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Pack of bike riders on a sunny day and a dirt trail during the Rio Trio race in Alamosa.
Rio Trio bikers at the annual event in Alamosa, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/rioraces

The Top Events in Alamosa, Colorado

January 12, 2023 By //  by Kristen Kuchar

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Located in the San Luis Valley in Colorado, there are several events and festivals in the town of Alamosa. When it comes to events in town, there is something for everyone, including a few outdoor races, a car show, and an art festival.

Seasonal celebrations include an Independence Day parade, a holiday celebration of lights, and a traditional German Oktoberfest. The town is known as the “Gateway to the Great Sand Dunes” because of the scenic and popular Great Sand Dunes National Park located here, which is terrific during any time of year.

Alamosa also offers plenty to see and do outside of its special events, including visiting nearby hot springs, camping, and hiking. It’s also home to San Luis Valley Brewing Company and The Colorado Farm Brewery.

Keep in mind that the details of an event can change. It’s always best to check the website and social media pages for the most up-to-date information. Here you’ll often find any rules or regulations for attending the event, any costs for admission, and more detail on what you can expect.

Here is a list of events in Alamosa, Colorado, in order of occurrence throughout the year:

Rio Frio Ice Fest & Rio Frio 5K

People running on a a snowy, frozen over river for the Rio Frio Ice Fest with large mountains in the background in Alamosa
Rio Frio 5k race, ran annually on the frozen Rio Grande River in Alamosa. Photo by: facebook.com/rioracesalamosa

The Rio Frio Ice Festival is an annual multi-day event that includes a popular 5K race. Participants actually run right on the frozen Rio Grande River in Alamosa for a unique racing experience. During the festival, there is an award ceremony to highlight achievements from the race. There has also been a one-mile kid’s race, too.

Other activities during the Ice Festival weekend have included a Luminara cross-country ski event, ice carving demonstrations on Main Street, disc golf, an air band competition, a fire and ice bonfire, and an ice climbing trip. Part of the event also includes the “Rio Frio Flights” where five local drinks are served. A full schedule for the weekend and more information can be found online.

January | rioraces.com/rio-frio-home

Rio Trio

Riverbank with several kayaks as part of the Rio Trio paddle section of the race.
Kayaking transition station at the annual Rio Trio in Alamosa. Photo by: facebook.com/rioraces

The Rio Trio is an annual triathlon race hosted by Alamosa Parks & Recreation and San Luis Valley Great Outdoors. This eventful day includes an 8-mile trail bike ride, a 3-mile paddle, and a 5K+ run followed by a lunch and awards ceremony. There is also a special adventure triathlon for children ages six through eleven, which occurs on the same day, plus a kid’s zone.

The paddle takes place on the Rio Grande. Participants can rent a standup paddle board or kayak or bring their own. Completing the three-part race can be done solo or as part of a three-person relay team. The website has a course map, details on how to register or volunteer, and information on camping nearby.

May | rioraces.com/rio-trio-race-home

SummerFest on the Rio

Crowd of people sitting on chairs and hay bales in front of a small stage with musical performers in Alamosa for the Summerfest on the Rio
Summerfest on the Rio performance in Alamosa. Photo by: facebook.com/summerfestontherio2021

SummerFest on the Rio is an annual summer festival that takes place the first weekend in June in Cole Park in Alamosa. The traditional two-day event started in 2001 as a way to promote the crafts community and the arts within the San Luis Valley.

There are no admission costs for this. The highlights of the weekend include live music concerts, a food and beer garden, a long list of arts and craft vendors, as well as a large variety of food and drink. Other activities have included train rides, a castle maze, a bungee trampoline, and a bouncy house.

June | summerfestontherio.org

Alamosa Round-Up Rodeo

Person on a bucking horse in the middle of a rodeo ring for Alamosa's annual Round-UP Rodeo
Round-UP Rodeo in Alamosa. Photo by: facebook.com/alamosaroundup

The Alamosa Round-Up Rodeo is one of the biggest events in the town. In addition to a rodeo, there is a local barrel race, a block party and street dance, and a live concert.

As part of the event, there is a First Responders Night to support local law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, and paramedics. A full list of events, sponsors, and how to purchase tickets is available online.

June | alamosaroundup.com

Sundays at Six

Lawn full of people watching a Sundays at Six music performance in Alamosa.
Sundays at Six in Alamosa. Photo by: facebook.com/almalivemusic

Sundays at Six is a free summer concert series held by the Alamosa Live Music Association. The outdoor live music takes place in Cole Park. This association is a non-profit arts organization with the goal of providing expression through music while also focusing on tourism and economic development in Alamosa.

