Take in a Show for America's 250th & Colorado's 150th Birthdays

In 2026, two key historic events coincide:

• America celebrates its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and
• Colorado celebrates its 150th anniversary of entering the Union.

Explore Colorado's Unique Historic Opera Houses

This year is the perfect time to visit the Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit!

Check out world-class music, theater, dance, comedy, and more in original historic buildings. All Circuit opera houses are on the National Register of Historic Places, were built from 1878 to 1913 and retain their original character:

• Central City Opera House (Central City)
• Sheridan Opera House (Telluride)
• Tabor Opera House (Leadville)
• Wheeler Opera House (Aspen)
• Wright Opera House (Ouray)

Get a Rare Experience of Genuine Colorado History

Between 1860 and 1920, 132 opera houses were built in Colorado, according to “Local Glories: Opera Houses on Main Street, Where Art and Culture Meet” by Ann Satterthwaite. Today, many opera houses are being used for other purposes or are no longer in existence. The five Circuit opera houses give visitors a rare opportunity to see live entertainment in the same settings that people did at the turn of the 20th century.

At the opera houses, you can meet a lesser-known side of the Wild West. Among the rowdy mining camps, saloons, and outlaws, these ornate beacons of culture were built to announce a town’s up-and-coming status.

See a Show and Take a History Tour!

Check our calendar or the opera house websites above for upcoming events!