20 Colorado Summer Festivals That Make the Perfect Long Weekend Getaway

Summer in Colorado is more than just sunshine and mountain hikes—it’s a season packed with festivals that celebrate music, food, culture, and the spirit of adventure. Whether you're a fan of bluegrass in the San Juans, wine tastings in Palisade, or Shakespeare under the stars in Boulder, there's a festival that aligns with your perfect weekend escape.

Here are 20 of the best summer festivals in Colorado for 2025—each offering a unique experience, and all perfect for a long weekend road trip. And if planning the logistics feels overwhelming, Avandra is here to help you build the perfect itinerary, so all you need to do is show up and soak it in.

 For the Music Lovers

1. Telluride Bluegrass Festival – June 19–22, Telluride
A bucket-list experience for music fans. Gorgeous alpine views meet soulful bluegrass and jam sessions.  More Info.

2. RockyGrass Festival – July 25–27, Lyons
An intimate riverside weekend of acoustic magic and a dream for string instrument aficionados. More Info.

3. Bravo! Vail Music Festival – June 19–July 31, Vail
Top-tier orchestras and classical musicians perform in the heart of Colorado’s most elegant mountain town. More Info

4. Underground Music Showcase (UMS) – July 25–27, Denver
A street-level music takeover in South Broadway, featuring 200+ emerging and established indie artists. More Info

5. Vail Dance Festival – Late July–Early August, Vail
A world-renowned dance celebration nestled in the Rockies. Expect ballet, tap, and contemporary brilliance. More Info

6. Telluride Jazz Festival – August 8–10, Telluride
Three days of jazz, funk, and soul surrounded by towering peaks. More Info

7. Winter Park Jazz Festival – July 19–20, Winter Park
Big-name jazz artists and a cool mountain breeze make for a mellow summer weekend. More Info

8. Rocky Mountain Folks Festival – August 8–10, Lyons
A “summit on the song” where songwriting and storytelling shine. More Info

For Foodies and Festival Grazers

9. Juneteenth Music Festival – June 14–15, Denver
Celebrate freedom and community at this dynamic festival featuring live music, cultural exhibits, and local vendors in Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood.  More Info

10. Outside Festival – May 31–June 1, Denver
Outdoor gear, live music, thought leaders, and activities to kick off summer.  More Info

11. Keystone Bluegrass & Beer Festival – August 2–3, Keystone
Sample 100+ craft beers while enjoying live bluegrass on a beautiful ski village plaza. More Info

12. Telluride Food & Vine – June 12–15, Telluride
An upscale yet relaxed celebration of wine, craft spirits, and culinary creativity. More Info

13. Palisade Peach Festival – August 15–16, Palisade
Juicy peaches, orchard tours, and Western Slope charm make this one a family favorite.  More Info

14. Colorado Mountain Winefest – September 20, Palisade
Sip and swirl with Colorado’s best winemakers during this scenic September celebration. More Info

For Culture & Creativity Seekers

15. Colorado Shakespeare Festival – June–August, Boulder
Enjoy timeless plays in an open-air amphitheater beneath the stars.  More Info

16. Aspen Summer Words – June 22-27, Aspen
A literary gathering that combines workshop intensity with mountain tranquility. More Info

17. Colorado Renaissance Festival – Weekends, June 14–August 3, Larkspur
A whimsical journey back to the 16th century with jousts, turkey legs, and costumed merriment. More Info

18. Scandinavian Midsummer Festival – June 28–29, Highlands Ranch
Folk music, Viking reenactments, and cultural pride in a quaint Front Range setting. More Info

For the Western-at-Heart

19. Greeley Stampede – June 26–July 6, Greeley
Rodeos, carnival rides, big-name country concerts, and fireworks galore. More Info

20. Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo – July 8–12, Colorado Springs
84 years of classic rodeo tradition with barrel racing, bull riding, and pageantry.  More Info

Let Avandra Help You Make It Happen

Colorado’s summer festival scene is bursting with options—but planning the travel, lodging, dining, and day-to-day can feel like a job in itself. That’s where Avandra comes in.

We help adventurous travelers craft seamless, meaningful weekend getaways—from group trips with friends to family outings and solo escapes. Whether it’s a tent near Lyons, a wine weekend in Palisade, or a cultural retreat in Boulder, we’ll take care of the details so you can live the moment.

Ready to turn a festival into a memory?
Let Avandra handle the planning—so you can just say “yes” to the adventure.