Looking for the best music festivals in Colorado? Well, I’m here to help, because I’ve compiled a solid list of amazing Colorado Festivals and events that’ll keep you grooving all year long!
The Rocky Mountains. Celeb spotting in Aspen. World-class skiing. The bizarre case of JonBenét Ramsey. There’s a bunch of things you probably picture when you think of Colorado – and music festivals should definitely be one of them! Traditional bluegrass music is iconically celebrated here in its truest form, while rock and roots, country and even EDM are well represented during the summer music festival season.
So dust off your sturdiest pair of cowboy boots, because my pick of the best Colorado music festivals mostly takes you away from the capital of Denver, and into the rolling ranches of the high country and beyond. After, all John Denver didn’t write “Rocky Mountain High” for nothin’.
So read all about the best Colorado festivals in 2020, and feel free to leave a comment if you think I’m missing any important ones!
1) Sonic Bloom Festival
Credit: Juliana Moskow
When: June 18-21, 2020
Where: Spanish Peaks Country
http://sonicbloomfestival.com/
“SONIC BLOOM is a 4-day camping festival that brings electronic music, dance, art and human performance together in an atmosphere that inspires open channels of co-creativity for everyone involved.”
Out of all the music festivals in Colorado, this is the one I’m DYING to go to. It looks like such an amazing festival, and I know many friends who have gone and said how amazing it is. The line-ups are always awesome, but the reason people go to is the VIBE. If you’re looking for a good Colorado festival, then this should be a top priority (in my opinion at least).
One of my good friends Melissa attended Sonic Bloom last year though, and wrote up this review for me! Give a quick read through the article, “Sonic Bloom | Musical Magic in Colorado”
2) Arise Music Festival
Credit: Eric Allen Photography
When: August 2020 (Dates TBA)
Where: Sunrise Ranch, Loveland
“The ARISE Music Festival is much more than a music festival…it’s a movement. Held on an organic ranch in a picturesque Colorado Rocky Mountain valley oasis just 60 minutes north of Denver. 3 days and nights of camping, music, art, workshops, films, yoga and so much more!
At the core of the ARISE mission is a firm belief that creating a festival experience that inspires positivity, joy and active engagement in issues of social justice is a call to celebrate the beauty and wonder of this precious life.”
An independent, family-run, leave-no-trace event! ARISE plants one tree for every ticket sold.
3) Hanuman Festival
When: June 11– 14, 2020
Where: Boulder, Colorado
“Join the Global Yoga Tribe. Honor the Practice, Create Magic, Raise the Vibration!”
Yoga, Music, Celebration:
Transformation Begins Here
4) The RIDE Festival
When: July 10-12, 2020
Where: Telluride, CO
Bringing stellar rock n roll to the most stunning venue in the world
“Since its debut in 2012, The RIDE Festival has quickly garnered a reputation among music fans for its thoughtful performance curation – handpicking rootsy, rocking talent whose music flawlessly compliments the festival’s stunning Telluride, Colorado setting.
There’s something magical about Telluride. Celebrated for its rugged ski terrain, majestic mountains, rivers and waterfalls, and panoramic views, the tiny historic mining town-turned-tourist-hot-spot is one of Colorado’s most renowned mountain towns. Known to music aficionados, the annual RIDE Festival draws 8,000+ fans to the picturesque Telluride Town Park to experience seasoned and emerging performers in an intimate setting unlike any other.
The RIDE Festival is a destination event featuring rock ‘n’ roll music, kid-friendly festival programming, and a varied late-night live music schedule. The RIDE Festival’s proximity to many outdoor activities makes this a unique opportunity to extend your stay. Enjoy world class hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, fishing, visit area hot springs or delve into the history of the west.”
5) Global Dance Festival
When: July 2020 (Dates TBA)
Where: Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver
https://globaldancefestival.com/
Global Dance Festival is one of Colorado’s biggest and best EDM Festivals, bringing in an unbelievably stacked line-up spanning nearly every genre of electronic music across five amazing stages!
“Embrace your sense of adventure and get your heart-racing on one of the many carnival rides, dance like no one’s watching at the Silent Disco, wander amongst the many striking art installations and discover other hidden gems throughout the GDF grounds while you meander from stage to stage.”
6) Apogea
When: June 2020 (Dates TBA)
Where: Valdez, Colorado
This is the official Colorado Regional Burning Man Event.
“Art, performance, sustainability, radical inclusion, and radical self-reliance. Join us, all are welcome! Here you will find an experiential forum where our ever-expanding community practices freedom of expression in an environment of participation, sharing, and creativity. We invite you to join us in a place where our spirits are as high as the mountains and our minds are as wide open as the plains!”
Check out my article on Burning Man Accessories, Clothing, and Outfit Essentials, as well as my blog on The Best Burning Man Goggles to look your best out there!
