Colorado is a hub of adventure, culture, and fun all year round. Whether you love music festivals, food fairs, or outdoor celebrations, there’s always something happening. From the snowy peaks to the lively cities, events in Colorado bring people together for unforgettable experiences. Enjoy seasonal festivals, art shows, and thrilling sports events across the state. Get ready to mark your calendar and explore the best happenings in Colorado!
Annual Events in Colorado You Can't Miss
10 Film Festivals
Colorado has a vibrant film culture, with stunning landscapes that have inspired many productions. The state hosts various film festivals, celebrating independent and mainstream films, from documentaries to experimental works. Colorado’s strong arts support and beautiful surroundings make it a hub for filmmakers and film lovers alike.
- Boulder International Film Festival (Mar)
- Aspen Shortsfest (Apr)
- 5Point Film Festival in Carbondale (Apr)
- Mountain Film In Telluride (May)
- Film on the Rocks in Morrison (May-Aug)
- Telluride Film Festival (Sep)
- Breck Film Fest (Sep)
- Aspen Filmfest (Sep)
- Denver Film Festival (Nov)
- Vail Film Festival (Dec)
20 Food Festivals
Colorado’s food culture is diverse, blending traditional flavors with modern influences. Known for fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the state’s cuisine highlights its bountiful produce, meats, and artisanal products. From craft breweries to food trucks, Colorado’s food scene is vibrant and celebrates creativity, sustainability, and high-quality ingredients.
- Estes Park Winter Festival (Jan)
- Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off in Manitou Springs (Feb)
- Denver Restaurant Week (Mar)
- Taste of Vail (Apr)
- TheBigWonderful in Denver (May)
- Civic Center EATS in Denver (May-Sep)
- Strawberry Days in Glenwood Springs (Jun)
- Food & Wine Classic in Aspen (Jun)
- Keystone Bacon & Bourbon Festival (Jun)
- Paonia Cherry Days (Jun-Jul)
- Highlands Farmers Market in Denver (Jun-Sep)
- Telluride Reserve in Mountain Village (Jul-Aug)
- Olathe Sweet Corn Festival (Aug)
- Telluride Mushroom Festival (Aug)
- Palisade Peach Festival (Aug)
- Lafayette Peach Festival (Aug)
- Mushroom & Wine Festival in Durango (Aug)
- Gourmet on Gore in Vail (Sep)
- A Taste of Colorado in Denver (Sep)
- Denver Food and Wine Festival (Sep)
25 Beer and Spirits Festivals
Colorado boasts a vibrant culture of craft beer and wine, fueled by its diverse landscapes and climate. The state is known for its innovative breweries offering a wide range of beers, from IPAs to stouts. Its wine scene thrives with unique wines made from locally grown grapes, while the growing number of distilleries adds to Colorado’s reputation for high-quality local beverages.
- Big Beers, Belgians & Barleywines Festival in Breckenridge (Jan)
- Estes Park Winter Festival (Jan)
- Denver Winter Brew Fest (Jan)
- Steamboat WinterWonderGrass (Feb)
- Mile High Beer Festival (Mar)
- Collaboration Fest Denver (Apr)
- Taste of Vail (Apr)
- Durango Wine Experience (May)
- Chalk Vines and Lines in Aurora (May)
- Food & Wine Classic in Aspen (Jun)
- Hops Drops in Evergreen (Jun)
- Reds, Whites & Brews in the Boat (Jun)
- Keystone Bacon & Bourbon Festival (Jun)
- Vail Valley Brew Fest at Avon (Jun)
- Telluride Wine Festival (Jun-Jul)
- Breckenridge Summer Beer Fest (Jul)
- Denver Summer Brew Fest (Jul)
- Colorado Brewers Rendezvous in Salida (Jul)
- Castle Rock WineFest (Jul)
- Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival (Jul)
- Springs Beer Fest in Colorado Springs (Jul)
- Boulder Craft Beer Festival (Aug)
- Keystone Oktoberfest (Aug)
- Telluride Blues & Brews Festival (Sep)
- Great American Beer Festival in Denver (Sep)
25 Arts Festivals
Colorado is a vibrant hub for the arts, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary works. The state is filled with galleries, public art, and creative spaces, reflecting a strong appreciation for artistic expression. With numerous art festivals each year, Colorado showcases local and national talent across various art forms. The state's stunning landscapes also inspire many artists, making art an integral part of Colorado’s culture.
