Come spring, Coloradans can’t wait to take on the approaching warm weather days, which is proven by the plethora of fun festivities happening. In Colorado, springtime runs from Thursday, March 20th to Friday, June 20th, 2025.
Earlier in the season there are festivals to toast the end of the snow, with a lot happening around the ski resorts. Later as it warms up, the events start gearing up for summer, with plenty of stuff happening over Memorial Day weekend to welcome in the summertime.
2025 Annual Colorado Spring Events
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 many 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. Take a look at a few favorite spring events to help you decide.
Here are some of the top annual spring festivals in Colorado, in chronological order:
Festivals in March
Bud Light Rocks the Boat
- Date: Saturdays, TBD 2025
- Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
- About: Free concert series now in its 26th season that is held at the base of the mountain. Enjoy several concerts throughout the ski season. The series features a mix of music genres with many big-name acts having performed in previous years.
Denver Home Show
- Date: Fri-Sun, March 21-23, 2025
- Address: Denver
- About: Every March in Colorado, HGTV fans flock to the Denver Home Show for renovation inspiration. With informative presentations from experts in the home industry, sweepstakes, and home-related goods for sale, visitors can gather all the information needed for their next project.
Festivals in April
Bud Light Rocks the Boat
- Date: Saturdays, TBD 2025
- Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
- About: Free concert series now in its 26th season that is held at the base of the mountain. Enjoy several concerts throughout the ski season. The series features a mix of music genres with many big-name acts having performed in previous years.
Aspen Film Shortsfest
- Date: Mon-Sun, April 1-6, 2025
- Address: Aspen and Carbondale
- About: One of the continent’s best annual short film festivals and Oscar-qualifying showcases. There are several venues showing international short films, defined as 40 minutes or less in length.
Taste Of Vail
- Date: Wed-Sat, April 2-5, 2025
- Address: Vail Village
- About: 33rd 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.
Mrs. Colorado and Miss Colorado for America Strong
- Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
- Address: Denver
- About: Annual competition where women compete for scholarships, prize packages, and the chance to represent Colorado at the Mrs. America national pageant.
Rocky Mountain Train Show
- Date: Sat-Sun, April 5-6, 2025
- Address: National Western Complex, Denver
- About: Showcasing more than 20 manufacturers, 50 vendors, and 20 operating layouts, the annual Rocky Mountain Train Show has something for every train lover. There is even a junior engineering program for children.
Cardboard Classic
- Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
- About: 43rd 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 12-13, 2025
- Address: Boulder County Fairgrounds, Longmont
- About: An annual event celebrating all things Scottish, the Colorado Tartan Day Festival is free to attend and fun for the entire family. Activities at the festival include a parade, face painting, combat demonstrations, and live music.
Splashdown Pond Skim
- Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
- Address: Gondola Square, Steamboat Springs
- About: A wet and wild event featuring skiers and riders attempting to cross a pond at the base of the mountain. Judged on distance, outfit creativity, and crowd response, followed by a free Bud Light concert.
Denver Auto Show
- Date: Thur-Sun, April 17-20, 2025
- Address: Colorado Convention Center, Denver
- About: A premier showcase of the newest and hottest models of the year, including both domestic and imported vehicles.
Durango Bluegrass Meltdown
- Date: Fri-Sun, April 11-13, 2025
- 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 is in the historic Strater Hotel.
5Point Film Festival
- Date: Thur-Sun, April 24-27, 2025
- Address: Carbondale
- About: Four-day Carbondale film festival with traveling events throughout the year.
Mountain Plover Festival
- Date: TBD 2025
- 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.
Durango Wine Experience
- Date: Fri-Sat, April 25-26, 2025
- Address: Durango
- About: 2-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.
Bloomin’ Beats
- Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
- Address: Bohn Park, Lyons
- About: Free concert held in Bohn Park from 1 to 3 pm. It happens one day per month from March to May.
Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival
- Date: Wed-Sun, April 30 – May 4, 2025
- 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 categories.
HESTIVAL
- Date: TBD 2025
- 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
Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival
- Date: Wed-Sun, April 30 – May 4, 2025
- 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 categories.
Fruita Fat Tire Festival
- Date: Friday-Sunday, May 2-4, 2025
- Where: Fruita
- About: Four-day celebration of mountain biking featuring seminars, competitions, and a giant expo, now in its 29th year.
Estes Park Duck Race Festival
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- 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 on Saturday and Sunday.
