Colorado Events Not To Miss

Coloradans live everywhere from the mountains to the plains and the cities. As locals, we are proud of our state and love to attend our annual events that support our communities. As a state, we have amazing Colorado events that you cannot miss! If you are looking to visit Colorado this summer or even move to Colorado, this is the list of Colorado events and festivals for you!

For Locals by Locals

You know it’s a good sign when there are local people at the festival you’ve chosen to attend! Locals support every one of these events in some capacity, whether it be local businesses as vendors, Colorado local bands, artists, athletes, and performers, or local staff and volunteers, making everything possible. 

Here are some excellent local festivals that happen every year throughout Colorado! That way, you can plan your summer Colorado vacation and try to attend a true Colorado event while you’re at it.

GREELEY STAMPEDE

The Greeley Stampede is a firsthand look into Colorado’s Western culture and lifestyle. The event dates back to the 1800’s and features a concert series, rodeo series, bullfighting event, a Demolition Derby, and an entire carnival for adults and children alike. The 10+ day festival at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley, CO, leads up to the 4th of July.

HOT AIR BALLOON RODEO

Steamboat Springs, Colorado, features this two-day “rodeo” and festival with incredible amounts of hot air balloons. The event features a rodeo series, day hot air balloon rides, a sunset “balloon glow” feature, and incredible views. Plus, Steamboat Springs is an excellent location to experience how the Colorado mountain landscape intersects with our rich Colorado history. And, enjoy the hot springs!

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW

Another Colorado event in the spirit of Colorado Western culture is the National Western Stock Show. Happening each January at the National Western Complex the event includes a tradeshow, multiple rodeos, livestock shows, and shopping over the 16-days. The Stock Show is one of the biggest events in Colorado, drawing huge crowds from all over the state, donating thousands to local charities and nonprofits each year.  It’s been happening since 1906 and is sure to delight, no matter which day you attend! 

FIBARK

FIBArk is a unique whitewater rafting festival in the city of Salida close to Father’s Day weekend each year. FIBArk brings together local and national kayakers, stand-up paddlers and rafters together to compete and play. Known as “America’s oldest and boldest whitewater festival,” there is so much more fun to this festival than just whitewater. There’s free live music, a parade, shopping, and more.

KEYSTONE WINE AND JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Wine and Jazz Festival in Keystone, Colorado, brings together wine, jazz, and breathtaking mountain views. There are many festivals in the mountains near Breckenridge, but this festival truly shines with 300 varieties of wine. There is wine education, free live jazz music, and authentic mountain experiences waiting for you at this festival!

COLORADO BREWERS’ FESTIVAL

Fort Collins is the original hub for craft beer here in Colorado. You may have heard Fort Collins is famous for craft breweries like Odell Brewing Company,  Funkwerks, and New Belgium Brewing Company. The Colorado Brewer’s Festival celebrates over 30 years of the festival and features over 50 breweries all along the historic downtown Fort Collins. 

CRESTED BUTTE WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL

If you’ve ever been to Colorado in the summer, you know we have some impressive wildflowers and scenery but, you haven’t seen beautiful flowers until you’ve visited Crested Butte, the official Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Each summer, they celebrate the wildflowers with guided hikes, 4×4 tours, photography classes, gardening instructions, and of course, food and drinks.

COLORADO STATE FAIR

Have you tried Pueblo green chilies, and do you love state fairs? If so, the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo is the event for you! This Colorado event expertly combines a carnival, horse shows, free music, and all the state fair food your heart can enjoy! 

PALISADE PEACH FESTIVAL

The Palisade Peach Festival celebrates local agriculture here in Colorado. Not only is it the most amazing array of peaches you’ve ever seen, but this festival focuses on local farmers and letting them shine. There’s a peach eating contest, live music, a parade, a series of races, and the battle for the largest peach! This event lets Colorado and Coloradans shine in beautiful Palisade!

A TASTE OF COLORADO

A Taste of Colorado, by the Downtown Denver Partnership, happens yearly over Labor Day weekend. This event is a vital part of the end of Summer in Denver! Not only do they have six stages for entertainment, over 50 food booths, amazing artisan vendors, but over 500,000 people attend each year. This is the place to find true Denverites and Coloradans! Plus the fantastic food and music are a great bonus!

COLORADO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

The Renaissance Festival is the “ren” fest of your dreams! You can dress up for this one and get into the 14th Century mood with jousting, traditional music, and a big cat show. Around 200,000 people attend each year! Bonus activities at the festival include elephant rides, a petting zoo, archery, chess, a dungeon museum, and much more.

Keystone Festival’s Colorado Events

Other events that we are proud to offer the visitors and the people of Colorado are our Bluegrass and Beer, Bacon and Bourbon, Oktoberfest, Mountain Town Music Festival, and our Art Festival. All of our events are run and managed by Colorado and Summit County locals who care about the community. Keystone Festivals is run by the Keystone Neighbourhood Company, a not-for-profit organization, and gives back to local non-profits such as the Summit County Chamber, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, and High Country Conservation at their events. 

Colorado Events at their Finest

As you can see, there are many local Colorado events to check out throughout the year all over the state. Whether you are looking for food, wine, or a nature focus, there are event options for every taste! Check these events out and let us know what you think in the comments!