The Biggest Summer Events in Colorado

June 6, 2024

With summertime in full swing, it’s time to start adding some fun events to your schedule! Whether you live in Colorado or are just stopping by, our state offers unforgettable experiences for everyone. The Centennial State is known for its sunny, mild summers, and there’s no shortage of extraordinary events. If you’re interested in attending some of the largest and most well-known and popular gatherings, we share a few of the options here: 

June 8th-August 11th: Colorado Shakespeare Festival 

If you’re a Shakespeare or local theater fan, you won’t want to miss out on the iconic Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Although a Shakespearian celebration may not be as flashy as the other events highlighted here, it’s a can’t-miss for theater enthusiasts. The Colorado Shakespeare Festival has performed for over 60 seasons and brings classic theater to Boulder. From June 8th until August 11th, trek to the Roe Green Theatre to enjoy Macbeth, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Arden of Faversham. Tickets are available here.

June 14-16: Food and Wine Classic 

Aspen’s annual Food and Wine Classic is one of the state’s best-known events. Each summer, attendees flock to this beautiful and iconic mountain town to participate in cooking demonstrations, wine and spirits tastings, and discussions led by top chefs and beverage experts. This year, the event will run in the heart of Aspen from June 14th to 16th. Passes usually sell out well before this world-renowned culinary gathering, so if you’d like to attend, secure your spot ASAP.

June 21-23: Strawberry Days 

There’s nothing better than ripe strawberries during the summertime. Glenwood Springs commemorates the beginning of summer each year with Strawberry Days, one of our state’s oldest and most beloved traditions. From June 21st to 23rd, the Glenwood Springs Chamber Foundation invites you to celebrate the season with free ice cream, strawberries, and festivities. This year’s theme is “Decades of Beats and Berries,” so you can expect plenty of live music while enjoying fresh strawberries! 

July 5-7: Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Our state is home to an astounding number of artists, and CherryArts does vital work to make art accessible for all in Colorado. The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is the nonprofit’s premier event and one of the largest art festivals in the country. This year, the event will take place from July 5th to 7th on the streets of Cherry Creek North. More than 250 artists will be in attendance showcasing their talents, so come ready to explore Denver’s vibrant art scene as you enjoy live music, art education, and more. 

July 27-August 4: Elbert County Fair

The 90th annual Elbert County Fair runs from July 27th to August 4th. This fair is steeped in history, and commemorates “how the West was grown.” Admission is free, and there are many fun activities to participate in. From mutton bustin’ to live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. Please note that certain events, such as the Bellamy Brothers concert and Centennial Farms and Ranches Banquet require the purchase of tickets. 

August 23-September 2: Colorado State Fair and Rodeo 

As summer ends, make your way to Pueblo for the historic Colorado State Fair and Rodeo. This event has been an annual tradition for over 150 years and highlights Pueblo’s role in the diversification of agriculture in the United States. Even in contemporary times, you can’t beat a good state fair. You’ll find live entertainment, exhilarating competitions, quirky vendors, and mouthwatering Pueblo green chiles here. 

If you’re ready to have some fun this summer, the events mentioned here are sure to add excitement to the season. Colorado is a wonderful place to call home, and we’d love to help you find your dream home here. Independence is located in Elizabeth, Colorado, offering small-town charm with easy access to Denver. If you’d like to learn more about our new community and explore move-in-ready homes, please contact our team.