Colorado summers mean longer days, starlit evenings, and music that becomes the soundtrack to unforgettable memories. Whether you’re dancing through the streets of Denver, pitching tents beneath the stars, or journeying along the I-70 corridor in search of distant melodies, Colorado’s festival scene radiates pure summertime magic.
Denverites who thrive on urban rhythms can dive into celebrations like the Juneteenth Music Festival (June 14–15), when the Five Points neighborhood comes alive with nearly 5,000 spirited parade-goers, colorful vendors, and seemingly endless music. Those seeking a soundtrack with more grit should head to Punk in the Park (July 18–20), with legendary bands like Bad Religion and Dropkick Murphys rocking out against the Rockies. Paired with local craft beer tastings, it’s the perfect festival to ignite your inner rebel. Later in July, Denver’s beloved Underground Music Showcase (July 25–27) invites indie enthusiasts to wander city streets transformed into stages, with opportunities to listen to over 200 emerging bands.
When the city walls become too close and the call of the wild beckons, pack your tent and head west to Telluride for the renowned Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June 19–22). Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, festival-goers sway beneath open skies to Jason Isbell’s soulful storytelling and the Punch Brothers’ intricate harmonies. Rhythms on the Rio in Del Norte (July 31–Aug 3) embraces a slower tempo, blending sunrise yoga with vibrant performances by Andy Frasco & the U.N. and Kitchen Dwellers, creating the perfect balance of relaxation and revelry.
If you prefer turn-down service over a tent, Colorado’s mountain towns offer an equally electric lineup—no sleeping bag required. The Winter Park Jazz Festival (July 19–20) pulls at your heartstrings with nostalgic tunes from Boyz II Men and Musiq Soulchild. Carbondale’s beloved Mountain Fair (July 25–27) blends collaboration, curiosity, and creativity, while Aspen’s debut of the Up in the Sky Festival (Aug 8–9) promises hypnotic performances from stars like Rüfüs Du Sol and Kacey Musgraves. Later in the month, Aspen comes alive again with Jazz Aspen Snowmass (Aug 29–31), where you can take your Labor Day weekend to extraordinary heights with foot-stomping shows from Lenny Kravitz and Luke Combs.
