In 2026, two major anniversaries converge: the United States turns 250 and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood. The dual celebration, often referred to as “America 250–Colorado 150,” is inspiring events, exhibits and community projects across the state.

“These events are for everyone, with opportunities to reflect, connect and enjoy shared experiences,” said City of Grand Junction Communications and Engagement Manager Kelsey Coleman. 

Colorado became a territory in 1861, then joined the Union on August 1, 1876—exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, earning its nickname as the Centennial State.

Planning efforts between local counties, the America 250 initiative and the state’s 150 commission have focused on creating events, exhibits and interactive experiences throughout 2026.

“These local stories don’t just reflect history, they show how Grand Junction helped shape the character, resilience and spirit of the American West,” Coleman said. 

In Delta and Montrose counties, planning for the 150/250 celebrations began in 2024, said Cally Hale, chair of the Delta/Montrose Colorado 150 program. A volunteer committee has been organizing events tied to July 4 and Colorado Day on August 1.

Amy Perkins, marketing coordinator for Delta County Tourism, said additional Delta County events are also being planned.

“We recommend visitors explore the local museums, which hold a wealth of information about Delta County’s agricultural, mining and cattle ranching past,” Perkins said.

MESA COUNTY EVENTS 

Downtown Fourth of July Parade
Grand Junction’s Main Street comes alive with colorful floats, live performances and patriotic music to celebrate America 250 and Colorado 150. Presented by the Credit Union of Colorado, the parade route runs down Main Street with plenty of sidewalk room for viewers.
10 a.m. | 1st Street to 9th Street | Free | VisitGrandJunction.com

Liberty on the Lawn - America 250
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary at Mesa County Fairgrounds with family-friendly gathering. Join the fun for live music, food trucks and interactive games for all ages. Historic reenactments and readings of founding documents enhance the patriotic spirit. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
12- 7 p.m. | 2785 US-50 | Free | America250.org

July 2-4
Grand Junction Razorback Suckers Baseball & Community Fireworks
Support America’s favorite pastime as the Grand Junction Razorback Suckers take on the Tucson Saguaros for a four-game series. The special Independence Day game on July 4th concludes with a fireworks display over the stadium at dusk. Fireworks can be seen from Lincoln Park, 1340 Gunnison Ave. if not attending the game. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
July 2-3: 6:30 p.m.
July 4: 5:30 p.m. (fireworks at 9:45 p.m.)
July 5: 2 p.m.
910 N. 12th St. | $10 | GJCity.org/222/Special-Events | 970-254-3866

4th of July Pool Celebration
Cool off at Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool during this special celebration honoring America's 250th birthday. Enjoy affordable swimming, diving boards, lap lanes, a water slide and a large splash area perfect for younger children before the evening fireworks. Pack a picnic and relax on the lawn. Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m.
11 a.m.–7:30 p.m. | 1340 Gunnison Ave. | $2.50 | GJCity.org/222/Special-Events

4th of July Palisade Parade
Gather with the community and watch the local floats and bike brigade to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The festivities continue at Veterans Memorial Park with family-friendly activities, games and foamy fun.
10 a.m. | Downtown and Veterans Memorial Park, 120 W. 8th St., Palisade | Free | Palisade.Colorado.gov | 970-464-5602

The Satin Dollz, a free concert on July 25 presented by Community Concerts of the Grand Valley, celebrates the music and spirit of World War II-era USO camp shows with swing-era harmonies, vintage flair and tap dancing. The performance is at the Avalon Theatre. Admission is free, but tickets are required and available beginning June 4.
CommunityConcertsGrandValley.org | 970-263-5700

Colorado 150 Film Series highlights notable films with Colorado ties, including movies set in Colorado or movies that were shot in the state since 1876. Beginning in June, more than 30 independent, community-based venues across Colorado, including the Avalon Theatre, will screen selections from the top 25 films chosen by Colorado film professionals. Colorado150 will also feature short films, music videos and presentations from filmmakers, artists, critics and other Colorado creatives before select screenings. The project’s website also includes a catalog of nearly 700 films connected to Colorado’s cinema history.
Colorado150Film.com | 720-968-8559

July 14-18
Mesa County Fair
Bring the family to the fairgrounds and enjoy the livestock exhibits, a carnival and daily entertainment. Arena action includes the Bull Wars on Thursday, a professional rodeo on Friday and a demolition derby on Saturday. Grandstand shows and carnival require tickets.
11 a.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Friday | 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday | 2785 U.S. 50 | Free | MesaCountyFair.org | 970-255-7101

