Celebrate Colorado Day on August 1 from sunrise to sunset in Colorado Springs

The City of Colorado Springs invites residents and visitors to celebrate Colorado's 150th birthday from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, Aug. 1, with a full day of experiences across the city.

The day begins atop Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, where early risers can watch the sunrise before joining a Guinness World Records™ attempt to set the record for the most people dunking donuts into coffee simultaneously, celebrating one of the mountain's most iconic traditions.

Continue the celebration at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum's free Colorado Day event featuring live music, food trucks, family activities and birthday cake, along with the opening of its new exhibition, Freedom to Thrive: The American Experiment in Colorado Springs, centers people and stories to examine opportunities and obstacles to freedom in our community - while challenging us all to find common ground for the common good in 2026.

Then cap off the day at the United We Rock Festival at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, where live music, living history and local flavor come together in a one-of-a-kind community celebration honoring Colorado's 150th anniversary. Together, the events celebrate the landscapes, stories and community that continue to shape Colorado Springs as part of the statewide America 250-Colorado 150 commemoration.

"Colorado Day is an opportunity to celebrate the people, places and stories that have shaped Colorado Springs and our state," said Cultural Services Manager Matt Mayberry, . "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."

From the summit of Pikes Peak to the heart of downtown and the historic grounds of Rock Ledge Ranch, Colorado Day offers opportunities to connect with the people and places that define Colorado Springs. Whether taking in panoramic mountain views, enjoying live entertainment, exploring local history or gathering with friends and neighbors, residents and visitors can celebrate Colorado's past while experiencing the community that continues to shape its future.

Plan your Colorado Day

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.

Sunrise

• Gateway opens at 4:30 a.m.
• Timed-entry permits or shuttle reservations are required.

Guinness World Records™ attempt

• 11 a.m. at the Summit Visitor Center
• Help attempt the record for the most people dunking donuts into coffee simultaneously.
• Participation is free with summit admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• 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 following the attempt.

Sunset

• Highway reopens at 6:45 p.m.
• Sunset is expected at approximately 8:10 p.m.
• Timed-entry permits or shuttle reservations are required.
• Reservations and additional information are available at DrivePikesPeak.com.

Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Celebrate Colorado Day in the heart of downtown with free admission and activities for all ages, including:

• Live music performances by Ian Ferguson Family Band, Reide Poole and the Night Owl Featuring Gina Leslie, and US Air Force Academy Wild Blue
• Food trucks
• Family-friendly activities
• Sing Happy Birthday and enjoy Birthday cake celebrating Colorado's 150th birthday
• Opening of Freedom to Thrive: The American Experiment in Colorado Springs, a new exhibition 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

2-8 p.m.

Cap off Colorado Day with a community celebration featuring music, history and local flavor.

Highlights include:

• Six live bands throughout the afternoon and evening
• Living history actors portraying figures from Colorado Springs' past
• Interactive historic experiences, including blacksmith demonstrations and the historic General Store
• Approximately 20 food trucks
• Local artisan vendors and makers
• Beer, whiskey and spirits tastings for guests ages 21 and older
• A family area with games, hands-on activities and community organizations

Admission

• Ages 21+: $25 (includes admission, a 10-punch tasting pass and commemorative United We Rock sampling glass)
• Ages 6-20: $5
• Ages 5 and under: 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.