- First Friday Santa Fe Art Walk in Denver (Jan-Dec)
- Gathering of the Guilds in Golden (Apr)
- East Boulder County Artists Studio Tour in Longmont and Lafayette (Apr)
- Mile High International Pastel Exhibition in Central City (Apr/May)
- Denver Arts Festival (May)
- Park Hill Art Festival in Denver (May-Jun)
- Monte Vista 3rd Friday Art Walk (May-Aug)
- Aspen Fringe Festival (Jun)
- Denver Chalk Art Festival (Jun)
- High Peaks Art Festival in Nederland (Jun)
- Art in the Park in La Veta (Jul)
- Breckenridge July Art Festival (Jul)
- Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver (Jul)
- Evergreen Summerfest (Jul)
- Cheesman Park Art Fest in Denver (Jul)
- Silverthorne Fine Art Festival (Jul)
- Breckenridge August Art Festival (Aug)
- Boulder International Fringe Festival (Aug)
- Sculpture in the Park in Loveland (Aug)
- Crested Butte Arts Festival (Aug)
- Affordable Arts Fest in Littleton (Aug)
- Handmade In Colorado Expo in Estes Park, Denver, Boulder (Aug-Oct)
- Colorado Artfest at Castle Rock (Sep)
- Durango Autumn Arts Festival (Sep)
- Denver Arts Week (Nov)
30 Music Festivals
Colorado’s music scene is vibrant, spanning genres from bluegrass to electronic. With iconic venues like Red Rocks and a strong festival culture, live music thrives across the state year-round. From mountain towns to city streets, Colorado embraces creativity, bringing communities together through music and unforgettable performances.
- MusicFest at Steamboat (Jan)
- Steamboat WinterWonderGrass (Feb)
- Bud Light Rocks the Boat (Mar)
- Durango Bluegrass Meltdown (Apr)
- Bravo! Vail Music Festival (Jun-Jul)
- Durango Blues Train (May/Aug)
- Country Jam in Grand Junction (Jun)
- Colorado College Summer Music Festival in Colorado Springs (Jun)
- Sonic Bloom Festival in Rye (Jun)
- Cultural Caravan June Festival in Boulder (Jun)
- Yampa River Reggae Festival in Craig (Jun)
- Pagosa Folk ‘n Bluegrass in Pagosa Springs (Jun)
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival (Jun)
- Colorado Music Festival in Boulder (Jun-Aug)
- Hudson Gardens Summer Concert Series in Littleton (Jun-Sep)
- Aspen Music Festival (Jul-Aug)
- Keystone Wine & Jazz Festival (Jul)
- High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival in Westcliffe (Jul)
- Evergreen Jazz Festival (Jul)
- RIDE Festival in Telluride (Jul)
- RockyGrass Festival in Lyons (Jul)
- Underground Music Showcase in Denver (Jul)
- Central City Opera Festival (Jul-Aug)
- Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival (Aug)
- Telluride Jazz Festival (Aug)
- Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest in Fort Collins (Aug)
- Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons (Aug)
- Four Corners Folk Festival in Pagosa Springs (Aug)
- Caveman Music Festival in Weston (Aug)
- Vail Snow Days (Dec)
20 Sports Festivals
Colorado’s sports culture is fueled by its breathtaking landscapes and active lifestyle. Home to pro teams and extreme sports, the state embraces everything from skiing and mountain biking to endurance races and rock climbing. With a passion for both competition and outdoor adventure, Colorado is a haven for athletes and fans alike.
- Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs (Jan)
- Ouray Ice Festival (Jan)
- Winter X Games in Aspen (Jan)
- Rio Frio Ice Fest in Alamosa (Jan)
- Pond Hockey Classic in Grand Lake (Feb)
- Silverton Skijoring (Feb)
- Aspen Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race (Feb)
- Leadville Ski Joring (Mar)
- Fruita Fat Tire Festival (May)
- Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in Durango (May)
- GoPro Mountain Games in Vail (Jun)
- FIBArk in Salida (Jun)
- Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Cascade (Jun)
- Vail Lacrosse Shootout (Jun-Jul)
- Rocky Mountain State Games in Colorado Springs (Jul)
- Tour de Steamboat (Jul)
- Tough Mudder Colorado in Littleton (Aug)
- Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race (Aug)
- Colorado Dragon Boat Festival in Denver (Sep)
- Colorado Springs Sports Hall of Fame (Oct)
30 Culture Festivals
Colorado’s rich history and diverse heritage come alive through its many cultural festivals. From Native American traditions to the legacy of the Old West, these celebrations honor the state’s roots. Rodeos, powwows, and pioneer reenactments bring the past to life, while multicultural events highlight the traditions of Colorado’s many communities.
