Summer is on the way and it’s time to plan a full season of events that will get you moving, shaking, racing—and maybe even taking some time for contemplation. EO’s annual festival guide puts the next seven months of outdoor lifestyle happenings at your fingertips. So peruse these listings, circle your favorites and pack up the cooler, tent and hula hoop. Bring on the festing!
MAY
Estes Park Duck Race
Estes Park, CO | May 5
Get your ducks in order—and race them down the Fall River in this tradition that supports the local charities of the Estes Valley. epduckrace.org
Food Truck Carnival
Northglenn, CO | May 11-13
Hipsters will rejoice when 30 food trucks converge each day at this tasty party featuring bluegrass and Americana music on the main stage, beer tastings and a Tilt-A-Whirl-style carnival.
foodtruckcarnival.com
Head for the Hills Pickin’ on the Poudre
Bellvue, CO | May 12
Colorado fest season kicks off here when Head for the Hills—a post-modern bluegrass, progressive string band—hits the stage with Whiskey Shivers and Wood Belly at Mishawaka Amphitheatre. mishawaka.ticketforce.com
The 303 Festival
Denver, CO | May 17
This party will go down at The Church, with events in three rooms, including a silent disco by SoundDown Party, a Colorado musician Super Jam, musician meet-and-greets and performances by dozens of Colorado superstars. 303magazine.com
The Golden Games
Golden, CO | May 18- 20
The boat-centric Golden Games has won Best Paddling Event two years running in EO’s annual Best of the Rockies reader poll. Family and furry-friend friendly, it celebrates kayaking, SUP, slacklining, river surfing, music and more.
thegoldengames.com
Grand Junction Off-Road
Grand Junction, CO | May 18-20
Test yourself in singletrack, doubletrack and gravel bike races of 5, 30 or 40 miles on the world-famous Lunch Loops trail system.
epicrides.com/events/grand-junction-off-road/event-guide
Upslope Get Down
Boulder, CO | May 19
Dance to live music, eat great food, crush your friends in yard games, all while sampling beers on tap at this spring fling. And be sure to get a team together and participate in the EO scavenger hunt for a chance to win awesome prizes. upslopebrewing.com/getdown
MeadowGrass Music Festival
Colorado Springs, CO | May 25-27
Spend Memorial Day weekend shaking your thing to eclectic bands, hiking or hammocking with your fam and practicing yoga at the La Foret Conference & Retreat Center. meadowgrass.org
CKS PaddleFest
Buena Vista, CO | May 25-28
This four-day paddling blowout includes comps and other fun events in whitewater, flatwater and land races in the heart of Buena Vista. Plunge in or simply kick back and enjoy the party. ckspaddlefest.com
Festival of the Brewpubs
Arapahoe Basin, CO | May 27
Spring skiing, tunes, brews and friends—up at A-Basin, it’s an endless spring-skiing block party. arapahoebasin.com/event/festival-of-the-brewpubs
JUNE
Bonfire Block Party
Eagle, CO | June 1-3
Live music, food vendors and craft beer make this street fair a winner. Don’t miss Bloodies & Brass on June 3 (separate ticket required). Combine it with the Eagle Outside Festival (see below). bonfireblockparty.com
Eagle Outside Festival
Eagle, CO | June 1-3
Test new bikes at the bustling demo and take a spin on the Haymaker Hotlap Mountain Bike Time Trial, one of the fastest purpose-built cross-country courses on the planet. Finish up by getting down at The Bonfire Block Party (see above). eagleoutsidefestival.com
Campout for the Cause
Buena Vista, CO | June 1-3
Feel good about your festival vibe—the annual benefit Campout (now in Buena Vista) features music, yoga and lifestyle workshops with a positive focus on sustainability and community. Campoutforthecause.org
20th Annual Buena Vista Bike Fest
Buena Vista, CO | June 2
Ride a stunning century route along the rolling hills of Turquoise Lake Road, around the Mineral Belt Trail, through the rarefied air of the historic Leadville Mining District—and turn around and head back to Buena Vista. bvbf.org
Animas River Days
Durango, CO | June 2
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 Saturday afternoon. animasriverdays.com
Burning Can at Lyons Outdoor Games
Lyons, CO | June 2-3
