In 2026, the United States celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood. Combining these historic events also provides us with a term that may prove a mouthful – Sesquisemiquincentennial!
These milestone twin anniversaries invite us to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our communities, and look to the future together.
Throughout the year, events will take place across the region to commemorate and celebrate this incredible milestone. We invite you to participate, share with others, and feel a sense of pride for the country and state that we live in.
Be sure to bookmark this page, as more content will be added as additional events are planned throughout the region.
As we enter 2026, Colorado invites communities across the state to participate in a once-in-a-generation commemoration. Many events are taking place throughout the state as part of the sesquisemiquincentennial celebration. You can be a part of them too!
The calendar linked below highlights events that celebrate our shared history, culture, and communities.
El Paso County Anniversaries
El Paso County, Colorado
Celebrating 165 Years
El Paso County has a population of over 750,000, providing residents with a thriving downtown, family-friendly suburbs, and vast rural expanses. The County is home to eight municipalities, each contributing to the community’s geographic, economic, and social fabric. With mountains to the west, forest to the north, and plains to the east, you can hike, bike, kayak, and explore without ever leaving El Paso County.
Learn more about what drives El Paso County by visiting our Strategic Plan webpage.
El Paso County Fair
Celebrating 121 Years
The El Paso County Fair is a tradition that dates back over 120 years, making it nearly as old as the State of Colorado! The Fair will run from July 11 – 18 at the El Paso County Fairgrounds in Calhan.
This year’s theme, United We Celebrate, is a nod to the sesquisemiquincentennial and will feature all the activities, fun, and food that you have come to expect from this longstanding celebration of our western heritage.
Be sure to visit the El Paso County Fair website to stay updated on all the news and information as it becomes available.
Bear Creek Nature Center
Celebrating 50 Years
Bear Creek Nature Center is celebrating 50 years of hiking the foothills, searching for mule deer, and discovering Bear Creek! Scrub oak thicket, ponderosa pine forests, meadows, a mountain creek, and abundant foothills wildlife attract children and adults to Bear Creek Regional Park and Nature Center. Interpretive programs, special events, guided and self-guided tours, and media presentations are offered all year.
Outside, two miles of self-guided nature trails wind through the short grass prairie, scrub oak woodlands, and cottonwood riparian communities. The nature trails are for “foot traffic only,” and pets are prohibited. The regional trails are open to hiking, horseback riding, and pets on a leash.
You can learn more about Bear Creek Nature Center by visiting their webpage.
Helpful Links
Below you can find links to different pages that will help you interact with the many events that are going on both locally and throughout the state of Colorado. More links will be added as additional events are planned.
Submit your own events or find other ways to get involved – Am250CO150.org
Statewide Calendar of Events – https://www.colorado.com/am250-co150-events
Visit COS Celebration Page – https://www.visitcos.com/blog/celebrate-250-150-in-the-pikes-peak-region/
Peak Radar Celebration Page – https://peakradar.com/categories/am250co150/