It just wouldn’t be summer in Colorado without outdoor festivals celebrating craft beer, music and family-friendly fun. When you’re not taking advantage of all the hiking, cycling, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities our great state has to offer, you can spend some quality time with friends, family and strangers (who will quickly become your friends) while jamming out to bluegrass, sampling Colorado beer, wine and cocktails or perusing the inspirational work of local artists — or, better yet, all of the above.
It can be overwhelming to keep track of all the fun options you have each summer, so we did the work for you. Get out your calendar and pencil in a few of the incredible summer festivals and events taking places this year.
MAY
May 24-26
MeadowGrass Music Festival. You’ll get to hear top-notch performers when you grab tickets to MeadowGrass, a music festival that’s been bringing incredible national and regional artists to Colorado Springs for the past 10 years. In addition to tons of live music, you’ll be able to camp, do yoga, attend music workshops and relax. There are also activities for kids, so it’s totally family friendly (kids 12 and younger get in free with a paying adult). This year also marks the second year of the festival’s beer tasting event. La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs, meadowgrass.org
May 25-26
Denver Arts Festival. The Denver Arts Festival is in its 21st year of supporting the arts. That means you’ll be able to appreciate the work of dozens of local and national artists and enjoy live music from the Cass Clayton Band and Spinphony. There’s also a kids art zone and a wine and beer garden. It’s a super popular festival, so you can expect to see some 50,000 other Colorado art lovers while you’re there. Stapleton Conservatory Green, 8304 E. 49th Place, Denver, denverartsfestival.com
May 25-27
Boulder Creek Festival. After you finish running the Bolder Boulder (or anytime during Memorial Day weekend), make sure to head over to the Boulder Creek Festival for carnival rides, a fine arts expo, fitness classes, a maker’s market, live music and community performances. There are tons of activities geared toward kids, too, so you can bring the whole family. Be sure to check out the summer camp preview and the face-painting station. Located near Broadway and Canyon Boulevard, Boulder, bouldercreekfest.com
May 25-26
Water World opening weekend. You know summer is officially here when you can finally hit up Water World again. If you’re a true fan of the water park, you won’t want to skip opening day over Memorial Day weekend. Plus, this is the water park’s 40th anniversary, so they’ve got tons of new ticket options and other fun stuff in the works this year. 8801 Pecos St., Federal Heights, waterworldcolorado.com
May 25-27
Territory Days. For a little trip through the past — to the 1860s, to be exact — hit up Territory Days for Wild West gunfights, train rides, Native American displays, pony rides, gold panning, cowboy church and tons of food and beverages. There’s also a kids zone for the little ones. This three-day party celebrates the time when Colorado was just a territory and “Colorado City” was its capital in 1861. You can expect to see 80,000 to 140,000 other festival-goers while you’re there. Old Colorado City, Colorado Avenue between 23rd and 27th streets, Colorado Springs, pro-promotions.com/pro-events/territory-days
JUNE
June 1
Manitou Springs Wine Festival. Spend an afternoon sipping local wine at the Manitou Springs Wine Festival, which features tastings from 30 Colorado wineries. There’s also live music, food to munch on and gift vendors to leisurely peruse while you drink wine in beautiful Memorial Park. If you’re one of the first 1,500 people to buy a ticket, you’ll get a free wine tote in addition to your free festival wine glass. Memorial Park, Manitou Springs, manitousprings.org/calendar/manitou-springs-colorado-wine-festival
June 1
303 Cocktails. They’ve changed their name, but the event is still just as fun. 303 Cocktails, formerly known as Cocktails on the Rocks, is a chance to taste spirits, cocktails and ciders from more than 35 Colorado distilleries. Of course, you’re going to want some snacks to go along with all those drinks, so be sure to hit up the food trucks while you’re there (plus there’s a DJ and vendors). The organizers say they’re working to disrupt global poverty by raising money for the Posner Center, a nonprofit that supports international development. Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow St., Lakewood, cococktailsontherocks.com
June 6-9
Parker Days. Head down to Parker for a festival with a little hometown pride. There are carnival rides, inflatables (aka bouncy castles), waterballs, food and drink vendors and tons of concerts throughout the weekend. You’ll also want to check out the wine and whiskey tasting garden, as well as the Parker Days parade. The festival has been held for more than 40 years and sees more than 250,000 visitors over four days. Downtown Parker, parkerdaysfestival.com
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June 13-15