Partake in trail running, biking, yoga and kayaking—or bring your kids and watch them crush it—all while enjoying 50+ craft brewery stations at this outdoor lifestyle throw down. oskarblues.com/event/burning-can-festival
Colorado Bike Expo
Castle Rock, CO | June 2-3
This busy expo brings together everything cycling: More than 100 exhibitors, consumer trends, bike deals, organized rides, clubs, teams, advocacy groups and cycling destinations—not to mention demos, live music, food trucks and a beer garden. coloradobikeexpo.com
40th Annual Crawford Pioneer Days
Crawford, Colorado | June 7-10
Seeking a shot of old-fashioned charm? Here you can enter a baking contest, holler in an auction, march in a parade or stand atop the throne in the outhouse races. deltacountycolorado.com
2018 GoPro Mountain Games
Vail, CO | June 7-10
Come join in on the country’s largest celebration of mountain sports or just ogle Olympians. Don’t miss three free nights of concerts at the historic Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. mountaingames.com
Denver Berkeley Art & Music Festival
Berkeley Park, Denver, CO | June 9-10
This weekend fete features a free art show, food and events for the kids. Live music by the Wounded Warrior Band, Band On The Fence, Ceruleus, Scarecrow Revival, Franny & The Jets, Ponder The Albatross, Doc & Kit and Tullis Blues. coloradoeventsandfestivals.com
Del Norte Trail Showcase
Del Norte, CO | June 10-12
The Fourth Annual Del Norte Trail Showcase will include three days of events, including mountain biking and trail running, to benefit the outstanding trails and outdoor community of Del Norte. kristimountainsports.com
Sonic Bloom Festival
Hummingbird Ranch, Spanish Peaks County, CO | June 14 -17
Break out the glow sticks! Join Shpongle with visuals by Android Jones, Keys N Krates, Nightmares on Wax (Live Band), EOTO, Break Science, Vibesquad and dozens more under the sparkling Colorado skies. sonicbloomfestival.com
Hanuman
Boulder, CO | June 14-17
Open your heart and experience awakening, belonging and connection at this four-day celebration of world-class yoga, mind-blowing music, inspirational experiences and nourishing community. hanumanfestival.com
FIBArk
Salida, CO | June 14 -17
FIBArk is the oldest whitewater festival in the world! The festival, best known for its paddling events, will include so much more this year, its 68th year. Head to downtown Salida for four days of whitewater, free music from national acts and an always hopping beer garden. fibark.net
Melvin Brewing Madness Days
Apline, WY | June 15-17
Things will get wet and wild when Melvin and friends celebrate at the brewer’s Wyoming “Megachurch.” melvinbrewing.com
Clear Creek Rapidgrass Bluegrass Festival
Idaho Springs, CO | June 15-17
Low-key but delivering high-energy entertainment, Rapidgrass features Rapidgrass the band, Head for the Hills and Trout Steak Revival—it’s a no-brainer for bluegrass fans. clearcreekrapidgrass.com
Denver PrideFest
Denver, CO | June 16-17
Join 350,000 people of all orientations celebrating love. denverpride.org
MY BEST FEST – by Katie Boué
Denver Pride Fest
“The one time I made it to Telluride Bluegrass, in 2007, is still one of my all-time favorite festival experiences. I struck out in the camping lottery, but luckily an old friend let me camp on his lawn, just steps away from Town Park. It’s such a special festival—from the stunning beauty that surrounds the main stage to the friendly community that makes it feel like a family reunion. Catching one of the intimate Nightgrass shows in town is essential. That year, I saw the Avett Brothers play for 250 people at the Sheridan Opera House.”
Mudapalooza Mud Volleyball
Northglenn, CO | June 16
Get muddy with your friends in this wild sporting event which gathers 700+ volleyball players, 4,000 gallons of mud, beer, music and cheering crowds for a day of dirty fun. northglenn.org/mudapalooza
Switchback Music Festival
Winter Park, CO | June 16-17
Groove with headliners Ziggy Marley and Soja at this new two-day event that brings together world-class artists and up-and-coming favorites for a weekend packed with live tunes. playwinterpark.com/switchback-music-festival
A-lodge Film & Music Fest
Boulder, CO | June 19
The A-Lodge serves up live music, beer, wine, food and a 24-foot outdoor projector screen on its sprawling lawn adjacent to the Fourmile Creek.
