Music is in the air—and it’s that time of year again to start looking forward to a full season of music, sports, art, food, drink, and just plain fun extravaganzas. To that end, we present our 15th annual festival guide—the definitive listing of everywhere you need to be in the coming months.
MAY
Cañon City City Music and Blossom Festival
May 1-5, Canyon City, CO
Visit Canyon City’s annual event to experience music, a celebration of the season, and the largest community-run school music competition in the state. In addition to music, the event includes a 5K run, parade, craft fair, carnival, and more. ccblossomfestival.com
Rise & Vibes
May 10–12, Aztec, NM
This reggae-fueled fest at Tico Time River Resort includes incredible workshops; yoga; and movement sessions, and performances by Steel Pulse, Tribal Seeds, J Boog, The Elovaters, Beats Antique, Wookiefoot, and more. And there’s plenty of camping to share that vibe. riseandvibes.com
Pikes Peak Birding and
Nature Festival
May 16–19, Fountain, CO
This year’s nature-and-music event has expanded field trips, seminars, workshops, and the all-ages fan-favorite Birds, Brews & Bites evening social, featuring food, drinks, beer from our partners at Phantom Canyon Brewery, and live music by Tidal Breeze Jazz. pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org
Food Truck Carnival
May 17–19, Northglenn, CO
Indulge in 20+ food trucks, live bluegrass, and Americana music and amusement rides at the seventh annual Food Truck Carnival. Hosted at the beautiful E.B. Rains Park and Civic Center Campus near the new Northglenn Recreation Center, this event is for the true foodies of Colorado! foodtruckcarnival.com
Tico Time Bluegrass Festival
May 17–19, Aztec, NM
The 4th Annual Tico Time Bluegrass Festival is nestled in the heart of the Animas River Valley just 20 miles south of Durango, Colorado. This year’s lineup features headliners, Railroad Earth, Elephant Revival, and Kitchen Dwellers, plus unforgettable music from Lil’ Smokies, Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land, High Country Hustle, and much more. The family-friendly three-day festival offers a variety of camping options, food, vendors, and river activities—all from the beauty of the Tico Time River Resort. ticotimebluegrassfest.com
CKS PaddleFest
May 23–27, Buena Vista, CO
The four-day paddling extravaganza is back again! And this year, it includes live music, river surf comps, races, party paddles, and much more—all in the heart of Buena Vista. Take an Arkansas River plunge, or enjoy the land-based festivities all weekendlong. ckspaddlefest.com
Mountainfilm
May 23–27, Telluride, CO
This isn’t just any film festival. The annual Memorial Day weekend Mountainfilm festival uses the power of film, art, and ideas to inspire us all. In addition to feature films, the event hosts a range of programs and get-togethers for festivalgoers all weekendlong. mountainfilm.org
MeadowGrass Music Festival
May 24–26, Colorado Springs, CO
Spend Memorial Day weekend listening to extraordinary musicians. This holiday weekend is a celebration for all ages—offering kid-friendly fun, guided hikes, workshops, yoga sessions, and electrifying late-night shows. This year also includes the 6th Annual MeadowGrass Beer Festival and the 4th Annual Steve Harris Songwriter of the Year Contest (open to ages 18 and under). rockymountainhighway.org
The Big Gear Show / (e)revolution
May 31–June 2, Denver
The Big Gear Show is an exciting event that showcases up-and-coming gear for specialty retailers and the media while providing the public with educational opportunities. This year’s event is a co-located with Outside Festival in the Mile High City. Attendees can explore the latest gear for the outdoors, participate in workshops and educational opportunities,and demo new gear. The (e)revolution side will feature pedal assist e-bikes from dozens of companies focused on bringing cycling joy to more people. thebiggearshow.com
JUNE
Animas River Days
June 1–2, Durango, CO
Get ready for a weekend of stand-up paddling, river surfing, freestyle kayaking, boatercross, raft and kayak slalom, downriver races, and the local’s favorite costumed river parade. animasriverdays.com
Denver Day of Rock
June 1, Denver, CO
Don’t miss this free one-day music event featuring four stages throughout Denver’s LoDo District benefiting local nonprofit Amp the Cause. denverdayofrock.com
2024 GoPro Mountain Games
June 6–9, Vail, CO
Come join in on the country’s largest celebration of mountain sports—or just ogle Olympians. Boogie to three nights of concerts, including Dispatch, Xavier Rudd, Mike Love, Lotus, and more at the historic Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Each day is jampacked with live music and pure adrenaline. mountaingames.com
Upslope Get Down
June 8, Boulder, CO
Bring the whole family to enjoy live music, eat great food, and crush your friends in yard games—all while sampling beers on tap at this spring fling held in the back parking lot of Upslope Brewery. This free event is sure to be a hell of a good time! upslopebrewing.com/getdown
Palisade Bluegrass and
