Colorado 150: Celebrating 150 Years of the Centennial State on August 1, 2026

Summer in Colorado is banner season — but this year, August belongs to the state itself. On August 1, 2026, Colorado turns 150. A century and a half ago, our state joined the Union — and this summer, the celebration doubles up with America’s 250th birthday. This guide marks the Colorado 150th anniversary the way we know best: with the story of our statehood, the meaning behind our flag, and every way to fly the Centennial State’s colors this August. At Flag World Company in Aurora, we’ve flown Colorado’s colors for 37 of those 150 years.

How Colorado Became the Centennial State

Colorado entered the Union on August 1, 1876, as the 38th state, by proclamation of President Ulysses S. Grant. The timing gave us our nickname. The nation was celebrating its 100th birthday that very year, so Colorado became the Centennial State. Some also called it the Columbine State, after the mountain flower.

That August date still matters here. Colorado Day falls on August 1 every year, and communities across the state mark it with events, museum days, and celebrations. Furthermore, 2026 makes it a milestone — the sesquicentennial, 150 years of statehood. Expect festivals, parades, and civic events across the Front Range all summer long.

The Story of the Colorado Flag

Our flag is one of the most recognizable state designs in America, and it has a story worth knowing.

• Adopted in 1911 — The design came from Andrew Carlisle Carson and became official on June 5, 1911, thirty-five years after statehood.
• The design — Three horizontal stripes of equal width: blue, white, blue. A circular red “C” sits atop the stripes, filled with a golden disk.
• What the colors mean — Blue for Colorado’s skies. White for snowcapped mountains. Red for the earth that gave the state its name — “colorado” is Spanish for “colored red.” Gold for sunshine and the state’s mining history.
• Refined in 1964 — The state standardized the exact colors and proportions, giving us the flag we fly today.

So when that red C catches the sun on a flagpole, it carries the whole state in four colors. Few flags say so much so simply.

A Double Anniversary: America 250 Meets Colorado 150

This year is unlike any other on the calendar. The nation marks its semiquincentennial — 250 years since 1776 — in the same season Colorado marks 150 years of statehood. That pairing is no coincidence. Colorado is the Centennial State precisely because it was born during America’s 100th year. In other words, our state’s birthday has always been tied to the nation’s.

The classic display this August pairs the two: an American flag flying with the Colorado flag beneath or beside it. Flag etiquette places the US flag in the position of honor — at the top of a shared pole or on its own right. Fly them together and your home or business tells both stories at once.

Displaying the US and Colorado Flags Together

Since this summer celebrates both anniversaries, most displays will fly both flags. A few etiquette rules keep the display correct. On a single pole, the American flag flies at the top, with the Colorado flag beneath it. On separate poles of equal height, the US flag takes the position of honor — its own right, which is the viewer’s left. Neither flag should touch the ground, and worn flags deserve respectful retirement.

Size matters too. When two flags share a pole, the state flag should be the same size or smaller than the US flag above it. So a common home setup pairs a 3′ x 5′ American flag with a 3′ x 5′ or smaller Colorado flag. In addition, if your pole and hardware only carry one flag, alternating them through August works beautifully — the US flag for the national celebration, the Colorado flag for statehood week around August 1.

How Colorado Marks August 1

Colorado Day has been part of the state’s rhythm for generations. Communities across the Front Range mark the date with festivals, museum programs, and civic celebrations — and in a sesquicentennial year, expect them bigger than ever. Homes fly the state colors for the week. Businesses add the Colorado flag to their entrance displays. Schools returning in August fold statehood history into the first weeks of class.

The best time to get your display ready is now. Flags ordered in mid-July arrive with time to spare, and our Aurora showroom stocks Colorado sizes for same-day pickup. As a result, there’s no reason to watch the anniversary pass with an empty pole.

