One of the best ways to experience Colorado in the summer is to attend one of these fantastic festivals, in fact it may just be the highlight of your holiday.
Credit: Crested Butte Wine & Food FestivalCrested Butte Wine & Food Festival in Crested Butte
Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival (Hotels nearby)
The Crested Butte Wine & Food Festival takes place every year in late July in the spectacular mountain town of Crested Butte. Not only do you get to enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet, but you also get the chance to sip fine wines, meet winemakers and sommeliers, attend a variety of wine-focused seminars, and even a James and Celebrity Chef Dinner Tour. The Grand Tasting is the main event and includes over 500 selected wines from 25 wineries and distributors, food demonstrations and more. Of course, while you're here, you can also enjoy the myriad outdoor adventures in the area, from hiking to mountain biking, boating, fishing and exciting kayaking trips on the Taylor, Gunnison or East River.
Credit: Wikimedia CommonsHot air balloon over Steamboat SpringsBalloon over Steamboat Springs
Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, Steamboat Springs (Hotels nearby)
If you can get out of bed early on holiday, you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Steamboat Springs at one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the state. It hosts a massive colourful ascent each morning during the event, filling the almost always brilliant blue sky with an impressive array of elaborate balloons. After the balloons have been launched into the air, you can enjoy coffee and breakfast on site with one of the local vendors and participate in the annual Art in the Park event at West Lincoln Park, which features arts and crafts, performances, and an interactive children's area.
Credit: Greeley StampedeGreeley Stampede
Greeley Stampede (Hotels nearby)
One of Colorado's most popular and largest summer festivals, the Greeley Stampede dates back to the 1800s and includes rodeos, carnival, western art show, demolition derby, food, shopping and more to celebrate the state's western culture. Billed as the largest Fourth of July event in the country, it spans two weekends, running from 23 June to 4 July 2017. In addition to a professional rodeo there are rodeos and bull riding for kids and a full range of free theatrical entertainment, country and classic rock concerts. In 2014, Greeley Stampede was even inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
Credit: Vail Dance FestivalVail Dance Festival
Vail International Dance Festival (Hotels nearby)
This summer celebration of dance takes place annually for a fortnight from late July to mid-August, from 29 July to 12 August 2017. It presents a wide range of dance forms and enjoys a world-renowned reputation attracting many prestigious artists such as New York City Ballet MOVES, BalletX, Martha Graham Dance Company, Paul Taylor Dane Company, Pacific Northwest Ballet and stars of the Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet, America Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Hamburg Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem . This is your chance to see those incredible 'Dancing with the Stars' perform in person at scenic outdoor venues.
Credit: Breckenridge Wine ClassicBreckenridge Wine Classic
Breckenridge Wine Festival (Hotels nearby)
This fun-filled wine festival in Breckenridge hosts a variety of experiences in the town, mountains, restaurants and classrooms. The picturesque Main Street is full of fun including live music, an arts and crafts fair, rubber duck races, food vendors and the chance to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of food and wine. Meet sommeliers, chefs and winemakers and dine during the height of the area's famous autumn colours.
Credit: A Taste of ColoradoA Taste of Colorado
Taste of Colorado (Hotels nearby)
A Taste of Colorado takes place on Labor Day Weekend at Denver Civic Center Park. Here, thousands of revelers gather to celebrate the end of summer and sample some of Colorado's most mouth-watering dishes. This is a great way to discover some of the state's best cuisine, visit menus and sample samples from over 50 restaurants. Watch cooking demonstrations, dance to music with live entertainment offered at six stages, and check out or purchase some of the impressive artwork in nearly 300 booths at the Arts & Crafts Market. In 2017, it will be held between Friday 1 September and Monday 4 September.
Credit: bluegrass.comRocky Mountain Folks FestivalRocky Mountain Folks Festival
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival (Hotels nearby)
The annual Rocky Mountain Folks Festival takes place between 18 August and 20 August 2017 in the small mountain town of Lyons near Boulder. It celebrates song and history with music from morning to 10 p.m. every night and includes a variety of nightly and songwriting workshops throughout the day. In addition to listening to popular talents such as Josh Ritter, Brandi Carlile and Carolina Chocolate Drops, you can cool off in the St. Vrain River, camp out and even join the impromptu overnight camp sessions put on by festival participants.
Credit: Colorado State FairColorado State Fair
Colorado State Fair and Rodeo (Hotels nearby)
The 2017 Colorado State Fair will take place from 25 August to 4 September and will offer the opportunity to sample your favourite fried foods like fried Snickers and other unique and decadent delicacies, as well as watch the raging bulls, broncos sirloin and barrel-riding cowgirl at the Budweiser Rodeo Arena. It also hosts live concerts, a taste test at Foam Fest, where attendees can sample some of the state's newest and best craft beers, watch thrilling races, livestock and horse shows, enjoy carnival rides and games, and much more.
Credit: Jazz Aspen SnowmassJazz Aspen Snowmass
Jazz Aspen Snowmass Work Party (Hotels nearby)
If you're looking for a fun way to spend Labour Day in the Rockies, the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day festival is hosted for three days east of Aspen at Snowmass Town Park in Snowmass. The grand finale of the summer season includes popular R&B, rock, funk, blues and soul music and has included big names such as Steely Dan, Lenny Kravitz and the Zac Brown Band that is sure to get you up on your feet and dancing under the Colorado high altitude sun.
Credit: Telluride Blues & BrewsTelluride Blues & Brews
Telluride Blues & Brews (Hotels nearby)
One of the last big summer events of the year is the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, held from 15 September to 17 September 2017. The gathering includes beers from over 50 of the nation's best microbreweries along with an impressive line-up of music. Some of the artists featured in the past have included The Fray, George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Chicago. Make the most of camping among the beautiful autumn colours nearby.
