Full Round-Up Of Summer Festivals At Colorado Ski Resorts
There’s something special about the summer festival season. Wonderful warm weather, bluebird skies, delicious food, drinks and entertainment. Colorado’s ski areas offer a unique festival experience, with breathtaking Colorado mountain views and gorgeous scenery to complement the fun. Colorado ski resorts host a wide variety of summer festivals, focusing on everything from food and music to adventurous multi-day athletic competitions and more.
Here’s your one-stop guide to the Summer 2018 festival season at Colorado ski resorts around the state:
June Festivals
COLORADO DAYS – JUNE 9-10 – COPPER MOUNTAIN
Whether you’re a native or a transplant, enjoy all that is the Centennial State at Colorado Days at
Copper Mountain. Burning Stones Plaza in Center Village will come alive with vendors, food and live music all from within state lines.
EPIC SINGLE-TRACK RACE AND GRAVITY GROWLER – JUNE 9-10 – GRANBY RANCH
On June 9, the Epic Single-Track mountain biking race will begin from the Granby Ranch base and continue through the ski area’s world-class mountain biking trails. The novice course will run 7.5 miles, while professionals race along a 13.1 mile mountain course. On June 10, guests can enjoy the inaugural Grand Gravity Growler, a collaborative weekend by Granby Ranch & Winter Park Resort's Competition Center. This family friendly, multi-discipline bike weekend features camping, live music, BBQ specials, outdoor family movie night and more.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANG ROUNDUP – JUNE 14-16 – STEAMBOAT RESORT
The 30th Annual Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup will feature more than 400 Mustang owners from Rocky Mountain Mustang clubs. Activities will include a scenic mountain tour, auto cross, Friday night social, Show n’ Shine Car Show and awards breakfast. Spectators are welcome for Friday’s Autocross, which will feature more than 180 Ford Mustangs, and Saturday’s Show n’ Shine with over 400 Ford Mustangs on display up and down Lincoln Avenue for your viewing pleasure.
CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL – JUNE 16 – WINTER PARK RESORT
Summertime is finally here, and Winter Park Resort invites you to celebrate with chocolate. Come enjoy this crowd favorite day full of treats and goodies. Enjoy samples, hourly competitions, and live music throughout the afternoon. Buy sample tickets to enjoy a variety of treats from truffles, fudge, and liquid chocolate. Grab lunch from one of the many wonderful restaurants in The Village and then kick back in Winter Park’s own Chocolate Factory.
REVOLUTION ENDURO RACE – JUNE 17 – GRANBY RANCH
A short drive from the Denver area, Granby Ranch’s Revolution Enduro Race is small but mighty, offering fun technical trails with a mix of backcountry and lift access racing. The ski area will host camping, awards, lunch and live music from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. after the race.
CRESTED BUTTE BIKE WEEK – JUNE 20-24 – CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Welcome to the oldest mountain bike festival in the world! This is where a rider can experience one of the birthplaces of mountain biking and ride miles and miles of singletrack. Events include the Powerade gO Pinnacle Bike Races, Fat Tire 40 cross country bike race, the infamous Chainless downhill race, discounted passes to Evolution Bike Park, movies, group rides and much more.
TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL – JUNE 21-24 – TELLURIDE SKI RESORT
Every June Festivarians and musicians from around the world make their annual pilgrimage to the town of Telluride, providing an unforgettable 4 days of music, mountains and magic. With music on the main stage all day, intimate workshops on the Elks Park stage in the middle of town, prestigious band and songwriting contests, late-night Nightgrass concerts at every indoor venue in town, and jam sessions throughout the night in condos and around campgrounds, this is a week of uncommon musical riches.
BLUES FROM THE TOP BLUES FESTIVAL – JUNE 23-24 – WINTER PARK RESORT
This Blues Festival at Hideaway Park will include two full days of live music, vendors, a youth stage, official night shows at Smokin’ Moe’s and the Annual after party.