- National Western Stock Show in Denver (Jan)
- Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships (Jan)
- Snowdown in Durango (Jan/Feb)
- Steamboat Winter Carnival (Feb)
- Cripple Creek Ice Fest (Feb)
- Colorado Motorcycle Expo in Denver (Feb)
- Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland (Mar)
- Colorado Tartan Day Festival in Longmont (Apr)
- Rocky Mountain Train Show in Denver (Apr)
- Estes Park Duck Race Festival (May)
- Royal Gorge Rodeo in Cañon City (May)
- Grand Old West Days in Craig (May)
- Rifle Rendezvous Festival (May)
- Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown in Denver (May)
- Mike the Headless Chicken Festival in Fruita (May)
- Juneteenth Music Festival in Denver (Jun)
- Telluride Balloon Festival (Jun)
- Colorado Medieval Festival in Loveland (Jun)
- Greeley Stampede (Jun/Jul)
- Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder (Jun-Aug)
- Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur (Jun-Aug)
- Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado Springs (Jul)
- Durango Fiesta Days (Jul)
- Colorado Black Arts Festival in Denver (Jul)
- Colorado Scottish Festival in Edgewater (Aug)
- Colorado State Fair & Rodeo in Pueblo (Aug)
- Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park (Sep)
- Southern Ute Tribal Fair & Powwow in Ignacio (Sep)
- Dia de los Muertos in Longmont (Oct)
- Ullr Fest in Breckenridge (Dec)
25 Holiday Festivals
Coloradoans celebrate every holiday with style, from festive Christmas light displays to Halloween haunted houses and pumpkin patches. Thanksgiving ushers in fall fun with parades and festivals, while New Year's Eve features fireworks and lively celebrations. No matter the season, Colorado’s holiday festivals bring joy with events for all ages.
- Denver Mardi Gras (Feb)
- Loveland Sweetheart Festival (Feb)
- Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Mar)
- Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Mar)
- Cinco de Mayo Festival in Denver (May)
- Denver PrideFest (Jun)
- Denver Pride 5k (Jun)
- 4th of July Symphony on your Porch in Colorado Springs (Jul)
- Labor Day Lift Off in Colorado Springs (Sep)
- Corn Maze at Anderson Farms (Sep/Oct)
- Emma Crawford Coffin Race & Parade in Manitou Springs (Oct)
- Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms in Littleton (Oct)
- Denver Zombie Crawl (Oct)
- Denver Christmas Show (Nov)
- Denver Christkindlmarket (Nov-Dec)
- Polar Express Train Ride in Durango (Nov-Dec)
- Winter on the Mountain in Glenwood Springs (Nov-Dec)
- ICE! Christmas at Gaylord Rockies in Aurora (Nov-Jan)
- Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light (Nov-Jan)
- Festival of Lights Parade in Colorado Springs (Dec)
- Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas (Dec)
- Gold Camp Christmas Weekend in Cripple Creek (Dec)
- Georgetown Christmas Market (Dec)
- Parade of Lights in Denver (Dec)
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Downtown Denver (Dec)
Best Times to Experience Events in Colorado
Colorado hosts events year-round, from winter festivals in the mountains to summer celebrations in the cities. The best time to visit depends on what you enjoy—ski season brings exciting winter carnivals, while warmer months are packed with music, food, and outdoor festivals. Spring and fall also offer unique cultural celebrations and scenic beauty, making them great times to explore.
Planning ahead is key, as some of the biggest events in Colorado, like the National Western Stock Show and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, attract large crowds. Booking tickets, accommodations, and even restaurant reservations early ensures you won’t miss out on the experience. Many events also have VIP or early-access options that can enhance your visit.
Tips for Navigating Large Events in Colorado
Major festivals and parades can draw big crowds, so planning your arrival and transportation is important. Public transit and rideshare services are often the best options, as parking can be limited near event venues. Many events also have shuttle services to help with accessibility and reduce traffic congestion. If you must drive, checking for designated parking areas and arriving early can make a big difference.
If you’re attending multi-day events, consider arriving early to explore vendor booths, secure a good viewing spot for performances, and take advantage of any early entry perks. Checking event websites for schedules, maps, and any restrictions on bags or outside food can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Being prepared ensures you can focus on the fun and fully immerse yourself in the best events in Colorado.
Conclusion: Experience the Best Events in Colorado
Colorado’s diverse events offer something for everyone, from cultural festivals and outdoor adventures to food and music celebrations. No matter the season, there’s always something exciting happening, whether it’s a winter wonderland event in the mountains or a lively summer festival in the city.
Planning ahead and knowing what to expect can help you make the most of your experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the top events in Colorado is a great way to connect with the state’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming communities.