The longest, sunniest day of the year signifies the start of another epic Colorado summer. The summer season in the United States runs from Saturday, June 20th to Tuesday, September 22nd, 2022.
It seems like every week has too many festivals to choose from. If you’ve never been, be sure to check out the Colorado Renaissance Festival, which continues each weekend through early August. Leadville Boom Days brings Old West heritage to the highest incorporated city in America. Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival is an easy escape from Denver and features concerts and microbrews.
Festivals in June 2022
Telluride Wine Festival. Photo: Scott Ellis
Mike the Headless Chicken Festival
Date: Fri-Sat, June 3-4, 2022
Address: Fruita
About: Two days of honoring the late headless chicken named Mike. Events include a 5k race, poultry show, disc golf tourney, and car show.
Animas River Days
Date: Fri-Sat, June 3-5, 2022
Address: Santa Rita Park, Durango
About: 3-day celebration on the Animas River thru the whitewater park. Festivities include kayak, raft, and SUP races, all capped off by a wild river parade with a viewing party from the park.
Colorado Medieval Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, June 3-5, 2022
Address: Loveland
About: It’s an outdoor medieval-themed festival with live entertainment including knights, swordsmanship, and music. There’ll be plenty of food, beer, craft vendors, and a kid zone, no pets.
Telluride Balloon Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, June 3-5, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: 39th year, festivities include two sunrise balloon ascensions from Town Park, a sunset glow on Main Street, and a balloon workshop.
Greeley Blues Jam
Date: Saturday, June 4, 2022
Address: Greeley
About: Blues music festival with a variety of events for the whole family. Camping is available at the festival location in Island Grove Park.
Colorado College Summer Music Festival
Date: Sun-Fri, June 5-24, 2022
Address: Colorado Springs
About: An annual 3-week classical orchestral and chamber music festival showcasing classically trained musicians from around the globe as well as Colorado College students and faculty members.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Date: Mixed days, June 5-August 7, 2022
Where: Boulder
About: With over 60 successful seasons under its belt, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival showcases multiple performances of some of Shakespeare’s best plays. It’s held on varying days on the CU campus.
GoPro Mountain Games
Date: Tues-Sun, June 7-12 2022
Address: Vail
About: Summer GoPro Mountain Games are the biggest festival of adventure sports, art, and music, held annually in Vail. There are competitions in biking, climbing, fishing, kayaking, slacklining, standup paddling, rafting, running, disc golf, and even events for the dogs.
Aspen Fringe Festival
Date: Fri-Sat, June 10-11, 2022
Address: Aspen
About: A 2-day performance art festival highlighting the work of a featured playwright.
Pagosa Folk ‘N Bluegrass
Date: Fri-Sun, June 10-12, 2022
Address: Pagosa Springs
About: 15th annual music festival showcasing bluegrass and folk tunes.
Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, June 10-12, 2022
Address: Palisade
About: Annual bluegrass fest in Riverbend Park, featuring guitars, fiddles, and amazing artistry.
Meekerpalooza
Date: Fridays, June 10,17 & 24 and July 15 & 22, 2022
Address: Meeker
About: Held in June and July, the annual Meekerpalooza celebrates art, music, and culture.
FIBArk Salida
Date: Thur-Sun, June 16-19, 2022
Address: Downtown Salida
About: America’s oldest whitewater festival, dating back to 1949. There are a number of exciting events including the Slalom Race, Crazy River Dog, and the Hooligan Race. Camping is available in the town of Salida and nearby on Highway 50.
Sonic Bloom
Date: Thur-Sun, June 16-19, 2022
Address: Rye
About: 15th annual electronic music festival held during the summer solstice. The festival grounds are located by Rye in Spanish Peaks Country at Hummingbird Park.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, June 16-19, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: 49th annual bluegrass music festival in downtown Telluride.
Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
Date: Fri-Sun, June 17-19, 2022
Address: Aspen
About: World-renowned chefs give cooking presentations and lectures, enjoy top-notch cooking and wine, as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.
Juneteenth Music Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, June 17-19, 2022
Address: Denver
About: Denver’s Juneteenth Music Festival is one of the country’s largest celebrations. Attracting 50,000 attendees, the festival boasts live music, vendors, food stalls, art murals, activities for kids, and a parade.
Strawberry Days
Date: Fri-Sun, June 17-19 2022
Address: Glenwood Springs
About: 123rd annual festival held the third weekend in June every year. It features live music, stage entertainment, FamilyFest for kids, arts & crafts, a food court, a carnival, and a parade down Grand Avenue, with free strawberries and ice cream after the parade.
