Mountain Getaways
09 Jun 2017
Explore some summer events at altitude
By Sara Bruskin Now that the roads are clear and slope-bound skiers aren’t rushing up to the mountains every weekend, it’s a great time to explore some summer events going on at altitude. Lodging is less expensive for weekend trips this time of year, and good weather makes day trips far less daunting. Check this list for events like food, music and art festivals; a helpful resource for restaurants and everyday activities can be found at www.fieldguide.colorado.com. Most every mountain town hosts a Fourth of July celebration, a cycling event (or an entire week of cycling events), and a marathon or shorter foot race, so to avoid redundancy, those are not included. Have fun up there, and don’t forget that higher elevation = extra UV rays. Bring the sunblock along for your adventures at …Breckenridge
Copper Mountain
Copper has taken to the food-festival craze like a burger to cider—both of which, coincidentally, have their own festivals at this resort. Here’s a lineup of the summer sampling series: Attack of the Big Beers, June 24-25 Grilled Cheese Festival, June 24-25 Family Adventure Quest, July 1-2 Mac & Cheese Fest, July 29-30 Colorado Burger Summit, Aug. 19-20 Cider Circus, Aug. 25 – 26
Crested Butte
Music Festival June 23-Aug. 5 Home to one of Colorado’s most famous music festivals, Crested Butte hosts world-renowned musicians in a concert series spanning seven weeks. Music styles include symphony, opera, bluegrass, chamber music, gypsy jazz, mariachi and more. Several special events are planned for this year, such as an instrument “petting zoo,” a fundraising gala and an evening of BEERoque, which combines baroque concertos and a selection of cold beers. www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.org
Palisade
Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival June 9-11 This festival is widely anticipated every year, partly because of the beautiful location and partly because of the incredible lineup. SHEL, Front Country, Parsonsfield, The Lil Smokies, and Keller & the Keels are all playing, plus more local bands. Campgrounds are available for the weekend, and a local shuttle will transport festivalgoers through town for free during the event. www.palisademusic.com Colorado Lavender Festival July 7-9 Lavender fields are some of the most idyllic landscapes out there, and the Lavender Festival in Palisade can either bring you to the fields, or bring the lavender to you. Activities include bus tours to lavender fields, culinary and artisan craft tours, and a huge collection of lavender product vendors offering wares, workshops, seminars and cooking demonstrations. www.palisadecoc.com/colorado-lavendar-festival
Salida
Steamboat
Yampa River Festival June 3 Much like Salida’s FIBArk Festival, this event revolves around river sports but extends to land races as well. Organized by Friends of the Yampa, it aims to raise awareness for and protect the Yampa River. www.steamboatchamber.com/annual-events/yampa-river-festival Strings Music Festival June 22-Aug. 20 Spread throughout the entire summer, Steamboat’s Strings Music Festival includes more than 60 performances spanning several different musical genres. Check out the complete schedule online, and enjoy a concert or two any weekend this season. www.stringsmusicfestival.com Balloon Rodeo/Art in the Park/Balloon Glow/Movies on the Mountain July 8 This is less of a festival and more just one REALLY good day to be in Steamboat Springs. The hot-air balloon rodeo happens in the air at the same time that Art in the Park hosts 150 art vendors. That evening, the balloons are illuminated for spectators to admire, while Movies on the Mountain kicks off the first night of its outdoor film series. www.hotairballoon.com/Steamboat-Springs-Hot-Air-Balloon-Rodeo www.steamboatchamber.com/annual-events/art-in-the-park www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/activities/movies-on-the-mountain Steamboat All Arts Festival Aug. 11-13 When they say “All Arts,” they really mean it. Performers, authors, mixologists, aerialists, chefs, thespians, and so many more will show off their skills in this weekend-long celebration of artistic pursuits. www.steamboatchamber.com/signature-events/all-arts-festival Yampa Valley Crane Festival Aug. 31-Sept. 3 One of the most unique events in Colorado, the Crane Festival offers guided crane viewings, bird walks, films, crane art workshops, live raptors, expert speakers and kids’ activities, all followed by a community barbecue. www.steamboatchamber.com/annual-events/yampa-valley-crane-festivalTelluride
Telluride Balloon Festival June 2-4 Catch the amazing sight of hot-air balloons lifting off into the sky, and maybe even take a ride in one at the Telluride Balloon Festival. A free class on hot-air balloon photography helps you take the breathtaking memories home with you. www.telluride.com/telluride-balloon-festival
