Colorado is a dream destination for family-friendly outdoor festivals, especially in the summer when warm weather and stunning scenery set the stage for unforgettable experiences. From lively music events and hands-on art festivals to rodeos, parades, and food celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to keep kids and adults entertained in the fresh mountain air.
This guide highlights the best family-friendly outdoor festivals across Colorado, with events that offer something for all ages—think kid zones, interactive activities, live entertainment, and plenty of delicious food. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend adventure, these festivals make it easy to create lasting memories together.
Colorado Outdoor Festivals to Attend This Summer
Denver Area Festivals
Outside Days
May 29-31
Hosted by Outside magazine, the event mixes outdoor adventures such as climbing, biking and wellness with live music, compelling speakers and dancing. The weekend also includes films, vendors, travel inspiration, food and a kids zone. It is truly highlighting why Colorado is such a draw for anyone who loves nature.
Colorado Pride Fest
June 27-28
Denver Pride consists of three main events, encompassing the festival, 5K and a parade. This weekend celebration produces the largest annual fundraiser for The Center and contributes directly to critical services for the local LGBTQ+ community, such as mental health support, programming for the transgender and gender diverse community, youth, older adults, and more.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
July 3-5
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival has become a renowned destination, showcasing a wide range of talented artists. Plan to sample great food and drinks, shop wonderful art, listen to live music, take part in kid friendly mural painting and art stations. Expect plenty of live music, kids’ activities, art, information about art education, food, and more.
Boulder County Fair
August 5-9
Additional Colorado Festivals Worth Attending
Taste of Fort Collins
TBD, Early June
The Taste of Fort Collins is a weekend-long event that highlights the city’s flavors as well as two-day music festival with big name acts. This event is a foodie’s haven. Don’t pass up a chance to sample a myriad of craft brews while listening to the music and sampling the vast array of culinary options. It is held on the first or second weekend in June.
FIBArk
June 18-21
FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) is a must attend if the rivers of Colorado call your name. Or if you really enjoy watching professionals compete on the mighty Arkansas river in kayaks and SUPs then it is also worth checking out! The three day event is quite the draw for Salida’s charming downtown, as it showcases music, carnival rides, parades, art, youth paddling and more. Plan on clearing your calendar in the middle of June for this one-of-a-kind festival.
Greeley Stampede
June 24 – July 5
Dust off your cowboy boots and hats for one of Colorado’s largest summer festivals and rodeos. The Greeley Stampede, held late June through early July does not mess around. It hosts concerts that draw big names, a golf tournament, parade, art showcases, shopping, carnival, and of course top notch rodeo events. Centrally located only an hour north of Denver, makes this a party that families can attend without the pressure of having to find a hotel.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
July 10-19
Crested Butte is the Wildflower Capital of Colorado and horticulture lovers flock to this serene and beautiful, 10 day event in July. It offers over 200 workshops in wildflower expertise in interests such as painting, pollination, photography, culinary arts and hikes.
Leadville Boom Day
August 7-9
During the first full weekend of August, Leadville celebrates its Wild West heritage. Historical celebrations of the Old West include burro races (an event not to be missed!), contests and a street fair with over 100 food and craft booths. There are modern activities as well, like the festival’s annual car show, bungee jumping and live music. All events are free to attend.
Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival
July 31 – August 2
The Moffat County Hot Air Balloon Festival is a feast for the eyes. Beautiful, colorful balloons fill the sky as onlookers marvel at their ascension. The August weekend event also hosts a 5k run, classic car showcase, duck races, live music and more at Loudy-Simpson Park.
Telluride Jazz Festival
August 7-8
The absolute dreamiest backdrop is only one draw of the laid-back Telluride Jazz Festival. Jazz, funk and soul music echos off the mountains while patrons enjoy culinary creations, craft brews and shopping. At night the party keeps going with dancing and more music all around town, as well as film screenings. The exclamation point at the end of this one-of-a-kind festival is the New Orleans-themed finale with a Mardi Gras-inspired parade down Main Street.
Palisade Peach Fest
August 21-22
Palisade is “Peach Capital of Colorado,” and for good reason. These things are the real deal! In August it holds the annual Palisade Peach Fest where it features its amazing fruit and later celebrates the great wine that comes from the area too (this is held in September). Foodies will seek out the Feast in the Fields sponsored dinners, while families can enjoy the live music, parade, car show, peach eating contest, pig races and fun vendors.
Colorado State Fair
August 28 – September 17
What’s more wholesome than a state fair?? Pueblo hosts Colorado’s, and it combines fun entertainment with rodeos and competitions. Shop the different vendor booths, take part in the old-fashioned family fun and never miss a chance to munch on the fare. Enjoy dishes made with local green chilies, the always favorite funnel cakes, deep-fried Snickers and a lineup of fried goodness. It starts late August and ends the first few days of September.
Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival
September 11-13
Scottish and Irish culture is on full display in Estes Park during the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Festival. From dog agility competitions to whiskey tastings, this festival is a fun and vibrant event. The sounds of talented Celtic bands provide the backdrop while events like Scottish jousting take center stage.
With this many wonderful and exciting events taking place, you and your family will have a summer full of entertainment, culture, great food and music!
