Welcome to the Top 10 Events in Colorado
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) across the State of Colorado, including events in Denver and Steamboat Springs.National Western Stock Show
January
Denver, Colorado
Over a hundred years old, the National Western Stock Show is spread out over sixteen days and 100 acres. And as home to professional rodeos, Mexican rodeo extravaganzas, professional bull-rider events, the Martin Luther King, Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo, Wild West shows and more, it’s no wonder this is the second largest rodeo in the United States.
With a prep area open to the public, livestock buffs can see rows of cattle, horses, sheep, yaks, llamas, bison and swine being preened for judging. Sporting more than 15,000 head of livestock, the competition for the best in class is heavy with hopefuls.
For more information visit: www.nationalwestern.com
Winter Carnival
February
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
A tradition for over 93 years, the annual Winter Carnival in Steamboat Springs provides a number of events including an outdoor adventure film festival/slideshow series, ski jumping, dual slalom bicycle race, snow boarding jam session, tubing party, pancake breakfast, soda pop slalom, telemark revival, international muzzleloading biathlon, chariot racing and the diamond hitch parade (which includes the High School band on skis, street events with a horse and rider pulling kids on skis down Main Street). The highlight of the festival is the enormous fireworks display and the Lighted Man — an effigy set alight.
For more information visit:
www.allsteamboat.com/events/steamboat_springs_winter_carnival.php
Monte Vista Crane Festival
March
Monte Vista, Colorado
A mass migration of cranes traveling from their southern winter roosts to their summer residences to the north has been taking place for eons, and the town of Monte Vista has been welcoming these transient guests since the early 1980s. During this three-day event, experts provide talks on wildlife, dinners are served and of course, sandhill crane viewing tours offer birders the chance to see the stars of the affair.
For more information visit: www.cranefest.com
BalloonaVista
June
Buena Vista, Colorado
BalloonaVista, in the high-altitude hamlet of Buena Vista, is for people who revel in their love for hot-air balloons. Visitors watch as dozens of hot-air balloon enthusiasts take to bluebird-colored skies against a mountainous backdrop. When the sun goes down, attendees experience an eerily beautiful sight, a balloon glow. Hot-air balloon burners illuminate the orbs with warm light, and visitors are treated to rows of giant luminaries. In addition to hot-air balloons filling the skies, live music will be floating in the summer air as visitors stroll the Buena Vista Art Walk.
For more information visit: www.buenavistacolorado.org
Santa Fe Trail Festival
June
Trinidad, Colorado
The Santa Fe Trail was a major thoroughfare that bisected the town of Trinidad. Popular with 19th-century pioneers, a stop at Trinidad provided much-needed rest and supplies. The Santa Fe Trail Festival is held in honor of this important pioneer route and features historic reenactments, live entertainment, craft makers, food and a special area where kids can enjoy pony and carnival rides.
For more information visit:
www.santafetrailscenicandhistoricbyway.org/tdhighlites.html
Cowboys’ Roundup Days and 4th of July Celebration
July
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
A tradition for more than 105 years, and in a salute to the Old West, Steamboat Springs celebrates America's birthday in an old-time way. The festivities are heralded by a parade through town. Later in the festival, a cattle drive will be led through downtown streets, just as cowboys in the area did more than 100 years ago. At night, the star-saturated sky of this high-mountain town are set ablaze with the pop and fizz of fireworks.
For more information visit:
www.steamboat-springs.com/steamboat_events-july4th.php
Colorado State Fair
August / September
Pueblo, Colorado
For 11 days, thousands of people from every corner of Colorado and every walk of life converge on Pueblo for what is arguably one of the most anticipated events in the state.
Highlights include a variety of parades, three stages of live entertainment, rodeos, carnival, live stock and horse show, and hundreds of vendors selling everything from fry bread to stained glass.
For more information visit: www.coloradostatefair.com
Crested Butte Festival of the Arts
August
Crested Butte, Colorado
One of the oldest events in the state, Crested Butte draws artists, photographers and crafts enthusiasts from around the country for one of summer's biggest weekend events. Visitors enjoy open-air arts and crafts, live music and Crested Butte's National Historic District with one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants set against the backdrop of the Elk Mountain Range.
For more information visit: www.crestedbutteartfestival.com
Colorado Mountain Winefest
September
Palisade, Colorado
Colorado's oldest and largest wine festival with more than four dozen wineries plus great music, food, chef demos, bike rides and golf amid fall colors in scenic wine country.
Thousands of wine lovers make the annual pilgrimage to Palisade to sample a growing array of Colorado wines and participate in a variety of events including hands-on workshops, wine and food pairing events,
dueling chefs, grape stomps, winery tours, winemaker competitions, chocolates and wine tasting, wine and dine experience, bicycle tour of the vineyards, shopping at artisan booths, and jazz concerts.
For more information visit: www.coloradowinefest.com
Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival and Parade
September
Estes Park, Colorado
The largest Scottish festival in the west, the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival in the forest-surrounded town of Estes Park, is a celebration of Scottish heritage and traditions.
Always held on the weekend after Labor Day, highlights of the festival include a tattoo, parade, concerts, competitions and folk dancing, pipe bands, and the Honored Guest Banquet, a superb meal complete with dress kilts, suits, evening dress attire for the ladies
For more information visit: http://scotfest.com