COPPER MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL AND ATTACK OF THE BIG BEERS – JUNE 23-24 – COPPER MOUNTAIN
On June 23 and 24, The 2nd annual Copper Mountain Film Festival returns to Copper Mountain. Thanks to 10 Barrel Brewing Co., guests can enjoy two evenings of short and feature films at no cost. The event features special guest speakers, Q&A’s with the filmmakers, as well as a Screenwriting Contest hosted by the Denver Filmmakers Collective. The same weekend, the Attack of the Big Beers festival will include “big beers,” or those brewed with high original gravity. Many other brews from Colorado and beyond will be available for sampling. Brewers will also be competing for the Brewzilla Cup: the award for the biggest, baddest beer of the festival. Guests can also enjoy free live music.
TELLURIDE WINE FESTIVAL – JUNE 28-JULY 1 – TELLURIDE SKI RESORT
For 36 years, the Telluride Wine Festival has celebrated of the best in food, wine, and epicurean indulgences. Over the course of four days, guests are invited to experience luncheons and dining delights hosted by local restaurants, tastings and seminars by some of the world's most revered chefs, and sample wines and spirits from across the globe.
ROCK THE RANGE – JUNE 30 – GRANBY RANCH
Swing by the Granby Ranch golf course for Rock The Range! Guests can hang out on tje driving range and enjoy live music, food, drinks, club demos, swing tips and great views of our beautiful course. Free entry with a cash bar and grill.
SUMMER BREW FEST - JUNE 30 - PURGATORY RESORT
Enjoy a great day of live music and sampling great summer beers. Summer Brew, presented by Liquor World, is Purgatory Resort’s summer beer and music festival, featuring a great lineup of bands and all your favorite cold, refreshing, summertime beers. Bring your friends and a blanket or a lawn chair, and enjoy a great summer day on the mountain sipping away the afternoon.
COWBOYS ROUNDUP DAYS – JUNE 30-JULY 4 – STEAMBOAT RESORT
In Steamboat Springs, Fourth of July is a weeklong celebration that pays homage to the Yampa Valley’s Western heritage and sense of community. The excitement kicks off Friday, June 29, with a pro rodeo performance, both of which continue throughout the holiday weekend. On Saturday, dance the night away at Howelsen Hill, watch real cowboys and cowgirls from local working ranches compete in the ranch rodeo on Sunday, and don’t miss the summer ski jumping competition Monday afternoon. The celebration culminates Wednesday, July 4, with a pancake breakfast, parade, block party with free Routt beer floats and, of course, Steamboat’s legendary fireworks display.
July Festivals
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION – JULY 4 – CRESTED BUTTE
Start off the day by watching the parade in town on Elk Avenue at 11 AM, then head up to the mountain for some fun before the fireworks. Free concerts will take place all evening at Red Lady Stage. The peak of Mt. Crested Butte will be lit as the backdrop of the fireworks display starting around 9:15 PM. It is a sight you won’t want to miss, so bring a smile and dancing shoes for a night full of fun. Drinks and BBQ will be available for purchase right next to the live music to keep everyone fueled for a fun night.
SILVERTON 1000 MULTIDAY RUN – JULY 6-12 – KENDALL MOUNTAIN
Kendall Mountain will be home base for a series of running events put on by Aravaipa Running. The Silverton 1000 Multiday Run consists of six separate running events from July 6 – 12, 2018. All runs take place on a 1-mile trail loop around the Kendall Mountain Recreation Area in beautiful Silverton, Colorado at elevation 9318. Each 1-mile loop of the course features a challenging 250 feet of elevation gain and subsequent loss. While the 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, and 6 day runs are all “go as you please” format, meaning you may run or rest when you choose, in order to be eligible for the 1000 mile run challenge, you must complete at least 1 mile/loop of the course each consecutive hour of the event.