Colorado BBQ Challenge. Since 1993, the town of Frisco has been hosting a delicious barbecue challenge that now pits 70 teams against each other to see who can serve up the tastiest pork, ribs, chicken, brisket and side dishes. The challenge is back again for 2019, complete with live music, lots of meat and the Bacon Burner 6K race. There’s also a whiskey tour and a sweet Father’s Day essay contest. Main Street, Frisco, townoffrisco.com/play/colorado-bbq-challenge/general-info
June 13-16
FIBArk Whitewater Festival. People from all over the world come to Salida over Father’s Day weekend to compete in the boat races at the FIBArk Whitewater Festival. It takes place on the Arkansas River, which will likely be swollen from spring runoff. This is the festival’s 71st year, so you’ll also be participating in a true Colorado tradition when you attend. (In case you were wondering, the name is an abbreviation of the event’s original name, “First in Boating on the Arkansas.”) There’s also live music, vendors and food. Salida, fibark.com
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June 20-23
Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Plan a relaxing weekend in Telluride for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, which regularly draws “festivarians” from all over the world to listen to tons of incredible bluegrass artists. You can camp with a view of the gorgeous San Juan Mountains, attend workshops and, of course, meet new people at the four-day festival, which is in its 46th year. Telluride, bluegrass.com/telluride
June 21-23
Vail Craft Beer Classic. The Vail Craft Beer Classic is way more than a beer festival; it’s also a chance to nerd out on all things beer. There will be tons of beer leaders, brewers and other experts milling around, so you can ask as many questions as you’d like. Beyond that, you can sign up for various adventures and seminars, such as the “gears and beers lunch,” during which you’ll be shuttled up and then ride your bike down with a brewer. Vail, vailcraftbeerclassic.com
June 21-23
Strawberry Days. Strawberries are the name of the game at this annual Glenwood Springs festival, which has been going strong for 122 years. You’ll get to experience a parade, an arts and craft show, lots of live music, activities for kids and the crowning of Miss Strawberry Days, On top of that, there’s guaranteed to be free strawberries and ice cream — where do we sign up? Glenwood Springs, strawberrydays.com
June 22-23
Bacon and Bourbon Festival. This festival sells itself — bacon and bourbon, need we say more? Head to Keystone for the ninth year of this fun event, which features live music, bacon-themed kids activities, bacon lectures and seminars and, of course, bacon-inspired cuisine. Keystone, keystonefestivals.com/festivals/bacon-and-bourbon-festival
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June 26-July 7
Greeley Stampede. Jam out to artists such as REO Speedwagon, Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore, Cody Johnson and the Brothers Osborne at this year’s Greeley Stampede, the annual 12-day festival with a country western vibe. There’s also a Fourth of July parade, a classic car show, bull fighting, rodeo events, carnival rides, a demolition derby, a golf tournament and activities for kids, just to name a few ways to stay busy at the Greeley Stampede. Greeley, greeleystampede.org
June 27-30
Telluride Yoga Festival. An entire weekend dedicated to yoga, meditation, music and community, set against the backdrop of the stunning San Juan Mountains — could there be anything more appealing? This four-day event will give you a chance to connect with other yogis at more than 100 events ranging from standup paddleboard yoga to hiking. Telluride, tellurideyogafestival.com
June 28-29
Colorado Brewers’ Festival. Mmmm, beer. Not only does this festival feature more than 150 Colorado beers from more than 40 breweries, it also hosts food vendors, artisan exhibits and live music. Fort Collins, downtownfortcollins.com/events/colorado-brewers-festival
June 28-30
Colorado Lavender Festival. The folks in Palisade dedicate an entire weekend to celebrating lavender, the purple herb that inspires calm, peaceful feelings with its heavenly aroma. Events include self-guided farm tours, demonstrations, educational seminars and lots of vendors with artisan products. Palisade, coloradolavender.org/annual-lavender-festival.html
JULY
Photo Credit (Andy Colwell, Special to The Denver Post)
July 5-7
Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Some 350,000 people head to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival each year for live music, food and beverages and exhibits from more than 260 juried artists who were chosen from more than 2,160 applicants. There are also activities for kids, as well as “pop-up” performances and special lectures and events with artists. Denver’s Cherry Creek North Shopping District, cherrycreekartsfestival.org
July 5-14
