It’s finally that time of year again. In 2023, we can get back to being together, dancing, competing, hula-hooping, singing, paddling, running, and finding a like-minded vibe at music and sport festivals across the Rocky Mountains. And we are here to help. Dig in to our annual festival guide and plan a summer of fun.
By Ryan Michelle Scavo and Doug Schnitzspahn
MAY
Tico Time Bluegrass Festival
May 11–14, Aztec, NM
Tico Time River Resort, about 20 miles south of Durango, Colorado, hosts this hoedown of pickin’ and strummin’. The impressive lineup includes Yonder Mountain String Band, The Travelin’ McCourys, Kyle Hollingsworth Band, Lindsay Lou, Big Richard, Kyle Tuttle Band, and more. Plus, there’s plenty of camping—and even glamping—options for the whole dang family. ticotimebluegrassfest.com
Head for the Hills Pickin’ on the Dead
May 13, Bellvue, CO
Fest season in Colorado kicks off here when Pickin’ on the Dead—a Grateful Dead bluegrass tribute featuring Tyler Grant, Michael Kirkpatrick, Ace Engfer, and Jake Wolf—hits the stage with Banshee Tree at Mishawaka Amphitheatre. themishawaka.com
Food Truck Carnival
May 19–21, Northglenn, CO
Indulge in the eclectic styles of food available at the sixth annual Food Truck Carnival featuring bluegrass and Americana music on the main stage, beer tastings and a Tilt-A-Whirl-style carnival. foodtruckcarnival.com
Upslope Get Down
May 20, Boulder, CO
Bring the whole family to enjoy live music, eat great food, crush your friends in yard games, all while sampling beers on tap at this spring fling held in the back parking lot at the Upslope Brewery. You are sure to see EO staff here and, best of all, it’s free. upslopebrewing.com/getdown
Pikes Peak Birding and Nature Festival
May 18–21, Fountain, CO
Do not miss the “Birds and Brews” happy hour at this ornithological event with free appetizers, drinks, and beer from Phantom Canyon Brewery. See the list of which birds have been seen or heard during field trips, visit festival sponsors and partners, enjoy music, and share stories with other participants. pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org
Rise & Vibes
May 19–21, Aztec, NM
This reggae-fueled fest at Tico Time River Resort will include performances by Matisyahu, The Movement, Del The Funky Homosapien, Anthony B, Kabaka Pyramid (Grammy Nominee), Sister Nancy, WookieFoot, Little Stranger, Balkan Bump, Cas Haley, Lily Fangz, Fayuca, Def-I, Niceness, and more. And there’s plenty of camping to share that vibe. riseandvibes.com
Festival of the Brewpubs
May 21, Arapahoe Basin, CO
Plunge into the best of spring skiing, live music and some of the best breweries at A-Basin. The festival will be set up in the base area (Mountain Goat Plaza), so come rip some stellar spring turns and sample some brews. arapahoebasin.com/event/festival-of-the-brewpubs
MeadowGrass Music Festival
May 26–28, Colorado Springs, CO
Spend Memorial Day weekend kicking off summer and shaking your thing to eclectic bands like Donna the Buffalo, Cha Wa, Moon Veil, JigJam and Twisted Pine, guided hikes or hammocking with your fam and practicing yoga at the La Foret Conference & Retreat Center. rockymountainhighway.org
Mountainfilm
May 25–29, Telluride, CO
The premier showcase for films of mountain adventure has grown into the premier documentary film showcase on the planet staying true to its mission: “Using the power of film, art and ideas, Mountainfilm inspires audiences to create a better world.” And where better to hold it than Colorado’s premier festival town? mountainfilm.org
CKS PaddleFest
May 26–29, Buena Vista, CO
Held in the mountain town EO readers voted “Best of the Rockies,” this four-day paddling extravaganza includes various river-centric events such as kayak freestyle and slalom and other events in whitewater, flatwater and land races in the heart of Buena Vista. You can take the plunge or simply kick back and enjoy the party. ckspaddlefest.com
JUNE
Animas River Days
June 2–4, Durango, CO
Durango embraces its lifeblood—its downtown river—with whitewater slalom, kayak rodeos, boatercross, and SUP races. And all this paddling fun is packed into one weekend. animasriverdays.com
Denver Day of Rock
June 3, Denver, CO
Don’t miss this free one-day music event that will feature four stages throughout Denver’s LoDo District and benefits a local non-profit, Amp the Cause. denverdayofrock.com
The Big Gear Show / (e)revolution
June 8–11, Denver, CO
The Big Gear Show is an exciting new event that showcases up-and-coming gear for specialty retailers and the media, then transitioning to
a welcoming platform for consumers to learn about brands and gear that get them outdoors. The Big Gear Show serves the specialty retailer, the media, and the consumer interested in learning and experiencing gear firsthand. The show is not a selling platform to consumers, but rather an educational and experiential opportunity for those looking to learn and try before they buy. thebiggearshow.com
