Top Cultural Events & Festivals in Colorado This Summer

Colorado’s culture isn’t just something you read about — it’s something you feel, taste, dance to and cheer for. From mountain towns celebrating Western heritage to cities diving into multicultural experiences, you’ll go way beyond sightseeing. Here’s where to have an immersive, unforgettable time at festivals and events across the state.

For Arts Aficionados

At the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts, appreciate all forms of art and a connection to nature over the course of 10 days in mid-August. The eclectic mix of offerings includes large-scale immersive works throughout the town’s charming Arts District. Look for pop-up musical performances amid the trees on surrounding trails, original stage productions, mesmerizing aerialist shows and more. You can also check out hands-on workshops and classes to create your own art — think glass marble painting, musical instruments made from upcycled materials and botanical printmaking.

Make a weekend of the Crested Butte Arts Festival, which has grown from an informal local gathering that started more than 50 years ago to a juried fine art show featuring nationally recognized painters, sculptors and other artisans. Typically held in early August, this event fills Crested Butte with a creative and festive air along historical Elk Avenue with vendor booths, live music performances from Gunnison Valley talent and a tent for free family-friendly craft activities.

If you’re intrigued by the unconventional, then the Denver Fringe Festival is for you. This unique festival in June shines a spotlight on experimental and innovative performing arts, whether it’s original theater, dance, comedy, cabaret and beyond. A collection of venues throughout Denver’s RiNo/Five Points area hosts shows that you can buy tickets for individually, or opt for a pass to attend as many as you can. Look out for spontaneous pop-up performances too — from improv to magic shows — offered through the Fringe Free-For-All initiative.

For Foodies & Sippers

Each June, celebrity chefs, culinary tastemakers, wine experts and hungry attendees descend on Aspen for the three-day FOOD & WINE Classic. The unofficial summer kickoff is known for its expansive Grand Tasting Pavilion, cooking demonstrations, beverage seminars and panel discussions in a spectacular Rocky Mountain setting. Rub elbows with the likes of “Top Chef” host Kristen Kish, Giada De Laurentiis, Andrew Zimmern and plenty of other epicurean icons.  

A beloved function for craft beer lovers, the Colorado Brewers Rendezvous in Salida features more than 60 Colorado breweries pouring all kinds of suds. Held in July at Riverside Park along the picturesque Arkansas River, it’s a bucket-list fest for many who revere the state’s beer scene. Sip to your heart’s content — general admission tickets come with unlimited samples while you soak up the atmosphere and dance to live music.

For Wild West Fans

Break out the boots and big hats for Cattlemen’s Days in Gunnison, a July tradition centered around one of the longest running rodeos in the state. Dating back to 1900, this display of Western culture includes Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association roping, riding and racing events, 4-H livestock shows, concerts, a parade, cowboy poetry and a carnival with colorful rides.

During the first full weekend of August, head to the highest incorporated city in North America for Leadville Boom Days, a commemoration of the mountain town’s rich mining history. One of the highlights of this quirky fest is the Pack Burro Race — sign yourself up to be a human contestant (or just watch the spectacle) attempting to lead a stubborn burro teammate down Harrison Avenue on the way up to Mosquito Pass and back. You can also watch mining competitions like jack leg drilling, listen to live bands, check out an auto show and enjoy other activities.

Witness an awe-inspiring scene during the Great American Horse Drive in early May, when dozens of horseback riders herd hundreds of horses 60 miles from Sombrero Ranches’ winter pasture to their ranch headquarters. The drive passes through the heart of Maybell, where you can watch the wranglers and majestic equines on their journey. If you’re comfortable in the saddle, you can even participate with an experience through Sombrero Ranches that consists of several days of rides, campfires, ranch activities and lodging, in addition to the two days of the horse drive.

For High-Altitude Pride

Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during the last weekend in June at Denver PrideFest, a two-day extravaganza held in Civic Center Park. Kick things off on Saturday in classic Colorado fashion with a fundraiser 5K race, then revel in rainbow flags at the festival. Wander amid more than 250 exhibitors, plenty of food and beverage vendors, live entertainment and a marketplace for artisans and craftmakers. Don’t miss the Sunday parade and its spectacle of vibrant floats, marchers and music.

While there are plenty of events throughout Pride Month in June, Boulder’s official Pridefest is a full day packed with diverse performances from DJs, Pride bands, drag artists, musicians and more. Be sure to pick up Pride merch, take advantage of giveaways and pop into a photo booth to create lasting memories. Boulder is an especially meaningful Pride destination as the site of the first issued same-sex marriage license in the U.S. back in 1975.

Also in June, make your way to Colorado Springs to join more than 40,000 people for two days of Pikes Peak Pride. The well-rounded programming ranges from youth art activities and drag story times to educational sessions on topics like mental health and civic action. There’s also a lineup of high-spirited entertainment, vendors, food and a parade that travels down Colorado Avenue and Tejon Street. 

For a Recharge

Set amid the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, the Telluride Yoga Festival in June blends crisp mountain air with mindfulness. Spend four days nurturing your body and soul on and off the mat with more than 100 sessions to choose from, whether it’s stand-up paddleboarding, a cold river plunge, scenic hikes, sound healing, meditation and, of course, yoga. Let renowned teachers guide you through practices with specific themes, from hip releases and alignment to power flows and sunset class at Telluride’s San Sophia Overlook.

Part of Leadville Pride, the Wellness Festival in June is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the area’s LGBTQ+ community. Join for free resources like books and a mobile immunization clinic, workshops and activities related to wellness, health and harm reduction. There will also be lots of celebration, too! Look for queeraoke, a drag show, dance parties, themed hikes, bingo and more.

For Global Traditions

Denver’s Sakura Square plays host to the Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of Japanese culture in June. Known as Sakura Matsuri in Japanese, the festival is known for its taiko drumming performances, folk dance, carpentry demonstrations and beautiful displays of arranged flowers. Stroll through the marketplace filled with authentic wares like jewelry, clothing, pottery, bonsai plants and much more. You also can’t leave without trying tasty teriyaki chicken, spam musubi and sweet buns called manju. 

Held on Tuesday through Saturday evenings from June to mid-August in Cortez, the Native American dance demonstrations at the Cortez Cultural Center’s outdoor plaza are an intimate storytelling showcase. Local Ute and Dinè dancers, drummers and singers of all ages present traditional dances and songs that have been passed down through generations. It’s free to attend and you’re encouraged to participate in the circle dance and engage with the performers afterward. 

Highlighting the wealth of Hispanic businesses in Denver, Sabor is an annual gastronomic event on the first Friday of August. Held at the Denver Botanic Gardens, it offers an exploration of the Americas through food, drink and music. Dozens of restaurants provide delicious bites from Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala and more, while musicians fill the air with the sounds of mariachi, salsa, tango and other captivating rhythms.

Reflecting the rich traditions of the African diaspora, the Colorado Black Arts Festival brings together visual art, live music, storytelling and food over the course of three days in July. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to City Park in Denver and relax while appreciating entertainment on multiple stages, from African drumming and gospel to spoken word and jazz. Bring little ones to the Children’s Pavilion for interactive experiences, visit the Art Garden to check out the works and browse the marketplace for items from Black-owned businesses.