Yampa River Roots Rock Reggae Festival
Date: Sat, June 18, 2022
Address: Craig
About: Taking place at Loudy Simpson Park, and benefitting the town of Craig, the Yampa River Roots Rocks Reggae Festival is a one-day event with fun activities like live music, a 5K fun run, yoga in the park, craft, food vendors, and a glow party.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
Date: Saturday & Sunday, June 18-August 7, 2022
Address: 650 W Perry Park Ave, Larkspur (between Denver & CO Springs on I-25)
About: The Renaissance Festival is held over 8 weekends in June, July, and August with medieval events for all ages. It’s held from 10 am until 6:30 pm each day, rain or shine. Parking is free and no pets are allowed.
Country Jam
Date: Thur-Sat, June 23-25, 2022
Address: Grand Junction
About: Four-day country music party on the Western Slope, with camping available.
Telluride Autumn Classic
Date: Fri-Sun, September 23-25, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: A 3-day mountain event celebrating everything an automobile, motorcycle, and airplane enthusiast could ever dream of.
Telluride Wine Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, June 23-26, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: 40th annual four-day event with many wine tastings, lunches, lectures, and vineyard tours.
Telluride Yoga Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, June 23-26, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: The Telluride Yoga Festival is a four-day event where guests can learn from yoga masters, meditate, hike, raft, take aerial classes, climb, and participate in social events.
Greeley Stampede
Date: Thur-Mon, June 23-July 4, 2022
Address: Greeley
About: 100th annual Stampede features PRCA rodeo, live country music, monster trucks, a demolition derby, carnival, roller derby, fireworks, and one of the largest Independence Day parades in the nation.
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
Date: Thur-Thur, June 23-August 4, 2022
Address: Vail
About: Orchestras from around the world perform in the vibrant Vail Valley during the peak of the summer season.
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, June 24-26, 2022
Address: Bond Park, Downtown Estes Park
About: Come celebrate the longest day of summer, the Summer Solstice, with Scandinavian song, dance, and music. There’ll be local food and crafts, a Viking encampment, a silent auction, and a raffle for a trip to Scandinavia.
Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series
Date: Fri & Sat, June 24 – August 27, 2022
Address: Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds, Steamboat Springs
About: Every summer on Friday and Saturday evenings, PBR rodeo cowboys compete in the Yampa Valley.
Hops Drops
Date: Sat, June 25, 2022
Address: Evergreen
About: A family-friendly music and beer event with live performances, food vendors, kids’ activities, and plenty of craft beer from some of Colorado’s most-notable breweries.
Reds, Whites & Brews Festival in the Boat
Date: Sat, June 25, 2022
Address: Steamboat Springs
About: Premier fine wine and craft beer event with live music, retail vendors, and local food.
Stills In The Hills
Date: Sat, June 25, 2022
Address: Central City
About: Main Street in historic Central City hosts the 8th Stills In The Hills. It’s free to attend with live music and local food, but unlimited tastings are a fee. Pets are not welcome.
Colorado Tiny House Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, June 25-26, 2022
Address: Brighton
About: Annual festival showcasing smaller living spaces including skoolies, container homes, tiny homes on wheels, van conversions, teardrops, and yurts.
Keystone Bacon & Bourbon Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, June 25-26, 2022
Address: River Run Village, Keystone
About: Everything bacon at this annual festival, featuring bacon-infused cuisine from around twenty food vendors, a Bacon Bloody Mary Bar, and live music.
Telluride Chamber Music Festival
Date: June 25, 26, 28, 30 & July 3, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: Local music directors set out to curate an intriguing and cultural festival that promotes the joy of chamber music melodies and spontaneous connection between locals and tourists alike.
Vail Lacrosse Shootout
Date: Sat-Mon, June 25 – July 4, 2022
Address: Vail, Avon, Edward
About: The Vail Lacrosse Shootout is a 10-day annual sports event for players ages 17 – 70. With nine divisions for players and teams, the shootout will take place over 10 days at multiple fields in Avon, Edwards, and Vail.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Date: Sunday, June 26, 2022
Address: Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade
About: Founded in 1916 by Spencer Penrose, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb is the second oldest auto race in America. Now in its 100th year, cars and motorcycles race up Pike Peak Highway in what’s known as the “Race to the Clouds”.
Telluride Plein Air Festival
Date: Tues-Mon, June 28-July 4, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: A week-long open-air art event in Telluride where artists paint outdoors and, once the week is over, sell their pieces.
Colorado Music Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, June 30-August 7, 2022
Address: Boulder
About: Six weeks of symphonies, orchestras, and other classical music. It’s held at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, now in its 44th year.
Aspen Music Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, June 30-August 21, 2022
Address: Aspen
About: The Aspen Music Festival summer season is packed full of concerts, classes, performances, and a myriad of programs that attract over 100,o00 music lovers annually.