July 23
Grand Junction 250/150: A Main Street Celebration
The Downtown Grand Junction Market on Main hosts a special commemoration honoring America's 250th anniversary and Colorado's 150th year of statehood. Reflect on the area's history, shop from local vendors, enjoy free kids’ activities and connect with Grand Junction leadership and staff.
5:30-9 p.m. | 5th & Main Street | Free | America250.org | 970-255-4923

MONTROSE COUNTY EVENTS

Back to the Future Festival on June 27 celebrates multiple milestones, including America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th, alongside Sharing Ministries Food Bank’s 30th and the Museum of the Mountain West’s 21st. This daylong event at the museum, 68169 Miami Road in Montrose, features tours, food, music, educational exhibits and family entertainment, offering a chance to reflect on the past while celebrating the community’s future. 

SharingMinistries.com | 970-240-8385

City of Montrose’s Independence Day celebration on July 4 features the theme “Our Heritage.” The event includes a patriotic parade, live music, food trucks, a farmers market and a free concert by the Valley Symphony Orchestra and Montrose Summer Music Series.

CityofMontrose.org/626/Independence-Day | 970-252-4881

Valley Symphony Association launches its 2026-27 season, “Legacy,” on October 1. Building on last season’s “Heritage” theme, which honored the orchestra’s musical history and community roots, “Legacy” looks ahead to the future of live music while reflecting the spirit of America 250-Colorado 150.

ValleySymphony.net | 970-765-8323

DELTA COUNTY EVENTS

“150 Things to Do” Delta County Digital Passport is an interactive mobile guide featuring 150 must-do activities across Delta County, including Delta, Cedaredge, Crawford, Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia. Users can check in at locations through the Visit Delta County app to win prizes, including a “Best of Delta County” basket valued at $300.

DeltaCountyColorado.com | 970-874-2108l

Step Into the Past: America 250-Colorado 150 brings monthly displays to the Delta Library that connect people, places and events from 150 years of Colorado history and 250 years of America’s journey. The library’s website also features a curated reading list of books tied to Colorado’s history.

DeltaLibraries.org | 970-399-7876

Crawford Pioneer Days returns June 11-13 with the theme “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave,” celebrating 250 years of the American spirit and 150 years of Colorado pride. The longtime community festival features a parade, baking and cook-off contests, live music and a fireworks finale over Crawford State Park.

CrawfordPioneerDays.com | 303-507-1075 

Western Sky Balloon Festival will feature 25 balloons in honor of America 250-Colorado 150 on July 2-6. Festivities at Confluence Park include vendors, a craft fair, pancake breakfast and early morning balloon flights.

CityofDelta.net/parksrecgolf/page/4th-july-western-sky-balloon-festival-0

Delta County Fair & Rodeo committee invites community members to saddle up for the 250-150 celebration August 1-9 in Hotchkiss. The fair celebrates heritage, hard work and community with ranch rodeos, exhibits at Heritage Hall and 4-H and FFA competitions. 

DeltaCountyCO.gov/fair | 970-874-2199

City of Delta Car Show & Downtown Cruise rolls into downtown Delta on September 11 with more than 150 classic cars and the Stories in the Sky Drone Show.

CityofDelta.net/parksrecgolf/page/car-show-downtown-cruise-night-2026 | 970-874-0923 x405

TRAVELING EVENTS

Thomas “Detour” Evans’ Traveling Mural uses vivid colors and images of tractors, waterways and crops to tell the story of Colorado agriculture from past to present. Evans said the piece is meant not only to reflect on 150 years of agricultural history but also to inspire pride, curiosity and the next generation of farmers, ranchers and land stewards.

Check for location updates: SettingColoradosTable.com/ag-mural9

Stories in the Sky, developed with the America 250-Colorado 150 Commission, brings free drone shows to communities across Colorado. The synchronized aerial displays use hundreds of drones to illuminate scenes from local, state and national history, with performances planned from the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope.

Stops include: 

• May 8 in Montrose at Montrose Rotary Amphitheater 

• August 21 in Palisade during the Palisade Peach Festival 

• September 11 in Delta during the City of Delta Car Show & Downtown Cruise

• October 10 in Grand Junction during the Water Lights at Night at the Butterfly Pond at Las Colonias

HistoryColorado.org/Colorado-150/Initiative-Stories-In-The-Sky

WEBSITES TO WATCH: 

America250.org

Colorado.com/am250-co150-events