Summer’s an exciting time in Colorado and we’ve compiled a calendar of events and celebrations for the season. Soak up some Shakespearean culture over summer in Boulder, and many music events in Denver. In June, tune in to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and celebrate the best of food and wine in Aspen. In July, Steamboat celebrates Independence Day in its own style, and Crested Butte holds its 40th Wildflower Festival. In August appreciate artisans at the Handmade in Colorado Expo.

 

Special Events in Colorado: Worth the Trip

 

Colorado Shakespeare Festival 
May 30-August 2 ,2026, Boulder

This festival has been delivering Shakespeare faves for more than 60 seasons. This summer book ahead for Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar, Shakespeare in Love, and Friends/Romans/ Countrymen. Most performances are held on the University of Boulder campus. Check the CU website for summer concerts and workshops, too.

Mountainside Music Festival
June 11-13, 2026, Aspen Snowmass

New free festival over three days on the Fanny Hill stage. Lineup includes American Authors (folk/rock), Richy Mitch & The Coalminers (indie rock), and Pecos & The Rooftops with special guests the Talbott Brothers (country). Also a drone show, local food vendors including Snacfood Empanadas and Rock Island Oyster Bar & Grill.

City Park Jazz
June 7 – August 9, 2026, Denver

40th Season: The lineup features some of Denver’s best loved performers across jazz and blues to Latin rhythms, brass, and beyond. This season’s acts include the voice of Denver, Hazel Miller and the Collective; Shane Endsley and the Denver Municipal Band. Also Conjunto Colores, and fan-favorite Brass Band Extravaganza—featuring the Bourbon Brass Band and Bada Boom Brass Band.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival
June 18 -21, 2026, Telluride

Held in the awe-inspiring setting of  the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, this music festival is a celebration of music from a lineup of stellar musicians. This year’s lineup includes Tedeschi Trucks Band, Gregory Alan Isakov, Larkin POe, Shakey Graves, Sam Bush Band, Flatland Cavalry, Greensky Bluegrass, Punch Brothers, and many more. Plus dumplings!

Food and Wine Classic 
June 19- 21, 2026, Aspen

Held for over forty years, Aspen’s Food & Wine Classic is an iconic gathering for the food and wine world. Join celebrated chefs and sommeliers from across the industry for three  days of tastings, demos, seminars and culinary delights.

Fourth of July Parade
July 4, 2026, Steamboat Springs

99th Annual: The Yampa Valley community honors Western heritage with Independence Day traditions like the largest Pro Rodeo Series event of the summer and a hometown parade. This year’s parade theme, “250/150: Celebrating our Pioneers, Patriots & Peak”. 

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
July 10-19,2026, Crested Butte

40th Annual: Featuring garden tours, hikes and seminars and more than 150 workshops in wildflower expertise. Includes painting, pollination info, photography, culinary arts as well as hikes into the wild  in the heart of this Wildflower Capital of Colorado.

Handmade in Colorado Expo
August 22-23, 2026, Downtown Denver; August 28-30, 2026, Estes Park, Bond Park

19th Annual: Showcasing some of Colorado’s best independent designers’ fine art and contemporary craft. Find goods handcrafted from materials including metals, paper, glass, fibers, food, fabricated objects, clay, paint, wax, gems, and more.  All work is created by both emerging and experienced artisans from Colorado who will interact with their customers.

 

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Full Calendars of Events

Colorado

• Aspen & Snowmass
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• Boulder
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• Breckenridge, Keystone & Copper
  • (Pair your travel with Breckenridge itineraries from Slow Down See More)
• Crested Butte
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• Denver
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• Rocky Mountain National Park & Estes Park
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• Telluride
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• Vail & Beaver Creek
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