7) PoloFest
When: August 2020 (Dates TBA)
Where: Denver Polo Club
https://www.polofest.com/2019-lineup
PoloFest is a one-day outdoor summer festival, that combines live music and the unique sport of polo, and will help raise money and awareness for the Equine Partnership Program (EPP). The EPP’s mission is to assist children on their personal journey toward healing with hands-on equine-assisted therapy. The EPP is committed to providing the tools to awaken and sustain people’s values, voices, and hopes through healing experiences with horses, for the betterment of our communities.
Their first edition was in 2019, and was a day filled with entertainment including; polo matches featuring the world’s top players and horses, live music performances from Kygo, Sofi Tukker, Chelsea Cutler and Zach Heckendorf, and more, along with the opportunity to interact and ride horses with the EPP and the Denver Polo Club. Attendees will see the #1 professional polo player in the world, Adolfo Cambiaso. A variety of highly skilled polo players from around the world will be giving riding lessons to Denver’s at risk youth, who are served by the non-profit Equine Partnership Program!
The Denver Polo Club is unlike any other venue in the Denver area with expansive green fields, nestled in a beautiful forest along Plum Creek with views of the front range. Come out and enjoy a fun-filled day in casual, comfortable attire with a variety of activities, food truck vendors, and bars. No fancy clothes necessary. The audience will get up close and personal while watching the players and feel the power of the horses as they gallop at record-breaking speeds. Prepare for summer sun and dancing around on some green grass into the night.
8) Telluride Bluegrass Festival
When: June 18-21, 2020
Where: Telluride, Colorado
https://www.bluegrass.com/telluride/
“Festivarians, virtuosic bluegrass superpickers, soulful songwriters, and some of the most inspiring artists in the rootsy Americana landscape worldwide make their annual pilgrimage to the historic mining town of Telluride, Colorado. It’s an unforgettable 4 days of music, mountains, and magic in the breathtaking box canyon of the San Juan Mountains at 8,750′.
Held the weekend closest to the Summer Solstice each year, Telluride Bluegrass is the grand kickoff to Colorado summertime when the high country puts away its skis and grabs hiking boots, guitars, and low-back festival chairs for “Bluegrass.”
Join the 47th Telluride Bluegrass Festival Facebook Event for tickets, line-up, and more information!
9) Grandoozy Music Festival
When: September 2020
Where: Overland Park, Denver, Colorado
From the co-creators of Bonnaroo and Outside Lands…
“After a successful debut in September of 2018, Grandoozy will be taking a hiatus in 2019. We feel a special connection to Denver and its people and intend to use this hiatus as an opportunity to create a festival that is even more unique, sustainable, and integrated into the region’s local and creative community. We’re proud of the world-class festival we delivered for a world-class city and are truly humbled by the praise and support Grandoozy received in its inaugural year from the fans, artists, vendors and the city of Denver.”
10) Country Jam
When: June 2020 (Dates TBA)
Where: Grand Junction, Colorado
“Country Jam is the largest country music and camping festival in Colorado, featuring the biggest names in country music over four days at Jam Ranch just outside of Grand Junction. A weekend you’ll never forget.”
For nearly three decades Country Jam has launched itself to the forefront of the country music festival scene, hosting the biggest names in country music amongst the Red Rock landscape of Western Colorado. The 28th edition of Country Jam features Luke Bryan, Sam Hunt, Little Big Town, Alabama and more of country’s biggest stars. Combine that with a weekend full of camping with all your friends, and you’ve got the biggest party in Colorado. Come join us.”
Check out my article on the best country music festivals in the U.S.A for similar festivals!
11) Rockygrass Festival
When: July 26-26, 2020
Where: Lyons
https://www.bluegrass.com/rockygrass/
“The last weekend of July, 5,000 Festivarians descend on the historic quarry town of Lyons (just 15 minutes north of Boulder in the Rocky Mountain foothills) for one of the world’s premiere traditional bluegrass festivals.
With recent headliners Steve Martin, Ricky Skaggs, Peter Rowan, The Infamous Stringdusters, Del McCoury Band, and Alison Krauss, RockyGrass has consistently sold-out in advance for the past decade. Renowned as a picker’s festival, the week leading up to the event, the RockyGrass Academy offers three hundred musicians of all ages an opportunity to learn bluegrass from many of the festival performers, including instrument building and a Kids Camp.”
Just the right amount of people, superb transitions and timing, great food and drink, well-kept facilities… a superb example of a small society.
12) Bohemian Nights Festival
Credit: Bohemian Nights
When: August 14-16, 2020
Where: Fort Collins, CO
https://www.bohemiannights.org/
Bohemian Nights is a FREE, three-day music festival held each August in historic downtown Fort Collins.