a-lodge.com
Telluride Yoga Festival
Telluride, CO | July 19-22
Now in its 10th year, this limber fest includes biking, slacklining and SUP yoga events. Bonus: The gondola ferries yogis between classes. Tellurideyogafestival.com
MY BEST FEST – by Jedd Ferris
Telluride Bluegrass
“The one time I made it to Telluride Bluegrass, in 2007, is still one of my all-time favorite festival experiences. I struck out in the camping lottery, but luckily an old friend let me camp on his lawn, just steps away from Town Park. It’s such a special festival—from the stunning beauty that surrounds the main stage to the friendly community that makes it feel like a family reunion. Catching one of the intimate Nightgrass shows in town is essential. That year, I saw the Avett Brothers play for 250 people at the Sheridan Opera House.”
Crested Butte Bike Week
Crested Butte, CO | June 21-24
You cannot call yourself a true fat-tire freak unless you crank it out at the world’s oldest mountain bike festival. cbchamber.com/events/cb-bike-week
Salida Art Walk
Salida, CO | June 21 -24
The 26th annual Art Walk features exhibits from local and regional artists in many forms, including art demos, musicians and busking street performers.
salidaartwalk.org/art-walk
Summer Sounds Music Series
Silverton, CO | June 22, July 27, August 24, September 28
This series of free summer concerts rock Silverton every fourth Friday in Blaire Street’s Columbine Park. silvertoncolorado.com
Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
Canon City, CO | June 22-23
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
Gunnison Whitewater Festival
Gunnison, CO | June 22-24
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
Attack of the Big Beers & Grilled Cheese Fest
Copper Mountain, CO | June 22-24
Craft beer, grilled cheese and a film festival—that’s a perfect weekend. attackofthebigbeers.com
29th Annual Colorado Brewers’ Festival
Fort Collins, CO | June 22-24
This free hoppy happening features 90+ Colorado beers, 40+ Colorado breweries, an interactive Beer School with tastings and demonstrations, music vendors and food trucks. downtownfortcollins.com/events/colorado-brewers-festival
Blues From the Top
Winter Park, CO | June 23-24
Winter Park’s non-profit blues extravaganza brings some heat to the high country. It also serves as a showcase for young and up-and-coming blues artists. bluesfromthetop.org
Keystone’s Bacon and Bourbon Festival
Keystone, CO | June 23-24
What pairs better than bacon and bourbon? Top it off with a bacon Bloody Mary and hard lady rock from Hell’s Belles and Lez Zeppelin. keystonefestivals.com
Beanstalk
Rancho del Rio, CO | June 28-30
Jam band fans will delight with three days of the Magic Beans and more in the heart of Vail Valley. Kill the hangover with a morning hike to the nearby Radium Hot Springs.
beanstalkfestival.com
Green Box Arts Festival
Green Mountain Falls, CO | June 29-July 7
You can both enjoy and take part in the arts at this community festival in the shadow of Pikes Peak. greenboxarts.org
Rapids & Grass Beer Festival
Buena Vista, CO | June 29-July 1
It’s time to double dip. For the price of one festival ticket here you get access to unlimited tastings from over 40 breweries and access to over 40 different bluegrass bands. rgfest.com/welcome
Ridgway River Festival
Ridgway, CO | June 30
Float into this 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
Colorado Springs Art & Music Festival
Colorado Springs, CO | June 30-July 1
National and local fine artists will display and sell their wares, including painting, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, wearable art, leather and more. coloradoeventsandfestivals.com
JULY
North Fork Uncorked Paonia
Hotchkiss, CO | July 3-4
Pop it open. The West Elk wine-makers invite you to North Fork Uncorked. Meet local wine-makers, take part in vineyard tours and tasting, and enjoy farm-to-table dinners or food-and-wine pairings with local chefs.
deltacountycolorado.com
3rd Annual Copper Mountain Music Festival
Copper Mountain, CO | July 6-8
The fourth annual Copper Mountain music festival features bluegrass and Americana bands and artists. The weekend also offers workshops, jam sessions with music enthusiasts, outdoor adventures and fireworks. Free!