COPPER MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL - JULY 7-8 – COPPER MOUNTAIN
Nothing quite compares to a music festival with friends and family in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. From July 6 – 8, the 4th annual Copper Mountain Music Fest features bluegrass and Americana artists from around the country. Admission is free and the weekend includes not only free music from highly-acclaimed musicians but workshops, jam sessions with fellow music enthusiasts, outdoor adventures topped off with celebratory fireworks.
MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS - JULY 7-29 - PURGATORY RESORT
Music in the Mountains has been delighting audiences with classical music for 30 years. Join Purgatory Resort this summer for any of the amazing concerts throughout the month of July. Rehearsals are open to the public, and be sure to take advantage of pre-concert lectures as well.
SECOND ANNUAL LOCAL BAND JAM DAY – JULY 14 – ARAPAHOE BASIN
Take a scenic chairlift ride on the Black Mountain Express lift to enjoy amazing views and BBQ served out of Black Mountain Lodge. Come back down for a beer and listen to the great music. Live music in Mountain Goat Plaza will feature Local Bands from Summit County.
UNDER ARMOUR TRAIL RUNNING SERIES - JULY 14- COPPER MOUNTAIN
Trail running enthusiasts will take to Copper Mountain for a stop in Under Armour’s Mountain Running Series, July 14 – 15. With distances from 5k to 50k, runners of all abilities can experience the thrill of running through a beautiful Rocky Mountain environment.
HOT AIR BALLOON RODEO AND ART IN THE PARK – JULY 14-15 – STEAMBOAT RESORT
The Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park weekend is one of the most colorful weekends in Colorado. Get to the launch grounds early to see the balloons inflate. The rodeo portion of the event consists of dipping the balloon baskets into Bald Eagle Lake, and since balloon pilots can be pretty competitive, you’re guaranteed a good show. On the west side of town you can visit with more than 140 artist and culinary vendors showcasing a variety of work, catch some live entertainment, and let the kids enjoy the interactive art area.
THE RIDE FESTIVAL – JULY 14-15 – TELLURIDE SKI RESORT
Since its debut in 2012, The RIDE Festival has quickly garnered a reputation among music fans for its thoughtful performance curation – handpicking rootsy, rocking talent whose music flawlessly compliments the Telluride setting.
TELLURIDE YOGA FESTIVAL – JULY 19-22 – TELLURIDE SKI RESORT
The 11th Annual Telluride Yoga Festival is a 4-day event featuring more than 40 world renowned presenters, an exciting lineup of over 140 heart-opening yoga classes, conscious music, dynamic speakers, cooking and wellness classes, outdoor offerings including SUP yoga, AiReal Yoga, hiking and biking along with meditation, social gatherings and more.
COURAGE CLASSIC - JULY 20-22 – COPPER MOUNTAIN
Be a part of the Children's Hospital Courage Classic and get ready for an adventure. This three-day, 157-mile tour climbs from Leadville to Summit County and back. Whether you are a fearless rider, a dedicated volunteer or cheerleader you are in for an unforgettable and inspirational weekend.
WINTER PARK JAZZ FESTIVAL – JULY 21-22 – WINTER PARK RESORT
The 36ht Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival is a fan-favorite festival that brings world-renowned jazz artists and up-and-coming talent to Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park. This year's headliners are R&B singers/songwriters Kieth Sweat and Fantasia.
MAC & CHEESE FEST - JULY 28-29 – COPPER MOUNTAIN
Come and enjoy indulgent, crafty, cheesy dishes as our chefs deliver the yummiest most creative concoctions. If sampling is not enough, test your tummy at the eating competition. Kids can partake in an afternoon of free fun-filled activities and entertainment. Boogie down to live music as you wrap up the perfect day.