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. The wildflowers are absolutely beautiful in Crested Butte, which is one reason why there’s an entire festival dedicated to them. This 10-day event, which seeks to preserve and protect wildflowers, features more than 200 workshops, classes, tours and children’s activities. Topics range from wildflower photographer to gardening with wildflowers. Crested Butte, crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com
July 11-14
High Mountain Hay Fever Festival. Bluegrass is catching on. The High Mountain Hay Fever Festival is back for another year of music, workshops, food vendors and camping after setting an attendance record last year (more than 4,300 people attended this small festival in 2018). Confirmed artists for 2019 include the Six Dollar String Band, The Savage Hearts Trio and Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers. Bluff and Summit Park in Westcliffe, highmountainhayfever.org
July 19-21
Slow Food Nations. The theme of this year’s Slow Food Nations festival is “Where Tradition Meets Innovation,” so you can expect lots of interesting discussions and workshops at the three-day festival. You can also sample delicious foods and beverages at the festival’s Taste Marketplace, attend the Leader Summit to discuss topics such as school gardens and learn something new at various cooking demonstrations. Larimer Square, slowfoodnations.org
July 12-14
Keystone Wine and Jazz Festival. You can taste more than 300 wines at this three-day event (key word being taste, because that’s a lot of wine), which kicks off with a special reserve wine tasting Friday evening. You can even learn all about wine with various seminars and lectures, as well as attend concerts and culinary events such as “Prosecco and Pancakes.” Keystone, keystonefestivals.com/festivals/wine-and-jazz
July 13-14
Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park. How about a two-for-one festival special? That’s what you’ll get when you head to Steamboat Springs for a weekend full of hot air balloons and art. After you watch the multi-colored hot air balloons launch at the rodeo, head to the art festival for children’s art activities, food, live entertainment and works from nearly 160 artists. Bald Eagle Lake and West Lincoln Park, Steamboat Springs, steamboatchamber.com/signature-events/hot-air-balloon-rodeo
July 25-28
Buffalo Bill Days. What started as an annual trail ride up to Lookout Mountain to visit Buffalo Bill’s grave has morphed into a beloved four-day festival, complete with a “Best of the West” parade, mutton bustin’, a classic car show, a golf tournament, food vendors and live music. You won’t want to miss the pancake breakfast hosted by the Golden Fire Department, bull riding and historical reenactments, either. Golden, buffalobilldays.com
July 26-28
Mountain Fair. What started as a small festival with 20 booths in 1972 has ballooned into an impressive three-day event with more than 145 artists and vendors. The Mountain Fair is chock-full of live music and performing arts, activities and creative opportunities for kids and fun contests in everything from limbo to pie baking. Carbondale, carbondalearts.com/mountain-fair
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July 27-28
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. This Denver festival has been going strong since 2001. During the heart of summer, dragon boat teams from across the United States arrive in Colorado to compete in a series of races honoring a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition. But the festival is so much more than that — there are live performances, art exhibits, delicious food vendors and contests. This year, the festival will highlight the country of Vietnam and celebrate the year of the pig. Sloan’s Lake, Denver, cdbf.org
July 26-Aug. 10
Vail Dance Festival. This two-week festival is the ultimate celebration of dance and artistry. There are a variety of live performances ranging from ballet to modern dance. Featured performers this year include the American Ballet Theatre, Malpaso Dance Co. and Martha Graham Dance Co. Vail, vaildance.org
AUGUST
Aug. 2-4
Leadville Boom Days. Prepare yourself for a weekend of burro races, gunslingers and mining competitions — Leadville Boom Days is back again this year to celebrate local mining history with more than 100 food and craft booths. This family-friendly event has a parade, a car show, live music and contests to see who is the best in jack leg drilling, hand mucking, single hand steel drilling and double hand steel drilling (for the uninitiated, those are mining terms!). Leadville, leadvilleboomdays.org
Aug. 2-4
Movie at the Symphony: “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” in Concert. Even if you’re not a huge Harry Potter fan, you’ll still enjoy the unique feat of the live Colorado Symphony playing every note of the score as the movie plays overhead. It’s a movie and a concert in one. Boettcher Concert Hall, tickets.coloradosymphony.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=5137
Aug. 3-4
Bluegrass & Beer Festival. If you didn’t get enough bluegrass early in the summer, you can head to Keystone for even more twangy music. On top of that, you can also sip craft beer from more than 40 breweries and attend beer pairings and seminars. Keystone, keystonefestivals.com/festivals/bluegrass-and-beer/
