Denver Union Station will host its second annual Colorado Day: Spirit of the Centennial State celebration on Saturday, Aug. 1, bringing together local food, live entertainment, family activities and historic experiences in the heart of downtown Denver.

---

Need more? Read more: Little Blue Pigeon: a charming independent bookstore in downtown Denver

---

Free summer event in Denver you won’t want to miss

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can celebrate Colorado’s sesquicentennial free of charge at the beloved Denver Union Station.

Whether you’re a Colorado native, a summer visitor or simply looking for things to do in Denver this August, the event offers a uniquely Colorado way to spend the day.

What is Colorado Day?

Colorado officially became the 38th state on Aug. 1, 1876, earning the nickname “The Centennial State” because statehood arrived 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

As Colorado celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026, communities throughout the state are planning special events, exhibitions and celebrations honoring the milestone.

At Denver Union Station, that celebration includes food, history, music and family-friendly activities designed to showcase the people, places and traditions that have shaped Colorado.

What to expect at Denver Union Station’s Colorado Day celebration

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment and cultural experiences.

Highlights include:

• Historic LoDo walking tours led by Historic Denver
• Performances by the Cleo Parker Robinson Youth Ensemble
• Central City Opera performances
• Rodeo-themed activations from the National Western
• Family activities with the Colorado Rapids
• Interactive experiences throughout Denver Union Station

A taste of Colorado’s culinary scene

Food lovers will find plenty to explore during the celebration.

The Taste of Colorado experience will feature small bites made with Colorado-grown ingredients from Denver Union Station’s restaurants and bars, including:

• Mercantile Dining & Provision
• Ultreia
• Olive & Finch
• Milkbox Ice Creamery
• The Cooper Lounge
• Terminal Bar
• Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

While the event is free, food tickets are an additional cost of $25 for adults and $15 for children.

Guests 21 and older can also purchase tickets for the Colorado Cocktail Trail, featuring Colorado wines, beers and spirits for an extra $25.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in late June.

Turn the celebration into a weekend getaway

Visitors traveling to Denver for Colorado Day may want to consider making a weekend of it.

To coincide with Colorado’s anniversary celebrations and America’s upcoming 250th birthday, The Crawford Hotel has launched its Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights package.

The experience includes:

• A guided Aspire Tour experience
• Choice of Rocky Mountain National Park or Red Rocks exploration
• Two Colorado Rockies tickets for eligible game dates
• Dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision
• Ice cream from Milkbox Ice Creamery

The package requires a two-night minimum stay and is available through Aug. 31.

What visitors should know before attending

• Colorado Day takes place Aug. 1.
• The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Admission is free.
• Food tasting tickets cost $25 for adults.
• Children’s tickets cost $15.
• Colorado Cocktail Trail tickets are available for guests 21 and older.
• The event takes place at Denver Union Station in LoDo.
• Proceeds benefit the Union Station Foundation.

For travelers looking to experience Colorado’s culture, food and history in one place, Colorado Day at Denver Union Station offers a fitting tribute to the state’s 150th birthday and one of Denver’s most beloved landmarks.

For more information, visit denverunionstation.com/events/colorado-day.