2023 GoPro Mountain Games
June 8–11, Vail, CO
Come join in on the country’s largest celebration of mountain sports or just ogle Olympians. Don’t miss three free nights of concerts, including Brothers of a Feather featuring Chris and Rich Robinson at the historic Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. mountaingames.com
Hive Music Festival
June 9–10, Salt Lake City, UT
When we say hip hop, you say … Salt Lake City? That’s right. Post Malone will once again headline the biggest hip hop fest in the Rockies alongside national acts including Kid Cudi, Joji, and Big Sean. hivefestival.com
Palisade Bluegrass and Roots Festival
June 9-11, Palisade, CO
Get ready for live music, artisan vendors, camping, paddle boarding, local wine and distillery tastings, lavender tours, painting workshops and so much more. This festival features some of the country’s top bluegrass artists as well as Colorado’s favorite emerging stars for three days of non-stop, festival vibes. palisademusic.com
Gunnison River Festival
June 10–12, Gunnison, CO
This festival is more than fun and games: It celebrates the importance of clean water for everyone, bringing people together to celebrate at the headwaters of the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers and regional creeks off the Continental Divide. gunnisonriverfestival.com
Dillon Amphitheater Summer Concerts
June 15–September 14,
Dillon, CO
One of the most stunning venues in the Rockies is primed for a big season of performers including Jason Isbel and the 400 Train, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Gregoroy Alan Isakof. Plus, the amphitheater hosts free shows all summer long.dillonamphitheater.com
Country Jam
June 22–24, Mack, CO
Get your boots on for this four-day country music bllowout featuring 20+ bands on two stages. Want more? Get out and ride Fruita’s famed singletrack right down the road. countryjam.com
FIBArk
June 15–18, Salida, CO
FIBArk is the oldest whitewater festival in the world. What’s more, the event, best known for its paddling events, ranging from slalom to the hooligan race, is in its 75th year! Head to downtown Salida for four days of whitewater, free music from national acts and an always hopping beer garden. fibark.net
50th Annual Telluride Bluegrass
June 15–18, Telluride, CO
The mother of all bluegrass festivals is celebrating its 50th year! World class bluegrass musicians, stunning views of the San Juans and plenty of family activities should keep your cup full for the weekend. Headliners include Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Gregory Alan Isakof, Sam Bush, and Nickel Creek. bluegrass.com/telluride
Sonic Bloom Festival
June 15–18, Hummingbird Ranch, Spanish Peaks County, CO
EDM lovers rejoice! Join acts including Clozee, Papadosio, Lotus, and tons more under the sparkling Colorado skies. Improvements this year include better restrooms, showers, and VIP options. sonicbloomfestival.com
Lake Dillon Beer Festival
June 17, Dillon, CO
Taste beers from over 30 Colorado breweries in one of the most dramatic settings around. Be sure to pace yourself as Saturday night’s concert will have you rocking and rolling into the night. coloradobeer.org
Outdoor Adventure X
June 17–18, Snowbasin, UT
Outdoor Retailer’s consumer event, Outdoor Adventure X is a celebration of the outdoors, adventure travel, and the active lifestyle. Shop for gear and test the latest mountain bikes, kayaks, climbing equipment, and more. Then join in classes, workshops and roundtable discussions hosted by wilderness experts, around-the-world travelers, athletes, and other top adventure pros. outdooradventurex.com
Denver PrideFest
June 24–25, Denver, CO
What’s better than 350,000 people of all orientations celebrating love and inclusion? Not much! denverpride.org
Keystone’s Bacon and Bourbon Festival
June 24–25, Keystone, CO
How could you go wrong with a bacon and bourbon festival? You can’t! Top it all off with a bacon Bloody Mary and some bacon themed goodies. keystonefestivals.com
Telluride Yoga Festival
June 22–25, Telluride, CO
Now in its 16th year, this limber fest includes rafting, SUP yoga and daily hikes. Bonus: The gondola ferries yogis between classes.tellurideyogafestival.com
63rd Annual Annual Eastern Shoshone Indian Days
June 23–25,
Fort Washakie, WY
In Wind River Country, the summer season also marks the beginning of powwow season. From May through August you can experience an amazing cultural event by attending a powwow on the Wind River Indian Reservation. It’s a chance to learn about the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes and get caught up in the singing, drums and dancing. easternshoshone.org
Salida Art Walk
June 23–25, Salida, CO
For 30 years, the annual Art Walk has featured exhibits from local and regional artists in many forms, including art demos, musicians, and busking street performers. salidaartwalk.org
