Come spring, Coloradans can’t wait to take on the approaching warm weather days. And this is evidenced in the fun festivities showcasing Colorado’s springtime beauty. Spring runs from Monday, March 20th to Tuesday, June 20th, 2023.
Taste of Vail is a fun way to kick off the season in the high country. Enjoy fine wine and cuisine, then hit the slopes. There are a number of exciting Denver festivals, including two art fests and a Cinco De Mayo celebration. Towards the end of spring, the 8-week Colorado Renaissance Festival begins.
Festivals in March
Bud Light Rocks The Boat.
Boulder International Film Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, March 2-5, 2023
Address: Boulder
About: Film fanatics won’t want to miss the annual Boulder International Film Festival. Quickly becoming an internationally acknowledged talent hub for theater, this soiree features film screenings, panels, workshops, and theme afterparties.
303 Day
Date: Friday, March 3, 2023
Address: Denver
About: Every March, Denverites celebrate the town’s original area code, known as 303 Day. Celebrate with a live music performance by 3OH!3 along with various vendors around the city hosting events to observe the day.
Denver Restaurant Week
Date: Fri-Sun March 3-12, 2023
Address: Denver
About: Hundreds of Denver restaurants come together for a ten-day culinary celebration boasting delicious multi-course menus for a fixed price.
Monte Vista Crane Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, March 10-12, 2023
Address: Monte Vista
About: The annual Crane Fest, celebrates the annual migration of cranes that has been going on for years.
Bud Light Rocks the Boat
Date: Saturdays, March 11 – TBD, 2023
Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
About: Free concert series now in its 24th season, held at the base of the mountain. Several live performances are held over the course of the ski season. The series features a mix of music genres with many big-name acts having performed.
Frozen Dead Guy Days
Date: Fri-Sun, March 17-19, 2023
Address: Estes Park
About: After 20 years of FDGD in Nederland, the event has relocated its crazy contests, competitions, live music, great food, parades, and parties to Estes Park.
Festivals in April
Fruita Fat Tire Festival. Photo by: Joe
Bud Light Rocks the Boat
Date: Saturdays, March 11 – TBD, 2023
Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
About: Free concert series now in its 24th season, held at the base of the mountain. Several live performances are held over the course of the ski season. The series features a mix of music genres with many big-name acts having performed.
Mile High Beer Festival
Date: Saturday, April 1, 2023
Address: Denver
About: Annual beer festival highlighting both well-known and up-and-coming breweries in addition to a few distilleries and cideries. Visitors have 2.5 hours to taste unlimited samples while enjoying live music, and food vendors.
Taste Of Vail
Date: Wed-Fri, April 5-8, 2023
Address: Vail Village
About: 31st annual Taste of Vail is the largest food and wine festival in Eagle County. Enjoy wine and food vendors against a beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Cardboard Classic
Date: Saturday, April 8, 2023
Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
About: 41st annual event features homemade sleds constructed only using cardboard, glue, string, water-based paint, duct tape, and masking tape. It’s a race down Headwall in this hysterical end to the season.
Colorado Tartan Day Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, April 8-9, 2023
Address: Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont
About: An annual event celebrating all things Scottish, the Colorado Tartan Day Festival is free to attend and great for the entire family. Activities at the festival include a parade, face painting, combat demonstrations, and live music.
Pond Skim Closing Day Celebration
Date: Sunday, April 9, 2023
Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
About: Annual event features skiers and riders attempting to cross a pond at the base of the mountain. Judged on distance, outfit creativity, and crowd response. A free Bud Light concert follows.
Aspen Film Shortsfest
Date: Mon-Sun, April 10-16, 2023
Address: Aspen
About: One of the nation’s best annual short film festivals and Oscar-qualifying showcases. International short films are defined as 40 minutes or less.
5Point Film Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, April 19-23, 2023
Address: Carbondale
About: Four-day Carbondale film festival with traveling events throughout the year.
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
Date: Fri-Sun, April 21-23, 2023
Address: Durango
About: Three days of concerts showcasing bluegrass bands from around the country. Special events include a Durango-style barn dance, Saturday night ‘Celtdown’, and music in local restaurants and bars. The headquarters are in the historic Strater Hotel.
Durango Wine Experience
Date: Fri-Sat, April 28-29, 2023
Address: Durango
About: 3-day annual wine festival showcasing hundreds of craft wines, spirits, and beers. The Walk-About Durango is a wine tasting held Friday and the Grand Tasting starts Saturday afternoon.