52ND ANNUAL ALL-4-FUN JEEP RALLY – JULY 28-AUGUST 4 – KENDALL MOUNTAIN
The Mile High Jeep Club presents the 52nd Annual All-4-Fun jeep rally at Kendall Mountain in Silverton, CO. This week-long event includes camping at Kendall Mountain, five days of thrilling jeep excursions like Animas Forks and the Alpine Loop, nightly events under the big top tent, free food & beverages, and the chance to win high value prizes. Some trips will test your skills as a driver and put your rig through its paces. Other trips can leave you speechless as you view the stunning scenery of the San Juan Mountains.
August Festivals
TELLURIDE JAZZ FESTIVAL – AUGUST 3-5 – TELLURIDE SKI RESORT
The Telluride Jazz Festival has consistently earned national and international attention for featuring the best in classic, mainstream, blues, African, Cajun, and Latin jazz music. The festival seeks to honor jazz's finest historic artists and create a platform from which new artists can voice their sound.
DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT – AUGUST 4-5 – ARAPAHOE BASIN
Grab your discs and show off your skills at Arapahoe Basin’s 2nd Annual Disc Golf Tournament! Play one or two days during the weekend of August 4 & 5. Our nine-hole par 3 course takes you on a hike around the rolling lower mountain with challenging drives and breathtaking views. Saturday will be a singles tournament, while Sunday invites you to bring a partner and play doubles.
COPPER TRIANGLE - AUGUST 4 – COPPER MOUNTAIN
On August 4, i25 Kia.com partners with the Davis Phinney Foundation for the 13th annual Copper Triangle, a 78-mile alpine cycling event. Featuring challenging climbs over Fremont Pass, Tennessee Pass and Vail Pass, the Copper Triangle ride has long been considered one of Colorado’s classic road rides.
RAGNAR RELAY - AUGUST 10 – COPPER MOUNTAIN
Ragnar Relay returns to Copper Mountain on August 10. In teams of 12 or 6, runners make their way from Copper to Aspen/Snowmass across 200 miles of the Colorado Rockies. The best views and challenging terrain will have you feeling a Rocky Mountain runner’s high. Dubbed as one of the hardest Ragnar Relays in the series, this overnight run will have you tacking single-track trails and backwoods roads and might just literally take your breath away.
COPPER CRUSH WINE FEST – AUGUST 17-19 – COPPER MOUNTAIN
Do you proudly have boxed wine next to staples like milk in your fridge? Is your wine budget $15 or less a bottle? Are you a wine fest virgin? This event is designed to take the “frou frou” out of a wine festival. Come in your jeans, get ready to stomp grapes and enjoy events like a Candy Bar and Wine Pairing, Sampling of wines retailing at approachable pricing, enjoy crazy good music and more.
THE DISCRETE CIRQUE SERIES TRAIL RUN – AUGUST 18 – ARAPAHOE BASIN
The Cirque Series is redefining what mountain running is all about. The Arapahoe Basin course begins at 10,780' ft at the base and makes its way around the resort for a breath-taking, high-altitude mountain run. The course will include some of the best views Summit County has to offer, and will finish in the base area where there will be live music and food for all.
CIDER CIRCUS - AUGUST 24-25 – COPPER MOUNTAIN
The Cider Circus brings a unique element to a cider and beer tasting event. An aerialist show, amazing entertainers, and circus fair add an extra element to our Friday pairings, VIP Samplings, and Grand Tasting. Join us Friday evening or Saturday afternoon for what’s sure to be an event to remember.
GEARS & BEERS – AUGUST 25 – POWDERHORN RESORT
The 3rd Annual Gears & Beers Festival will feature tons of breweries, bike shops, live music, giveaways, and scenic lift rides. A favorite amongst locals, guests will enjoy a day of downhill mountain biking and beers on the Powdehorn Deck.