“Bohemian Nights shares the gift of live Colorado music with the Northern Colorado community. Bohemian Nights exposes community members to new, emerging and established Colorado artists; reveals Fort Collins as a music city; and shares the gift of live music with the community.”
The annual festival is produced in collaboration with the Downtown Fort Collins Business Association as a part of the NewWestFest celebration. This free community music festival features a variety of genres and includes a family-centered Kids’ Music Adventure. Bohemian Nights Presents Thursday Night Live is a series of free summer concerts performed in Old Town Square. The series showcases Colorado’s finest established and emerging musical talent.”
Ain't no party like a Colorado party! 🎉 Thanks for a great first night, FoCo! See you tomorrow. 🎶 #focomusic
Posted by Bohemian Nights on Friday, August 10, 2018
13) Powabunga Festival
When: April 2020 (Dates TBA)
Where: Vail, Colorado
Colorado’s Ultimate Festival Snow Getaway
This is one of Colorado’s newest festivals on the list, but after a wildly successful inaugural edition in 2019 being headlined by the likes of ZHU, Bob Moses, and Justin Jay, it’s safe to say this is new boutique ski resort event is a Colorado festival that’ll be amazing for many years to come!
“Complete with stacked afterparties, funky costumes, and fresh mountain air – this is a winter festival experience you don’t want to miss!
14) Bravo! Vail Music Festival
Credit: Zach Mahone
When: June 20 – August 4, 2019
Where: Vail, Colorado
The Sound of Extraordinary
Four of the world’s greatest orchestras make their summer home at Bravo! Vail Music Festival!
“Highlights include Bravo! Vail’s first-ever staged opera, an innovative premiere production of Tosca; North American debut of Chamber Orchestra Vienna – Berlin; premieres of new works by Philip Glass and Edgar Meyer; plus performances by Anne-Sophie Mutter, Yefim Bronfman, the Takács String Quartet and more Vail, CO
15) Global Dub Festival
When: May 16, 2020
Where: Red Rocks Ampitheater
The venue needs no introduction, as it’s easily one of the most epic concerts and festival locations in the U.S.A! Global Dub is back at it again with another epic EDM line-up for one night of heavy bass and PLUR vibes. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!
16) Denver Day of Rock
When: May 2020
Where: 16th Street Mall
“Denver Day of Rock is an iconic music festival benefiting the work of Amp the Cause. This free event features five stages of live music along Denver’s 16th Street Mall on Memorial Day weekend. Denver Day of Rock unites the community through music and family friendly entertainment while also raising funds to help Amp the Cause continue to support non-profits in our community. By making a donation at the event, you will join Amp the Cause in our efforts to build a stronger, more caring community!”
17) Westword Music Showcase
When: June 2020 9Dates TBA)
Where: Golden Triangle, Denver
“The Westword Music Showcase returns to the Golden Triangle on Saturday, June 29, 2019! For our 25th Westword Music Showcase, we’re cranking up the volume with national headliners CHVRCHES, Jai Wolf, JAUZ, Bishop Briggs, Crooked Colours, lovelytheband, The Knocks, The Wrecks, and SHAED, as well as more local bands than you can hear in a day, performing at venues throughout the neighborhood; all of the local acts performing are contenders for the 2019 Westword Music Awards.
The Westword Music Showcase, the city’s largest single-day festival celebrating the music scene, will run from noon to 10 p.m. on June 29; tickets are on sale now! A general admission ticket includes access to all participating venues, both outdoor stages and our merchandise village. The VIP experience includes access to all Showcase venues, a VIP entrance to the outdoor area, special viewing spaces by the two main stages, and a VIP lounge with VIP restrooms (VIP tickets are 21+ only).”
18) Mountain Town Music Festival
When: August 15, 2020
Where: Keystone, Colorado
www.keystonefestivals.com/festivals/mountain-town-music-festival/
“A celebration of all things Colorado. Warm summer days, free live music from national acts and the harvest season for our colorful state. Come spend the weekend in Colorado’s high country and celebrate the waning of summer and squeeze in that one last mountain adventure before the aspens start to turn their golden hues.
National acts grace the River Run Village stage and local food vendors will line the streets concocting their best peach recipes as well as other harvest favorites such as; Rocky Ford melons, Olathe sweet corn & elk. Both the sweet and the savory, for you to enjoy. Dance the day away with free live music, 2019 performers include Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, Jared and the Mill , The Brother’s Comatose and headliner TBA! The festival will also feature vendors from across Colorado highlighting hammocks, original art, pet goodies, jewelry, clothing and more! As always there will be activities for the kiddos with face painters and plant your own flower pot. Join us for this family-friendly, music-filled day at Keystone and help us welcome in the cooler days!”
