Free Speech Fest

Free Speech Fest is organized and staffed by volunteers who love art, writing, digital media, democracy, journalism, and helping all ages explore the skills and knowledge that allows citizens to build understanding and solve problems together.

This is also a historic opportunity to celebrate and reflect on our country’s 250th anniversary celebration and the rights we cherish. Activities are family-friendly and non-partisan, so everyone is encouraged to attend.

The Colorado College Journalism Institute will help visitors learn about the many ways local news is important for democracy, how Colorado is a leading the way, and resources for finding new and high-quality sources of news. Their team has experience in journalism, authoring books, podcasting, documentary films, and our rapidly changing news ecosystem. News literacy is important for everyone!

Third Act Colorado volunteers with the group’s democracy initiative will help visitors create a pocket Bill of Rights, connect with America250’s nationwide free speech contests and challenges for all ages, and learn about increasingly important free speech topics such as misinformation, self-censorship, fake news, AI, and tips for respectfully talking with those who disagree.

UCCS Galleries of Contemporary Art (GOCA) artists will help all ages create beautiful posters about ‘what freedom means to me.”

Concrete Couch will lead interactive, hands-on art activities celebrating freedom of speech.

Improv Colorado will demonstrate and help you learn improv skills that are valuable for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking ability, listening skills, or just have fun learning how to improvise.

Banned Book Bandit Photo Opportunity provides a fun and thought-provoking chance to take a mug shot with a classic banned book such as Harry Potter or 1984. And in the spirit of free speech, you might even want to share it online! We will also give away several of the books as a thank you for coming.

Please visit the event website at https://www.together250.org for more information about America 250, Colorado 150, and the many additional opportunities and resources our volunteers can help you explore during this special anniversary year for our country.

Come ready to be inspired by the challenges and power of free speech throughout our history and gain an appreciation for what you can do to help protect it for future generations.

This calendar listing is brought to you by Peak Radar, the Pikes Peak region’s one-stop, online website for arts and entertainment events, powered by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region.