coppercolorado.com
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Crested Butte, CO | July 6-15
It’s one of the most colorful and beautiful festivals in Colorado. Be sure to get out on one of the guided hikes. Crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com
Hootenanny
Littleton, CO | July 6-15
Members of Phish, Widespread Panic, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Leftover Salmon and more headline this Breckenridge Brewery party. Breckbrew.com
Blues Under The Bridge, 91.5 KRCC
Colorado Springs, CO | July 7
Now in it’s 12th year, Blues Under the Bridge will celebrate with cool tunes.
bluesunderthebridge.org
3rd Annual Tequila & Taco Fiesta
Winter Park, CO | July 7
Top off one of the world’s best food and drink mixes with live music from The Rick Lewis Project & Felix Y Los Gatos. A chili cook-off and tequila tastings bring it all up a notch. playwinterpark.com/tequilaandtacos
Targhee Fest AT Grand Targhee Resort
Alta, WY | July 13-15
Get high in the Tetons with pumping beats, great food and drink and the spirit of sustainability. Best of all, enjoy Targhee’s mellow, accepting vibe and dance with some new friends. grandtarghee.com/event/targhee-fest
Colorado FUNC Fest
Montrose, CO | July 14
Water sports enthusiasts, competitors, and the fun-loving Montrose community gather to enjoy the Fun on the Uncompahgre “FUNC Fest” at the Montrose Water Sports Park. visitmontrose.com
Colorado Brewers Rendezvous Beer Festival
Salida, CO | July 14
The 22nd Annual Brewers rendezvous Beer Festival takes over historic downtown Salida, with over 75 Colorado breweries and 300 frosty samplings. Fill your downtime with a spin on S-Mountain singletrack. salidachamber.org
Ride Festival
Telluride, CO | July 14-15
Telluride’s new-school festival features heavy hitters including The String Cheese Incident and Grace Potter. ridefestival.com
Steamboat Hot Air Balloon Rodeo
Steamboat, CO | July 14-15
If you have never taken to the sky in a hot air balloon, this is your big chance. Just don’t let that good old Steamboat cowboy attitude scare you off.
steamboatchamber.com/signature-events/hot-air-balloon-rodeo
Frisco Triathlon
Frisco, CO | July 14
This mountain-town-style tri includes SUP, mountain biking and trail running. friscorecreation.com
Keystone Wine and Jazz
Keystone, CO | July 14-15
Lift a glass of Malbec and bob your head to fest favorites Dotsero at this event that elevates fine grapes. keystonefestivals.com
MY BEST FEST – by Doug Schnitzspahn
Keystone Wine and Jazz Festival
“I have developed the ideal way to enjoy this celebration of oenophilia. I show up in the morning with my 29er and ride the dirt roads 2,360 vertical feet to the top of Keystone’s River Run gondola. I kick it in the sunshine up top for a bit. I bomb the toughest blue downhill trails my cross-country bike can handle (Boy Scouts and Eye of the Tiger). And then I’m free to wander the base area and taste from over 300 varieties of wine, including refreshing Provence roses to specific varietals from Colorado’s Western Slope to old vine winners from California’s Chalone vineyards.Then I crawl to a hotel bed. My perfect weekend.“
ROAR in the City—Really Outrageous Adventure Race
Colorado Springs, CO | July 21
Grab your team, roll up your sleeves and get ready to put your brawn and brain to the test! This fun event will challenge you with a range of numerous physical and mental activities. Check in at Basecamp to get your clues to the race course.
upadowna.org
Sanitas Taco Fest
Boulder, CO | July 21
EO readers voted this the best beer festival in the Rockies! Come enjoy 20 different beers, 20 different tacos and men in tight pants and masks (a.k.a. lucha libre wrestlers). sanitastacofest.com
Salida Riverside Fine Arts & Music Festival
Riverside Park, Salida, CO | July 21-22
Salida has more to offer than a bold palette of outdoor adventure. It’s also rated as one of America’s 100 best art towns thanks to 15 local galleries and dozens of local artists. Local blues and folk bands will play throughout this three-day hoedown. Coloradoeventsandfestivals.com
Red Ants Pants
White Sulphur Springs, MT | July 26-29
Montana’s big summer blowout will bring Lucinda Williams, The Bellamy Brothers,Asleep at the Wheel and more hot bands to the Treasure State.