Mountain Plover Festival
Date: Fri-Sat, April 28-29, 2023
Address: Karval
About: Held annually in late April or early May, Karval plays host to the annual Mountain Plover Festival. The only event of its kind in the US, and you’re likely to spot not only plovers but also prairie dogs, big-horned owls, and other migratory birds.
HESTIVAL
Date: Fri-Sun, April 28-30, 2023
Address: Hotchkiss
About: A 3-day camping event that offers a myriad of activities including excursions, live music, hiking, and mountain biking. Great for the family, dogs included, guests will enjoy camping under the stars, sipping cider, listening to live music, and spending time in nature.
Festivals in May
Cinco De Mayo Festival in Denver.
Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival
Date: Wed-Sun, May 3-7, 2023
Address: Cañon City
About: Long-running music festival featuring a parade, rodeo, and carnival. High school, middle school, and junior high school bands from across the country compete in Concert Band, Jazz Band, Parade, and Orchestra.
Royal Gorge Rodeo
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Address: Cañon City
About: Founded in 1872, this is Colorado’s longest continuously running rodeo, held as part of the aforementioned Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival.
Estes Park Duck Race Festival
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Address: Estes Park
About: “Adopt” a little rubber duck and race it down the Fall River in support of over 60 Estes Valley charities. Bond Park comes alive with family games and live music. In addition to the duck race, vendors in downtown Estes Park will be having a sidewalk sale Saturday and Sunday.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, May 6-7, 2023
Address: Civic Center Park, Denver
About: 34th Cinco de Mayo celebration with music, dancing, food, and festivities.
Fruita Fat Tire Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, May 12-14, 2023
Where: Fruita
About: Four-day celebration of mountain biking featuring seminars, competitions and a giant expo, now in its 25th year.
Chalk Vines & Lines
Date: Sat-Sun, May 13-14, 2023
Address: Aurora
About: Chalk Lines & Vines is an annual 21+ event that takes place in Aurora’s Arapahoe County Fairgrounds where guests can sample over a dozen wineries, live entertainment, and chalk art.
Civic Center EATS
Date: Thursdays, May – September 2023
Address: Denver
About: Civic Center EATS is a one-stop shop for some of the best food on wheels you can find in the Mile High City. Located in Denver’s Civic Center Park, there will be about 10 to 15 food trucks selling a myriad of delicious meals.
Mountainfilm In Telluride
Date: Thur-Mon, May 25-29, 2023
Address: Telluride
About: Film festival held since 1979 in downtown Telluride, making it one of the longest-running in America.
Grand Old West Days
Date: Fri-Mon, May 26-29, 2023
Address: Craig
About: Old West cultural festival that takes place over the Memorial Day Weekend at several locations: Fairgrounds, Downtown, and Cedar Mountain. Activities include a horse show, parade, carnival, live music, food, and games.
Denver Arts Festival
Date: Sat-Sun, May 27-28, 2023
Address: Denver
About: 23rd annual arts fest showcasing fine art from Colorado and national artists.
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
Date: Sat-Mon, May 27-28, 2023
Address: Durango-Silverton
About: Historic bike race against the Durango and Silverton train, now in its 50th year.
TheBigWonderful
Date: TBD 2023
Address: Denver
About: Celebrating the Kentucky Derby and Cinco De Mayo, TheBigWonderful features over 100 local makers, live music on two stages, a VIP program, and a lot of Colorado craft food and beverage.
Rifle Rendevous Festival
Date: TBD 2023
Address: Rifle
About: 26th year of western fun, complete with a carnival, car show, live music, and vendors.
Mile High International Pastel Exhibition
Date: TBD 2023
Address: Washington Hall Gallery, Central City
About: Taking place at Central City’s Washington Hall Gallery and showcasing nearly 100 pastel paintings, the Mile High International Pastel Exhibition is for those who love art.
Festivals in June
Pagosa Folk ‘N Bluegrass Festival. Photo by: Richard Johnson
Mike the Headless Chicken Festival
Date: Fri-Sat, June 2-3, 2023
Address: Fruita
About: Two days of honoring the late headless chicken named Mike. Events include a 5k race, poultry show, disc golf tourney, and car show.
Greeley Blues Jam
Date: Fri-Sat, June 2-3, 2023
Address: Greeley
About: Blues music festival with a variety of events for the whole family. Camping is available at the festival location in Island Grove Park.
Animas River Days
Date: Fri-Sun, June 2-4 2023
Address: Santa Rita Park, Durango
About: 3-day celebration on the Animas River thru the whitewater park. Festivities include kayak, raft, and SUP races, all capped off by a wild river parade with a viewing party from the park.
