Colorado's Best Festivals of 2025: Music, Food, and Culture

Colorado’s 2025 festival scene is shaping up to be nothing short of spectacular! Known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and active outdoor culture, the Centennial State offers a wide range of festivals to cater to every taste. Whether you're into live music, craft beer, film, or cultural celebrations, Colorado has something for everyone. Ready to dive into the best the state has to offer? Here’s your guide to the top festivals happening across Colorado in 2025.

1. Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June 19-22, 2025)

A staple of Colorado’s festival scene, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival combines world-class bluegrass music with the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Held in the picturesque town of Telluride, this festival attracts top bluegrass artists from around the globe, and 2025 promises an incredible lineup. Expect artists like Punch Brothers, Greensky Bluegrass, and Alison Krauss to make an appearance.

How to Get There: Telluride is a scenic 6-hour drive from Denver, or you can fly into Montrose Regional Airport and take a shuttle.
Tickets: General admission starts at $300 for a 4-day pass.
Must-See: Late-night jam sessions in the campground and spontaneous collaborations between musicians.
Local Tips: Book your lodging early—it fills up fast. Also, bring a jacket as the mountain evenings can get chilly.

2. Red Rocks Summer Concert Series (May-September 2025)

No trip to Colorado is complete without experiencing a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the most iconic music venues in the world. The natural acoustics and stunning views make this a bucket-list venue for music lovers. The 2025 lineup will include everything from rock and pop to EDM and indie, featuring artists like The Lumineers, ODESZA, and Deadmau5.

How to Get There: Red Rocks is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Denver, and there are shuttle options available.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the artist, starting at around $60.
Must-See: Catching a sunset before the concert begins—it’s an experience in itself.
Local Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for the walk up to the venue, and bring layers for the cooler evening temperatures.

3. Great American Beer Festival (October 9-11, 2025)

Beer lovers, rejoice! The Great American Beer Festival in Denver is the ultimate celebration of craft beer, featuring over 4,000 beers from more than 800 breweries across the U.S. This three-day event offers tastings, educational seminars, and competitions, making it a must-attend for both casual drinkers and beer enthusiasts.

How to Get There: Held at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver, it’s easily accessible by public transit or rideshare.
Tickets: General admission starts at $95 per session.
Must-See: The Brewers’ Gold Pavilion, where you can taste award-winning beers from the competition.
Local Tips: Pace yourself and drink plenty of water—there are a lot of beers to try, and the altitude can sneak up on you!

4. Frozen Dead Guy Days (March 7-9, 2025)

For something truly quirky and uniquely Colorado, check out Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland. This offbeat festival celebrates the town’s infamous frozen resident with coffin races, polar plunges, and ice carving contests. It’s the perfect blend of weird and wonderful, with live music and plenty of craft beer to keep the energy high.

How to Get There: Nederland is an easy 45-minute drive from Boulder or about 1.5 hours from Denver.
Tickets: General admission is free, but some events may have entry fees.
Must-See: The famous coffin races—teams compete by racing down snowy hills with decorated coffins.
Local Tips: Dress warmly, and don’t miss out on the afterparties at local bars, where the fun continues long after dark.

5. Aspen Food & Wine Classic (June 13-15, 2025)

If you’re a foodie, the Aspen Food & Wine Classic is a dream come true. This luxurious event brings together world-renowned chefs, winemakers, and food experts for three days of tastings, cooking demos, and wine seminars. Expect appearances from celebrity chefs like José Andrés, Giada De Laurentiis, and Marcus Samuelsson.

How to Get There: Aspen is a scenic 4-hour drive from Denver or a quick flight into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
Tickets: General admission starts at $1,700, which includes access to all tastings and events.
Must-See: The Grand Tasting Pavilion, where you can sample food and wine from top chefs and producers.
Local Tips: If you can, extend your stay to explore Aspen’s hiking trails and beautiful summer scenery.

