A Big Milestone

Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876. This Saturday, August 1, 2026, marks exactly 150 years since Colorado entered the Union — the sesquicentennial of statehood. Colorado Day is a state holiday, and Colorado Springs has two distinct events planned for families who want to mark the occasion.

One is completely free and runs all morning. The other is an afternoon and evening option with a modest ticket price. Together, they cover most of Saturday for families who want a full Colorado Day.

Quick Reference

At the Pioneers Museum

The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum at 215 S. Tejon St is offering free admission all day on Colorado Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Pikes Peak region, and Colorado Day is one of the bigger events in its annual calendar.

At Rock Ledge Ranch

United We Rock takes place at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, 3105 Gateway Rd, from 2 to 8 p.m. General admission is $5. Children under five get in free. There's also a 21+ tasting pass available for $25.

Rock Ledge Ranch sits at the base of Garden of the Gods, which gives the outdoor venue a distinctive backdrop. The event runs through the late afternoon into the evening, which makes it a natural follow-on to a morning at the museum if families want a full Saturday, or a standalone afternoon option on its own.

Choosing Between the Two

The two events serve different parts of the day and different family needs. The museum is best suited for families with younger children who want structured activities — a petting zoo, a photobooth, and live music in a controlled indoor-outdoor setting with no cost. United We Rock is an outdoor afternoon and evening event with a more festival feel, and the $5 general admission keeps it accessible. The under-five free admission at Rock Ledge Ranch makes it workable for families with toddlers.

Both events are within Colorado Springs, so families could reasonably do the museum in the morning and head to Rock Ledge Ranch in the afternoon if they want to make a full day of it.

What's Next

Both events are this Saturday, August 1. The Pioneers Museum opens at 10 a.m.; United We Rock starts at 2 p.m. For more on the museum's Colorado Day programming, check pioneersmuseum.org. For Rock Ledge Ranch details and tickets, visit rockledgeranch.com. The Canadian Open draws in Toronto and Montreal are also released Saturday — a busy day for COS families who follow both local culture and summer sports.