Telluride Balloon Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, June 2-4, 2023
Address: Telluride
About: 40th year, festivities include two sunrise balloon ascensions from Town Park, a sunset glow on Main Street, and a balloon workshop.
Colorado College Summer Music Festival
Date: Sun-Fri, June 4-23, 2023
Address: Colorado Springs
About: An annual 3-week classical orchestral and chamber music festival showcasing classically trained musicians from around the globe as well as Colorado College students and faculty members.
GoPro Mountain Games
Date: Thur-Sun, June 8-11, 2023
Address: Vail
About: Summer GoPro Mountain Games are the biggest festival of adventure sports, art, and music, held annually in Vail. There are competitions in biking, climbing, fishing, kayaking, slacklining, standup paddling, rafting, running, disc golf, and even events for dogs.
Colorado Medieval Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, June 9-11, 2023
Address: Loveland
About: It’s an outdoor medieval-themed festival with live entertainment including knights, swordsmanship, and music. There’ll be plenty of food, beer, craft vendors, and a kid zone. No pets are allowed.
Aspen Fringe Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, June 9-11, 2023
Address: Aspen
About: A 2-day performance art festival highlighting the work of a featured playwright.
Pagosa Folk ‘N Bluegrass
Date: Fri-Sun, June 9-11, 2023
Address: Pagosa Springs
About: 16th annual music festival showcasing bluegrass and folk tunes.
Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival
Date: Fri-Sun, June 9-11, 2023
Address: Palisade
About: Annual bluegrass fest in Riverbend Park, featuring guitars, fiddles, and amazing artistry.
Meekerpalooza
Date: Fridays, June 9 & 23 and July 14 & 21, 2023
Address: Meeker
About: Held in June and July, the annual Meekerpalooza celebrates art, music, and culture while hosting a large farmer’s market downtown.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Date: Mixed days, June 11 – August 13, 2023
Where: Boulder
About: With over 60 successful seasons under its belt, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival showcases multiple performances of some of Shakespeare’s best plays. It’s held on varying days on the CU campus.
FIBArk Salida
Date: Thur-Sun, June 15 – 18, 2023
Address: Downtown Salida
About: America’s oldest whitewater festival, dating back to 1949. There are a number of exciting events including the Slalom Race, Crazy River Dog, and the Hooligan Race. Camping is available in the town of Salida and nearby on Highway 50.
Sonic Bloom
Date: Thur-Sun, June 15-18, 2023
Address: Rye
About: 16th annual electronic music festival held during the summer solstice. The festival grounds are located by Rye in Spanish Peaks Country at Hummingbird Park.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Date: Thur-Sun, June 15-18, 2023
Address: Telluride
About: 50th annual bluegrass music festival in downtown Telluride.
Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
Date: Fri-Sun, June 16-18, 2023
Address: Aspen
About: Learn from world-renowned chefs give cooking presentations and lectures, and enjoy top-notch cooking and wine, as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.
Strawberry Days
Date: Fri-Sun, June 16-18, 2023
Address: Glenwood Springs
About: 126th annual festival is held the third weekend in June every year. It features live music, stage entertainment, a FamilyFest for kids, arts & crafts, a food court, a carnival, and a parade down Grand Avenue. Of course, there are free strawberries and ice cream after the parade.
Juneteenth Music Festival
Date: Fri-Mon, June 16-19, 2023
Address: Denver
About: Denver’s Juneteenth Music Festival is one of the country’s largest celebrations. Attracting 50,000 attendees, the festival boasts live music, vendors, food stalls, art murals, activities for kids, and a parade.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
Date: Saturday & Sunday, June 17 – August 6, 2023
Address: 650 W Perry Park Ave, Larkspur (between Denver & CO Springs on I-25)
About: The Renaissance Festival is held over 8 weekends in June, July, and August with medieval events for all ages. It’s held from 10 am until 6:30 pm each day, rain or shine. Parking is free and no pets are allowed.
Country Jam
Date: Thur-Sat, June 22-24, 2023
Address: Grand Junction
About: Three-day country music party on the Western Slope, with camping available.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Date: Sunday, June 25, 2023
Address: Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade
About: Founded in 1916 by Spencer Penrose, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb is the second oldest auto race in America. Now in its 101st year, cars and motorcycles race up Pike Peak Highway in what’s known as the “Race to the Clouds”.
Telluride Plein Air Festival
Date: Wed-Tues, June 28 – July 4, 2023
Address: Telluride
About: A week-long open-air art event in Telluride where artists paint outdoors and, once the week is over, sell their pieces.
That’s a roundup of Colorado’s annual spring events. Need help deciding? Here are eight favorite spring festivals.