Royal Gorge Rodeo
- Date: Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4, 2025
- 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.
Colorado Governor’s Art Show
- Date: Saturday-Saturday, May 3-June 14, 2025
- Address: Fifth and Lincoln Ave, Loveland
- About: This is one of the biggest juried art shows in the state for only Colorado artists, heading into its 34th year.
TheBigWonderful
- Date: TBD 2025
- 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.
Cinco de Mayo Festival
- Date: Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4, 2025
- Address: Civic Center Park, Denver
- About: 36th Cinco de Mayo celebration with music, dancing, food, and festivities.
Chalk Vines & Lines
- Date: Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4, 2025
- 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.
Denver Fashion Week
- Date: Saturday-Sunday, May 10-18, 2025
- Address: RiNo Art District, Denver
- About: Showcasing emerging, local, and national designers, the 9-day Denver Fashion Show includes daily shows that embody different themes ranging from kids’ couture to sustainability.
A Taste of Colorado at ¡Viva! Streets Denver
- Date: Tuesdays, TBD 2025
- Address: Civic Center Park, Denver
- About: Four free Sunday festivals held throughout the summer in collaboration with Viva Streets Denver featuring lots of great local food, arts & crafts booths, and live music, now in its 43rd year.
Civic Center EATS
- Date: Wednesday and Thursday, early May to mid October, 2025
- 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.
Rifle Rendevous Festival
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Rifle
- About: 28th year of Western fun, complete with a carnival, car show, live music, and vendors.
Highlands Farmers Market
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Highland Square, 32nd Avenue, Denver
- About: Great farmer’s market with handcrafted goods and locally grown produce. Go hungry because there is plenty of homemade food for sale, fresh and ready to eat.
Bloomin’ Beats
- Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Address: Bohn Park, Lyons
- About: Free concert held in Bohn Park from 1 to 3 pm. It happens one day per month from March to May.
Mountainfilm In Telluride
- Date: Thur-Mon, May 22-26, 2025
- Address: Telluride
- About: Film festival held since 1979 in downtown Telluride, making it one of the longest-running in America.
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
- Date: Fri-Sun, May 23-25, 2025
- Address: Durango-Silverton
- About: Historic bike race against the Durango and Silverton train, now in its 53rd year.
Grand Old West Days
- Date: Fri-Mon, May 22-26, 2025
- 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.
Kids Adventure Games
- Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Address: Highline Lake State Park, Fruita
- About: The only multi-city adventure race for children ages 6-14 that is tailored to the natural landscape of the host city.
Denver Arts Festival
- Date: Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25, 2025
- Address: Denver
- About: 26th annual arts fest showcasing fine art from Colorado and national artists.
Mile High International Pastel Exhibition
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Curtis Center for the Arts, Greenwood Village
- About: Taking place at Greenwood Village’s Curtis Center for the Arts and showcasing nearly 100 pastel paintings, the Mile High International Pastel Exhibition is for those who love art.
Mike the Headless Chicken Festival
- Date: Friday-Saturday, May 30-31, 2025
- 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.
Festivals in June
Highlands Farmers Market
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Highland Square, 32nd Avenue, Denver
- About: Great farmer’s market with handcrafted goods and locally grown produce. Go hungry because there is plenty of homemade food for sale, fresh and ready to eat.
Civic Center EATS
- Date: Wednesday and Thursday, early May to mid October, 2025
- 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.
Mile High International Pastel Exhibition
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Curtis Center for the Arts, Greenwood Village
- About: Taking place at Greenwood Village’s Curtis Center for the Arts and showcasing nearly 100 pastel paintings, the Mile High International Pastel Exhibition is for those who love art.
Mike the Headless Chicken Festival
- Date: TBD 2025
- 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.
Colorado Governor’s Art Show
- Date: Saturday-Saturday, May 3-June 14, 2025
- Address: Fifth and Lincoln Ave, Loveland
- About: This is one of the biggest juried art shows in the state for only Colorado artists, heading into its 34th year.
Friends of Raymer Car Show
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: New Raymer
- About: 9th annual car, truck, motorcycle, and tractor show in the small town of Raymer. Boasting music, food, and a cornhole tournament, all proceeds are used to restore the town’s historic buildings.
Yoga on the Rocks
- Date: TBD 2025
- Where: Morrison
- About: Every Saturday morning, yogis of all levels can begin their day by flowing in the serene and beautiful outdoor setting of the iconic Red Rock Amphitheatre.
