150!
Bear Creek Nature Center – 50 years
El Paso County's Bear Creek Nature Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary. As Colorado's first nature center, it offers year-round interpretive programming, special events, education and so much more. They also excel in offering accessible and inclusive nature experiences - visitors can check out a FREE TerrainHopper to traverse the park in or check out the Visually Impaired Person's Trail - or VIP Trail for short.
The Nature Center will offer special programming throughout 2026! >> Learn more
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort – 10 years
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort was founded in 2016 by Torie Giffin and her family, who purchased the historic 1919 motor court to transform it into a dedicated, themed basecamp for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. It serves as both a place to stay for visitors and a community gathering place for locals - offering live music, markets, events and more.
Buffalo Lodge offers regular events and programming year-round! >> Learn more
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – 100 years
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926 by philanthropist Spencer Penrose (the same guy behind The Broadmoor and MANY other iconic Colorado Springs attractions). He needed somewhere to house his growing collection of exotic animals, after all! In 1938, Mr. Penrose deeded the Zoo as a non-profit public trust to the people of Colorado Springs. This trust was deemed “for the sole purpose of establishing and maintaining a zoological park to provide recreation, education, conservation and scientific facilities in the field of zoology and related subjects, and to preserve the Zoo in perpetuity for the people of the Pikes Peak Region.”
Celebrate the Zoo's centennial anniversary with programs, experiences and special events throughout the year. >> Learn more
Colorado Springs Philharmonic – 100 seasons
In 2026, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic will launch it's '26-'27 calendar of events, marking 100 years since its very first season. Today, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic is a community hub for avid fans, curious minds, thrill seekers, and simple lovers of life.
Celebrate the Colorado Springs Philharmonic's century of entertainment by getting tickets to an upcoming show, many of which will spotlight American music titans in honor of America 250. >> Browse events
Dragonfly Paddle Yoga – 10 seasons
2026 will be Dragonfly's 10th season out on the water, bringing stand-up paddle board yoga and excursions to the community. Owner Christine Malmborg exemplifies the American and Coloradan spirit as an entrepreneur, small business owner and avid outdoor adventurer.
Celebrate Dragonfly Paddle Yoga's decade of water activities by booking a class or embarking on an excursion once the season opens! >> Check back soon
Garden of the Gods Resort & Club – 75 years
Founded in 1951, Al and Margaret Hill envisioned a refined retreat in harmony with its natural surroundings. Over the decades, generations of members have helped shape the culture, character, and enduring legacy. What began as an exclusive private club has thoughtfully evolved into a welcoming wellness destination, grounded in stewardship and dedicated to creating meaningful experiences.
Celebrate the legacy of the resort and club by booking a stay or visiting Strata for a wellness service >> Book now
Labor Day Lift Off – 50th annual event
September 2026 will mark 50 years of Labor Day Lift Off – one of the region's most iconic annual events. Formerly the Colorado Balloon Classic, the event started as a small group of friends having fun in 1976 and is now recognized as the third largest balloon event in the United States.
Celebrate Labor Day Lift Off's 50th year by attending and getting involved! >> Learn more
May Natural History Museum – 75 years
Known as the "bug museum," this spectacular private insect collection has thrilled visitors for decades. With more than 7,000 insects, it's one of the largest displays of tropical bugs in the world.
Plan your visit and stay tuned for special anniversary events. >> Learn more
Olympic City USA – 10 years
Back in 2016, Colorado Springs established its Olympic City USA brand. Today it is home to 25 National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) – more than any other city in the country – plus the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the Museum and the flagship Training Center. Not to mention, it has truly become a City for Champions (go, Switchbacks!).
Celebrate Olympic City USA by bringing friends and family to experience the journey of an athlete or attend a local sporting event. >> Learn more
Outlaws and Law Men Jail Museum – 125 years
Serving as the original Teller County Jail, the museum is as authentic as it gets. The 1901 jail cells are a testament to the lawlessness of this rough mining camp.
Dive into the past at the Jail Museum during your next visit to Cripple Creek! >> Learn more
Theatreworks – 50 seasons
The current season marks Theatreworks 50th year of bringing the community together through performance art. According to Theatreworks, it has produced more uninterrupted seasons than the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Public Theater, and even the original lifespan of London’s Globe Theatre!
Celebrate 50 years of Theatreworks' passionate performance in the Pikes Peak Region by attending an upcoming show at the Ent Center for the Arts! >> Browse shows
Two Mile High Club – 95 years
The Two Mile High Club was formed in 1931 as a way for the town of Cripple Creek to care for the free-roaming donkeys that had been around since the mining days. Today, visitors can enjoy the donkeys during their free-roaming times of Memorial Day through mid-October.
Find out when to catch the donkeys this year >> Learn more
Attractions
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum215 S Tejon St
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Attractions
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site at Garden of the Gods1401 Recreation Way, Mail Code: 1200
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905
Festivals & Events
NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Norris-Penrose Event Center
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905
Parks and Open Spaces
Bear Creek Nature Center245 Bear Creek Rd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
Attractions
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo4250 Cheyenne Mtn Zoo Rd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906
Art & Performances
Colorado Springs Philharmonic190 S Cascade Ave
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Other Adventure
Dragonfly Paddle YogaVarious Locations
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Health, Wellness & Spas
The Spa at the Garden of the Gods Resort3320 Mesa Rd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
Museums
May Natural History Museum710 Rock Creek Canyon
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80926
Attractions
Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum136 W. Bennett Avenue
Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813
Event Venues
Ent Center for the Arts5225 N. Nevada Ave.
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918
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