Colorado Day marks the anniversary of Colorado’s official entrance into the Union on August 1, 1876. The 38th state was created during America’s Centennial year, which is how the state earned its nickname, the “Centennial State.” In 1907, this date was recognized as Colorado Day, and it has been celebrated every year since.
The state has deep historical roots, dating back 14,000 years when Indigenous nations inhabited the land, including the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Apache, Comanche, and Shoshone. After the Gold Rush in the 1800s, Colorado became a U.S. territory in 1861. A pioneer in politics, the state became the first state to grant women the right to vote in 1893, 27 years before the 19th Amendment.
The Colorado state flag is one of the country’s most popular and dates back to 1911. As Coloradans wear the signature red C with gold disk and blue-white strips with pride, many tourists enjoy picking up Colorado flag merchandise and taking it home with them. And in true Colorado fashion, Pikes Peak inspired the song “America the Beautiful,” written by Katharine Lee Bates and composed by Samuel A. Ward.
Colorado Day Events in Denver
Come celebrate 149 years of Colorado history at Union Station with the Colorado Day Celebration on Friday, August 1st, from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Denver’s Union Station has played a vital role in our state’s history as a travel hub and community center.
Enjoy A Taste of Union Station, where the Great Hall becomes a culinary promenade featuring small bites and drink pairings from each Union Station restaurant. Advanced tickets can be purchased here.
Take part in the Historic Denver LoDo walking tour (requires an additional ticket), Meow Wolf Denver Makers Station and performances, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance interactive dance and preview of their upcoming Bolero, and live local music.
The Colorado State Capitol hosts tours Monday-Friday, including on August 1st to celebrate Colorado Day. This year, Little Man Ice Cream, a local favorite, will be on hand.
Nothing says Colorado like a sporting event. The Colorado Rockies host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Coors Field starting at 6:10 p.m. Following the game, enjoy a concert by local Grateful Dead tribute band, Shakedown Street.
Outdoor Adventures
With over 300 days of sunshine, Colorado Day is a perfect time to take in the sights of our gorgeous state! Hike in Garden of the Gods, Rocky Mountain National Park, Manitou Incline, or Chautauqua Park, picnic at Cherry Creek or Chatfield State Park, fish rivers such as the Arkansas or Colorado, camp in Summit County, or even climb a fourteener.
More adventure and history await in Leadville, Central City, or Cripple Creek which were once booming mining towns during Colorado’s gold rush.
Pick up some Colorado staples at your local Farmers Market, such as Palisade peaches or Olathe sweet corn. Grill out with friends and keep plenty of Colorado craft beer on hand.
Colorado Day celebrates our state’s history from Indigenous people to a mining boom to the diverse population and industry we have in modern day.
In 2026, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence; our nation’s Semiquincentennial. Colorado will mark the 150th anniversary of our entrance into the Union; our state’s Sesquicentennial. As the Centennial State, Colorado is the only one that will observe both of these anniversaries, making it our Sesquisemiquincentennial. Community events, educational opportunities, and statewide celebrations are already being planned.