Want to know one of the best perks of living in Olympic City USA? Being at the epicenter of Team USA celebrations even when the Games aren’t happening. This summer, that means getting to join Olympic and Paralympic legends at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum Festival for four days: July 10–13.
What’s the occasion? The festival is held every two years in coordination with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. It honors the achievements and legacy of America’s greatest athletes and boasts a schedule of free public events across Colorado Springs, including at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, the Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and more.
“The Festival brings the Olympic and Paralympic spirit to life in a way that few experiences can,” says Marisa Wigglesworth, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. “Right here in Olympic City USA, fans have the rare opportunity to meet some of their heroes, celebrate the values that unite us and feel the power of sport to inspire, connect and transform. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or discovering Team USA for the first time, this weekend promises unforgettable moments for everyone.”
One big new feature of this year’s U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum Festival is free admission to the museum all weekend on July 12-13 and to the training center on Saturday, July 12.
Athletes will be on hand for meet and greets, and the confirmed athletes list is a who’s who of Olympic and Paralympic legends, including:
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- Michelle Akers, soccer
- Bob Beamon, track and field
- Bonnie Blair, speedskating
- Brian Boitano, figure skating
- Tim Daggett, gymnastics
- Peggy Fleming, figure skating
- Rowdy Gaines, swimming
- Gary Hall Jr., swimming
- Eric Heiden, speedskating
- Dan Jansen, speedskating
- David Kiley, wheelchair basketball
- Misty May-Treanor, beach volleyball
- Billy Mills, track and field
- Dan O’Brien, decathlon
- Tommie Smith, track and field
- Picabo Street, alpine skiing
- Jenny Thompson, swimming
All are members of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame and will appear throughout the weekend, with additional athletes expected.
The Colorado Springs Olympic & Paralympic Training Center will host an Open House on Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free tours and self-guided access to various venues to meet athletes, try new sports and more. Sport demos will include Wrestling, Boxing, Goalball, Wheelchair Basketball, Track Cycling and others.
At the museum, the new exhibit Beyond the Podium: Celebrating the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame will open on July 11. The exhibit highlights Hall of Famers such as Billie Jean King, Bonnie Blair, Brian Boitano, Candace Cable, Jesse Owens, Al Oerter and Trischa Zorn-Hudson, as well as iconic teams including the 1992 Dream Team, the 1996 Women’s Soccer Team and the 2002 Paralympic Sled Hockey Team. The exhibit features new artifacts and will remain on display through April 30, 2026.
“This event celebrates some of the greatest athletes, coaches and athletic contributors that our nation has ever known and kicks off what promises to be a very exciting decade of sports in the United States,” says Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “With free admission, athlete meet-and-greets, and family-friendly activities, this is a chance for our entire community to come together, honor our nation’s legends, and experience the magic of sport right here in the city where greatness trains.”
Here Are Highlights of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum Festival Schedule
Thursday, July 10
Community Movie Night
Enjoy free sports-themed movies at the following venues around town. Bring a blanket and settle in for an evening of inspiring moments.
Weidner Field — Blades of Glory (PG-13), 8 p.m.
Brian Boitano will make a special appearance. Register for tickets here.
Lulu’s Downtown — The Fire Inside (PG-13), 6:30 p.m.
This indoor film is shown in partnership with Rocky Mountain Women’s Film. Register for free tickets here.
Iron Horse Park, Fort Carson — Miracle (PG), 8 p.m.
John Harrington will make a special appearance. The movie is open the public. Visitors without Department of Defense ID are encouraged to register ahead to expedite entry to Fort Carson. Otherwise they must visit the Fort Carson Visitor Center to register on-site.
University Village — The Boys in the Boat (PG-13), 8 p.m.
Access is first come, first served.
Friday, July 11
Greatness Gives Back:Citywide Community Outreach
Hall of Famers will visit schools, community centers and local organizations throughout Colorado Springs. Times vary by location and athlete — watch the website for updates on schedules.
Night at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum Fan Experience
6-10 p.m.
This free outdoor celebration on the museum plaza features live music from Spinphony and Patrick & The Las Vegas Band, plus a comedy set by Joe Hill.
Enjoy food trucks and family-friendly activities and meet Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Afterward, the museum will open its doors at approximately 9:30 p.m. for free access to immersive exhibits and athlete stories.
Saturday, July 12
Open House at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tour the Training Center and see where elite athletes train. Meet athletes and try new sports in interactive sport demos that include wrestling, boxing, goalball, wheelchair basketball, track cycling and more.
All-Day Free Museum Admission + Athlete Meet & Greets
Meet athletes, explore interactive exhibits and participate in Olympic-themed activities throughout the museum.
Sunday, July 13
All-Day Free Museum Admission + Athlete Meet & Greets
Finish the weekend with additional opportunities to meet legendary athletes and visit the Museum’s galleries — for free.
The Festival was created to bring the Olympic and Paralympic spirit to life in Colorado Springs, and to offer a chance to connect with Hall of Famers and champions, tour training facilities, participate in community outreach, and experience the values that define Team USA. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or first-time visitor, it’s a reminder that greatness isn’t just something you watch — it’s something you can be part of.
Watch for more information and updates at usopm.org/festival.
Read more about the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum and touring the Training Center in these articles.
