Not another lame summer festival
From the river to the mountains, country music to yoga, a smattering of better festivals to add to the early summer list.
To gather — always done best with like minded people. If your tribe does back bends, Colorado has a festival for that. If you’re looking for a good time at a country music festival, there are plenty of those. And if your summer calling is maybe a little more obscure — like building your own raft or competing in pinball, Colorado also has a festival for you.
Festivals happening across the state are plenty this summer. And there’s a little something for everybody.
Old Colorado City, CO | May 27–29, 2017
Territory Days is celebrated every year in Old Colorado City, a historic district of Colorado Springs with hundreds of beautiful shops and restaurants. Territory Days began in 1975 as a commemoration of the first capitol — what was then called Colorado City — in Colorado Territory in the late 1800s. It hosts a lineup of over 200 booths filled with artwork, food, and goods. There are also wild west tributes — like gunfight shows, blacksmithing, and native American dancing.
Rocky Mtn. Pinball Showdown and Gameroom Expo
Denver, CO | June 9–11, 2017
Gamers, it’s your chance to compete for three days in Denver by playing pinball and classic arcade games. There are hundreds of games available — no quarters needed — and the expo will be perfect for kids and adults alike. There will also be tournaments and trophies for all ages. The Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown and Gameroom Expo is one of the oldest and well-established shows of this nature, so be on the lookout for gaming celebrities if you attend this out-of-the-ordinary event.
Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival
Manitou Springs, CO | June 3, 2017
For the wine connoisseur, what better way to spend the day than tasting wine from 30 Colorado wineries in a truly unique little town like Manitou Springs? Live music, amazing food, and gift vendors will be there to enhance your tasting experience. Colorado’s regional wineries have been blossoming over the past few decades, and this festival is a great way to support our local wine scene. The first 1500 attendees get a free wine tote — so don’t be late to this festival.
Into the Wild Running Festival
Keenesburg, CO | June 3, 2017
For those who love this form of exercise, running for a good cause is always a good excuse to — well, run. Into the Wild Running Festival is fundraiser to help over 450 wild tigers, lions, bears, and wolves at The Wild Animal Sanctuary, which was established in 1980 and is one of the oldest sanctuaries in the country. There are different length races for kids, families, and serious runners.
Salida, CO | June 15–18, 2017
The great waters are calling, and there is no better way to listen to that calling than attending FIBArk — which stands for First in Boating on the Arkansas, if anyone is wondering. FIBArk is an event where boat racers, stand-up paddlers, and rafters compete on the Arkansas River for a number of cash prizes. People from all across the world come to compete, watch, and play during this renowned whitewater festival, which is the oldest one of its kind of America.
Colorado Springs, CO | June 16–18, 2017
For those with a love of all things Celtic, the Pike’s Peak Celtic Festival will not disappoint. This festival boasts a Braveheart 5k of kilt-clad runners, the musical talents of some of the best-loved Celtic bands from Colorado and across the world, Irish and Highland dancing exhibitions, lots of bagpipes, and a plethora of with other Irish and Scottish music, food, and drink choices. The festival will conclude with a rousing fireworks display.
Boulder, CO | June 15–18, 2017
A yoga festival in Boulder sounds like a dream come to true to any true yogi, and Hanuman Festival has all the makings of a great yogic experiences. This festival hopes to deepen your yoga practice in mind, body, and spirit by offering immersive experiences from top yoga teachers from across America, while also enjoying meaningful music to lift the vibrations of the community. Namaste, but don’t stay away.
Greeley, CO | June 23–July 4, 2017
One of the largest summer festivals and rodeos in Colorado, the Greeley Stampede encourages your to dust off your cowboy boots for the Fourth of July. Hosting huge superstars like Toby Keith, the concert lineup for this festival will make any die-hard country fan wild with glee. There will be a demolition derby, a rodeo series, and American bullfighting — along with many other fun events like a parade, carnival, and art show. A little something for everyone.
Denver, CO | July 21–22, 2017
Get your glowsticks. It’s the Global Dance Festival, which has grown to become the largest dance music festival in Colorado. Other years were held at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, but this year the festival is taking over Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
