With mild temperatures and gorgeous blue-sky days, summer celebrations don’t get better than this. We’ve outlined a few of the finest Colorado summer festivals to help you get started on planning the ideal summer vacation.
For even more festivals, visit our Colorado events calendar.
1. Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Each June, music lovers from around the globe come together at the world-renowned Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Telluride for four days of toe-tapping, carefree-dancing and music-loving fun. Past performers include John Butler Trio, Mumford & Sons, Elvis Costello, Telluride House Band, Trampled by Turbles, Kacey Musgraves and Yonder Mountain String Band, just to name a few.
2. FIBArk
If rivers are your passion, FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) is a must. “America’s oldest and boldest whitewater festival” draws kayakers, stand-up paddlers and rafters to compete (and play) in the mighty Arkansas River in early June. While whitewater is the draw, the city of Salida also showcases a variety of local color with live music, carnival rides, a parade and foot races.
3. Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival
Get right down to the local flavors with this Manitou Springs homage to Colorado's burgeoning wine-making industry highlighting the best from more than 30 local wineries. Sip wine, sample food and indulge in the mountain scenery surrounding Manitou’s idyllic downtown each June at the Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival.
4. Greeley Stampede
Dust off your cowboy boots for one of Colorado’s largest summer festivals and rodeos, the Greeley Stampede, held late June through early July annually. Dating back to the 1800s, Greeley’s Fourth of July celebration puts the “Yeehaw!” in Colorado’s Western culture.
5. Taste of Fort Collins
Savor all of Fort Collins' flavors at June's Taste of Fort Collins near the city's Old Town. From Mexican and macarons to pizza and paella — and, of course, barbecue — this festival is a foodie's delight. Dance to live music as you digest, and make sure you sample some of Colorado's finest craft brews while you're in this beer-lovers' hoppy haven.
6. Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
As the official Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is the obvious place to host the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival each July, packed with guided wildflower hikes, 4x4 tours, photography classes, gardening instruction and much more.