Roots Festival
June 14–16, Palisade, CO
Get ready for hot pickin’ guitars and blazing fiddles under gorgeous Colorado blue skies and sunshine. Once again located on the Colorado River at Riverbend Park, the Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival will feature some of the country’s top bluegrass artists and emerging stars, drum circles and jam camp, vendors, camping, and so much more. palisademusic.com
Music and Market
Thursdays, June 20–Aug. 15 (excluding July 4), Granby, CO
You will definitely want to roll into town on Thursdays for live music spanning genres from rock and country to Latin ska and Afrobeat. Get your week’s produce and meat from Granby’s Sisu Farms, and enjoy food trucks, baked goods, honey, art, and handmade goods. destinationgranby.com/events/music-market
Gunnison River Festival
June 22, 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 12–Sept. 16, Dillon, CO
One of the most stunning venues in the Rockies is primed for another unforgettable season of performers. The season kicks off with Marren Morris and continues heating up with music by Old Crow Medicine Show, Trampled by Turtles, The Dead South, Slightly Stupid, Shakey Graves, and so much more. dillonamphitheater.com
FIBArk
June 13–16, Salida, CO
FIBArk is the oldest, longest-standing whitewater festival in the world. Drawing up to 30,000 people, the festival centers around the beautiful Arkansas River. Head to downtown Salida for four days of whitewater, free music, and an always-hopping beer garden. fibark.net
Country Jam
June 20–22,
Grand Junction, CO
Who’s ready for a little boot-scootin’?! With headliners like Jelly Roll, Parker McCollum, and Thomas Rhett, you’re not going to want to miss this country music showcase. countryjam.com
50th Annual Telluride Bluegrass
June 20–23, Telluride, CO
Get ready for another unforgettable Telluride weekend. Each Summer Solstice, this world-class family-friendly bluegrass festival brings incredible musicians to a stage with view of the stunning San Juans. Headliners include Charley Crockett, The Infamous Stringdusters, Sam Bush Band, and Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. bluegrass.com/telluride
Lake Dillon Beer Festival
June 15, Dillon, CO
Taste beers from over 30 Colorado breweries, while indulging in live music in one of the most dramatic settings around. coloradobeer.org
Denver PrideFest
June 22–23, Denver, CO
Are you ready to join 550,000+ people of all orientations for the 50th Anniversary of Denver Pride? Get ready for the ultimate celebration of love, diversity, and equality. denverpride.org
Keystone’s Bacon and
Bourbon Festival
June 22–23, Keystone, CO
Sizzlin’ bacon strips, bacon-inspired cuisine, bourbons by the dozen, and a VIP bourbon tour. What more could you ask for? keystonefestivals.com
Telluride Yoga Festival
June 27–30, Telluride, CO
Indulge in four days of deep connections and inspiration among the San Juan mountains of Telluride. This special gathering features over 100 offerings, including yoga, meditation, music, hiking, SUP yoga, wellness & wisdom talks, social gatherings, and more—all from world-renowned teachers, artists, and scholars. tellurideyogafestival.com
64th Annual Eastern Shoshone Indian Days
June 20–23,
Fort Washakie, WY
In Wind River Country, the summer season also marks the beginning of powwow season. 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. And this year’s festival will feature a brand-new powwow arbor. easternshoshone.org
Ridgway River Festival
June 29, Ridgway, CO
Celebrate the Uncompahgre River and the Ridgway community with boat races, a rubber ducky race, live music, Ute culture, watershed education, River Rat Marketplace, and more. Riverfest is produced by a Ouray nonprofit dedicated to helping protect the Uncompahgre River watershed. ridgwayriverfest.org
Blues From the Top
June 28-30, Winter Park, CO
Winter Park’s nonprofit 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 Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals. bluesfromthetop.org
Endless Sunshine
June 29, Denver, CO
Spend Saturday in the park with live music, craft cocktails, beer, lawn games, and food trucks! Musical guests Teddy Swims, Thee Sacred Souls, Sam Barber, Evan Honer, Rootbeer Richie & The Reveille, and DOGTAGS will be serving up soulful sounds in Denver’s most picturesque park. endlesssunshinefestival.com
JULY
UFO Festival
July 5-7, Roswell, NM
Each year, the City of Roswell welcomes a worldwide audience for the 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
First Friday Concert with Blitzen Trapper
July 5, Silverthorne, CO
Join the Town of Silverthorne for a free community concert at Rainbow Park. Enjoy free kids activities and more. silverthorne.org
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
July 12–21, Crested Butte, CO
This annual 10-day festival offers more than 200+ workshops in wildflower expertise each July. From painting, pollination, and photography to culinary arts or hikes in the heart of the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, this festival has something for every wildflower enthusiast.
crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com
International Climbers Festival
July 11–14, Lander, WY
The longest running climbers’ festival in the U.S. celebrates climbing and fosters connections with others in the outdoor community via climbing clinics, yoga and meditation sessions, and more. climbersfestival.org
Under the Big Sky Festival
July 12-14, Whitefish, MT
This Americana-centric fest up in Whitefish brings another all-star lineup. From headliners like Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings, and Turnpike Troubadours to the noteworthy tunes of Tanya Tucker, Shovels & Rope, Osborne Brothers, and many more, this is a must-hear festival this summer. underthebigskyfest.com
Keystone Wine and Jazz
July 13-14, Keystone, CO
Snag a glass of Malbec (or whatever you fancy) and bob your head to fest favorites Dotsero (again!).
keystonefestivals.com
Trinidad Art Fest
July 13-14, Trinidad, CO
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with colorful booths, live music, delicious food, and interactive activities for all ages. Meet the artists, discover their inspirations, and perhaps find a one-of-a-kind piece to adorn your home or gift to a loved one. trinidadartfest.com
Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
July 26–27, Canon City, CO
The 15th annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival, held in the refurbished Centennial Park, features whitewater competitions and land-based recreation events to celebrate the whitewater season on the Arkansas River. Join in the two glorious days of boats, bands and beer. royalgorgewhitewaterfestival.com
Oyster Ridge Music Festival
July 19–20, Kemmerer, WY
The Oyster Ridge Music Festival is Wyoming’s largest free festival. Celebrating its 30th consecutive year, the 2024 festival features music from The White Buffalo, Will Evans, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, and more! oysterridgemusicfestival.com/
Rockygrass
July 26–28, Lyons, CO
Ready for traditional bluegrass at its finest? Get your tickets, haul ass to this year’s gathering, and ready yourself for an unforgettable music-packed weekend featuring Sarah Jarosz, Sam Bush Bluegrass Band, Del McCoury Band, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Dan Tyminski, The Brothers Comatose, Tim O’Brien Band, Pixie & the Partygrass Boys, and more.
bluegrass.com/rockygrass
AUGUST
Rhythms on the Rio
Aug. 2–4, Del Norte, CO
Enjoy an eclectic weekend of music, art, and camping along the banks of the Rio Grande with music from The California Honeydrops, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, ALO, The Lil’ Smokies… and the list goes on. Grab your favorite floaty, a cozy camp chair, and get ready to shake it all weekendlong under the Colorado sun! rhythmsontherio.com
Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival
Aug. 3–4, Keystone, CO
String bands and cold bevies are the focus at this annual mountain festival. With drink offerings from 40+ craft breweries and a plethora of food offerings, this festival is one you won’t want to miss. keystonefestivals.com
Telluride Jazz Festival
Aug. 9–11, Telluride, CO
Jazz in the box canyon hits different. Christian McBride, Angélique Kidjo, Antibalas, Marco Benevento top an impressive lineup for this year’s festival. telluridejazz.org
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
Aug. 9–11, Lyons, CO
Kick back on the banks of the St. Vrain and enjoy unbeatable performances by The Wood Brothers, Bonny Light Horseman, Margo Cilker, Jamestown Revival, Brittany Howard, and many more. bluegrass.com/folks
Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 9–11, Grand Targhee Resort, WY
Bluegrass icons take the stage once again at the 34th annual Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival. With acts including Railroad Earth, Leftover Salmon, Molly Tuttle & the Golden Highway, Lindsay Lou, Keller Williams, and Grateful Grass featuring The Hillbenders—among many others—the drive to Wyoming will surely be worth it. grandtarghee.com/bluegrass
FUNC
Aug. 9–10, 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 watersports 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. 14–18, 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. 17, 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. Celebrate the season and indulge in live tunes from Runaway Grooms.