There are an array of music genres featured throughout the series, including Americana, rock, reggae, jazz, folk, and mariachi. Artists include both local musicians and nationally touring acts. Previous performances include Bonnie & Taylor Sims, Elder Grown, The River Arkansas, and SLV Big Band.

June through August | almaonline.org/sundays-six

4th of July Parade

The annual 4th of July Parade celebrates Independence Day in Alamosa with a parade downtown. The parade takes place down Main Street.

In the past, proceeds from the event have benefitted the Young Professionals of Alamosa. As part of the celebration, there has also been an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, and orange juice.

July | alamosachamber.com/4th-of-july-parade

Weekends on the Rio

People sitting on a shaded lawn on yoga mats for the weekly Weekends on the Rio community activities in Alamosa
Weekends on the Rio outdoor yoga class in Alamosa. Photo by: facebook.com/alamosaactivites

Weekends on the Rio is a summer program with various activities hosted by Alamosa Parks and Recreation. These events are held every Sunday outdoors throughout Alamosa.

Some of the hosted activities have included yoga, Zumba and fitness classes, archery, and standup paddleboarding. Cole Park, Alamosa Disc Golf Course, and Blanca Vista Park are a few of the spots where all the fun takes place. A few of the events require pre-registration online.

July through August | alamosarec.org

Beat the Heat BBQ & Brews

People playing in a cornhole tournament at Beat the Heat BBQ & Brews festival in Alamosa. The sun shining through the trees and casting shadows on the grass inbetween the cornhole boards
Cornhole tournament at Beat the Heat BBQ & Brews fest in Alamosa. Photo by: facebook.com/beattheheatbbq

Beat the Heat BBQ & Brews is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) Sanctioned Barbeque Competition in Alamosa. This is a two-day event where professional barbeque teams compete from all over the United States.

In addition to tasting the barbeque, there is a cornhole tournament, live music, yard games, and other food vendors. There is also a children’s cooking competition, a mud run with obstacle courses, and a beer fest with regional breweries.

August | slvbeattheheat.com

Early Iron Festival Car Show

The Early Iron Festival Car Show is a three-day festival that draws more than 600 car enthusiasts. Visitors come not only from across the state of Colorado, but also from New Mexico, Arizona, Kansas, and Texas.

On top of the cars, there is live music, private parties, a fashion show, an auction, and a banquet. There has been a lunch held at Cole Park in Alamosa. Show guidelines, a full schedule of events, and information on how to register your car can be found online.

September | earlyironclub.com

Oktobrufest

Two beer vendor tents setting up before guests arrive to the Oktobrufest in Alamosa.
Setting up for the Oktobrufest in Alamosa. Photo by: facebook.com/alamosacountychamber

Oktobrufest is an annual event celebrating the traditional German beer festival right in Alamosa. In true Oktoberfest fashion, there is a stein-holding contest, a traditional Oktoberfest costume contest, and a keg toss. Tasting packages include a mini-acrylic beer stein.

Other entertainment includes live music, games, face painting, and a corn hole tournament. This event is hosted by the Alamosa County Chamber of Commerce. Years passed have had non-alcoholic choices available as well. The fun takes place in Cole Park.

September | alamosachamber.com/oktobrufest

Alamosa ARTsFestival

Group of children in a circle on a large sidewalk learning how to create chalk art at the Alamsa ARTsFestival
The popular Chalk Class at Alamosa ARTsFestival. Photo by: facebook.com/alamosaartsfestival

The Alamosa ARTsFestival is a yearly celebration of the arts. It’s a multi-day event that takes place in downtown Alamosa in mid-September.

Highlights have included a chalk class, a performance from Salida Circus, other art classes, street painting, and booths for local artists. There is art available for purchase as well.

September | cityofalamosa.org

Celebration of Lights

Lit-up car with giant blow up Santa in the bed during the Celebration of Lights parade in Alamosa
Parade float at the Alamosa Celebration of Lights. Photo by: facebook.com/alamosaroundup

The Celebration of Lights is a fun tradition to bring in the holiday season in downtown Alamosa. This has incorporated the illumination of the City Hall Complex with glowing lights, a parade, live music performances, hot chocolate, and a chance to meet and greet Santa Claus and his busy elves.

Past years have included music by the ASU Music Department featuring a brass quartet and clarinet duo. Organizers have noted for those planning on attending to dress warm, and holiday attire is encouraged. This event is hosted by the Alamosa County Chamber of Commerce.

December | alamosachamber.com/celebration-of-lights

These events in Alamosa show there is plenty to see and do here all year round. Visit the official website to learn more, and put your favorite festivals on the calendar. And remember to book a hotel stay early, or reserve a local campsite.

Kristen Kuchar

About Kristen Kuchar

Kristen Kuchar is a beverage and travel writer covering wine, beer, cider, cocktails, and more.

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