Colorado is filled with exciting trails, festivals, and events all summer long. With the sunny skies and beautiful weather, there is no better time to experience Colorado’s rich culture and outdoor activities than in the summer. From food festivals to conventions, Colorado offers something for everyone of all ages. Here’s a small list of what we found to be unmissable happening this summer.
Photo by Emerson Vieira on Unsplash
Denver BBQ Festival
May 27–28, 2023
Mile High Stadium
Kick off your summer this Memorial Weekend with the mouthwatering flavors of the Denver BBQ Festival. All you can eat and drink for 3 hours straight! This annual event brings together award-winning pitmasters from across the nation to showcases their BBQ cookin’ skills. Savor the taste of slow-cooked, smoked meats, attend BBQ masterclasses, and enjoy live music performances. It’s a finger-licking good time for the whole family!
Learn more and purchase tickets here!
Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival
June 9-11, 2023
Riverbend Park, Palisade
Kick off your summer by enjoying three days of non-stop festival vibes in Palisade! For the past ten years, Palisade has celebrated beautiful Colorado weather, bluegrass stars from all over the country, good fiddles and rising stars at their Bluegrass and Roots Festival. Enjoy live performance, kid’s activities, painting, artisan vendors, barrel tasting, camping and so much more!
Learn more about tickets, camping, and family-friendly activities here.
The Big Gear Show Consumer Festival
June 10-11, 2023
Colorado Convention Center
Learn new places and ways to recreate in the outdoors! At this first-of-its-kind festival, consumers will have the opportunity to learn new technologies and products to enhance their outdoor adventures. In addition, consumers can hear the stories behind their favorite outdoor brands and meet new up and coming brands trying to make the great outdoors a better place. A portion of each ticket sale will be donated to organizations focused on protecting the outdoors.
Start the family young by bringing your whole gang to this family-friendly event! To learn more and to purchase tickets visit The Big Gear show website.
Making a doll at the craft station.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
July 1–3, 2023
Cherry Creek North
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a world-class and award-winning event hosting visual, culinary, and performing arts. Celebrate the 35th anniversary by attending this three-day outdoor festival featuring over 255 international and local artists. Enjoy 20 performing artists, a creation station with children activities and food. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts and families alike.
To learn more visit Cherry Creek Arts Festival site.
Leadville Boom Days
August 4 – 6, 2023
Leadville, Colorado
Go back in time and celebrate the largest silver and gold mining town in Colorado! Experience the real Old West with gunslingers, burro races, mining skill contests, lots of food and over 100 venders in the beautiful mountain town. This three day event is packed with family-friendly activities, starting with a town breakfast, parade, car show, sack races and so much more! Explore the history of Leadville at the Leadville Boom Days event.
For more information or to participate in any of the events, visit the Leadville Boom Day site.
Girl receiving craft beer. Photo by Elevate on Unsplash
Great American Beer Festival
September 21 – September 23, 2023
Colorado Convention Center
The biggest craft beer event of the year! The Great American Beer Festival is the premier US beer competition showcasing over 100 of the finest beer styles. Highlighting the best breweries all over the nation, find your new favorite brewery. Enjoy live music, yard games, karaoke and food pairings all while taste testing all the beer you want!
Designated drivers are more than welcomed at this event! Enjoy your very own special lounge, appreciation gift, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and more. Designated driver tickets are sold separately.
All Tickets go on sale to the public July 12 at 10 am. Tickets are only sold via AXS.com. To learn more about this festival visit Great American Beer Festival site.
Colorado’s lively summer scene offers many different events and activities to suit everyone and this was just the smallest sample to pick from. Whether you’re a food lover, sports enthusiast, art aficionado, or music fan, Colorado promises a summer full of fun. Mark your calendars and make the most of the warm weather by attending these summer events. For more summer adventures, check out Best Fourteeners in Colorado for Beginners, Top 5 Things to do in Denver, and Weekend Adventure Ideas – South Denver.