America 250 - Colorado 150
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood (it’s our sesquicentennial). At the same time, America is celebrating 250 years since signing the Declaration of Independence (its semiquincentennial).
Together, in 2026, Colorado and America celebrate our Sesquisemiquincentennial, or what we call the 250-150 for short!
This once-in-a-lifetime moment is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our communities, and shape the future together. These statewide efforts are being led by the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission, and communities across our state are planning celebrations.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has been planning projects and events to mark these important anniversaries with the theme of “Setting Colorado’s Table: 150 Years of Agricultural Legacy.” Visit their website for details on projects and ways to join the fun!
At the Fair
There will be many ways to celebrate America 250 – Colorado 150 at the 2026 Colorado State Fair!
Drone Show
The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission is taking its milestone celebrations to new heights with 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. This sweeping effort was developed in partnership with the Commission, Colorado Tourism Office and Visit Denver, and is built on two major programs working in concert through the end of 2026.
One program, the Stories in the Sky Statewide Series, sponsored by Chevron, Tallgrass, and UCHealth, and the Colorado Lottery, will bring dazzling drone shows to communities across Colorado. Check it out at the Colorado State Fair on September 3 and 7!
Freedom Truck
The Freedom Truck is a museum on wheels! This traveling exhibit is bringing the story of America’s founding directly to communities across the nation. You’ll be able to step inside the American Story with interactive exhibits. This truck is one of six that are traveling nationwide.
The Freedom Truck is open daily in State Fair Plaza.
Ag Mural
To celebrate Colorado’s agricultural heritage, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s traveling ag mural will be featured at the fairgrounds for the entirety of the fair. The mural, painted by Thomas “Detour” Evans, unfolds as a visual narrative designed to spark imagination and highlight the interconnected systems that sustain agriculture across the state.
Westeraires 250/150 Celebration Exhibition
FREE SHOW: Come celebrate the 250/150 Westernaires Exhibition in the Big R Arena on September 1, 2026 at 7:00 pm.
The Westernaires is a mounted precision drill organization composed of Denver-area youngsters from 9-19 years of age. Encouraging self-respect, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership through horsemanship and family participation. Since 1949, Westernaires have proudly trained young people to use their talents and skills in the best traditions of the West.
1st Colorado Top Hands Drill Act
FREE SHOW: Come watch the 1st Colorado Top Hands Drill Team performance during the Mountain State Ranch Rodeo Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 6:00 pm.
American Heroes Day and Rodeo
To honor those who have served, the fair will host American Heroes Day presented by United Rentals on Sunday, August 30, featuring a special tribute to veterans of all eras as part of that evening’s PRCA Rodeo. Click here to nominate a veteran to be honored during American Heroes Day.
Old-Time Contests
On Labor Day, the fair will feature several “old-time” contests including a “Best Beard” and “Most Beautiful Baby” competition, celebrating the traditions and heritage of both Colorado and the United States.
Colorado Fifty Artist Canvas 'Quilt' Project
LOCATED: Colorado Building
The celebration continues in the Colorado building, where The Art Quilt, featuring contributions from 50 artists from across Colorado, will also be on display. This quilt is a unique way to celebrate Colorado’s history and heritage from various diverse perspectives representing all regions and sub-cultures of the state in a singular, shared, story-rich piece.
Setting Colorado's Table Coffee Table Book
CDA is also collaborating with History Colorado to develop a Setting Colorado’s Table coffee table book, highlighting the history and stories of Colorado agriculture. This book will also feature the oral history of Colorado’s farmers and ranchers and will be available for sale at the fair, in the State Fair Foundation store inside the Palace of Agriculture
150 Tables Across Colorado
The fair will also host the Governor’s Table this year on September 1, which will be part of the larger 150 tables across Colorado initiative, aimed at bringing Coloradans together to share a meal, engage in connection, and create a state where everyone feels like they belong.
250/150 Competitions
Tablescaping: https://coloradostatefair.com/competitions/general-entry-fine-arts/special-contests/tablescaping-competition/
NRHA Youth Freestyle Reining Championship
Llama and Alpaca Show
Visit our Competition Page for more information.
