It’s an Olympic and Paralympic year, and that means lots of ways to celebrate in Olympic City USA. Paris is the host of the Olympics 2024, running July 26 to Aug. 11, followed by the Paralympics 2024 from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8. In Colorado Springs, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (USOPM0 is ground zero for experiencing the spirit and excitement of the Games, thanks to a new Paris exhibit and a full schedule of 2024 Paris Summer Fest celebrations.
“Our Paris Summer Fest celebration is a unique opportunity to share the joy and inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games with our community,” said Marisa Wigglesworth, USOPM CEO. “We are thrilled to bring a piece of Paris to Olympic City USA and create memorable experiences for our visitors.”
Paris Summer Fest will feature daily activities including Olympic and Paralympic athlete meet-and-greets and artifact demonstrations. Sammy Schultz, a 2020 Olympian, will instruct guests in shooting fundamentals and offer tips for laser pistols used in modern pentathlon.
“I’m honored to be part of this celebration and to share the Olympic spirit with everyone attending,” Schultz said. “The interactive sport demonstrations will be a fantastic way to bring visitors closer to the Games.”
Throughout the Olympics and Paralympics, guests can watch live event coverage on the museum’s 40-foot tall screen in the Atrium and order snacks or meals from the Flame Café to be delivered to their table. Scroll down for a list of the specific events and festivals.
Olympics 2024 and 1924: Return to Paris Exhibit Now Open
The city of Paris has long been synonymous with the Olympic Games. And the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games mark the 100-year anniversary of the Paris 1924 Games. To commemorate the historic milestone, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum has already unveiled its latest exhibit, “Return to Paris: 1924 | 2024.”
The Paris 1924 Olympics introduced many significant elements that have become staples of the Games, such as the Athlete Village and the Closing Ceremony. The “Return to Paris” exhibit highlights these historical contributions and more, offering visitors a journey through time.
Among the artifacts on display are a White House telegram sent from President Calvin Coolidge announcing Team USA’s departure from Paris via the S.S. America and a copy of the Paris Times from July 8, 1924, celebrating the American victory in hurdles. Guests can alswo explore the evolution of the Games through a unique comparison of the 1924 and 2024 medals. These historical items present tangible connections to the past and highlight the enduring legacy of the Olympic Games.
Beyond the historical elements, the exhibit will share inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph. Visitors will gain insight into the challenging journeys of athletes, including those that led to Team USA gold. The narratives not only celebrate past achievements, but also motivate future generations by showcasing the grit and determination required to reach the pinnacle of athletic success.
Events and Things to Do to Celebrate the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics
Highlights of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum Paris Summer Fest include:
Olympic Opening Ceremony
July 26: 11:30 a.m.
Watch the 2024 Olympics get underway. The Olympic museum will show live coverage of the 2024 Paris Games Opening Ceremony on its 40-foot LED wall.
Free Downtown Summer Fest
July 27: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The whole city will be celebrating downtown. In partnership with the Colorado Springs Sports Corp, Downtown Summer Fest will happen in front of the Olympic museum. The citywide celebration is free for all ages and will include live music, sports and cultural demonstrations, vendors and more. The Rocky Mountain 5K will start at 9:30 a.m. You will have to purchase a ticket to go inside the Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
Carly Patterson Meet & Greet
Aug. 1: 1:30-3 p.m.
The 2004 Olympic all-around gymnastics champion Carly Patterson will be meeting with guests and signing autographs.
Live Olympic-Themed Painting
Aug. 2: all day
Bernard Sandoval, Olympic City USA Task Force co-chair, will be painting a new Olympic-themed piece throughout the day. Sandoval will add to his Olympic collection which includes paintings of Peggy Fleming, Jesse Owens, Bonnie Blair, Ruben Gonzalez and Jim Thorpe.
Paris Games Free, Outdoor Watch Party
Aug. 3: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cheer on Team USA at the Olympics 2024 at this free, outdoor watch party on the giant screen. There will be beverages available and mobile ordering from Flame Café. Museum access will require a ticket.
USA Wheelchair Fencing Paralympic Media Day
Aug. 9: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
USA Fencing will host its media day at the museum for the 2024 U.S. Paralympic Fencing Team. The six Paralympians will answer questions from the media and share their inspiring stories with guests.
Olympic Closing Ceremony Watch Party
Aug. 11: 12 p.m.
Witness the 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony live on the Museum’s 40-foot LED wall. And take advantage of mobile ordering from Flame Café.
Paralympic Opening Ceremony Watch Party
Aug. 28: 12-3 p.m.
Celebrate round two of this Olympic and Paralympic year. Watch the live coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Opening Ceremony on the LED wall. Yep, you can still order food to your table from the Flame Café.
Paralympic Day Celebration
Aug. 31: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Watch live broadcasts of the Paralympic Games 2024 on the Museum’s 40-foot LED wall.
Paralympic Closing Ceremony Watch Party
Sept. 8: 12-3 p.m.
Paris brings its Paralympics 2024 to a close. And you can enjoy live coverage of the Closing Ceremony on the Museum’s giant, 40-foot LED wall.
All events require museum admission unless otherwise noted. For more information and to plan your visit, please visit usopm.org/summerfest.
How to Visit the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Training Center
An Olympic and Paralympic year is an especially exciting time to celebrate in Olympic City USA. But it’s always fascinating to explore the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. Get insights on what to expect in our article Inside the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. And find out how to double your Team USA experience in Podium Package Is the Best Way to Experience Olympic City USA.
