As temperatures continue climb across the desert Southwest, that’s when it’s time to start looking toward higher elevations for a getaway. And fortunately, Colorado delivers. From mountain rodeos and wildflower festivals to duck races, beer tastings and more, there's no shortage of things to do in Colorado this summer.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer mountain escape, these Colorado summer events offer plenty of reasons to hit the road in late June and July.
Denver Metro
Cherry Blossom Festival | June 27-28 | Denver
Experience Japanese culture in the heart of downtown Denver during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The free event celebrates with traditional dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural exhibits, food vendors (Manju, anyone?) and live entertainment throughout the weekend. Learn more at cherryblossomdenver.org.
Visit Denver
Denver French Festival | July 10
Spend a day strolling through a little slice of France without leaving Colorado. Held on Bastille Weekend, the Denver French Festival features French food, wine, music, art and family-friendly activities that showcase the culture and traditions of France. Learn more at rmfacc.org/event-details/denver-french-festival-2026.
Ducky Derby | July 11 | Denver
It’s that time of year when thousands of rubber ducks race through the water during one of Denver's summer traditions. The annual Ducky Derby raises funds for local causes while offering entertainment, family activities and plenty of opportunities to cheer on your adopted duck. Learn more at humanitix.com/ducky-derby.
Golden Days | July 16-18 | Golden
This brand new festival celebrates Golden's Old West roots with a packed schedule of activities. Enjoy beer, music and culture that all have ties to Golden, Colorado, while exploring this historic town. Learn more at visitgolden.com/event.
Pearl Street Arts Fest | July 17-19 | Boulder
Boulder's iconic pedestrian mall transforms into an outdoor gallery during the Pearl Street Arts Fest. More than 100 artists showcase paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics and other handmade works along with live music and street performers. Learn more at boulderdowntown.com/arts-fest.
Mountain Towns & Western Colorado
Snowmass Rodeo | June 17 - Aug. 19 | Snowmass Village
Nothing says Colorado summer quite like a rodeo in the mountains. Held every Wednesday evening, the Snowmass Rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, team roping and other classic rodeo events. Learn more at aspenchamber.org/events.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival | July 10-19 | Crested Butte
Known as Colorado's Wildflower Capital for a good reason, Crested Butte bursts into color each summer. Celebrate it with the Wildflower Festival, where you can join guided hikes, photography workshops, garden tours and educational programs that showcase the area's spectacular alpine blooms at their seasonal peak. Learn more at crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org.
Donovan Kelly CC0
Breckenridge Summer Beer Festival | July 11 | Breckenridge
It’s not a summer in Colorado's without celebrating craft beer, either. Head to the mountain town of Breckenridge for a summer beer festival that brings together breweries from across the state and beyond, offering samples, live music and mountain-town atmosphere. Learn more at gobreck.com/event/breckenridge-summer-beer-festival/.
Vail Trail Running Series | July 5-Aug. 1 | Vail
Lace up your running shoes and hit the trails. The Vail Trail Running Series welcomes runners of all abilities to compete on scenic mountain courses that wind through forests, wildflower meadows and alpine terrain. Learn more at discovervail.com/event/vail-trail-running-series.
Southern Colorado
Manitou Springs Library Summer Lawn Concert Series | Through July 22 | Manitou Springs
Bring a lawn chair, spread out a blanket and enjoy an evening of live music beneath the mountains. This free concert series features local and regional musicians performing on the library lawn, creating a relaxed community gathering that's perfect for summer evenings in Manitou Springs. Learn more at peakradar.com.