The Most Epic Annual Events in Colorado: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Welcome to Colorado’s Year-Round Celebration
Colorado is a place of pure adventure—where mountain peaks meet creative souls, and every season brings a reason to celebrate. Whether you’re here for the music, food, culture, art, or outdoor spirit, the Centennial State knows how to throw a party. From the high-energy vibes of summer music festivals to the cozy mountain-town celebrations of winter, the state’s calendar is packed with unforgettable experiences.
This guide takes you through the Top 10 Must-Experience Annual Events in Colorado—each one open, thriving, and ready to welcome visitors from near and far. So grab your travel bag, charge your camera, and let’s dive into the most epic festivals currently happening across Colorado.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival – Telluride
Set in one of the most picturesque valleys in North America, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival is legendary among music lovers. Every June, the box canyon of Telluride comes alive with banjos, mandolins, fiddles, and the pure joy of mountain music.
Why it’s iconic:
World-renowned performers like Béla Fleck, Alison Krauss, and Chris Thile have graced its stage.
The setting—surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks—creates unmatched acoustics and atmosphere.
It’s more than music: local art, craft beer, and spontaneous campground jam sessions make it magical.
Best for: Music lovers, campers, and anyone seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience.
Currently open: Yes, with tickets for the next festival season already on sale.
Pro Tip: Camp early—spots sell out fast, and Telluride transforms into a close-knit musical village every summer.
Denver’s Great American Beer Festival – Denver
Colorado’s craft beer scene is legendary, and Denver’s Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is the crown jewel. Hosted every fall by the Brewers Association, this is the largest beer festival in the United States.
Why it’s unmissable:
Over 2,000 breweries from across the country pour more than 4,000 unique brews.
Award ceremonies honor the best in craft beer innovation and tradition.
Live music, food pairings, and a lively downtown Denver atmosphere make it an all-around sensory experience.
Highlights:
The Meet the Brewer sessions let you chat with craft beer legends.
Sample rare and experimental brews you won’t find anywhere else.
Currently open: Yes, with tickets and hotel packages available for the upcoming season.
Perfect for: Beer connoisseurs and anyone who wants to taste the full spectrum of American brewing.
Aspen Food & Wine Classic – Aspen
For three decadent days each June, Aspen becomes the epicenter of culinary excellence. The Aspen Food & Wine Classic is where celebrity chefs, vintners, and food lovers come together in a luxurious mountain setting.
Why it’s world-famous:
Cooking demos and tastings led by culinary icons like Marcus Samuelsson, Giada De Laurentiis, and Martha Stewart.
Over 80 cooking seminars, wine tastings, and events hosted throughout downtown Aspen.
Unparalleled networking for chefs, sommeliers, and serious foodies.
Luxury meets leisure: Between events, attendees can hike, shop, or relax at Aspen’s world-class hotels.
Currently open: Yes, with limited tickets to maintain an intimate, high-quality experience.
Pro Tip: Book early—tickets and lodging in Aspen sell out months in advance.
Frozen Dead Guy Days – Estes Park
One of Colorado’s quirkiest traditions, Frozen Dead Guy Days has to be experienced to be believed. This wild winter festival, originally born in Nederland, now thrives in Estes Park, celebrating the frozen body of a man kept on ice for decades.
What makes it epic:
Bizarre and hilarious competitions like the Coffin Race, Polar Plunge, and Frozen T-shirt Contest.
Live bands, beer tents, and costume parties that last all weekend.
A perfect blend of humor, local lore, and mountain-town eccentricity.
Currently open: Yes, every March, Estes Park transforms into Colorado’s coolest (literally) party.
Family-friendly? Surprisingly yes—kids love the themed parades and games!
Pro Tip: Pack warm layers—mountain weather and frozen festivities go hand in hand.
National Western Stock Show & Rodeo – Denver
The National Western Stock Show is the epitome of Colorado’s Western heritage. Since 1906, it’s been one of the largest and oldest rodeo events in the country, bringing together ranchers, cowboys, and families for 16 days of tradition and excitement.
Why it’s legendary:
Features world-class rodeo events, livestock exhibitions, and Western art shows.
Kids adore the petting zoos, mutton bustin’ contests, and parade of horses.
A major economic and cultural celebration that kicks off the year every January.
Currently open: Yes, held annually at the National Western Complex in Denver.
Best for: Families, Western enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience authentic cowboy culture.
Pro Tip: Grab tickets early for the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Finals—it’s one of the most thrilling parts of the event.
Colorado Shakespeare Festival – Boulder
For more than 65 years, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival has brought world-class theater to the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Every summer, the outdoor Mary Rippon Theatre transforms into an Elizabethan stage under the stars.
Why it’s a must-see:
Performances of Shakespeare’s greatest works—Hamlet, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and more.