Festivals in July 2022
Greeley Stampede Rodeo. Photo: Dave Morris
Meekerpalooza
Date: Fridays, June 10,17 & 24 and July 15 & 22, 2022
Address: Meeker
About: Held in June and July, the annual Meekerpalooza celebrates art, music, and culture.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Date: Mixed days, June 5-August 7, 2022
Where: Boulder
About: With over 60 successful seasons under its belt, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival showcases multiple performances of some of Shakespeare’s best plays. It’s held on varying days on the CU campus.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
Date: Saturday & Sunday, June 18 – August 7, 2022
Address: 650 W Perry Park Ave, Larkspur (between Denver & CO Springs on I-25)
About: The Renaissance Festival is held over 8 weekends in June, July, and August with medieval events for all ages. It’s held from 10 am until 6:30 pm each day, rain or shine. Parking is free and no pets are allowed.
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
Date: Thur-Thur, June 23-August 4, 2022
Address: Vail
About: Orchestras from around the world perform in the vibrant Vail Valley during the peak of the summer season.
Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series
Date: Fri & Sat, June 24 – August 27, 2022
Address: Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds, Steamboat Springs
About: Every summer on Friday and Saturday evenings, PBR rodeo cowboys compete in the Yampa Valley.
Telluride Chamber Music Festival
Date: June 25, 26, 28, 30 & July 3, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: Local music directors set out to curate an intriguing and cultural festival that promotes the joy of chamber music melodies and spontaneous connection between locals and tourists alike.
Vail Lacrosse Shootout
Date: Sat-Mon, June 25 – July 4, 2022
Address: Vail, Avon, Edward
About: The Vail Lacrosse Shootout is a 10-day annual sports event for players ages 17 – 70. With nine divisions for players and teams, the shootout will take place over 10 days at multiple fields in Avon, Edwards, and Vail.
Telluride Plein Air Festival
Date: Tues-Mon, June 28 – July 4, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: A week-long open-air art event in Telluride where artists paint outdoors and, once the week is over, sell their pieces.
Colorado Music Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, June 30-August 7, 2022
Address: Boulder
About: Six weeks of symphonies, orchestras, and other classical music. It’s held at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, now in its 44th year.
Aspen Music Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, June 30-August 21, 2022
Address: Aspen
About: The Aspen Music Festival summer season is packed full of concerts, classes, performances, and a myriad of programs that attract over 100,o00 music lovers annually.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, July 1-3, 2022
Address: Denver
About: 31st cultural celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts since 1991.
FAN EXPO Denver
Date: Fri-Sun, July 1-3, 2022
Address: Colorado Convention Center, Denver
About: Each summer, FAN EXPO Denver draws fans of comic books, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming to the Colorado Convention Center.
Art in the Park
Date: Sat-Sun, July 2-3, 2022
Address: La Veta
About: A 2-day event showcasing local handmade goods from a variety of artisans.
Paonia Cherry Days
Date: Sat-Mon, July 2-4, 2022
Where: Paonia
About: 76th annual Paonia Cherry Days Festival showcases Paonia’s delicious cherries. This four-day, five-night fest includes local business booths, music concerts, 5K run, talent show, skill contests, pancake breakfast, a downtown parade, and live performances.
Central City Opera Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, July 2-31, 2022
Address: 124 Eureka St, Central City
About: Annual summer series featuring numerous stage productions of famous operas, held at the Central City Opera House.
Mountain Town Music Series
Date: Saturday, July 2, 9 & 30 + August 13 & 20, 2022
Address: River Run Village, Keystone
About: Multi-weekend concert series with local food, craft vendors, and a bazaar.
RIDE Festival
Date: Wed-Sun, July 6-10, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: 9th annual rock and roll fest featuring killer musical acts in Town Park.
Breckenridge July Art Festival
Date: Thur-Sat, July 7-9, 2022
Address: Downtown Breckenridge
About: One of Colorado’s top free art festivals held over the fourth of July weekend, now in its 39th year.
High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, July 7 – 10, 2022
Address: Westcliffe
About: Four-day bluegrass festival featuring over fifteen bands that generated $53,090 for area charities in 2016. Pet-friendly camping sites are available next to the fairgrounds.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, July 8-17, 2022
Address: Crested Butte
About: Week of wildflower festivities including over 80 hikes, alpine yoga classes, 4×4 tours, garden tours, photography, art & cooking classes, medicinal classes using botanical ingredients, planting wildflowers at home, birding, and butterflies.
Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival
Date: Sat, July 9, 2022
Address: Breckenridge
About: Annual summer beer festival with over forty breweries, live music, and local vendors.
Pikes Peak Or Bust Rodeo
Date: Thur-Sun, July 13-16, 2022
Address: Colorado Springs
About: A four-day-long summer rodeo festival that’s now in its 81st year! Come witness a range of championship rodeo events and western festivities at the base of Pikes Peak.
Cattlemen’s Days
Date: Thur-Sun, July 14-16, 2022
Address: Gunnison
About: Weeklong festival showcasing three days of western rodeo competitions, live music, and vendors. The event claims to be the “Granddaddy of Colorado Rodeos”, since 1900.
Manassa Pioneer Days
Date: Thur-Sat, July 14-16, 2022
Address: Manassa
About: Old-time festival celebrating the San Luis Valley’s rich heritage, with carnival rides, parade, rodeo, and demolition derby.
