Get Into the Flow: CKS Paddlefest opens the water festival season on the Arkansas. Photo: Courtesy CKS Paddlefest
CKS PaddleFest
May 24-27
Buena Vista
ckspaddlefest.com
Far more than a paddle-fest, Buena Vista’s core water sport extravaganza features rodeos, SUP yoga, gear sales and more. Plus, it benefits Boys and Girls Clubs.
Don’t Miss: The storewide sale and gear swap on Sunday at CKS is the time to upgrade your stuff.
Lyons Outdoor Games
May 31-June 2
Lyons
lyonsoutdoorgames.com
This multi-sport smorgasbord tosses whitewater comps, SUP, BMX, fly fishing, biking, camping, adaptive sports and more into one big par-tay
Don’t Miss: Burning Can! Oskar Blues festival of canned beer takes place on Saturday with 35 breweries to taste from for just $25 bucks.
GoPro Mountain Games
June 6–9
Vail
mountaingames.com/summer
The all-encompassing outdoor multi-sport megaplex takes over Vail again this summer. It’s an ideal event for the whole family. Parents can trade off competing while kids hit the climbing wall and paddle tank. Beyond, the sports there’s a giant expo of gear and activism. And Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears will get butts shakin’ at night.
Don’t Miss:: The downriver SUP race.
Animas River Days
June 7-9
Durango
animasriverdays.org
It’s a celebration of races, films, dog contests, family fun, activsim and eveything that floats your boat. Don’t forget a costume for the River Parade.
Don’t Miss: Want to give something back? Take part in the River Clean-Up Contest during the festival by checking in with Frosty Pines Wilderness Education.
Hanuman Yoga Festival
June 13-16
Boulder
hanumanfestival.com
Boulder wouldn’t be Boulder without a gathering of yogis all opening their heart chakras as one. Local legends Richard Freeman will be teaching as well as national names like Tiffany Cruikshank.
Don’t Miss: Kirtan with Saul David Raye. MC Yogi.
FIBArk Presented by Eddyline Brewing
June 13-16
Salida
fibark.net
At this point, FIBArk, in its 65th anniversary, is as much cultural happening as it is whitewater festival. Anything that floats downriver gets in on the action here—and then some.
Don’t Miss: The Crazy River Dog contest.
Gunnison River Festival
June 19–23
Gunnison
gunnisonriverfestival.com
Gunny’s river fest is as authentic as the town itself. It’s family friendly but attracts the type of Colorado hardcores who call this slice of paradise home. Plus, fishing, film and activism.
Don’t Miss: The river film event at the I Bar Ranch.
Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
June 22
Cañon City
royalgorgewhitewaterfestival.com
There are enough whitewater events to thrill paddlers, but it doesn’t stop there—adventure racing, a triathlon and disc golf all round it out. At night, boogie with local Colorado bands like Urban Dance Theory and The Highside Command.
Don’t Miss: The Pedal Paddle Battle. Who’s faster?
Coors Light South Platte Riverfest
June 22–23
Denver
southplatteriverfest.com
A benefit for the Greenway Foundation this water sports celebration in Confluence Park, gets urban paddlers uniting.
Don’t Miss: Live music in the streets
Wanderlust
July 4–7
Copper Mountain
colorado.wanderlustfestival.com
Come join the global yoga tribe in the biggest gathering of the bendable in North America. This great-mother of all yoga festival yokes together art, music, seminars and food alongside music from Moby, MC Yogi and more.
Don’t Miss: Class with Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, Gurmukh
International Climbers’ Festival
July 10–14
Lander, Wyoming
climbersfestival.org
There is no better spot to go and pump your guns with a tribe of likeminded rockheads. But it’s about far more than the crags: there’s loads of activism, clinics and seminars.
Don’t Miss: Keynote speakers Tommy Caldwell, Henry Barber, Brittany Griffith, TImmy O’Neil and more.
