Colorado Is Turning 150: How COS Is Honoring the Past and Celebrating What's Next
Colorado officially turns 150 years old on August 1, 2026, and Colorado Springs is at the center of the statewide sesquicentennial celebration. In this episode of Springs and Things, host Carly Ries interviews Erin of the El Pomar Foundation about how the Pikes Peak region is marking Colorado Day, the film five foundations created together, and how residents can get involved.
What is happening in Colorado Springs on August 1, 2026?
Colorado Day celebrations include a party at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum with cake and new exhibits, plus a major program on the summit of Pikes Peak featuring tribal blessings, dignitaries, and a Guinness World Record attempt for the most people dunking a donut into coffee at the same time. August 1 is also one of the only days offering sunrise and sunset trips to the top of Pikes Peak.
How do I attend the Pikes Peak celebration?
Visitors can make reservations through Pikes Peak – America's Mountain to drive up, ride the Cog Railway, hike, or bike to the summit. Reservations work the same as a standard summit visit, with earlier and later time slots added for Colorado Day.
What is the Colorado at 150 film?
Colorado at 150 is a documentary funded by five statewide foundations — the Anschutz Foundation, Boettcher Foundation, Adolph Coors Foundation, Daniels Fund, and El Pomar Foundation — to tell the story of 150 years of Colorado generosity. The film asks "Who have we been to one another?" and serves as a call to action for the next 150 years. Watch the short and long versions, share it, or screen it at your own event at co150film.com.
What is the digital Colorado Cultural Passport?
The digital Colorado Cultural Passport is a free guided pass covering 40+ history, heritage, and cultural destinations across the Pikes Peak region — including museums, nature centers, parks, cemeteries, and halls of fame. Check into any five participating locations to earn an entry into a grand prize giveaway of five curated regional experiences for a family of four. Sign up through the Pioneers Museum website's Colorado 150 programming link.
What history is Colorado Springs known for?
Colorado Springs was once known as "Little London" for its early focus on arts and culture — visual arts, performing arts, music, opera, and film. Today the city is known for outdoor recreation, Olympic and Paralympic sports, military, and tech, though its arts heritage (including the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center) remains a defining part of its story.
Links:
Watch the film + submit your story: co150film.com
Colorado Cultural Passport: via the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum website
Plan your summit visit: Pikes Peak – America's Mountain
