Dancing under the stars, getting lost in wildflowers and vintage shopping and listening to bluegrass…some of my favorite things! They are back strong this year and I’ve got the list of all the Colorado festivals around the state to check out…come back often as they will get updated weekly!
June
FIBArk Whitewater Festival⎪2021 marks the 73rd anniversary of FIBArk, the nation’s oldest whitewater festival and Salida’s signature event. Since 1949, every June during the Spring snow runoff, Salida has hosted FIBArk, “First in Boating on the Arkansas.” June 17-20.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival⎪Join for the 2 weekends of the 2021 Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Each day of music will consist of four acts, beginning in the 3pm hour and ending at approximately 10:30pm. June 11-13 and June 17-20.
Juneteenth⎪Juneteenth celebrates the day African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Celebrated in cities across the country, Denver is home to the Juneteenth Music Festival, a dynamic community event which annually attracts 50,000 people. In 2021, Juneteenth was recognized as a commemorative holiday by Denver City Council. June 18.
Vail Craft Beer Classic⎪Pairing beer with adventure, the Vail Craft Beer Classic is Colorado’s highest altitude beer tasting! Join each summer they hold 2 beer-filled days of events – from paired lunches to hiking with a brewer, and hundreds of craft beers, ciders, and seltzers to sample right in Vail Village. June 25-26.
Denver PrideFest⎪PrideFest will be a mix of small, in-person and virtual events at venues around the city — dance parties, drag queen-hosted pool gatherings, family-oriented events at Denver Museum of Nature & Science and “movie-themed activities” with Denver Film’s Sie FilmCenter. June 26-27.
Greeley Stampede⎪Top events include the Greeley Stampede – Colorado’s premier western, summer celebration, the Greeley Independence Day Parade, the Big Buckle Ball benefiting the Greeley Stampede Foundation, and a handful of other promotional events that focus on youth rodeo engagement and entertainment. The Greeley Stampede summer event is a 10+ day festival held at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley, CO leading up to the 4th of July each year including a concert series, a PRCA rodeo series, an American Bullfighting event, a Demolition Derby, large carnival, food, vendors, and children’s activities. June 24-July 4.
Telluride Yoga Festival⎪The Telluride Yoga Festival is a unique and special gathering unlike any other. This inspirational 4-day event features over 100 offerings including yoga, meditation, music, hiking, dining, SUP yoga, social gatherings and more. June 24-27.
July
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival⎪Surround yourself in the symphony of wildflowers that is Crested Butte. From garden tours to wildflower hikes and everything in between you will be surrounded in beauty. July 9-18.
High Mountain Hay Fever Festival⎪The High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival Board and volunteers are thrilled to invite you to this annual event in the heart of the Wet Mountain Valley of south, central Colorado. The stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the friendly town of Westcliffe provide a magnificent backdrop for the Festival, but it is four days of nationally-renown bluegrass performers that sets this Festival apart. July 8-11.
Colorado Black Arts Festival⎪Colorado Black Arts Festival proudly presents its 35th annual celebration of African American art and culture. This event is FREE and open to the public. July 9-11.
Hot Air Balloon Rodeo⎪Look to the sky as 20+ balloons dot the horizon with color Saturday and Sunday morning. There will be no spectators allowed at the launch site this year. Instead, head over to the Ski Town Ballfields for the public viewing area with tethered balloons, food and merchant vendors, and family fun. July 10-11.
Boulder Creek Festival⎪A family festival filled with carnival rides, an arts expo, fitness classes, a makers market, live music and community performances. July 16-18.
RockyGrass Festival⎪This gem of a gathering in Lyons, known for hosting some of the most talented musicians and entertainers on the planet, is back. But, well, the details were still being worked out at press time. Check the website for schedule, ticket and camping updates. July 23-25.
Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival⎪The 12th Annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival (RGWF) features whitewater competitions and land-based recreation events to celebrate the whitewater season. Enjoy summer flows in a fantastic whitewater setting in historic Cañon City, Colorado. Held in the refurbished and family-friendly Centennial Park, the Whitewater Festival pairs boats, bands, and beer for a weekend of fun-filled (and whitewater-fueled) events. It’s the biggest party of the summer in Cañon City and one not to be missed. It’s all about “Boats, Bands, and Beer!” July 23-24.
BeerFest⎪Celebrate summer in the mountains at the Winter Park Resort BEERFEST. Enjoy unlimited drink samples from over 20 Colorado craft breweries and distilleries to the tune of live music at 9,000 feet. Noon-5pm. Saturday, July 24
Mountain Fair⎪Carbondale Arts creates community for state of the art gallery exhibitions, creative planning, place making, and vibrant happenings in the Carbondale Creative District; the annual spirited Mountain Fair, Cirque d’Sopris youth show, and the alluring Green Is The New Black Fashion Extravaganza, along with many other offerings. July 23-25.
August
Bohemian Nights ⎪Bohemian Nights shares the gift of live Colorado music with the Northern Colorado community. Bohemian Nights exposes community members to new, emerging and established Colorado artists; reveals Fort Collins as a music city; and shares the gift of live music with the community. Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest is a free music festival held each August in historic downtown Fort Collins. Updates about the status of a 2021 festival will be provided here on the website and on social media. August 13-15.
Palisade Peach Festival⎪Head down to Palisade, Colorado to enjoy our 52nd annual Palisade Peach Festival. Experience food and goods from vendors from across the valley, live music, entertainment for the kids, contests, and of course our famous peaches! August 19-22.
Colorado State Fair⎪August 27-September 6
September
Seven Peaks Festival⎪Dierks Bentley’s mountain getaway & Colorado’s coolest country music experience. Returning to Colorado THIS Labor Day Weekend! September 4-5
Am I missing your favorite Colorado festival? If so, let me know in the comments!
Check out my events page for all my Don’t Miss Events!