6. Telluride Film Festival (August 29-September 1, 2025)

Film buffs flock to the Telluride Film Festival each year to catch premieres of some of the most anticipated films of the season. This prestigious festival is known for showcasing indie films, documentaries, and international cinema, with past premieres including "The Imitation Game" and "Moonlight." It’s a must-attend for anyone who loves cinema.

How to Get There: Fly into Montrose and take a shuttle to Telluride, or drive from Denver.
Tickets: Festival passes start at $780.
Must-See: The outdoor screenings under the stars and post-film Q&A sessions with directors and actors.
Local Tips: Lodging sells out fast—book early! Also, be prepared for long lines at screenings.

7. Colorado Shakespeare Festival (June-August 2025)

Step back in time with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, held at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre. This beloved festival brings Shakespeare’s plays to life under the stars, with performances ranging from comedies like "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" to tragedies like "Hamlet." The 2025 season promises more timeless tales with a fresh, modern twist.

How to Get There: Boulder is a 45-minute drive from Denver, with plenty of parking options near the venue.
Tickets: Prices start at $25.
Must-See: The opening night performance, which often features special pre-show festivities.
Local Tips: Bring a picnic and enjoy dinner on the lawn before the show starts—it’s a Boulder tradition.

8. Greeley Stampede (June 25-July 6, 2025)

If you’re looking for a true taste of Colorado’s Western heritage, the Greeley Stampede is the festival for you. This long-running event features rodeos, country concerts, carnival rides, and fireworks, offering something for everyone. It’s the perfect mix of cowboy culture and family-friendly fun.

How to Get There: Greeley is about an hour’s drive from Denver.
Tickets: Rodeo tickets start at $25, with additional costs for concerts and carnival rides.
Must-See: The Fourth of July rodeo and fireworks show—it’s a Greeley tradition!
Local Tips: Wear your cowboy boots and get ready for some serious line dancing at the afterparties.

9. Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (August 9-18, 2025)

For lovers of art and the outdoors, the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts is a unique event that blends visual and performance art with the stunning natural beauty of the Rockies. From outdoor installations to live music and dance performances, this festival turns the entire town of Breckenridge into an artistic wonderland.

How to Get There: Breckenridge is a 2-hour drive from Denver, with parking and shuttle options available.
Tickets: Many events are free, with ticketed performances starting at $30.
Must-See: The outdoor art installations along the Blue River Trail, which are perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Local Tips: Bring a camera—there are plenty of Instagram-worthy moments in this artistic town.

10. Snowmass Balloon Festival (September 12-14, 2025)

For something truly magical, head to the Snowmass Balloon Festival, where over 30 hot air balloons take to the skies in a stunning display of color. Watch the mass ascension in the morning, then enjoy a festival day filled with food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities.

How to Get There: Snowmass is located just 10 miles from Aspen, easily accessible by car.
Tickets: Free to attend.
Must-See: The sunrise balloon ascension—get there early for the best views!
Local Tips: Bring a blanket and grab a spot on the lawn to watch the balloons take off.

11. Estes Park Elk Fest (October 4-5, 2025)

Experience the majesty of Colorado’s wildlife at the Estes Park Elk Fest. Held during the elk rutting season, this festival celebrates the iconic elk with educational exhibits, live music, and guided elk-viewing tours. It’s a fun and family-friendly way to learn about Colorado’s natural wonders.

How to Get There: Estes Park is just a 90-minute drive from Denver, and parking is available throughout town.
Tickets: Free to attend, with optional fees for guided tours.
Must-See: The elk bugling contests, where locals compete to mimic the elk’s distinctive call.
Local Tips: Bring binoculars for up-close elk viewing, and make sure to stay a safe distance from the animals.

Colorado in 2025 is packed with incredible festivals that reflect the state’s diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re sipping craft beer at GABF, rocking out at Red Rocks, or watching hot air balloons soar above Snowmass, there’s something for everyone. So, mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready for a year of unforgettable festival experiences in the Centennial State.

Stay tuned to Woke Waves Magazine for more insider tips and updates on Colorado’s 2025 festival season!

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