Colorado Festivals & Events: A Season-by-Season Calendar

A season-by-season guide to Colorado festivals and events — summer music and beer festivals, fall harvest events, winter carnivals, and how to plan around them.

The short version: Colorado’s calendar is packed — summer music and beer festivals, fall harvest and film events, and quirky winter carnivals. Timing your trip around one can be the highlight (just book lodging early). Here’s a season-by-season rundown. Part of our trip-planning guide.

From world-class music to small-town traditions, there’s almost always something happening.

Summer

The big season: the Telluride Bluegrass and Film festivals, the Aspen Music Festival, rodeos, hot-air balloon classics, and the Palisade Peach Festival in August.

Fall

The Great American Beer Festival in Denver, harvest and wine festivals across the Western Slope, and Oktoberfests in the mountain towns.

Winter

Ski-town traditions like Breckenridge’s Ullr Fest, the X Games in Aspen, and Steamboat’s Winter Carnival, plus holiday lights and events.

Spring

Film festivals, spring-skiing celebrations like Closing Day parties, and shoulder-season events with smaller crowds.

Where to stayBook lodging around the festivalsRooms sell out fast for big events - plan aheadCheck availability →

Colorado festivals FAQ

What are the biggest festivals in Colorado?

Some of the biggest include the Telluride Bluegrass and Film festivals, the Aspen Music Festival, the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, and the X Games in Aspen. Many mountain towns also host beloved local events year-round.

When is the best festival season in Colorado?

Summer is the peak festival season, with music, food, and outdoor events nearly every weekend. Fall brings harvest and beer festivals, and winter has ski-town carnivals and the X Games.

Should I book lodging early for a Colorado festival?

Yes. Lodging around popular festivals sells out well in advance and prices rise, so book as early as you can once you know the dates.