Telluride Americana Music Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, July 14-17, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: The Telluride Americana Music Festival is an annual event boasting five unforgettable days of celebrating the best of grassroots Americana music and fanfare.
Silverthorne Fine Art Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, July 15-17, 2022
Address: Silverthorne
About: Free weekend of art showcasing the works of more than 80 of America’s top artists in 13 distinct categories, in its 3rd year.
Castle Rock WineFest
Date: Saturday, July 16, 2022
Address: Butterfield Park, Castle Rock
About: 18th annual single-day event showcasing more than two dozen wineries and over 180 choices of Colorado wine.
Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, July 16-17, 2022
Address: River Run Village, Keystone
About: Tastings available from over 300 international wines. Special events include wine seminars and jazz concerts.
Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
Date: Fri-Sat, July 22-23, 2022
Address: Centennial Park, Cañon City
About: A two-day festival filled with whitewater competitions, family enjoyment, and live music.
Rocky Mountain State Games
Date: Fri-Sun, July 22-24 & 29-31, 2022
Address: Monument Valley Park, Colorado Springs
About: A high-intensity, extremely fun, and competitive weekend of Olympic-style sporting events for athletes of all ages and abilities.
Denver Summer Brew Fest
Date: Sat, July 23, 2022
Address: Denver
About: Sample from over one hundred craft beers and forty-five breweries, with 3 event sessions in 1 day to choose from.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, September 23-24, 2022
Address: Sloan’s Lake Park, Denver
About: A premier event celebrating the accomplishments and culture of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community within the state
Evergreen Summerfest
Date: Sat-Sun, July 23-24, 2022
Address: Evergreen
About: More than 100 artists gather for this community fine arts and crafts festival, now in its 42nd year. Summerfest kicks off Arts Alive Evergreen, a ten-day showcase on visual and performing arts.
Kit Carson County Fair and Pro Rodeo
Date: Mon-Sat, July 25-30, 2022
Address: Burlington
About: A western festival featuring livestock shows, rodeos, carnival rides, food vendors, arts, crafts, and plenty of live music.
Evergreen Jazz Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, July 29-31, 2022
Address: Evergreen
About: A three-day musical event held across Evergreen, Colorado that aims to create awareness and heighten the appreciation for traditional jazz music.
RockyGrass
Date: Fri-Sun, July 29-31, 2022
Address: Planet Bluegrass Ranch, Lyons
About: 50th annual Rockygrass music festival featuring three days of bluegrass concerts along the banks of the St. Vrain River. Camping is available, either at the festival, at Meadow Park, or at Olson Campground. Fishing and tubing are fun river activities.
Underground Music Showcase
Date: Fri-Sun, July 29-31, 2022
Address: Denver
About: 3-day outdoor music festival in Denver that features global bands performing throughout the Baker neighborhood.
Bronc Day
Date: Saturday, July 30, 2022
Address: Green Mountain Falls
About: 84th day of family fun in Southern Colorado featuring games, food, vendors, a stick pony rodeo, and a parade.
Middle Park Fair & Rodeo
Date: Sun-Sun, July 31-August 7, 2022
Address: Kremmling
About: 106th annual weeklong western rodeo and livestock show.
Battlemoor
Date: TBD June – July 2022
Address: Cottonwood Meadows Farm, Buena Vista
About: Since 2009, Battlemoor has recreated historic battles and medieval times around Colorado.
Colorado Freeride Festival
Date: TBD July 2022
Address: Winter Park
About: Four-day event featuring athletes in slopestyle, enduro racing, air downhill, cross country, and pond crossing events. Events held in Winter Park Village.
Cowboys’ Roundup Days
Date: TBD July 2022
Where: Downtown Steamboat Springs
About: 118th Annual Cowboys’ Roundup Days is a truly western celebration of Independence Day. Concerts, a parade, rodeo, fireworks, pancake breakfast, and other activities highlight this six-day extravaganza.
Durango Fiesta Days
Date: TBD July 2022
Address: Durango
About: 85th annual Fiesta Days, established in 1935, features Queen Contest, Rodeo, Petting Zoo, 4D Barrel Jackpot, Team Roping Slack, BBQ/Pie Auction/Street Dance, Slack, Parade, and various local vendors.
Gold Rush Days
Date: TBD July 2022
Address: Victor
About: Fun weekend of events centered around Victor’s rich mining heritage. Go deep inside real mines on guided tours, play mining games, gold panning, live music, there’s even a vintage baseball tournament.
Hudson Gardens Summer Concert Series
Date: TBD June – mid-September, 2022
Where: Littleton
About: Twenty-one years and counting for this favorite summer outdoor concert series. Shows take place regularly on Sundays, some Saturdays, and July 4th.
JUL-IPA Festival
Date: TBD July 2022
Address: Boulder
About: 12th annual beer fest and rooftop party, with 100% of proceeds benefiting 100% Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence.
