It’s been a big year of celebration for America 250 Colorado 150 festivities. Just like July 4 marks official Independence Day for the U.S., Aug. 1 is Colorado Day, marking the day Colorado officially entered the Union as the Centennial State. On Saturday, Aug. 1, you can celebrate the historic occasion all day from the summit of Pikes Peak to the heart of downtown and the historic grounds of Rock Ledge Ranch. There are special events in all three locations, including the United We Rock Festival at Rock Ledge.
“Colorado Day is an opportunity to celebrate the people, places and stories that have shaped Colorado Springs and our state,” says Matt Mayberry, Colorado Springs cultural services manager. “Whether you’re welcoming the day from the summit of Pikes Peak, exploring our community’s history at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, or celebrating with friends and neighbors at the United We Rock Festival, we invite everyone to join us in honoring Colorado’s past while looking ahead to its future.”
Here’s a rundown of those Colorado Day festivities.
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
Celebrate Colorado Day from one of the state’s most iconic destinations with sunrise and sunset experiences and a Guinness World Records attempt celebrating Pikes Peak’s famous summit donuts.
See the Sunrise
The gateway to the Pikes Peak Highway opens at 4:30 a.m. But you must have your timed-entry permit or shuttle reservations.
Be Part of the World Record Attempt
Get your donut at the Summit Visitor Center and join the attempt at 11 a.m. to set the record for the most people dunking donuts into coffee simultaneously. It’s free to participate on a first-come, first-served basis.
After the record is broken — or at least attempted — you can meet Ranger Donut and representatives from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon, AdAmAn Club, Cycle to the Summit and other community partners.
Catch the Sunset
The Pikes Peak Highway reopens at 6:45 p.m. Sunset is expected at approximately 8:10 p.m. Make sure you have your timed-entry permit or shuttle reservation.
Get those reservations and additional information at DrivePikesPeak.com.
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. you can celebrate Colorado Day in the heart of downtown with free admission and activities for all ages at the Pioneers Museum. You’ll find live music by Ian Ferguson Family Band, Reide Poole and the Night Owl Featuring Gina Leslie, and U.S. Air Force Academy Wild Blue.
Food trucks will be serving, and you can sing “Happy Birthday” and enjoy cake celebrating Colorado’s 150th birthday.
There’s a new exhibition opening too. Freedom to Thrive: The American Experiment in Colorado Springs was developed with community curators including: L’Bertrice Solomon, Joyce Salazar, Patience Kabwasa, Chauncy Johnson, Maria Cordova and Jay Byron.
Reservations and additional information are available at CSPM.org.
United We Rock Festival at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Party like it’s 1876 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the United We Rock festival. It’s a community celebration featuring music, history and local flavor. Six live bands will play through the afternoon and evening. Approximately 20 food trucks will be serving. Those 21 and older can enjoy Colorado beer, whiskey and spirits tastings. A 10-punch tasting pass and commemorative United We Rock sampling glass are included in adult admission. You can also visit local artisans and makers. And a family area will host games, hands-on activities and more community organizations.
And this is Rock Ledge Ranch and Colorado’s 150th birthday, so living history actors will portray figures from the Springs’ past. And you can enjoy interactive historic experiences, including blacksmith demonstrations and the historic General Store.
Admission is $25 for adults 21 and older who want a tasting pass, $5 for nondrinkers, $5 for ages 6-20. Kids 5 and under are free.
All proceeds benefit the Living History Association, supporting preservation, educational programming and community experiences at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.
Tickets and additional information are available at RockLedgeRanch.com.