redantspantsmusicfestival.com
Oyster Ridge Music Festival
Kemmerer, WY | July 27-29
The Oyster Ridge Music Festival is Wyoming’s Largest free festival. Kemmerer is quirky and cool, too. oysterridgemusicfestival.com
Rockygrass
Lyons, CO | July 27-29
The premier hoedown for bluegrass aficionados features Sam Bush, David Grisman, the Steep Canyon Rangers and all the hot pickin’ you can handle.
bluegrass.com/rockygrass
Never Summer 6 and 24 Hour Adventure Race
Granby Ranch, CO | July 28
This fun mountain comp combines epic singletrack mountain biking, on- and off-trail trekking and packrafting. myjourneyracing.com
Grand Mesa Moose Day
Grand Mesa, CO | July 28
Welcome to everything Alces alces, including programs on moose viewing, moose safety and moose biology; outdoor demonstrations; giveaways; and hands-on activities for kids. grandmesabyway.com
Après Day presented by Upslope and Elevation Outdoors Magazine
Boulder, CO | July 28
Join Upslope and Elevation Outdoors magazine’s Live Outside and Play Road team for a day of après! Check out adventure vans from around the state, celebrate the outdoor lifestyle, drink Upslope beer, enjoy music and nosh at food trucks. It’s all about the après! upslopebrewing.com
August
Pickin’ in the Park
Paonia, CO | August 2
This four-show series, with two bands each night, is free to the public and features top notch music from around the country. Don’t Miss: More shows on August 9, 16, 23—and hard cider from Delicious Orchards. pickinproductions.com
Telluride Jazz Festival
Telluride, CO | August 3-5
Insider tip: Camping passes for this iconic music festival cost just $59. telluride jazz.org
MY BEST FEST – by Jason Blevins
Telluride Jazz Festival
“Plunked between Bluegrass and Blues and Brews, Telluride’s venerable Jazz Festival delivers legendary musical thrills without the chaos. There’s no mad dash to claim territory. No mile-long beer lines. No months-early crush for tickets. The 42-year-old Jazz festival in early August is about much more than jazz, too, with taste-of-New Orleans parades, top-notch eats and accessible late-night gigs that don’t require eight months of planning. Bruce Hornsby and Karl Denson lead this year’s line up, accompanied by a slew of simmering rockers like Cory Henry, Badbadnotgood and the raging Turkuaz. I’ll see you there.”
ARISE Music Festival
Loveland, CO | August 3-5
Join EO’s Live Outside and Play team and open yourself to this joyous event that celebrates community and life with music, yoga, camping, art and more. Slightly Stoopid, Trevor Hall, Fierce le Fev and more will keep your body moving all night long.
arisefestival.com
MY BEST FEST – by Katrina Kopeck
ARISE
“Arise is full of loving kindness. I’ve gone the last four years, and have always experienced the most spontaneous, silly, serendipitous, and strange interactions. I’ve ever had—all of them full of loving kindness. Some of my favorite memories are from the yoga tent, where wriggling around on the ground and making animal sounds are just part of the game, a welcome break from “real life” into the silliness and absurdity of being a human.”
Keystone Bluegrass and Beer Festival
Keystone, CO | August 4-5
Appalachia meets Colorado at this quintessential mountain festival. Add in drinks from 40+ craft breweries and you have one down-home weekend.
keystonefestivals.com
Evergreen Town Race
Evergreen, CO | Aug 5
This classic 5k or 10k run down the Upper Bear Creek Valley will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2018. And feel good as you huff—the race benefits the Alpine Rescue Team. evergreentownrace.org
Steamboat Movement Fest
Steamboat, CO | August 9-12
Far more than yoga, this enlightened happening encourages conscious connection through music, movement and plenty of outdoor play. steamboatmovementfest.com
Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest
Fort Collins, CO | August 10-12
This free community music festival features 80+ Colorado bands on six stages of entertainment; more than 250 specialty, art and food booths; and a family-centered Kids’ Music Adventure and Kids’ World area. bohemiannights.org
Run the Rockies 10K/Half Marathon
Frisco, CO | August 11
Get ready to set a new PR on this fast course along the Ten Mile Range. Townoffrisco.com
Denver Sloan’s Lake Fine Arts & Music Festival
Sloan’s Lake Park, Denver, CO | August 11-12
Where else can you chill with local artists on long summer days under shade trees in the heart of Denver? Live music performances include the Hazel Miller Band, Ponder The Albatross, Band On The Fence, Franny & The Jets, Tullis Blues and more. coloradoeventsandfestivals.com
Velorama Festival
Denver, CO | August 17-19
Glass Animals, Cold War Kids, Vince Staples, Matt and Kim, Rainbow Kitten, Surprise, The Kills… It’s time to rock out in RiNo for three days of bands, brews and, oh yes, bicycles, too. veloramafestival.com
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
Lyons, CO | August 17-19
Kick back creekside on the Planet Bluegrass grounds and enjoy an all-star lineup this year, including Jeff Tweedy, Indigo Girls and Los Lobos.
