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Celebrating America 250
Celebrating America 250
Free Speech is fundamental to our democracy.
America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th anniversaries this year are historic opportunities to celebrate and renew our commitments to freedom. Join us at the nonpartisan Free Speech Festival!
Fun Free Speech Fest Activities For All Ages
Saturday, Feb 28, drop by 11am - 1pm @ East Library
NEWS AND DEMOCRACY
Learn about the importance of local news for democracy, how Colorado is helping to lead the way, and journalism in general.
We want to hear from all ages about your favorite news sources, news story ideas, school news teams, AI experiences, and ideas about how to build trust online.
ZINES AND COMMON SENSE
Celebrate free speech by creating a zine, a pocket Bill of Rights, and learning about Paine's "Common Sense."
In addition to hands on activities we will also have tips on podcasting, social media, and video creation. Come get creative and give voice to your ideas!
THE POWER OF CONNECTIONS
We'll share ideas for connecting with neighbors, nonprofit groups, and local government. Plus we'll provide tips on talking with those who disagree.
Join us to explore civics, volunteer opportunities, youth programs, advocacy and leadership skills, voting, misinformation, etc.
IMPROV COMMUNICATIONS
Experience an improv performance and talk to the artists about key techniques and try it yourself.
Improv improves the ability to actively listen, think quickly, build on ideas, connect authentically, and boost engagement. Apply these skills to be more successful in daily life!
BOOKS AND MUGSHOTS
Take a "mugshot" with a banned book (Harry Potter, 1984, etc.) and have a chance to win one!
We will also have a selection of books set in Colorado to celebrate Colorado's 150th anniversary. How have books helped you understand other people, places, and times?
MAKE FREEDOM POSTERS
Create poster art to express what freedom means to you with the help of UCCS's GOCA. Concrete Couch will have art activities as well.
Our event has artists and writers who can help you with ideas for America 250 and other activities you can do after Free Speech Fest.
Learn and Have Fun Along With Our Volunteers
From Thomas Paine's world-changing pamphlet that rallied colonists to a common cause in 1776 to our rapidly changing, content saturated world of podcasts, Tik-Tok, AI, misinformation entrepreneurs, and more 250 years later, we hope to challenge and inspire everyone with activities that enhance communications and critical thinking skills that can be useful at home, work, school and in our democracy.
In 1776, Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" pamphlet was a runaway best seller that helped power our revolution. Explore pamphlets, zines and poster making at Free Speech Fest.
In 2026, even a beginner can quickly create fake news videos that show how fast the technology is changing. Visit our resources page for contests, activities, and links to some thought provoking challenges of our modern free speech era. We hope you'll come learn and have fun along with our volunteers at Free Speech Fest!
Directions
The East Library is at 5550 N Union Blvd in Colorado Springs. Look for the East Library sign marking the entrance as the library is set far back from Union.
From the north on Union
Be prepared to make a right turn after Vickers.
From the south on Union
Use the left turn lane after Montebello.
We'll be in the Community Meeting Room (11am-1pm)
Enter the building from the Union Blvd side. Go through both doors and immediately turn left to find the hallway that continues to the left. Follow the hallway to the Community Meeting Room also on the left.
Volunteers will be staffing the activity tables and some will give small informal talks to provide information and answer questions.
How You Can Help
Bring your questions and ideas to Free Speech Fest. We're interested in ways to bring more community groups and volunteers together, solve problems, increase understanding, have fun, and strengthen our democracy.
Add Feb. 28, 11am-1pm to your calendar and see you there!
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