Denver Chalk Art Festival
- Date: Saturday-Sunday, June 7-8, 2025
- Address: Golden Triangle, Downtown Denver
- About: Watch over 200 artists spend the weekend making the sidewalks of the Golden Triangle come to life with brilliant chalk creations.
Animas River Days
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Santa Rita Park, Durango
- About: Weekend celebration on the Animas River through 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.
Colorado College Summer Music Festival
- Date: TBD 2025
- 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.
A Taste of Colorado at ¡Viva! Streets Denver
- Date: Tuesdays, TBD 2025
- Address: Civic Center Park, Denver
- About: Four free Sunday festivals held throughout the summer in collaboration with Viva Streets Denver featuring lots of great local food, arts & crafts booths, and live music, now in its 43rd year.
GoPro Mountain Games
- Date: Thur-Sun, June 5-8, 2025
- 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.
Greeley Blues Jam
- Date: Fri-Sat, June 6-7, 2025
- 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.
Telluride Balloon Festival
- Date: Fri-Sun, June 6-8, 2025
- Address: Telluride
- About: 42nd year, festivities include two sunrise balloon ascensions from Town Park, a sunset glow on Main Street, and a balloon workshop.
Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival
- Date: Fri-Sun, June 6-8, 2025
- Address: Palisade
- About: Annual bluegrass fest in Riverbend Park, featuring guitars, fiddles, and amazing artistry.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
- Date: Mixed days, June 7 – August 10, 2025
- 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: Thursday-Sunday, June 12-15, 2025
- Address: Downtown Salida
- About: America’s oldest whitewater festival, dating back to 1949. There are several 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.
Aspen Fringe Festival
- Date: Fri-Sun, June 13-15, 2025
- Address: Aspen
- About: A multiple-day performance art festival highlighting the work of a featured playwright.
Colorado Medieval Festival
- Date: TBD 2025
- 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.
Meekerpalooza
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Meeker
- About: Held in June and July, the annual Meekerpalooza celebrates art, music, and culture while hosting a large farmer’s market downtown.
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Golden
- About: Come celebrate the longest day of summer, the Summer Solstice, with Scandinavian song, dance, and music. There’ll be local food and crafts, a Viking encampment, a silent auction, and a raffle for a trip to Scandinavia.
Unknown Motorcycle Show
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Cerise Park, Montrose
- About: Annual vintage and custom motorcycle show held in western Colorado. Swing by on Saturday for rare, restored motorcycles, competitions, live music, and vendors.
Denver Summer Brew Fest
- Date: TBD 2025
- Address: Denver
- About: Sample from over one hundred craft beers and forty-five breweries, with 3 event sessions in 1 day to choose from.
Juneteenth Music Festival
- Date: TBD 2025
- 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.
Film on the Rocks
- Date: Mondays, mid June to mid August 2025
- Address: Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison
- About: Annual summer movie series held at Red Rocks Amphitheater showcasing a range of films on Monday nights. A great event for families, these showings are a great way to get out and enjoy the warm weather.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
- Date: Saturday & Sunday, mid June to early August 2025
- 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.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
- Date: Thur-Sun, June 19-22, 2025
- Address: Telluride
- About: 52nd annual bluegrass music festival in downtown Telluride.
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
- Date: Thur-Thur, June 19 – July 31, 2025
- Address: Vail
- About: Orchestras from around the world perform in the vibrant Vail Valley during the peak of the summer season.
Monte Vista 3rd Friday Art Walk
- Date: Friday, June 20, July 18, & August 15, 2025
- Address: Monte Vista
- About: Those who love art and music should head to downtown Monte Vista this summer for the 3rd Friday Art Walk. Taking place in different forms year-round, during the warmer months a portion of Adams St. will be blocked off for artists, musicians, and vendors.
Strawberry Days
- Date: Fri-Sun, June 20-22, 2025
- Address: Glenwood Springs
- About: The 128th 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.
Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
- Date: Fri-Sun, June 20-22, 2025
- 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.
That’s a roundup of Colorado’s popular annual spring events, but there are plenty we missed. Make the most out of these March, April, May and June festivities.
Look back to wintertime events in Colorado or plan for the upcoming summer festival season. It’s always worth scheduling in a fun day in the mountains celebrating.
8 Great Springtime Colorado Festivals