ORPHEUS MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL – AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 1 – SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN RESORT
Orpheus Music & Arts Festival, hosted by Sunlight Mountain Resort, is an upcoming single-stage music festival dedicated to DIY creativity, sustainability and the great outdoors. Featuring independent bands, artists, and vendors from Denver and Glenwood Springs, Orpheus will encourage festival goers to engage with young talent, local business, and Mother Nature. Each day of the two-day festival will feature music and vendors for nearly 12 hours, with a mid-day break to allow attendees to explore downtown Glenwood Springs or hike the nearly 25-miles of on-venue trails. Celebrate earth, arts and community at Sunlight Mountain Resort this Labor Day weekend.
September Festivals
WILD WEST AIR FEST – SEPTEMBER 1 – STEAMBOAT RESORT:
Steamboat Resort will host the best air show entertainment in the mountains at the Wild West Air Fest, featureing nationally renowned performers providing edge-of-your-seat excitement as they perform thrilling aerobatics and formation flying. In addition, enjoy warbirds and static aircraft displays, great food, exhibits, vendors and activities for the kids.
COPPER COUNTRY - SEPTEMBER 1-3 – COPPER MOUNTAIN
Copper’s Labor Day Tradition celebrating the best of the American spirit. Incredible free live music, kids’ crafts and an arts festival, makes this THE Labor Day event for the entire family. General admission is free, but there are VIP Tickets on sale that get you premiere and reserved seating, covered main stage performance seating and a commemorative poster.
TELLURIDE FILM FESTIVAL- SEPTEMBER 1-4 – TELLURIDE SKI RESORT
Taking over Labor Day weekend, the prestigious Telluride Film Festival is four days of movie magic, a celebration of film, community and creativity—elevating it above most film festivals. The festival notoriously keeps its film schedule a secret, but year after year, films make their debut at the festival and go on to break genre conventions and find their place in the halls of cinematic achievements (Best Picture winner Shape of Water, among other nominees, debuted here last year). Find out why Telluride Film Festival’s biggest fan, Roger Ebert, considered the event “the most happening art movie town in America.”
COLORADO JAZZ MUSICIANS FESTIVAL – SEPTEMBER 7-9 – CRESTED BUTTE
The Colorado Jazz Musicians Festival provides high quality jazz performances and jazz education in a beautiful mountain setting, performed mainly by Colorado’s jazz musicians. This unique cultural event centers on high quality Colorado Jazz Musicians specifically and will bring renowned jazz musicians and their audiences to Crested Butte. Events include two nights of headline concert events, several outdoor concerts daily jazz workshops and master jazz classes, a unique opportunity to ‘meet the jazz artists’ cocktail reception and an entertaining jazz brunch all held at Crested Butte.
OKTOBERWEST – SEPTEMBER 14-15 – STEAMBOAT RESORT
Celebrate the season at a Steamboat-style Oktoberfest including Rocky Mountain beer, local food specialties and festivities unique to Steamboat Springs.
TELLURIDE BLUES AND BREWS FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 14-16 – TELLURIDE SKI RESORT
Telluride’s most popular event. Blues & Brews is a three-day celebration of blues, funk, jam bands, indie, rock, gospel and soul performances —accompanied by some of the best craft breweries in the country, a wide variety of food and craft vendors, children's activities, late night shows and more.
CARS AND COLORS FESTIVAL – SEPTEMBER 27-30 - TELLURIDE SKI RESORT
The 4th Annual Telluride Festival of Cars & Colors is a world-class celebration for automobile aficionados and lifestyle enthusiasts set in town of Telluride. Focuses on high-end restorations, vintage and exotic vehicles
OKTOBERFEST – SEPTEMBER 29 – GRANBY RANCH
Close the summer season with Granby Ranch at the 3rd annual Oktoberfest. Live polka music, cold beer, traditional food, a free shuttle and tons of fun for the whole family. Admission is free.
COLOR SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 30 – POWDERHORN RESORT
Color Sunday is a Grand Mesa favorite. Powderhorn will host a full day of scenic lift rides, live music, biking, and the beautiful fall colors on the Grand Mesa. Great for the whole family.