Flying the Flag for the Colorado 150th Anniversary

The Centennial State deserves colors built for its weather. Our Colorado flags are Made in the USA and constructed for Front Range wind and high-altitude sun:

• Colorado 3′ x 5′ Poly II — 100% 2-ply spun polyester with an open weave that resists high winds. Built as the longest-lasting flag made, with a one-year colorfast guarantee. The pick for windy sites and commercial poles.
• Colorado 3′ x 5′ Nylon Sewn — Classic sewn construction in premium nylon for rich color and graceful flying.
• Colorado 4′ x 6′ Nylon — Heavyweight 200-denier nylon, aniline-dyed for brilliant color, fade-treated, finished with a white header and brass grommets. Sized for taller residential and business poles.

Not sure which size fits your pole? Our team matches flags to pole heights every day — call 303-623-0589 and we’ll get it right. Browse the full state flags collection to see every option. And if the anniversary has you finally putting up that flagpole, our residential flagpole guide covers the whole project.

Celebrate Beyond the Flagpole

Not every celebration needs a pole. The Colorado “C” travels well:

• Car flags — A double-sided 12″ x 15″ Colorado window flag clips to your car and takes state pride down the highway.
• Pins and patches — Colorado state shape lapel pins in gold-plated enamel, and embroidered state patches for jackets and packs.
• Decals and magnets — State flag decals for windows and water bottles, plus flag magnets for the fridge.
• Handheld and miniature flags — Small Colorado flags for parades, parties, and Colorado Day events.

Furthermore, these small pieces make perfect party favors and gifts for the sesquicentennial summer — affordable, personal, and unmistakably Colorado.

For Businesses, Schools, and Communities

The Colorado 150th anniversary is a natural moment for organizations to fly the state’s colors. Businesses along the Front Range add the Colorado flag beside their US flag for August. Schools work statehood history into the season — and our school flags guide covers classroom and campus displays in depth. Cities and event organizers dress up venues for Colorado Day festivities. In addition, our in-house Custom Dept. produces custom banners for anniversary events, Made in the USA — request a quote for your celebration.

Why Flag World for Your Colorado Colors

Flag World Company has been part of Colorado’s story since 1989 — 37 years of the state’s 150. We’re a family-owned Aurora business, not a faceless web store. Our flags are Made in the USA, we back our pricing with a price match guarantee, and you get free shipping on orders over $129.90 (restrictions apply). When you buy the Centennial State’s flag from us, you buy it from neighbors.

Visit Our Aurora Showroom

See Colorado flags, sizes, and materials in person before the anniversary rush.

Flag World Company
1270 South Abilene St, Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 303-623-0589
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Colorado become a state?

Colorado joined the Union on August 1, 1876, as the 38th state, by proclamation of President Ulysses S. Grant. August 1, 2026 marks exactly 150 years — the state’s sesquicentennial.

Why is Colorado called the Centennial State?

Colorado achieved statehood in 1876, the same year the United States celebrated its 100th birthday. The nickname honors that timing — which is why 2026’s double anniversary of America 250 and Colorado 150 fits together so naturally.

What do the colors of the Colorado flag mean?

Blue represents Colorado’s skies, white the snowcapped mountains, red the earth that named the state, and gold the sunshine and mining heritage. The design dates to 1911, by Andrew Carlisle Carson.

What size Colorado flag should I fly?

The 3′ x 5′ fits most home poles, while 4′ x 6′ suits taller residential and commercial poles. For windy locations, the Poly II 2-ply polyester holds up best. Call 303-623-0589 and we’ll size it to your pole.

Where can I buy a Colorado flag in person?

Visit our Aurora showroom at 1270 South Abilene St — we stock Colorado flags in multiple sizes and materials, plus pins, patches, decals, and more. We’ve served the Denver metro since 1989.

The Colorado 150th anniversary comes once. Fly the colors, pin the C to your jacket, and mark the moment. Browse the state flags collection, visit the showroom, or call 303-623-0589 — and happy birthday, Colorado.