Amongst its expansive mountain ranges and epic scenery, Colorado also boasts a jam packed festival calendar all summer long. With something to suit every taste, the state’s roster of music, arts, entertainment and culinary events draw in visitors year in, year out. From the gateway city of Denver, to the mountain towns of Telluride and Keystone, head to one of these unmissable celebrations whilst adventuring through the state.
Musical Moments
Denver Underground Music Showcase, Denver (28-30 July)
In the midst of an active festival calendar, Denver Underground Music Showcase is the perfect place to experience The Mile High City’s exploding music scene. Denver’s largest, multi-day music festival will once again return to South Broadway and feature over 700 artists from the Colorado region. Expected to draw over 10,000 music lovers every day, the experience is committed to discovery and community whilst also challenging the conventional norms of profit-driven music festivals.
Telluride Jazz Festival, Telluride (12 – 14 August)
Nestled at the base of a majestic canyon, and surrounded by waterfalls, the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado hosts the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three day and night music event centred around jazz. The annual event combines the finest natural landscapes with boundless creativity, accompanied by a once-in-a lifetime soundtrack, provided by acclaimed artists. Providing a sample of the state’s craftsmanship, amenities include food vendors, craft brews and cocktails.
Mountain Town Music Festival, Keystone (19 August)
A celebration of the state, Mountain Town Music Festival, situated in Keystone welcomes warm summer days teamed with free live music. Be amazed by live performances from Salida Circus who move in time with the music. Stumble across acrobats, stilt walkers, magicians and more. Festival goers can take advantage of lodging discounts on a range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms to cosy condos. As well as complimentary activities including golf, tennis, pony rides and a free gondola ride when two or more nights are booked.
Foodie Favourites
Palisade Peach Festival, Palisade (18-19 August)
Life’s a peach at Palisade’s annual Peach Festival. Taking place 18-19 August, guests can experience Palisade peaches at their finest during its 55th annual celebrations. The peach party is a chance for farmers, families and businesses to share their famous fruits with the rest of the world. Guests can expect live music and dancing, drink vendors and food trucks, as well as family-friendly games and the famous BBQ throwdown and peach eating contests. Downtown will also see the Palisade Peach Fest Parade.
Taste of Colorado, Denver
Spicing things up this year, Taste of Colorado, will be hosted across four Sundays throughout the summer. Taking place at ¡Viva! Streets Denver at Civic Center Park, guests can tour the state’s menus with samples from restaurants and vendors, dance to live music spanning different genres, and admire public art displays. Travellers can save the dates, 14 May, 4 June, 9 July and 6 August.
The Great American Beer Festival (21-23 September)
From 21-23 September, the Great American Beer Festival returns to Denver for the first time since the pandemic. Presenting the largest collection of US beer ever served in a public tasting event, the much anticipated event brings together brewers, consumers and diverse beers that make the state the world’s greatest brewing nation. With over 100 breweries in the Denver metropolitan area, the city is the perfect host for the speciality festival due to its expertise.
The unique
75th anniversary of whitewater festival, FIBArk, Salida (15-18 June)
For adrenaline-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) is a must. Marking its 75th anniversary in 2023, FIBArk is the nation’s oldest whitewater festival and Salida’s signature event. A tradition since 1949, the exciting event draws kayakers, stand-up paddlers and rafters to compete and play in the mighty Arkansas River. While whitewater is the draw, the city of Salida also showcases a variety of local colours with live music and costumed bike competitors, as well as a parade and races on foot.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, Crested Butte (7-16 July)
An annual ten-day festival offering wildflower expertise, Crested Butte Wildflower Festival is an advocate for the preservation and appreciation of wildflowers. As the Wildflower Capital of the state, the festival offers awareness and admiration for natural wildflower habitats. Attendees can expect guided hikes into the wild through beautiful blooming flora as well as the chance to attend workshops in painting, pollination, photography and culinary arts, all with a central focus around wildflowers.
Hot Air Balloon Festival, Craig (5-7 August)
With so much natural beauty, Colorado is a destination that should be seen from the skies, and everyone who takes part in Craig’s Hot Air Balloon Festival gets that luxury. With a colourful ascension scheduled each morning, hot air balloons dip and soar over lakes with magical mountainous views as the backdrop. Saturday boasts a full day of entertainment and activities in Loudy-Simpson Park, including a classic car show, a cardboard boat regatta and bouncy castles. Music can be found playing all day long.
For more information, please visit www.colorado.com.