19) Jazz Aspen Snowmass Jazz June Experience
When: June 25-28, 2020
Where: Downtown Aspen, CO
http://www.jazzaspensnowmass.org/june-experience.html
“Enjoy a Jazz Walk, Soul Stroll, Blues Shuffle, Funk Ramble, World Dance at Multiple Venues Across the Downtown Core at the JAS June Experience.
Taking place June 25-28, the Experience will consist of multiple staggered shows daily, allowing attendees to the opportunity to walk from venue to venue for a diverse mix of music genres, in settings for listening as well as dancing. Inspired in part by the original HBO Comedy Fest, as well as Food & Wine, the event will bring musically focused lanyard wearing attendees to the downtown core and the vitality of mixing multiple events and guests all across downtown.”
20) JAS Labor Day Experience 2019
When: August 30 – September 1, 2019 (Labor Day Weekend)
Where: Snowmass, Colorado
http://www.jazzaspensnowmass.org/labor-day-experience.html
Brand new festival to Colorado! Bringing talented artists spread over 3 days, tons of amazing food, and beautiful Colroado scenery, this is another event not to miss!
21) Seven Peaks Music Festival
When: August 2020 (Dates TBA)
Where: Buena Vista, Colorado
http://sevenpeaksfestival.com/
Coming into it’s second year, Seven Peaks festival is ready to bring some of the biggest names in Country Music to the gorgeous mountains of Colorado! From the creators of massive country festivals like Tortuga, Watershed, and Faster Horses – you know you’re in good hands! If you’re into country music, then this is where you should be Labor Day weekend!!
22) Juneteenth Music Festival
When: June 2020 (Dates TBA)
Where: Five Points Neighborhood, Denver
https://www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com/
“The annual Juneteenth Parade kicks off the fun, staging 9:00 am at Manual High School and beginning promptly at 11:00 am. The #DREAMBIG Awards Ceremony will commence at 12:00 pm at main stage on 25th & Welton St. Enjoy and engage with hundreds of vendors while the kids play in the youth zone. Calling all #GAMERS to the Juneteenth Music Festival NBA 2K19 Tournament.”
Am I Missing Any Epic Music Festivals in Colorado…?
There are tons of amazing events spread around this gorgeous country, and it’s hard to include every one of them on these lists! So please do let me know if you think I need to add a specific music festival! I’ll be personally attending several of these in the next year or two as I’m spending a lot more time in Colorado now! Can’t wait to finally check out Red Rocks, camp at Sonic, and jam out to music on the ski slopes!
Looking for more music festivals…?
I’ve written a ton of articles about different music festivals around the world, as well as in the U.S.A. Check out a few of these below, and get ready for your next big event!
- Top 50 Music Festivals in the USA | US Festival Bucket List
- 44 Festival Accessories, Gear, and Must-Haves | Festival Packing List
- The Ultimate Music Festival Camping Packing List
- Top 20 Music Festivals in Canada to Experience Before You Die
- 37 California Music Festivals That’ll Keep You Dancing All Year Long
- Top 20 San Diego Music Festivals | The Ultimate SD Festival Bucket List
- The Best 25 Music Festivals in Texas To Experience Before You Die
- The Top 25 Music Festivals in ARIZONA To Experience Before You Die
- The Best 25 Music Festivals in FLORIDA To Experience Before You Die
- 37 California Music Festivals That’ll Keep You Dancing All Year Long
- The Top 10 Music Festivals in Colorado To Experience Before You Die
- Top 21 Music Festivals in LAS VEGAS To Experience Before You Die
- 15 Epic Music Festivals in MICHIGAN To Experience Before You Die
- 20 Vancouver Music Festivals To Add To Your BUcket List
Thanks so much for reading about these Colorado Music Festivals!
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Underground Music Showcase – Denver’s largest and most iconic music festival, just announced the full 2019 lineup and will once again bring an array of acclaimed national and local artists, creatively curated stages, and host endless surprises across the three-day showcase. The just announced 2019 UMS lineup, with performances by more than 200 artists, includes national headliners Honne, Chicano Batman, Black Mountain, Tuxedo, Earthgang, and Still Woozy.
Supporting artists include Empress Of, Yves Tumor, DRAMA, Sophie Meiers, LEIKELI47, Y La Bamba, Gardens & Villa, William Elliott Whitmore, Miya Folick, Tessa Violet, Haviah Mighty, Liza Anne, Spooky Mansion, Greyhounds, Dressy Bessy, DBUK, SWSH, Kainalu, Jackie Mendoza, Clavvs, Rapperchicks, Rich Jones, Divino Niño, Parallelephants, Deezie Brown, Garrett T Capps and more and more than 200 acts from across Colorado. View the full lineup here: https://www.undergroundmusicshowcase.com/lineup.