keystonefestivals.com
Dillon Open Regatta
Aug. 23–25, Dillon, CO
Do you want to sail the world’s highest regatta? The Dillon Yacht Club event is in its 53rd year and invites all sailors to participate. Visit the website for details and to sign up. dillonopen.com
Colorado State Fair
Aug. 23–Sept. 2, Pueblo, CO
The annual Colorado State Fair features fun for the whole family! Check out vintage farm equipment, animal petting farm, lumberjack show, live music, rides and attractions and more. coloradostatefair.com
Four Corners Folk Festival
Aug. 30–Sept. 1, Pagosa Springs, CO
Spend three music-soaked days among the ponderosa pines listening to live music and enjoying the fresh high country air—with hot springs just a hop-skip away! folkwest.com/fourcornersfolkfestival
Caveman Music Festival
Aug. 30–Sept. 1, Weston, CO
This Colorado Music Festival at Monument Lake Resort is situated among the most breathtaking views in Colorado. With music from the Wallflowers, Toadies, Red Clay Strays, and more. Check out the full lineup on the website. cavemanmusicfestival.com
Art in the Park
Aug. 31, Granby, CO
This Labor Day weekend event is local favorite for residents and visitors. Festival goers watch artists paint large wooden canvases and vote for their favorite pieces. The art is then installed on Granby’s long wall mural on Main Street for one year. destinationgranby.com/events/art-in-the-park
Keystone Oktoberfest
Aug. 31, 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 and get ready to prost to an exceptional Labor Day Weekend in Keystone, CO! keystonefestivals.com
FALL AND WINTER
Winery at Holy Cross Abbey’s Annual Harvest Festival
Sept. 28–29, Canyon City, CO
Wine, artisans, food, and entertainment come together the last weekend of September at the annual Harvest Festival on the grounds at the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. abbeywinery.com/event/annual-harvest-festival/
Telluride Blues and Brews
Sep. 13–15, Telluride, CO
This fall classic will feature over 30 artists—including Gary Clark Jr., Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, Joe Bonamassa, JJ Grey & Mofro, and more across three stages and five late-night venues. tellurideblues.com
Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival
Sept. 20–22, Pueblo, CO
Hosted in Historic Downtown Pueblo/Union Avenue, the Chile and Frijoles Festival was created to promote Pueblo’s rich agriculture and encourage the community—and region—to buy fresh local products. The festival features Chihuahua parade, a chili and salsa showdown, a farmers market and chile roasting, jalapeno-eating contest, and more. pueblochilefestival.com
Mountain Harvest Festival
Sept. 27–29, Paonia, CO
Tour the local wineries and farms, check out the chili cookoff, and lace up your boots for a full lineup of roots music at this fall shindig. The Mountain Harvest festival is presented by local nonprofit North Fork Valley Creative Coalition. mountainharvestfestival.org
Great American Beer Festival
Oct. 10–12, 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
Albuquerque International
Balloon Festival
Oct. 5–13, Albuquerque, NM
If a hot-air balloon ride is on your adventure bucket list—or you just want to experience the awe-inducing view of balloons speckling a clear blue New Mexico morning—this festival is for you. balloonfiesta.com
Salida Art Walk
Oct. 11–13, Salida, CO
For 30-plus 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
First Friday Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Nov. 1, 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 2025
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—you float Dinosaur National Monument’s Gates of Lodore with WWG musicians. winterwondergrass.com
POINT IT TO BENTONVILLE
It might not be in the Rockies, but Bentonville, Arkansas, makes for the perfect outdoor sport and music road trip for outdoor souls looking to explore a bit to the east. The town has put a premium on mountain biking, building an extensive trail system and bike culture in town, as well as music and the arts. And, bikers take note, this September, the happening little town will host the Gran Fondo Hincapie (hincapie.com/pages/bentonville) with 80-, 50-, and 15-mile courses. Check out the schedule below and be sure to stop by the James Turrell Skyspace located here for a bit of introspection.
- May 17 + 18: Freshgrass 2-day Festival with Jason Isbell & 400 Unit Trampled by Turtles, Molly Tuttle and the Golden Highway, Valerie June, Alison Brown, Aoife O’Donovan & Hawktail and many more
- June 1 John Legend
- July 6 Portugal. The Man
- July 14 Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
- July 17 Lake Street Dive
- Aug. 16 SLASH
- Aug. 24 Deadmau5
- Sep. 27 Kaskade
- Sep. 6–7 Gran Fondo Hincapie
- Sep. 7 Gary Clark Jr.