bluegrass.com/folks
Keystone Mountain Town Music Festival
Keystone, CO | August 18
Blind Pilot and Lone Bellow take the main stage while local food vendors line the streets concocting their best Colorado peach recipes capped off with fireworks over the village to wrap up the evening. keystonefestivals.com
Winter Park Uncorked Wine Festival
Winter Park, CO | August 18
Time to pop off! Hideaway Park will host this high-class event that includes wine tasting, food samples and live music. And effervesce at the champagne cork-off sponsored by Deno’s Mountain Bistro. playwinterpark.com
A-lodge Film & Music Fest
Boulder, CO | August 23
Enjoy yet another rocking night of live music, beer, wine, food and the 24-foot outdoor projector screen on the sprawling A-Lodge lawn. a-lodge.com
NedFest
Nederland, CO | August 24-26
Nederland’s music and arts festival brings out the funk in Colorado’s most core of mountain towns. nedfest.org
Trinidaddio Blues
Trinidad, CO | August 25
Cruise down to the New Mexico border for this hot, end-of-summer happening that features Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Kenny Neal, C.J. Chenier and more.
trinidaddiobluesfest.com
Four Corners Folk Festival
Pagosa Springs, CO | August 31-September 2
The Wood Brothers, Los Lobos, The Drunken Hearts—they’re all coming to this year’s fete. Spend your downtime soaking in Pagosas steamy pools.
folkwest.com/fourcornersfolkfestival
Seven Peaks Festival
Buena Vista, CO | August 31-September 2
The Collegiate Peaks will echo with roots music at this summer’s big new festival: Country star Dierks Bentley, in partnership with Live Nation, will kick off the inaugural Seven Peaks Music Festival, a multi-stage country and bluegrass extravaganza. sevenpeaksfestival.com
SEPTEMBER
Keystone Oktoberfest
Keystone, CO | September 1
Dig out the the lederhosen and the dirndls and bring out the family for Keystone’s Oktoberfest. Earn your stein with the Das Bier Burner 5K fun-run that kicks off the day. keystonefestivals.com
Steamboat Bike Festival
Steamboat, CO | September 6-9
Everyone can find a path on this weekend: Mountain bikers will take to the Steamboat mountain forest singletrack, road bikers can follow the highway through local ranch lands or up and over the mountain passes and families will cruise along Yampa River Core Trail. steamboatbiketown.com/bike-festival
Septemberfest Eagle
Eagle, CO | September 7-8
Break a sweat at the Mountain Rats at Septemberfest comps—a 50k, trail marathon and half marathon race on Saturday morning with the start and finish in Septemberfest’s venue. eagleoutside.com
Pirate Festival
Northglenn, CO | September 14-15
Costumes are very much encouraged at this celebraton of arggh that includes a traditional pirate feast, pirate music, raucous dancing and a costume contest. Be sure to swing your sabre on Friday, September 14 at the Pirate’s Ball for adults only.
