Colorado.com Staff Writer

DFP Leaderboard: Article

<p>With the arrival of warmer weather comes the return of Colorado’s music scene to the great outdoors, where star-studded setlists meet scenes of towering peaks and rivers at cherished mountain towns and stages.</p>


Amazing Colorado Music Fests: Sounds of Summer

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JAS Labor Day Experience in Snowmass

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<p>From jazz and bluegrass to reggae, indie and beyond — the state’s summer music festival scene draws fans of all tastes. And, thanks to mild summer temps and acoustically friendly mountain backdrops, bands love to make the summer pilgrimage to the state’s gorgeous open-air venues. Whether you’ve come to see legendary artists or discover the next up-and-comer, are seeking intimate performances or exhilarating parties, make your summer music festival experience one to remember in Colorado.</p>
<p>Explore some of our exciting summer music festivals below or visit our <a href="https://www.colorado.com/events">Colorado events and festivals calendar</a> for the full list.</p>
<h2>Rhythms on the Rio</h2>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/del-norte">Del Norte</a></p>
<p>Spanning four days in late July and early August, <a href="https://rhythmsontherio.com/">Rhythms on the Rio</a> is a dream event for folks who love music as much as they love the outdoors. In between sets featuring the likes of Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass, The Travelin' McCourys and Alysha Brilla, take a break to float the Rio Grand at Riverfront Park. After the day’s fun, soak up the starlight and sounds of campfire riffs dancing on the night air from a variety of sites, including those for campers needing accessible options. <strong>Tip:</strong> Camping isn’t included in the festival ticket, so make sure to add that on. </p>
<h2>Rocky Mountain Folks Festival</h2>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/Lyons">Lyons</a><br />
Set in the culture-rich, tiny mountain town of Lyons, the <a href="http://www.bluegrass.com/folks">Rocky Mountain Folks Festival</a> in August celebrates song and story with music from morning to night with songwriting workshops sprinkled throughout the day. Embrace the laid-back vibe of the community with three days of music, camping and inspiration at the festival’s famed venue, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/performing-arts/planet-bluegrass">Planet Bluegrass</a>. The mellow festival has featured folksy talent such as Brandi Carlile, Josh Ritter, Carolina Chocolate Drops and Sweet Honey in the Rock. Don’t miss the impromptu late-night campsite sessions put on by festival attendees. <strong>Tip:</strong> Bring your swimsuit and a beach towel and take a refreshing dip in the St. Vrain River just steps from the festival.</p>


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<h2>JAS Labor Day Experience</h2>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/Aspen">Aspen</a><br />
The three-day <a href="https://jazzaspensnowmass.org/event/2025-jas-labor-day-experience">JAS Labor Day Experience</a> — just east of Aspen at the Snowmass Town Park in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/Snowmass">Snowmass</a> — tops off the summer season with a dance-inducing display of rock, heritage, country, pop and alternative. Fall in love with this ski village like never before at this free-spirited event that draws incredible artists to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. At past events, you could catch large stars like Steely Dan sharing mountain-framed stages with Fitz and the Tantrums, Lenny Kravitz and the Zac Brown Band gracing the stage. <strong>Tip:</strong> Make sure to drink lots of water when dancing in the sun all day at 8,100 feet.</p>
<h2>Telluride Blues and Brews Festival</h2>
<p><a href="/cities-and-towns/Telluride">Telluride</a><br />
Telluride, a festival capital of Colorado, hosts this soulful gathering complete with brews from more than 20 of the country’s best craft breweries each September. Throughout the three-day <a href="http://www.tellurideblues.com/">Telluride Blues and Brews Festival</a>, discover all that this acclaimed ski town has to offer in the early days of autumn, while relishing the sounds of celebrated artists with a Colorado craft brew in hand. Previous years' lineups were a who’s who of the blues, rock and gospel worlds, including Chicago, The Fray, George Thorogood &amp; The Destroyers, and Galactic and Jimmie Vaughan (Stevie Ray’s big brother). Check the site in June to see this year's roster. <strong>Tip: </strong>Camping is popular with festivalgoers headed to this picturesque resort town. Get there early; spots are first-come, first-served.</p>
<h2><span>Want More? </span></h2>
<p>Check our <a href="/events">events calendar</a> to find other concerts around the state throughout the summer and read <a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/summer-food-wine-festivals-colorado">Summer Food &amp; Wine Festivals in Colorado</a> and <a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/12-quintessential-summer-festivals-colorado">11 Quintessential Summer Festivals in Colorado</a>.</p>


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