Plateau Valley Heritage Days
Date: TBD July 2022
Address: Collbran
About: Centered around a CPRA Rodeo, events include a parade down Main Street, a horseshoe tournament, and various games, merchants, and food vendors.
Range Call
Date: TBD July 2022
Address: Meeker
About: Oldest annual rodeo in Colorado back for the 136th year. Celebrate Meeker’s western heritage during the family fun Range Call.
Springs Beer Fest
Date: TBD July 2022
Address: Colorado Springs
About: 14th annual beer festival featuring unlimited tastings from over 55 microbreweries, live music, local vendors, and games.
WarBird Auto Classic
Date: TBD July 2022
Address: Watkins
About: Staple event of Adams County showcases 30 vintage flying works, 500+ show cars, and more than 1000 festival-goers.
Festivals in August 2022
Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival. Photo: Paul Swansen
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Date: Mixed days, June 5-August 7, 2022
Where: Boulder
About: With over 60 successful seasons under its belt, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival showcases multiple performances of some of Shakespeare’s best plays. It’s held on varying days on the CU campus.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
Date: Saturday & Sunday, June 18 – August 7, 2022
Address: 650 W Perry Park Ave, Larkspur (between Denver & CO Springs on I-25)
About: The Renaissance Festival is held over 8 weekends in June, July, and August with medieval events for all ages. It’s held from 10 am until 6:30 pm each day, rain or shine. Parking is free and no pets are allowed.
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
Date: Thur-Thur, June 23-August 4, 2022
Address: Vail
About: Orchestras from around the world perform in the vibrant Vail Valley during the peak of the summer season.
Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series
Date: Fri & Sat, June 24 – August 27, 2022
Address: Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds, Steamboat Springs
About: Every summer on Friday and Saturday evenings, PBR rodeo cowboys compete in the Yampa Valley.
Colorado Music Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, June 30-August 7, 2022
Address: Boulder
About: Six weeks of symphonies, orchestras, and other classical music. It’s held at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, now in its 44th year.
Aspen Music Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, June 30-August 21, 2022
Address: Aspen
About: The Aspen Music Festival summer season is packed full of concerts, classes, performances, and a myriad of programs that attract over 100,o00 music lovers annually.
Mountain Town Music Series
Date: Saturday, July 2, 9 & 30 + August 13 & 20, 2022
Address: River Run Village, Keystone
About: Multi-weekend concert series with local food, craft vendors, and a bazaar.
Delta County Fair & Rodeo
Date: Fri-Sun, July 29-August 7, 2022
Address: Hotchkiss
About: 115th annual western extravaganza with a slew of activities including rodeo events.
Vail Dance Festival
Date: Fri-Tues, July 29 – August 9, 2022
Address: Vail
About: A premiere experience brought to you by artist-in-residence, Calvin Royal III, and BalletX where many extraordinary dancers, artists, and musicians come out to perform each summer.
Middle Park Fair & Rodeo
Date: Sun-Sun, July 31-August 7, 2022
Address: Kremmling
About: 106th annual weeklong western rodeo and livestock show.
Breckenridge Main Street Art Festival
Date: Thur-Sat, August 4-6, 2022
Address: Downtown Breckenridge
About: Over 100 of the country’s top artists descend on Main Street in Breck for one of America’s most celebrated art events.
Archuleta County Fair
Date: Thur-Sun, August 4-7, 2022
Address: Pagosa Springs
About: Hosting its 71st season, the Archuleta County Fair has been around since 1951. At the fair, events include archery, BBQ competition, boxing, Colorado State Fast Draw Championships, live music, livestock auction, Junkyard Jamboree Car Show, Salida circus, and skateboarding.
Crested Butte Arts Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, August 5-7, 2022
Address: Crested Butte Community School
About: 50th season, this festival attracts artists from all over the globe. Expect spectacular art, lively entertainment, and delicious cuisine. There are demonstrations from artists and chefs, plenty of activities for the kids, and an art auction.
Leadville Boom Days
Date: Fri-Sun, August 5-7, 2022
Address: Leadville
About: Features a weekend of activities, food, and recreation held on the first full weekend in August. Events include burro races, a motorcycle rodeo, historic contests of individual mining skills, a gun show, a softball tournament, a street fair, and live entertainment. More highlights include the Boom Days Parade and a car show.
Olathe Sweet Corn Festival
Date: Sat, August 6, 2022
Address: Town Park, Olathe
About: Spend a fun summer Saturday devouring the town’s famous sweet corn and listing to groovy live music.
Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, August 6-7, 2022
Address: Keystone
About: Over 30 microbreweries, mountain music, and home cooking come together in River Run Village for the 24th straight year.
Mountain Arts Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, August 6-7, 2022
Address: Woodland Park
About: Over 70 artists ranging from painters to woodworkers, metalworkers, jewelry artists, and pottery enthusiasts show up to present their crafts to the public to enjoy and purchase.