Ridgway River Festival
June 24, Ridgway, CO
Float with the whole family in celebration of the Uncompahgre River and the Ridgway community. Events include SUP races, an inflatables race, a hard shells race and “Junk of the unc” race. Riverfest is produced by a Ouray nonprofit that is dedicated to helping protect the Uncompahgre River watershed. ridgwayriverfest.org
Blues From the Top
June 23-25, Winter Park, CO
Winter Park’s non-profit blues festival brings some heat to the high country. It also serves as a showcase for young and up-and-coming blues artists as well as seasoned veterans like Drive-by Truckers and Grace Potter. bluesfromthetop.org
UFO Festival
June 30–July 2, Roswell, NM
The City of Roswell is excited to open its doors to a worldwide audience for the 2023 Annual UFO Festival. This destination festival will include plenty of immersive experiences, live music, local food, out-of-this-world photo ops, as well as other family friendly events happening all over the city. ufofestival.com
JULY
Dusty Boots
July 1, Denver, CO
Held in Civic Park, this barn buster will feature live performances by Colter Wall, Orville Peck, Margo Price, Houndmouth, Futurebirds, Murder By Death, Nick Shoulders, Willi Carlisle, Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners, Casey James Prestwood, Kyle Moon & The Misled, Extra Gold, and Honey Blazer. denver.org
First Friday Concert with the North Mississippi Allstars,
July 7, Silverthorne, CO
Get your groove on at this free community concert at Rainbow Park featuring American blues and Southern rock band North Mississippi Allstars. Enjoy free kids activities and more. silverthorne.org
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
July 7–16, Crested Butte, CO
What better place to celebrate summer than in the mountains—head to one of the most colorful and beautiful festivals in Colorado. Be sure to get out on one of the insightful guided hikes. crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com
International Climbers Festival
July 13–16, Lander, WY
More than just a chance to show off your skills, this festival is all about celebrating the community of climbing. According to the organizers: “When climbers come together at City Park and Wild Iris each year for traditions old and new, it’s a reminder of just how awesome this global climbing community is. We can celebrate our differences and similarities, strengths and struggles, and be reminded that we all share a common love.” Awww. See you there. climbersfestival.org
Under the Big Sky Festival
July 14-16, Whitefish, MT
This Americana-centric fest up in Whitefish should be worth the drive with headliners including Hank Williams Jr, Zach Bryan, and Caamp. This year’s lineup is insane, head over to their website for the whole list. underthebigskyfest.com
Keystone Wine and Jazz
July 15–16, Keystone, CO
Snag a glass of Malbec (or whatever you fancy) and bob your head to fest favorites Dotsero. keystonefestivals.com
Hanuman
July 13–16, Boulder, CO
Transcend the ordinary. Experience awakening, belonging, and connection at this four-day celebration of world-class yoga, mind-blowing music, inspirational experiences and nourishing community. hanumanfestival.com
Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
July 21–22, Canon City, CO
Join in on two glorious days of boats, bands and beer along the Arkansas—and you might even take a scenic train ride along the gorge. royalgorgewhitewaterfestival.com
Oyster Ridge Music Festival
July 21–22, Kemmerer, WY
The Oyster Ridge Music Festival is Wyoming’s largest free festival. Kemmerer is quirky and cool, too. This folk-centric music—acts include Big Head Todd and the Monsters, The Band of Heathens, Trout Steka Revival, and more—fest may just be worth the drive to Wyoming! oystergrass.com
Rockygrass
July 28–30, Lyons, CO
The premier gathering for traditional bluegrass aficionados features Sam Bush, Lil’ Smokies, Sierra Hull, Peter Rowan’s Bluegrass Band, Big Richard, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway, Mighty Poplar, and all the hot pickin’ you can handle. bluegrass.com/rockygrass
AUGUST
Rhythms on the Rio
Aug. 4–6, Del Norte, CO
Enjoy an eclectic weekend of music, art, and camping along the banks of the Rio Grande! Music from The Motet, The Infamous Stringdusters, Shinyribs and The Hip Adbuction is sure to get you on your feet and shakin’ your thing. rhythmsontherio.com
Keystone Bluegrass and
Beer Festival
Aug. 5–6, Keystone, CO
Appalachia meets Colorado at this quintessential mountain festival. Add in drinks from 40+ craft breweries and you have one serious down-home weekend. keystonefestivals.com
Eagle Block Party
Aug. 11–13, Eagle, CO
Bring your dancin’ shoes to Eagle for a funky lineup to maximize your summer fun. Music from Lettuce, Otiel & Friends, and Dumpstaphunk is sure to keep you dancing. blockpartyeagle.com
Telluride Jazz Festival
Aug. 11–13, Telluride, CO
