Colorado to celebrate 150th with statewide drone shows

DENVER — A statewide drone show series will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood, the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission announced Tuesday.

The initiative, created in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office and Visit Denver, includes two major programs that will run through the end of 2026.

The Stories in the Sky Statewide Series, sponsored by Chevron, Tallgrass and UCHealth, will bring drone shows to communities across Colorado. The series begins Sept. 27 at the University of Colorado football game in Boulder and will continue across the state in 2026, from the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope.

The Mile High Holidays Nightly Drone Spectacular, hosted by Visit Denver, will return Nov. 21 with 40 nights of performances lighting up the Denver skyline. The show will run through the holiday season and return for an encore in 2026.

“Drone shows are a fresh, family-friendly way to celebrate these anniversaries and connect communities,” said Dick Monfort, commissioner and CEO of the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club. “They’ll inspire pride in Colorado and the United States as we mark these milestones while offering a modern, jaw-dropping spectacle.”

Richard Scharf, president and CEO of Visit Denver, said the shows will elevate one of the city’s most popular holiday traditions. “Nightly drone shows return for Mile High Holidays, and we are thrilled to partner with the Commission to elevate this celebration for the state’s historic anniversary,” he said.

Produced by Brightflight Drone Shows, the events will feature hundreds of synchronized drones creating animations. Visit Denver’s holiday show will spotlight festive scenes and tributes to city landmarks, while the Stories in the Sky series will feature custom displays unique to each host location.

Chevron, Tallgrass and UCHealth officials said their sponsorship reflects a commitment to community pride and connection. “These shows are a perfect way to bring people together and honor the spirit of innovation and resilience that has defined our state,” said Bobby Hulett, Chevron’s Colorado region director.

Featured stops in 2026 include the Greeley Stampede on June 25, Durango’s Music in the Mountains on July 25, the Colorado Day Rockies Game on Aug. 1, the Palisade Peach Festival on Aug. 21 and the Telluride Film Festival on Sept. 3 or 4.

The drone shows are one of 12 signature initiatives from the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission. A full schedule is available on the Commission’s official events calendar.