RMV Freedom Festival launches: Nick Shirley announced as first speaker

By RMV Staff | Rocky Mountain Voice

Tickets are now live for the RMV Freedom Festival.

🎟️ Tickets are now available:
https://events.rockymountainvoice.com/events/rmv-freedom-fest-2026

We’re kicking things off with our first speaker announcement:

👉 Nick Shirley – Keynote Speaker at the Mountain Majesty Gala

If you’ve been paying attention to independent media over the past year, you’ve likely seen his work.

Nick is one of the fastest-rising independent journalists in the country, known for going where most outlets won’t and documenting what’s happening on the ground—unfiltered.

From the U.S.–Mexico border to government-run facilities to communities dealing with policy fallout, he shows up with a camera, asks direct questions, and lets people speak for themselves.

It’s simple. And it works.

Nick will headline the Mountain Majesty Gala on Saturday evening, one of the premier events of the weekend.

Why we chose Nick

We didn’t pick Nick Shirley because he’s popular.

We picked him because the work he’s doing is relevant right now.

Earlier this year at CPAC, Shirley said:

“I’m not here to speak on behalf of Republicans or Democrats. I’m here to speak on behalf of we the people.”

His investigations into fraud and government accountability—including work in states like Minnesota and California—have drawn national attention. And there’s no reason to assume Colorado is immune to similar issues.

That’s part of why we’re bringing him here.

People want to see what’s actually happening—not filtered narratives or secondhand reporting.

Nick’s approach helps close that gap.

And at Rocky Mountain Voice, that’s the same gap we’re working to close.

Why this aligns with Rocky Mountain Voice

Rocky Mountain Voice was built on a simple idea:

Too many stories either aren’t being told—or aren’t being told honestly.

There’s a growing disconnect between what people experience and what gets reported. Important issues are often filtered, softened, or ignored.

We started RMV to do something different.

To go directly to the source.
To talk to real people.
To ask questions that don’t always get asked.
And to bring those conversations forward without layers of spin.

That’s what independent journalism should look like.

Shirley has said:
“When you know you’re at least seeking the truth, you shouldn’t be afraid to voice your opinion.”

It’s also what Nick is doing in the field.

He shows up in person, documents what he sees, and lets people speak—even when the answers are uncomfortable.

That kind of work is becoming more important, not less.

We believe Colorado needs more of it.

About the Freedom Festival

The RMV Freedom Festival is designed to be more than a conference—and more than a typical political event.

It’s a two-day gathering taking place just days before the June primary, bringing people together at a critical moment for Colorado and the country.

Held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock, the festival blends serious conversation with community experience. Organizers expect more than 2,000 attendees and over 30 speakers across multiple stages.

Over the weekend, attendees will experience:

• Main stage keynote speakers with national and regional perspectives
• Breakout sessions and workshops focused on real-world action
• The Back the Blue Bash honoring law enforcement and public safety
• A family-friendly carnival and rodeo
• The Mountain Majesty Gala, featuring live music, Nick Shirley’s keynote, and a fireworks finale

The event is built around an “Aware · Act · Advocate” framework—designed to move people beyond listening.

The goal is straightforward:
Understand what’s happening → take action → help drive change

This isn’t passive. It’s participatory.

A lot of people are tired of the same old media

Independent journalists like Nick are gaining traction for a reason.

Trust in traditional media is low. People feel like they’re not getting the full picture. Important issues are often ignored or reframed.

Nick doesn’t operate that way.

He goes where others won’t, asks what others won’t, and documents what others don’t.

That’s where journalism is heading.

And it’s a conversation we want to bring to Colorado.

More to come

Nick is just the first.

More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

If this is any indication, it’s shaping up to be a strong lineup.

🎟️ Tickets are now available:
https://events.rockymountainvoice.com/events/rmv-freedom-fest-2026

If you’re planning to attend, now’s the time to secure your spot.

Note: Nick Shirley’s keynote will take place during the Mountain Majesty Gala on Saturday evening.