Colorado comes alive with sound every summer, transforming its majestic mountains, vibrant cities, and charming small towns into stages for an incredible array of musical talent. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a specific genre or simply looking for a unique cultural experience set against breathtaking backdrops, planning a trip around a Colorado Music Festival is an unforgettable way to explore the state. From the electrifying energy of large-scale events featuring world-renowned artists to intimate concerts tucked away in picturesque valleys, there’s a rhythm here for everyone. Get ready to discover why Colorado’s summer music scene is a destination in itself.
Colorado’s unique geography plays a significant role in shaping its music festival landscape. Imagine listening to a world-class orchestra with snow-capped peaks as your backdrop, or stomping your feet to a bluegrass band next to a rushing river. The environment isn’t just a venue; it’s an integral part of the experience, offering a refreshing escape from conventional concert halls. This blend of spectacular scenery and diverse musical genres makes attending a colorado music festival a quintessential summer adventure.
The festival season in Colorado spans several months, with events scattered throughout the state. Planning your musical journey means considering not just the lineup, but also the setting and the overall vibe you’re seeking.
Summer-Long colorado music festival Series
Beyond individual weekend events, several communities and organizations host concert series that run throughout the summer months, offering regular doses of live music.
Sounds of Centerra
Taking place on select Fridays in July, the Sounds of Centerra series brings live music, food, and fun to Chapungu Sculpture Park. It’s a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere (leash required) perfect for a casual evening out. Remember to bring your own seating to enjoy the performances comfortably under the open sky.
Free shows at Levitt Pavilion in Denver
From May through October, the Levitt Pavilion in Denver hosts a remarkable free concert series. This venue is a hub for diverse sounds, showcasing everything from major touring acts to emerging local artists across a multitude of genres. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience high-quality music in an accessible, community-focused setting. RSVPs are encouraged but walk-ups are welcome until capacity is reached.
The One Sweet Summer Concert Series
The Foundry Plaza in Downtown Loveland is the heart of the One Sweet Summer event series from May through September. This expansive series includes a Bluegrass & Brews Festival, mid-week concerts, and even Symphony on the Plaza, demonstrating a commitment to offering varied musical and cultural experiences throughout the season.
Bohemian Nights in Fort Collins
Thursday nights from late May to early September, Fort Collins’ Old Town Square lights up with free concerts presented by Bohemian Nights. The series champions Colorado artists alongside national acts, covering a wide spectrum of genres and styles. It’s a key event for connecting artists with the vibrant Northern Colorado community.
Sundays at Six in Alamosa
A beloved staple of the San Luis Valley summer, the Alamosa Live Music Association presents the free Sundays at Six concert series from June to August in Cole Park. Audiences gather to enjoy a mix of local talent and nationally recognized touring musicians, showcasing the rich musical tapestry of the region.
City Park Jazz in Denver
Drawing significant crowds each summer, City Park Jazz offers free Sunday concerts from June through August at the City Park Pavilion. The focus is on jazz, blues, and salsa, creating a lively, rhythmic atmosphere perfect for picnicking and dancing in the park.
Lagoon Concert Series
Held at Colorado State University’s lagoon on Wednesdays in June and July, this free series from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. is a community highlight. It features live music, interactive booths, food trucks, and themed nights, making it more than just a concert – it’s a mid-week mini-festival.
Old Louisville Street Faire
Friday nights from June to August, Louisville’s Front Street becomes a pedestrian paradise for the Old Louisville Street Faire. This free event combines live music, a variety of food and beverages, kid-friendly activities, and local arts and crafts vendors for a lively community gathering.
Performances in the Park
Wheat Ridge’s Anderson Park hosts this weekly Wednesday series from June to July. It uniquely offers a children’s show in the morning followed by band performances under the picnic shelter in the evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and picnics (no glass), with food trucks also available in the evenings. Leashed dogs are permitted.
Strings Music Festival
Running from June well into October, the Strings Music Festival in Steamboat Springs offers a diverse schedule spanning contemporary chart-toppers and classical musicians from top orchestras. The magic lies in its intimate setting: a 569-seat pavilion nestled at the base of Steamboat’s mountains, creating a uniquely personal concert experience.
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
What began as a small chamber music series in 1987 has blossomed into the internationally renowned Bravo! Vail Music Festival. Held in Eagle County venues from June to August, it serves as a summer haven for some of the world’s finest performers and orchestras, offering classical music of the highest caliber.