thepiratefest.com
Grandoozy
Denver, CO |September 14-16
The new kid in festival town promises to make some noise with a lineup including Kendrick Lamar, Florence and the Machine, Sturgill Simpson, the legendary Stevie Wonder and more transforming Denver’s Overland Park into Colorado’s biggest party. grandoozy.com
Telluride Blues and Brews
Telluride, CO | September 14-16
This fall classic will featue Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite, Gov’t Mule and more—oh, and plenty of hoppy refreshment. Extend the buzz with late-night concerts throughout town. tellurideblues.com
Colorfest Weekend
Pagosa Springs, CO | September 14-16
Celebrate the peaceful, easy feeling of small-town Americana at this fall shindig that will wow you with a colorful hot air balloon mass ascension in downtown Pagosa Springs. visitpagosasprings.com
Lead King Loop Charity Races
Marble, CO | September 16
Run, walk, or hike the 25k loop around Lead King Basin or cheer the kids on as they run the 2.5k kids loop around Marble. Proceeds benefit the Marble Charter School. leadkingloop25k.com
Epic Brewing 50 Firkin Beer Fiasco
Denver, CO | September 20
Head to Epic’s RiNo taproom to sample 50 unique firkins—a.k.a. cask conditoned ales, or “real ales,” ales brewed in their container with natural ingredients—and get down with live music and at this sixth annual fest. epicbrewing.com
Great American Beer Festival
Denver, CO | September 20-22
The world’s greatest gathering of brews and those who make and imbibe them goes down (where else?) in craft-beer central. Designate a driver. greatamericanbeerfestival.com
Royal 50 Mountain Bike Race
Cañon City, CO | September 22
Turn your cranks on the outstanding Royal Gorge Park Trails. Sign up for a rugged race on either the 50- or 20-mile singletrack course and then celebrate at a post-ride party with music, food and plenty of beer at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.
royal50.com
Parker Fine Arts & Music Festival
Parker, CO | September 22-23
Pack up the family and head to this relaxing event where you can view work by national artists (and maybe bring something home) and then find a seat and enjoy local acts performing on the Festival Stage. Coloradoeventsandfestivals.com
Mountain Harvest
Paonia, CO | September 22-23
Tour the local wineries and farms and lace up your boots for a full lineup of roots music at this fall shindig. mountainharvestfestival.org
Folk’n’Flannel Festival & Fundraiser
Deckers, CO | September 28-30
UpaDowna’s good-time event is a camping fundraiser, complete with live music, tasty food, cold beer, epic adventures and beautiful scenery up in the mountains of Colorado. upadowna.org
14er Fest
Buena Vista, CO | September 28-30
This homegrown Buena Vista fest brings together all disciplines of outdoor play: off-roading, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing and trail running. Add in trail events, clinics, camping, live music and local libations and you have the premier event celebrating life among the peaks. 14erFest.com
OCTOBER
The Holler!ween XVI
Fort Collins, CO | October TBD
Stay tuned for details on the 16th edition of Michael Kirkpatrick’s costumes-required good-time ball. michaelkirkpatrickmusic.com
MY BEST FEST – by Patty Malesh
The Holler!ween
“Discretely located just outside of Fort Collins along the Poudre river in, you guessed it, late October, Holler!ween is quick, easy, low key and “scene” free. And costumes are mandatory! Stay for one night or two–camp, glamp, or catch the free bus back to FoCo. Pop back and forth between two heated venue tents, food trucks, a bonfire to rival homecoming. Music goes way past your bedtime and there’s something for every fan—Indie rock, hip hop, speedgrass, and electro-jam to name a few. Hosted by 2014 Telluride Troubadour Competition winner and frontman of The Holler! Michael Kirkpatrick along with the Sustainable Living Association, Holler!ween has dog-friendly camping and your first festival themed beer is free with ticket purchase. BYOC—bring your own cup (and some canned goods for the food bank). AM yoga included.”
12 Hours of Penitence MTB Race
Penitente Canyon, San Luis Valley, CO | October 13
Put your endurance to the test in the San Luis Valley in the fourth-annual iteration of this local favorite. Sign up to race solo, duo or trio teams on the epic 17-mile course. 12hoursofpenitence.com
7th Annual Hard Cider Fest
Hotchkiss, CO | October 27
Taste cider from all over Colorado at Big B’s Delicious Orchards annual Hard Cider Fest. Top it off with finger-lickin’ BBQ, live music all day long and community camping in the orchard. bigbs.com
NOVEMBER
Nitro Fest
Longmont, CO | November 11
It’s a gas, gas, gas. Left Hand Brewing Foundation will host this fifth annual nitro-exclusive beer festival. That feeling that it just got crazy? It’s not the beer. The fest hires circus acts and encourages costumes.
lefthandbrewing.com