A magical outdoor amphitheater framed by the Flatirons.
Talented actors from Broadway, regional stages, and beyond.
Currently open: Yes, with a full summer schedule of performances and family-friendly matinees.
Ideal for: Theater lovers, date nights, and families seeking culture and fresh air.
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic and a light jacket—it gets cool in the Boulder evenings.
Steamboat Winter Carnival – Steamboat Springs
Each February, Steamboat Springs hosts one of Colorado’s most beloved winter traditions—the Steamboat Winter Carnival. This century-old event turns the mountain town into a snow-covered playground celebrating the state’s skiing heritage.
What makes it amazing:
Wild stunts like kids skiing while pulled by horses down Main Street.
The Lighted Man Parade, featuring skiers covered in fireworks.
Nighttime fireworks, s’mores, and a sense of mountain community that’s pure Colorado.
Family-friendly: Absolutely—a mix of nostalgia and adrenaline makes it great for all ages.
Currently open: Yes, and still operated by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, supporting local youth athletes.
Pro Tip: Book accommodations early; this small town fills up fast during the carnival week.
Hot Air Balloon Rodeo – Steamboat Springs
Colorado’s skies light up in color during the Steamboat Springs Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, one of the most visually spectacular summer events in the state.
Why it’s unforgettable:
Dozens of hot air balloons take flight over Yampa Valley, creating a breathtaking sunrise view.
The Balloon Glow event at night, when balloons illuminate against the mountain backdrop.
Family-friendly activities, local art shows, and live music fill the weekend.
Currently open: Yes, held every July and open to all ages.
Pro Tip: Get there early for the morning launch—it’s one of the most photographed moments in Colorado.
Colorado State Fair – Pueblo
Few events capture the heart of Colorado’s community spirit like the Colorado State Fair, held every August in Pueblo. Blending agriculture, entertainment, and good old-fashioned fun, it’s a can’t-miss celebration of the Centennial State.
Why it’s a classic:
Live concerts, rodeos, carnival rides, and artisan showcases.
Local food favorites like green chile everything—a Pueblo signature.
A proud showcase of Colorado’s farmers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
Currently open: Yes, with full operations and enhanced family attractions.
Family Tip: Don’t miss the livestock shows and 4-H competitions—it’s a glimpse into Colorado’s agricultural soul.
Bonus: Mountainfilm Festival – Telluride
If you love storytelling and the outdoors, Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride is your kind of celebration. Each Memorial Day weekend, this acclaimed event showcases documentaries, short films, and adventure stories that inspire social change and environmental awareness.
Why it’s inspiring:
Focuses on activism, adventure, and culture through visual storytelling.
Attracts filmmakers, explorers, and humanitarians from around the world.
Screenings, panels, and mountain-town energy make it a deeply meaningful experience.
Currently open: Yes, welcoming attendees both in person and virtually.
Perfect for: Adventurers, filmmakers, and anyone who loves a good story with a purpose.
Colorado’s Festival Map: Where to Go Year-Round
Here’s how you can experience Colorado’s festival magic across every season:
Winter: Steamboat Winter Carnival, Frozen Dead Guy Days, National Western Stock Show.
Spring: Mountainfilm Festival, Great American Beer events, early hiking celebrations.
Summer: Telluride Bluegrass, Hot Air Balloon Rodeo, Aspen Food & Wine, Shakespeare Festival.
Fall: GABF, Colorado State Fair, and colorful mountain drives paired with local harvest festivals.
No matter the month, Colorado’s vibrant culture and natural beauty create unforgettable backdrops for every event.
Tips for Attending Colorado’s Epic Annual Events
Before you plan your next festival trip, keep these insider tips in mind:
Book early: Popular events like Telluride Bluegrass and Aspen Food & Wine sell out months in advance.
Pack layers: Colorado weather can change dramatically between day and night.
Plan for altitude: Hydrate, rest, and pace yourself, especially at mountain festivals.
Support local: Buy from Colorado artisans, breweries, and food vendors.
Mix it up: Try pairing a big festival with a small-town event for a true taste of Colorado diversity.
Conclusion: Celebrate the Spirit of Colorado
From the bluegrass echoes in Telluride to the glowing balloons of Steamboat Springs, Colorado’s annual festivals capture everything that makes this state extraordinary—music, adventure, creativity, and community. Each event is more than a party; it’s a celebration of identity, connection, and the great outdoors.
So whether you’re sipping local brews in Denver, watching fireworks over the mountains, or dancing barefoot in a Telluride meadow, you’re not just attending an event—you’re joining the living heartbeat of Colorado.
Pack your bags, mark your calendar, and experience Colorado’s festivals firsthand. The adventure is calling, and the celebrations are currently open for you to be part of something truly unforgettable.