Kids Adventure Games
Date: Fri-Sun, August 10-14, 2022
Address: Maloit Park, Vail
About: The only multi-city adventure race for children ages 6-14 that is tailored to the natural landscape of the host city.
La Plata County Fair
Date: Wed-Sun, August 10-14, 2022
Address: Durango
About: Like other state and county fairs, visitors will experience livestock competitions, homemade food competitions, 4-H project displays, and garden variety events
Rocky Mountain Irish Gathering
Date: Fri-Sun, August 11-13, 2023
Address: Downtown Fort Collins
About: Three-day festival celebrating the story of Ireland. Soak in the Irish ambiance with food, music, and drinks.
Palisade Peach Festival
Date: Fri-Sat, August 12-13, 2022
Address: Palisade
About: 53rd year, enjoy four days of enjoying Palisade peaches. Last year’s festival topped more than 15,000 people from around the world.
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, August 12-14, 2022
Address: Planet Bluegrass Ranch, Lyons
About: A three-day music and camping festival that showcases a range of artists and genres. Food and alcohol are sold on-site and outside food and drinks are permitted, excluding alcohol. The event kicks off with the Folks Songwriter Showcase, where a juried group of artists from around the world compete for a spot in this year’s lineup.
Sculpture In The Park
Date: Friday-Sun, August 12-14, 2022
Address: Benson Park, Loveland
About: Invited artists present over three days their sculptures in Benson Park, including a silent auction and a chance to take home other souvenirs, now in its 38th year.
Telluride Jazz Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, August 12-14, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: 45th year celebrating America’s destination jazz event, snuggled in the San Juan Mountains.
Western Welcome Week
Date: Fri-Sun, August 12-21, 2022
Address: Littleton
About: Ten-day “homecoming” celebration inviting anyone who was born or has ever lived in Littleton to return home for a big party. Even those who’ve only visited Littleton are welcomed with open arms.
Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race
Date: Saturday, August 13, 2022
Address: Leadville
About: Colorado’s Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race is the second oldest of the major 100-mile bike races in North America. Well-known on an international level, bikers must qualify or win a lottery slot to enter this race.
The Broadmoor Cycle to the Summit
Date: Saturday, August 13, 2022
Address: Cascade
About: Back for its 13th year, The Broadmoor Cycle to the Summit is a competitive race situated 14,115 feet above sea level. Offering multiple categories for competitors, racers will climb over 1,400 feet across the 12.5-mile Pikes Peak Highway course.
Vail Valley Brew’Au
Date: Sat, August 13, 2022
Address: Nottingham Park, Avon
About: Come out for live music, fresh craft beer, food trucks, Colorado sun, and fun activities in the Vail Valley. Plus there is a 5K run to help you prepare for the extra calories later.
Telluride Mushroom Festival
Date: Wed-Sun, August 17-21, 2022
Address: Telluride
About: Rejoice in all aspects of this fungus for the 41st year. Events include lectures, forays, performances, workshops, parades, movies, cooking, and food.
Antiques at the Spanish Peaks Vintage Trailer Rally
Date: Fri-Sun, August 19-21, 2022
Address: La Veta Pines RV Park
About: A three-day event that showcases refurbished vintage trailers and RVs.
Lafayette Peach Festival
Date: Sat, August 20, 2022
Address: Lafayette
About: 23rd annual peach fest showcases world-famous Palisade peaches. Taste peach pies, cobbler, and smoothies. Arts and crafts, antique dealers, artists, along with food and drink vendors. Live music, child activities, and live entertainment throughout the day.
Pickin’ On The Divide Bluegrass Festival
Date: Sat, August 20, 2022
Address: Limbach Park, Monument
About: Full day of bluegrass jamming out in downtown Monument.
Durango Blues Train
Date: Thur-Sat, August 25-27, 2022
Address: Durango
About: Attend one of two weekends on an epic, one-of-a-kind blues train, roundtrip from Durango to Silverton.
San Juan BrewFest
Date: Sat-Sun, August 26-27, 2022
Address: Durango
About: Annual beer tasting festival featuring live music and dozens of breweries at Buckley Park, in downtown Durango.
Handmade In Colorado Expo: Bond Park
Date: Fri-Sun, August 26-28, 2022
Address: Estes Park – Bond Park
About: 15th annual art event held over three weekends at three different venues, showcasing various creations from Colorado artists.
Colorado State Fair & Rodeo
Date: Fri-Mon, August 26 – September 5, 2022
Address: Pueblo
About: Widely popular eleven-day event with parades, live music, rodeos, carnival, livestock, horse show, and hundreds of vendors selling everything from Indian Tacos to handcrafted jewelry.
Hudson Gardens Summer Concert Series
Date: Mixed Days TBD, early June-mid September 2022
Where: Littleton
About: Twenty-one years and counting for this favorite summer outdoor concert series. Shows take place regularly on Sundays, some Saturdays, and July 4th.