The colorado music festival in Boulder
The Colorado Music Festival, based at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder, runs for six weeks from July to August. Under the direction of Peter Oundjian, this festival orchestra comprises artists from numerous major orchestras across North America. The 2024 season promises exciting highlights, including premieres, celebrated soloists, and special tributes, cementing its status as a premier destination for classical enthusiasts among colorado music festival events.
Bands on the Bricks
Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall is home to the free outdoor summer concert series, Bands on the Bricks, on Wednesdays in June and July. Featuring a variety of local artists and genres, the event includes a beer garden opening at 5:30 p.m., an opening band at 6 p.m., and headliners playing until 9 p.m., creating a lively downtown atmosphere.
May colorado music festival Highlights
As the weather warms up, May kicks off the official colorado music festival season with a diverse set of events.
The Tico Time Bluegrass Festival in Durango
Nestled in the stunning Animas River Valley near Durango, the Tico Time Bluegrass Festival from May 17-19 is a perfect blend of music, nature, and adventure. Presented by local public radio station KSUT, it offers attendees the chance to immerse themselves in hot pickin’ bluegrass while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
Folk ‘n Roots Rendezvous
Located at Big B’s Delicious Orchards in Hotchkiss, the Folk ‘n Roots Rendezvous on May 24 provides three days of free live music. The event features campouts in the orchard, fruitwood smoked BBQ, hard cider, fresh juice, kids’ activities, and plenty of informal jamming around the campfire, embodying a true roots music gathering.
15th Annual MeadowGrass Music Festival in Colorado Springs
The MeadowGrass Music Festival over Memorial Day weekend (May 24-26) is the unofficial summer kickoff in the Pikes Peak region. Beyond its lineup of local and regional performers, MeadowGrass offers a family-friendly atmosphere with guided hikes, workshops, yoga, and late-night shows, providing a holistic festival experience.
35th Annual Boulder Creek Festival
A multi-faceted event along the Boulder Creek Trail from May 24-27, the Boulder Creek Festival features four days packed with live music, food from over 20 vendors, a beer fest, local artisans, and family activities. With three stages of musical performances, it offers a broad appeal for a wide audience.
The 2024 Greeley Blues Jam Music Festival
Dedicated to promoting blues music education and fostering community, the Greeley Blues Jam from May 30 – June 1 offers a fantastic blues experience in a family-friendly setting. The festival includes food, merchandise vendors, ample free parking, and convenient camping/RV sites near the Island Grove Arena for overnight visitors.
Crowd gathers for the Juneteenth colorado music festival in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood
June colorado music festival Experiences
June brings a proliferation of festivals across the state, from city celebrations to mountain gatherings.
Cherry Creek North Concert Series
Part of the larger Cherry Creek North In Bloom event, this summer concert series brightens Fillmore Plaza on select Saturdays in June (6/1, 6/15, 6/29). With a dedicated concert stage, lounge area, and bar, it creates a sophisticated outdoor venue for experiencing music, arts, and culture within this upscale Denver neighborhood.
The Colorado College Summer Music Festival’s 40th Anniversary Season
Celebrating a significant milestone, the Colorado College Summer Music Festival runs June 2-21. This intensive three-week program for advanced student musicians culminates in a concert series, with the Festival Orchestra performing in the Richard F. Celeste Theater. It’s a chance to see classical talent hone their craft in a focused environment.
Mountains of Music in Vail
Held as part of the 2024 GoPro Mountain Games from June 6-9, the Mountains of Music concert series adds a soundtrack to the athletic events. Free daily music sets are featured in Vail Village and Golden Peak, complementing the daytime action. Ticketed headliner acts take the stage at the Amp in the evenings, blending outdoor sports with live performance.
Apogaea in Trinidad
An official Burning Man Regional Event for Colorado (June 5-9), Apogaea in Trinidad is more than just a music festival; it’s a participatory art and performance gathering based on principles of sustainability, radical inclusion, and self-reliance. While music is a key component, the focus is on communal experience and creative expression in a unique, temporary community.
Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival in Palisade
Celebrating hot pickin’ guitars, artistry, and fiddles, the Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival runs June 14-16. This family-friendly event is set against the backdrop of the Colorado River at Riverbend Park, featuring a mix of top bluegrass artists and emerging stars in a picturesque riverside setting.
The Five Points Jazz Festival in Denver
A free annual celebration on June 8, the Five Points Jazz Festival honors the historical legacy of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, once known as the “Harlem of the West.” Jazz legends graced the stages here, and today the festival continues that tradition, drawing tens of thousands to enjoy music on outdoor stages and celebrate this culturally significant area.