For 46 years, real sophistication has hit Colorado’s favorite festival town with jazz in the box canyon. Gregory Porter, The Soul Rebels, and Hooligans Brass Band top an impressive lineup. telluridejazz.org
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
Aug. 11–13, Lyons, CO
Kick back creekside on the Planet Bluegrass grounds and enjoy an all-star lineup this year, including Charlie Crockett, Shovels and Rope, Katie Pruitt, and Leyla McCalla. bluegrass.com/folks
Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 11–13, Grand Targhee Resort, WY
Bluegrass icons take the stage and musicians take on the role of teachers since this festival doubles as a music camp for young bluegrass hopefuls. “We look forward to rocking the Tetons with all of you again,” say organizers. grandtarghee.com/bluegrass
FUNC
Aug. 13, Montrose, CO
FUNC Fest is for fun on the Uncompahgre River. Get it? This family-friendly event celebrates Montrose’s river with a full schedule of water sports competitions, live music, activities for the whole family, local vendors, a food truck village, and a beer garden! visitmontrose.com/events/fun-on-the-uncompahgre
Telluride Mushroom Festival
Aug. 16–20, Telluride, CO
Since 1981, the Telluride Mushroom Festival has been bringing in the best mycologists to speak on psychedelic research, decriminalization, and how to cultivate your own mushrooms. tellurideinstitute.org/telluride-mushroom-festival
Keystone Mountain Town Music Series
Aug. 19, Keystone, CO
The Mountain Town Music Series celebrates the sunny afternoons of summer in Keystone with outdoor concerts in River Run Village, complemented by a variety of other entertainment throughout the day. keystonefestivals.com
Dillon Open Regatta
Aug. 25–27, Dillon, CO
The Dillon Yacht Club extends a warm invitation to all sailors interested in participating in the 2023 Dillon Open Regatta, the world’s highest regatta at 9,017 feet above sea level. Visit the website for details and to sign up. dillonopen.com
FALL AND WINTER
Four Corners Folk Festival
Sep. 1–3, Pagosa Springs, CO
Yonder Mountain String Band, Gangstagrass, Heratless Bastards—they’re all coming to this year’s fete. Spend your downtime soaking in Pagosa’s steamy pools. folkwest.com/fourcornersfolkfestival
Seven Peaks Festival
Sep. 2–4, Villa Grove, CO
The San Luis Valley will echo with roots music: Country star Dierks Bentley, in partnership with Live Nation, will once again hold the Seven Peaks Music Festival, a multi-stage country and bluegrass extravaganza. sevenpeaksfestival.com
Keystone Oktoberfest
Sep. 2, Keystone, CO
Dig out your lederhosen and dirndls and bring the family for Keystone’s Oktoberfest. Earn your Bavarian steeze at the stein hoisting contests. keystonefestivals.com
Endless Sunshine
Sep. 8, Denver, CO
The Backseat Lovers, Peach Pit, Briston Maroney, Co-Stanza, The Mañanas, and Blankslate all play live at Civic Center Park. denver.org
Telluride Blues and Brews
Sep. 15–17, Telluride, CO
This fall classic will feature Bonnie Raitt, The Roots, Kirk Fletcher, The Revivalists and more—oh, and plenty of hoppy refreshment. The Grand Tasting is the perfect way to cap off the entire festival season with one big, extended toast. Extend the buzz with late-night concerts throughout town. tellurideblues.com
Great American Beer Festival
Sep. 21–23, Denver, CO
The world’s greatest gathering of brews and those who make and imbibe them goes down (where else?) in craft-beer central. With this many beers to sample you better designate a driver. greatamericanbeerfestival.com
Mountain Harvest Festival
Sep. 22–24, Paonia, CO
Tour the local wineries and farms, check out the chili cook off and lace up your boots for a full lineup of roots music at this fall shindig. The Mountain Harvest festival is presented by local non-profit North Fork Valley Creative Coalition. mountainharvestfestival.org
Albuquerque International Balloon Festival
Oct. 7–15, Albuquerque, NM
Long before Walter White (and long after), Albuquerque is best known across the planet for this hot air balloon festival. It’s a bucket list adventure—there’s nothing like taking part in the stunning “Dawn Patrol,” when balloons launch before the sun is up and you watch the spectacle from the air. balloonfiesta.com
First Friday Dia de los Muertos Celebration
November 3, Silverthorne, CO
In November, Silverthorne honors and celebrates Dia de los Muertos and the vibrant Latino community in Summit County. In partnership with local community members, the celebration will be a fun and educational event. silverthorne.org/discover-silverthorne/public-art/first-fridays
WINTER 2024
WinterWonderGrass Colorado
Dates TBD, Steamboat
Springs, CO
WinterWonderGrass (WWG) is the way to get that festy fix and ski powder in the same day. Want something in the summer? Check out RiverWonderGrass—float Dinosaur National Monument’s Gates of Lodore with WWG musicians. winterwondergrass.com