Boulder International Fringe Festival
Date: TBD 2022
Address: Boulder
About: Twelve-day un-juried festival of arts featuring a variety of performing and visual arts including theater, dance, puppetry, and cinema.
Colorado Symphony Acoustic on the Rocks
TBD 2022
Address: Red Rock Amphitheatre, Morrison
About: A multi-day event that showcases the works of Mozart, Walker, Bartok, and Tchaikovsky in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Farm to Fiddle Summer Festival
Date: TBD 2022
Address: Hotchkiss
About: Head out to Hotchkiss for a weekend of farm-fresh food, paired with local valley wine and plenty of live music and western activities.
Idaho Springs Town Party
Date: TBD 2022
Address: Shelly/Quinn Fields, Idaho Springs
About: Featuring the local and visitor favorite band RapidGrass, the Idaho Springs Town Party is a one-day music festival that combines great music with a stunning scenic backdrop.
Mushroom & Wine Festival
Date: TBD 2022
Address: Purgatory Resort, Durango
About: Celebrate a bounty of wild mushrooms with a mushroom dinner, guided hunt, and culinary showcase, all paired with wine.
Saguache Community Pow Wow
Date: TBD 2022
Address: Saguache
About: Come by this free festival honoring Native American songs, dances, and cultures. A myriad of indigenous tribes come together for this annual summer pow wow.
Festivals in September 2022
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. Photo: Donna Boley
Colorado State Fair & Rodeo
Date: Fri-Mon, August 26 – September 5, 2022
Address: Pueblo
About: Widely popular eleven-day event with parades, live music, rodeos, carnival, livestock, horse show, and hundreds of vendors selling everything from Indian Tacos to handcrafted jewelry.
TEDxBoulder
Date: Thur, September 1, 2022
Address: Boulder
About: TEDx event held in Boulder at the Chautauqua Auditorium. It features more than a dozen speakers and performers giving inspirational and thought-provoking performances.
Four Corners Folk Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, September 2-4, 2022
Address: Pagosa Springs
About: Highlights for the 25th annual Folk Fest include food vendors, a beer garden, live folk music, and kids’ entertainment. Many people camp at the event on Reservoir Hill or at a satellite spot, with campsites available for tents and RVs for a fee.
Four Corners Motorcycle Rally
Date: Fri-Sun, September 2-4, 2022
Address: Durango
About: The annual Four Corners Motorcycle Rally features live bands, poker runs, Harley Davidson Giveaway, Indian Scout Giveaway, and festivities.
Gourmet on Gore
Date: Fri-Sun, September 2-4, 2022
Address: Vail
About: A 3-day open-air festival in Vail Village centered around good food, wine, beer, and music. Guests will not only be able to enjoy a range of curated meals and beverages but also participate in activities like yoga or the Trail to Table Hike.
Keystone Oktoberfest
Date: Sat, September 3, 2022
Address: River Run Village, Keystone
About: Keystone’s 9th annual Oktoberfest with beer and brats. Activities include free face painting, a bounce house, and the Edelweiss Polka Dancers.
A Taste of Colorado
Date: Sat-Mon, September 3-5, 2022
Address: Downtown Denver
About: Free fest with five stages of live music, lots of great local food, over 200 arts & crafts booths, and carnival rides, now in its 39th year.
Breckenridge Gathering at the Great Divide Art Festival
Date: Sat-Mon, September 3-5, 2022
Address: Downtown Breckenridge
About: Ranked as one of the top 200 festivals in the U.S. by Sunshine Artists, this fine arts fest offers free admission over Labor Day weekend.
Denver Chalk Art Festival
Date: Sat-Mon, September 3-5, 2022
Address: Larimer Square, Downtown Denver
About: Watch over 200 artists spend the weekend painting the sidewalks with chalk.
Labor Day Lift Off
Date: Sat-Mon, September 3-5, 2022
Address: Colorado Springs
About: A colorful event that will have you looking toward the sky, Colorado Spring’s Labor Day Lift Off is great for the entire family. Taking place over 3 days, guests can watch as approximately 70 hot air balloons float around the city.
Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials
Date: Wed-Sun, September 7-11, 2022
Address: Meeker
About: Five days of sheepdog herding competition held annually in September, celebrating its 34th year.
Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, September 9-11, 2022
Address: Estes Park
About: Known as Scotfest, this three-day celebration, now in its 45th year, features large bagpipe marching bands, the Estes Tattoo, and the Longs Peak Concert. Highlights include live music, regional food, jousting tournaments, Highland dance, and local merchants.
Denver’s Mineral, Fossil, Gem, and Jewelry Show
Date: Fri-Sun, September 9-18, 2022
Address: National Western Center, Denver
About: Spend a day strolling through nine miles of tables and booths where 500+ dealers from all over the country come to sell their products and share the beautiful world of geo.