Juneteenth Music Festival in Denver
Observing Juneteenth, Denver’s Five Points neighborhood hosts a vibrant community celebration from June 15-16. The festival includes the city’s longest-running parade alongside musical performances, honoring the historical significance of the day with a blend of remembrance and celebration, featuring artists like Hip-hop artist Bow Wow.
Country Jam Colorado in Grand Junction
The three-day Country Jam festival from June 20-22 offers a quintessential country music and camping experience. Located in Mack, just outside Grand Junction, attendees can enjoy performances from major headliners like Parker McCollum, Jelly Roll, and Thomas Rhett amidst the stunning red rock landscape of Western Colorado. It’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in country music culture.
Jazz Aspen Snowmass
A non-profit dedicated to presenting and preserving jazz, Jazz Aspen Snowmass hosts its annual June Experience from June 20-23. Spanning over twelve different venues with multiple staggered shows daily, the festival offers a deep dive into the world of jazz and associated music in the sophisticated setting of Aspen.
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Set in the strikingly beautiful San Juan Mountains, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June 20-23) is a premier event featuring an impressive lineup of bluegrass, country, and rock artists. Celebrating its rich history, the festival includes over 30 performances, contests, workshops, and more, making it a destination for bluegrass aficionados and newcomers alike.
Aspen Music Festival Summer Season
Running for eight weeks starting in late June (June 28-30 marks the opening weekend), the Aspen Music Festival hosts hundreds of classical music events. This includes orchestra concerts, recitals, chamber music, operas, seminars, and family programs, establishing Aspen as a major hub for classical music study and performance during the summer.
Blues From The Top in Winter Park
For over 18 years, the Grand County Blues Society has organized Blues From The Top in Winter Park (June 28-30). Beyond hosting live concerts by acclaimed blues musicians, the society works to educate the public about this uniquely American genre. The festival atmosphere is enhanced by vendors selling food, apparel, jewelry, and artwork, creating a complete experience for blues lovers.
July colorado music festival Adventures
July is packed with diverse colorado music festival options, from town-wide parties to niche genre gatherings.
Ridgway Concert Series
Every Thursday in July, Hartwell Park in Ridgway hosts a free outdoor concert series. Music starts with an opening act at 6 p.m. and continues until around 10 p.m. It’s a community event where attendees bring low-back chairs or blankets. Proceeds from alcohol sales support local non-profits, highlighting the festival’s commitment to giving back. Note that outside alcohol and dogs are not permitted.
Gulch Fest Music & Arts Gathering
From July 11-14, Gulch Fest aims to inspire and connect through music and art. Featuring psychedelic rock and EDM musicians, this gathering focuses on fostering unique human connections in a creative environment.
High Mountain Hay Fever Festival in Westcliffe
Bluegrass music fills the air in the Wet Mountain Valley during the yearly High Mountain Hay Fever Bluegrass Festival in Westcliffe (July 11-14). This beloved event attracts attendees with its lineup, including Grammy Award-winner Jim Lauderdale in 2024, bringing high-quality bluegrass to a stunning mountain setting.
Loveland Summer Concert Series
A classic summer event presented by the Rialto Theater, the Loveland Summer Concert Series takes place at the Foote Lagoon Amphitheater on July 11 & 18. These free, open-to-the-public shows begin at 7 p.m. with seating on a first-come, first-served basis, offering pleasant evenings of music by the water.
SnowyGrass in Estes Park
Since 2016, the SnowyGrass festival (July 12-14) has filled the mountain air of Estes Park with the sounds of bluegrass and Americana string bands. This riverside, dog-friendly weekend includes on-site camping and food trucks, providing a relaxed, immersive experience in a picturesque mountain town.
Manitou Chamber Music Festival
Celebrating its 11th season at the Chapel of Our Savior in Manitou Springs from July 16-26, the Manitou Chamber Music Festival presents chamber works from all eras. Highlights include themed concerts and a grand finale gala, showcasing high-level chamber music performance in an intimate setting.
Psychs Peak
Psychs Peak (July 19-20) offers a unique psych-rock camping festival experience about an hour from Denver at the Historic Green Mountain Ranch in Pine. With a lineup of seventeen local artists, it’s a dedicated event for fans of the psychedelic rock genre looking for an immersive weekend getaway.
Global Dance Festival in Denver
The Global Dance Festival, a major colorado music festival for electronic music enthusiasts, moves to the Stockyards Event Center Grounds in the National Western complex on July 26-27. Running from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., this event brings together top electronic artists for an energetic two-day showcase. For electronic music fans, the global dance denver event is a highlight of the summer calendar.
