Colorado’s 150th: Where to Celebrate on the Western Slope

If you feel like 2026 is flying by, you are not alone. It is. So don't let the month of May disappear without taking a few days to enjoy Colorado's Sesquicentennial.

The Western Slope is celebrating all month long at events like the JUCO World Series and the Colorado Stampede. Memorial Day Weekend will be here before we know it, so here's a look at 12 May events to help celebrate Colorado's 150th.

Colorado’s 150th: Where to Celebrate on the Western Slope In May

You don’t get many chances to celebrate 150 years of state history, and Western Colorado is leaning into it in a big way. Communities from Grand Junction to Montrose are using May 2026 to spotlight what makes the region unique—rivers, rodeos, live music, and deep agricultural roots—with major events leading straight into Memorial Day weekend.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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How These Events Connect to Colorado’s 150th Anniversary

Photo by Laura Seaman on Unsplash

Many of these May events highlight traditions that have shaped Colorado since we became a state in 1876. Events featuring agriculture, rodeo culture, and community festivals feel even more special when they take place during a milestone like this. In the month leading up to summer, the Western Slope will showcase its role in state history with experiences locals and visitors can enjoy. Just pick one and have fun.

The Bottom Line: Why Colorado’s 150th Matters More Than Ever

Colorado’s 150^th anniversary arrives just as communities are placing renewed value on local culture, small-town events, and outdoor connection. When you are out enjoying an event in one of our Western Slope communities, be reminded of the people, traditions, and these incredible landscapes we’re lucky enough to experience. We’re all a part of history here.

KEEP GOING: Colorado’s One Must-See Spot (Start Here First)

Across Colorado, some destinations hit instantly: towering peaks, glowing red rock, alpine lakes, and storybook towns that make you stop in your tracks. The challenge isn’t finding one great spot—it’s narrowing it down. We asked you to tell us where to start. Here are 25 nominees for Colorado's one must-see spot.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: Colorado’s Final Frost Dates Might Surprise You

If you’ve ever compared planting advice across Western Colorado, you’ve probably noticed the dates don’t match—and that’s not a mistake. Elevation changes of just a few thousand feet can shift the final freeze by weeks, meaning what works in Grand Junction could fail in Gunnison.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams