Watch CBS News
2026 marks Colorado's 150th anniversary, and CBS Colorado is proud to tell the stories that have shaped our state. We'll honor our history -- the people, places, and defining moments of the past -- while celebrating the voices, cultures, and institutions of today. And we'll look ahead, highlighting the ideas, innovations, and leaders shaping Colorado's next 150 years.
Our 150th anniversary is a meaningful moment to come together -- honoring our history, celebrating what makes Colorado unique, and looking ahead as we continue building stronger, more connected communities.
CBS Colorado is proud to support the State of Colorado, History Colorado and other community and cultural partners during this anniversary year. You can learn more about statewide events, programs and initiatives at historycolorado.org/colorado-150
CBS Colorado is delighted to highlight the following America 250 - Colorado 150 initiatives and events:
Drone Show: Stories in the Sky
Stories in the Sky, a series of nearly 150 community drone shows lighting up Colorado's skies from September 2025 through December 2026, creating unforgettable moments for millions of Coloradans and visitors alike.
historycolorado.org/colorado-150/initiative-stories-in-the-sky
Digital Passport Program: Journey Through Colorado
This digital passport program is designed to encourage both locals and visitors to explore Colorado's hidden gems, diverse businesses, and rich heritage.
historycolorado.org/initiative-journey-through-colorado
Moments That Made US - History Colorado
Through September: A marquee exhibition featuring more than forty artifacts that witnessed the moments that shaped the United States.
historycolorado.org/exhibit/moments-made-us
38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State
This exhibition invites visitors to revisit the Centennial State's origins through the authentic photographs, documents, artifacts, and voices that formed the Centennial State.
historycolorado.org/exhibit/38th-star
Colorado 150 Film Festival
Colorado 150 is a cinematic celebration of the place we call home-- told through the voices, visions, and vistas that have defined our past and continue to shape our future.
May 23 to November 20, 2026
The Freedom Plane
For the first time ever, a collection of remarkable documents from our nation's founding is going on tour together.
May 28 to June 14, 2026
historycolorado.org/colorado-150/freedom-plane
150 Tables Across Colorado
Celebrating 150 years of our Centennial State, individuals, organizations and cities across the state are invited to set a long table of any size between May and November 2026, bringing people from all walks of life together to share a meal, spark connection, and create a Colorado where everyone feels like they belong.
A Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Filipino Community Exhibit
The Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites, in partnership with the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, invites you to experience the next chapter of "A Mosaic of Cultures" with an immersive exploration of Aurora's Filipino community: its history, creativity, resilience and lasting impact on the city we share.
Colorado in Miniature: A Dollhouse Miniatures Exhibit
Explore Colorado in Miniature at the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys.
A Portrait of Colorado at 150 Storytelling Initiative: Four Mile Historic Park Lunch and Learn -- Quilts & Stories
Portrait of Colorado at 150 will talk about oral history collection at Quilts & Stories, a Lunch and Learn program at Four Mile Historic Park that explores how quilts carry history and personal narratives.
April 24 to May 10, 2026
The Local Cost of Freedom: Aurora's Fallen in the Sesquisemiquincentennial Story
The Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites reflects on 150 years of Colorado statehood and 250 years of an independent United States with an exhibit that honors the servicemembers from Aurora who gave their lives for our freedoms.
March 10 to July 11, 2026
Big Belmar Bash
Join the City of Lakewood and Belmar Downtown Lakewood to mark the 250th anniversary of America and 150th anniversary of Colorado with a community gathering and a spectacular drone light show on Friday, July 3 from 5 to 10 p.m.
July 3, 2026
Illuminate Littleton
To celebrate America's 250th & Colorado's 150th anniversary, Main Street will transform into an open-air experience with illuminated and interactive art installations, roaming musical performances, and extended outdoor dining from local restaurants and bars. The evening will culminate in a spectacular drone show lighting up the Littleton sky.
July 24, 2026
visitlittleton.org/events-and-programs/illuminate-littleton/
Some people though Ken Chlouber was crazy when he proposed holding an ultramarathon at 10,000 feet as a way to draw people to Leadville at a time when the city economy was struggling dramatically.
Seventy years ago, a housing developer looked at an empty stretch of land north of Denver and saw the future. What Sam Hoffman built there became the city of Thornton — and a free public exhibit is now telling that story.
In Breckenridge, the winter of 1980 to 1981 still stands as the benchmark for some of the worst skiing the town has ever seen.
As Colorado approaches its 150th anniversary of statehood and the United States' 250th birthday, an exhibit in Douglas County is exploring the Palmer Divide's history and its future.
As America celebrates 250 years as a nation this year, Colorado turns 150 as a state. Castle Rock offered grants to support efforts to commemorate the 150th anniversary.
"38th Star" tells the stories of Colorado's founding -- and the people whose voices shaped, or were silenced by, statehood.
From the outside, Gaetano's looks like your classic Italian neighborhood spot. But step inside, and you're stepping into one of Denver's most infamous stories, where good food met mob ties.
The Mighty Argo Cable Car gondola project near the old Argo Gold Mine and Mill in Idaho Springs is nearing completion.
As Colorado approaches its 150th year, some of its history isn't just remembered, it's still being lived. In Steamboat Springs, that history runs straight through Howelsen Hill Ski Area.