Evergreen Jazz Festival
The Evergreen Jazz Festival (July 26-28) offers a different kind of experience: intimate listening environments rather than massive crowds. Featuring diverse jazz styles at five distinct, small venues, it emphasizes the pure musical experience and connection with the artists in a charming mountain town setting.
The Underground Music Showcase in Denver
Colorado’s thriving music scene is on full display at The Underground Music Showcase (UMS) in Denver (July 26-28). This annual extravaganza features hundreds of acts performing at venues along South Broadway, offering attendees the chance to discover emerging talent and established local favorites in a variety of intimate spaces. It’s a deep dive into the heart of Denver’s independent music culture.
RockyGrass in Lyons
Regarded as one of the top traditional bluegrass festivals nationally, RockyGrass celebrates its 52nd anniversary this year (July 26-28). Held at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch along the picturesque St. Vrain River in Lyons, it offers a beloved setting for experiencing authentic bluegrass music, camping, and community.
Audience enjoys jazz music with mountain views at the Telluride Jazz colorado music festival
August colorado music festival Grand Finale
August brings the summer festival season to a close with several signature events in memorable Colorado locations.
Rhythms On The Rio in Del Norte
From August 2-4, Rhythms On The Rio in Del Norte brings acclaimed artists like The Fretliners, The California Honeydrop, and ALO to the San Luis Valley. Organized by the non-profit South Fork Music Association, the event also supports a valuable mission: providing free instruments and music education to local children. Attending means enjoying great music and contributing to a worthy cause.
Pickin’ in the Park
Pickin’ Productions presents this free community concert series on four Saturdays in August (Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24) at Paonia Town Park. Each event features free kids’ activities, regional food vendors, and three concerts per night, creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere in a beautiful Western Slope town.
Beanstalk Music Festival in Bond
Hosted by the Boulder group Magic Beans from August 8-10, the Beanstalk Music Festival showcases jam bands from both the local Colorado scene and the national touring circuit. Located near Bond, the festival’s site offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado River, combining the energy of jam band music with stunning natural scenery.
Telluride Jazz Festival in Telluride
Established in 1977, the Telluride Jazz Festival (August 9-11) is a renowned celebration of American Jazz, showcasing its traditions and cutting-edge progression. With artists like Christian McBride & Ursa Major and Angelique Kidjo in the lineup, the festival provides a world-class jazz experience set against the dramatic backdrop of the Telluride box canyon.
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival in Lyons
Also held at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch in Lyons from August 9-11, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, sometimes called the “Summit on the Song,” has hosted songwriters across genres for over thirty years. It offers three days of music, camping, and inspiration by the river, focusing on the craft of songwriting and storytelling.
Alpenglow Chamber Music Festival in Silverthorne
From August 15-24, the Alpenglow Chamber Music Festival in Silverthorne highlights local and international chamber musicians. The festival promotes appreciation for this classical art form through performances, community engagement, and educational programs in the scenic setting of Summit County.
Mountain Town Music Festival in Keystone
Closing out the summer festival season in Keystone on August 17, the Mountain Town Music Festival is geared towards the whole family. Featuring bands like The Runaway Grooms and interactive entertainment like the Salida Circus, it honors Colorado culture and history with free outdoor concerts, focusing on regional produce and local life.
Four Corners Folk Festival in Pagosa Springs
Hosted by public radio station KSUT from August 30 – September 1, the three-day Four Corners Folk Festival in Pagosa Springs is a major event for folk music lovers. With a main stage, late-night stage, workshops, and a kids’ tent, it offers a comprehensive folk music experience featuring headliners like Sam Bush and Tophouse in a beautiful Southern Colorado setting.
Caveman Colorado Music Festival
The Caveman Colorado Music Festival takes place at Monument Lake Resort on Labor Day weekend (August 30 – September 1). Attendees can enjoy performances from over 20 bands and artists, including The Wallflowers, Toadies, and Red Clay Strays, set against the stunning vistas of the resort. It offers a blend of diverse musical acts and a beautiful natural environment for a memorable end-of-summer getaway.
Attending a colorado music festival is more than just seeing a concert; it’s an immersive experience that connects you with the state’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and passionate communities. Whether you prefer the energy of a large crowd or the intimacy of a smaller venue, the diverse offerings ensure there’s a festival perfectly tuned to your taste. So, pack your bags, grab your blanket, and get ready to discover the unforgettable sounds of Colorado this summer.