Hosting a myriad of year-round events and festivals, Buena Vista is a delightful mountain town. It’s surrounded by pristine alpine beauty, brimming with rugged charm, along with friendly locals.
Whether you’re visiting with some friends, your romantic partner, or the whole family, there’s always something fun happening in Buena Vista. Find comedy and live music events, as well as festivals that celebrate food, fitness, and the holidays. And while staying in the area, consider spending the night at one of these top-rated Buena Vista hotels.
In chronological order, here are the top events in Buena Vista:
Please note that some of these events may be canceled, please call ahead to confirm.
Friday Concerts at the Farm
Hosted by the gorgeous Turner Farm in Buena Vista, the Friday Concerts at the Farm live music series delivers unforgettable performances enhanced by the cool mountain air and incomparable setting.
You’ll hear terrific music performed by an array of handpicked artists during this live music series, which typically runs Fridays through September. Audiences are invited to bring their chairs and picnics.
Fridays, early June to Mid September | buenavistaheritage.org/friday-at-the-farm
Gold Rush Days
In what’s easily one of the best weekends to visit Buena Vista all summer, Gold Rush Days packs in an impressive amount of beer, food, music, and memorable activities into just a couple of days each year.
Locals and visitors alike eagerly await this stellar local festival throughout the year, which includes a beer garden, entertaining historical reenactments, a triple crown burro race, heartwarming performances of old cowboy songs, and other live music, an art and craft fair, loads of tasty food.
If you’ve never visited Buena Vista, there’s no better chance to see what this charming community is all about than Gold Rush Days.
mid August
Buena Vista Contin-Tail Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Show
With more than 30 years of legacy to its name, the Buena Vista Contin-Tail Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show is Colorado’s largest mineral and gem show.
Featuring dazzling offerings from over 100 gem, mineral, fossil, and rock dealers, the immaculate splendor of the natural surroundings adds to the unique experience of this special gathering, which typically takes place in August each year at the Buena Vista Rodeo Grounds.
Thur-Sun, mid August | bvrockshow.com
Turner Farm Applefest
Featuring live music, all things apples, and a fascinating piece of living Colorado history, the Turner Farm Applefest is one of Buena Vista’s best yearly events.
Hosted each September, there is an apple pie eating contest, costumed actors dressed as Colorado homesteaders, and even the chance to churn butter and learn how blacksmithing worked during the pioneer days. In the crisp fall mountain air and surrounded by some of the state’s tallest peaks, the Turner Farm Applefest truly is a festival you won’t want to miss.
mid September | buenavistaheritage.org/applefest
Tenderfoot Grape Stomp
If you’ve ever wanted to express your anger and help create something wonderful at the same time, this is your chance. Hosted by Buena Vista’s Vino Salida Wine Cellars, the annual Tenderfoot Grape Stomp invites people to crush grapes into smithereens before enjoying some terrific wine and checking out the winery.
Bringing some clothes you don’t mind getting stained and sticky is highly recommended.
late September | vinosalida.com/events
Buena Vista Christmas Opening
This local holiday tradition brings small business owners, visitors, and residents together to usher in the winter season. The Buena Vista Christmas Opening features pictures with Santa, a parade of lights, a craft fair, holiday music, and delicious treats. It offers loads of activities to keep kids occupied and plenty of fun for adults as well.
Saturday, early December
Buena Vista is easily one of Colorado’s most rewarding mountain destinations even without these stellar annual events. But if you’re planning a visit here, it makes sense to base your trip around one of these terrific festivals, gatherings, or holiday traditions.
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