High Peaks Music Festival
Date: Sat, September 10, 2022
Address: Westcliffe
About: 11th annual festival showcasing the Valley’s top musical acts, held at the Feed Store Park and Amphitheater.
Rist Canyon Mountain Festival
Date: Sat, September 10, 2022
Address: Bellvue
About: Held annually on the first Saturday after Labor Day and featuring live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and activities for kids, this festival helps to raise funds for the fire department.
San Luis Valley Potato Festival
Date: Sat, September 10, 2022
Address: Monte Vista
About: Colorado’s San Luis Valley produces some of the finest potatoes around. Celebrate this starchy root vegetable at the annual SLV Potato Festival.
Steamboat OktoberWest
Dates: Sat, September 10, 2022
Address: Steamboat Springs
About: Over 40 brewers come to Steamboat’s mountain village for this annual Octoberfest. Enjoy craft beer, live music, and a beef cook-off.
Colorado Artfest at Castle Rock
Date: Sat-Sun, September 10-11, 2022
Address: Castle Rock
About: More than 110 artists ascend Castle Rock for this annual fine arts fest.
Breck Film Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, September 15-18, 2022
Address: Breckenridge
About: An annual festival that features a variety of independent films, premieres, receptions, educational programs, and retrospectives; 70+ films, parties, and forums.
Colorfest Balloon Rally
When: Fri-Sun, September 16-18, 2022
Where: Pagosa Springs
What: 35th anniversary of high flying fun, held annually since 1986. The Passport to Pagosa Food & Wine Fest kicks off the festivities on Friday night with international wine and food pairings.
Handmade In Colorado Expo: Skyline Park
Date: Fri-Sun, September 16-18, 2022
Address: Skyline Park, Denver
About: 15th annual art event held over three weekends at three different venues, showcasing various creations from Colorado artists.
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, September 16-18, 2022
Address: Town Park, Telluride
About: 28th year, this popular event features world-class blues music and great local food.
Colorado Mountain Winefest
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2022
Address: Riverbend Park, Palisade
About: Dozens of local wineries attend Colorado’s premier wine festival, now in its 31st season. There are interactive seminars, demos, live entertainment, fantastic food, unlimited wine samples, a commemorative tasting glass, a wine tote, and plenty of vino for sale.
Lake City Uncorked Wine & Music Festival
Date: Sat, September 17, 2022
Address: Lake City
About: Music and wine festival in one of Colorado’s most picturesque and remote towns.
Pawtoberfest
Date: Sat, September 17, 2022
Address: Colorado Springs
About: Annual festival with craft beer, cocktails, food vendors, and a 2-mile dog walk that benefs the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
Durango Autumn Arts Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, September 17-18, 2022
Address: Downtown Durango
About: Discover a weekend of arts and crafts on Second Avenue in downtown Durango. Explore the various booths selling their handmade goods among the fall colors.
Vail Film Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, September 22 – 25, 2022
Address: Vail
About: An annual 4-day film festival showcasing independent movies and screenplays.
Chile & Frijoles Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, September 23-25, 2022
Address: Pueblo
About: Annual three-day pepper party held the third weekend after Labor Day. Farmers sell more than 50,000 pounds of peppers, including the Mirasol, a native to the Pueblo region.
Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering
Date: Thur-Sun, September 29 – October 2, 2022
Address: Durango
About: Celebrate the rich history of the American cowboy, with live performances, poets, and musicians, now in its 34th year.
Handmade In Colorado Expo: Fillmore Plaza
Date: Fri-Sun, September 30 – October 2, 2022
Address: Fillmore Plaza, Cheery Creek, Denver
About: 15th annual art event held over three weekends at three different venues showcasing various creations from Colorado artists.
Sundown Colorado
Date: TBD 2022
Address: RiNo Festival Grounds, Denver
About: Denver’s first sober music festival that focuses on mindfulness, wellness, and connecting to each other through music.
Lafayette Brew Fest
Date: TBD 2022
Address: Lafayette
About: Free to enter brew fest featuring 23 local breweries within 75 miles of Lafayette.
Ouray County Fair & Rodeo
Date: TBD 2022
Address: Ridgway
About: Two days of western heritage with a rodeo, parade, fair, and BBQ, held at the Ouray County 4H Events Center & Fairgrounds.
Parker Oktoberfest
Date: TBD 2022
Address: O’Brien Park, Parker
About: 14th annual event with German music, dancers, Biergarten with three Paulaner beers, Miss Oktoberfest contest, and an obstacle course, bungee tramp & a slide for kids.
Telluride Film Festival
Date: TBD 2022
Address: Telluride
About: One of the top film festivals in the U.S, now in its 48th year.
Aspen Filmfest
Date: TBD 2022
Address: Aspen
About: Aspen Film’s flagship event, the 41st annual Filmfest, showcasing narrative and documentary features, along with international independent films.
The summer season is loaded with exciting annual events in Colorado. Need help deciding? Here are thirteen favorite summer festivals. Have fun!