Aug. 3
Olathe Sweet Corn Festival. Another summer, another festival celebrating one of summer’s ultimate treats — sweet corn. This one-day event features corn-eating contests, live music, a climbing wall, games for kids, a beer garden and more. New this year: the festival has a new home at the Montrose County Event Center. Montrose County Event Center, olathesweetcornfest.com
Aug. 15-18
Palisade Peach Festival. If the mere thought of a juicy Palisade peach makes your mouth water, you won’t want to skip this year’s Palisade Peach Festival, which celebrates the delicious red-orange fruit over four days. You’ll find plenty to do, including peach orchard tours, running races and even a cooking competition to see who can serve the tastiest peach cuisine. Palisade, palisadepeachfest.com
Aug. 16-18
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival. Head to Lyons for Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, which is put on by the same crew that organizes Telluride Bluegrass. The folks festival is now in its 29th year and has a knack for bringing big-name artists to Colorado. This year’s lineup is no different and features the Violent Femmes, Ben Folds, Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band and Ani DiFranco, along with tons of other artists. Lyons, bluegrass.com/folks/lineup.html
People wait in line to get on the merry-go-round at the Colorado State Fair on August 29, 2017, in Pueblo. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
Aug. 23-Sept. 2
Colorado State Fair. Go ahead and treat yourself to a funnel cake — we won’t tell anyone. The Colorado State Fair is an annual tradition with carnival rides, agricultural demonstrations and competitions, tasty fried foods and live entertainment. There are also tons of rodeo events, a demolition derby and a monster truck show. Pueblo, coloradostatefair.com
Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Four Corners Folk Festival. This year marks the 24th year of the Four Corners Folk Festival, which brings tons of folk artists to Pagosa Springs each year. You can camp out under the stars during this music-filled three-day event, grab food from vendors and shop booths featuring handmade items and other merch. Pagosa Springs, folkwest.com
Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ Labor Day Experience. There are some big-name performers coming to Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ Labor Day Experience this year — Weezer, John Mayer and Sting, just to name a few. If that isn’t enough, this music festival also features adult beverages, food, merchandise and a kids area. Snowmass, jazzaspensnowmass.org
Aug. 31 - Sept. 2
Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off. - Event goers will enjoy early morning balloon launches and evening balloon glows as well as fun for the entire family, including a wakeboarding exhibition, concert series, family fun-zone and several sports expositions. 43-year tradition of a hot air balloon event in Colorado Springs. coloradospringsliftoff.com
Aug. 31-Sept. 2
A Taste of Colorado. When you attend A Taste of Colorado, you can choose from free concerts featuring more than 25 national and regional artists. On top of that, there will be more than 175 arts and crafts booths and more than 50 food vendors. Your kids won’t get bored either, as they can take advantage of comedy, magic, dance, music and crafts. Civic Center Park, Denver, atasteofcolorado.com
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 5-8
Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival. Whether you’re Scottish-Irish or not, you can still appreciate all of the ways this festival celebrates Celtic culture each September. In addition to folk concerts and a parade through downtown Estes Park, there’s also Scottish Highland athletics, jousting, pipe band competitions and more. There are also lots of activities featuring four-legged Scotsmen, including disk dogs, dog agility and sheep-herding exhibitions. Estes Park, scotfest.com
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Sept 6-8
Snowmass Balloon Festival. Thirty pilots will compete in races and challenges as they fill the sky above Snowmass with hot air balloons. While you’re there for the balloon festival, be sure to check out two other events on Sept. 7: Septemberfest, which celebrates all things fall, and Cidermass, a relatively new event featuring hard cider from dozens of cideries for you to taste. Snowmass, gosnowmass.com/events
Sept. 13-15
Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest. Close out an incredible summer with a visit to Downtown Boulder’s Fall Fest. There’ll be children’s activities, the Firefly Handmade Market, food, beer and live music. Boulder, boulderdowntown.com/events/fall-fest
Sept. 13-15
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. Another fun way to celebrate the changing of the seasons? The Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, which features craft beer, kids activities, yoga sessions, running races, group hikes and live music. Telluride, tellurideblues.com
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