Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
When summer heats up, so does the action in the mountains. Take your pick from this calendar of more than 50 festivals (divided by region, alphabetically and in chronological order). From classical to jazz to rock-n-roll, and from sporting events to culinary extravaganzas to art celebrations, there’s truly something for every taste. If you don’t see a listing for your favorite resort, chances are its schedule hadn’t been released when we compiled this calendar. Just log on to specific resorts’ websites to see what else is being offered.
ASPEN/SNOWMASS, CO
FOOD & WINE MAGAZINE CLASSIC AT ASPEN, JUNE 15-17
Culinary superstars share their passion for food, wine and entertaining. More than 300 wine connoisseurs pour premium wines complemented by specialty foods from around the world.
Contact: 877-900-Wine, www.aspenalive.com
ASPEN SUMMER WORDS WRITING RETREAT, JUNE 18-21
This event hosts more than 20 events for readers and writers. Ursula Hegi and Ted Conover will be featured speakers. Authors and publishing industry experts include Pam Houston, Pete Fromm and Jonathan Triesman, executive producer of “Pay It Forward.”
Contact: 970-925-3122, www.aspenwriters.org
THE SNOWMASS VILLAGE RODEO, JUNE 21-AUG. 26
Cowboys compete in saddle bronc riding, team roping, bareback riding, dally ribbon roping, barrel racing and bull riding every Wednesday and Saturday. Features a Western barbecue, calf scramble and more.
Contact: 970-923-4433, www.snowmassrodeo.com
JANUS JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS FESTIVAL, JUNE 21-24
This festival presents world-class music (Bonnie Raitt, Santana and B.B. King, to name a few past performers), an open canopy tent and stunning views of the Elk Mountain Range.
Contact: 970-920-4996, www.aspenalive.com
SUMMERFEST, AUG. 19
The Aspen Gay and Lesbian Community Fund presents Summerfest with outdoor activities, dance parties and field-day celebrations.
Contact: 970-925-9249; www.gayskiweek.com
THE 29TH ANNUAL MOTHERLODE VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC, AUG. 30-31
North America’s No. 1 pro-am beach volleyball event, offering 13 levels of double play and featuring top amateurs from across the country, as well as many professionals from pro-beach tours.
Contact: 303-617-8337, www.aspenalive.com
BEAVER CREEK, CO
NATIONAL PASTRY TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS, JUNE 22-24
Teams of the nation’s best pastry chefs will compete to create some of the most elaborate pastry showpieces conforming to the theme of ‘Hollywood.”
Contact: 970-845-9090, www.snow.com
THE BEST OF BEAVER CREEK HOME SHOW, JUNE 24
Six homes, each spectacular in unique ways, will be featured from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person.
Contact: 970-476-1876, www.snow.com
BRAVO! CHAMBER MUSIC CLASSICS, JULY 10, 17, 24, 31
This series presents a lineup of exciting chamber music favorites throughout the summer. Presented by the Vilar Center for the Arts.
Contact: 970-827-5700, www.snow.com
JEEP WHITEWATER FESTIVAL, MAY 26-27
This kayaking and rafting competition, held at Eagle River, provides both intermediate and advanced boaters a chance to compete. Prizes awarded to winners.
Contact: 970-949-5189
BRECKENRIDGE, CO
THE BRECKENRIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL, JUNE 23-AUG. 19
Two months of classical concerts featuring the National Repertory Orchestra comprised of student musicians, and the professional musicians of the Breckenridge Music Institute Festival Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles. Special guest artists and conductors are featured, as well as Elderhostels, galas, patriotic concerts, music appreciation day camp and children’s concerts. Ticket prices vary by performance.
Contact: 970-547-3100, www.breckenridge.com
BRECKENRIDGE JULY ART FESTIVAL, JULY 6-8
Fearing more than a hundred artists and craftsman from all over the United States, this art show was rated 40th in the nation for fine art shows last year. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Contact: 970-547-9326, www.breckenridge.com
MID-SUMMER FEAST, AUG. 3
The evening begins with a cocktail hour, including platters of hors d’oeuvres, wine, classical music and items to peruse and bid on, followed by a gourmet dinner with fine wines. A brief live auction and dancing to lively music round out the evening. The Feast is presented by Applause and the Breckenridge Music Institute to benefit the BMI. Cost: $100 per person.
Contact: 970-453-1288, www.breckenridge.com
ZINGER CYCLING RACE, AUG. 15
Celestial Seasonings is sponsoring this inaugural one-day race from Boulder to Breckenridge. Part of the men’s Saturn U.S. Pro Tour, it traverses more than five mountain passes and covers about 135 miles. The event includes a women’s criterium race, an expo area and a finish party.
Contact: 970-453-2913, www.breckenridge.com
BRECKENRIDGE BLUES FESTIVAL, SEPT. 1-3
This festival marks the final event of the summer music series and features some of the nation’s finest blues artists. Benefiting the Summit Foundation, it offers a cash barbecue, free entertainment and games for kids.
Contact: 970-453-9349, www.breckenridge.com
RUBBER DUCK RACE, SEPT. 1
This fundraising event features thousands of rubber ducks shooting the rapids of the Blue River. Race begins in the Maggie Pond and ends at the Riverwalk Center. The owner of the fastest “adopted” duck wins a ski vacation to Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada, courtesy of Keystone Real Estate Developments.
Contact: 970-453-5970, www.breckenridge.com
THE CANYONS, UT
THE WESTBOUND FESTIVAL, JULY 21-22
Sponsored by The Summit Institute for Arts & Humanities, this festival takes place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The theme is “Women of the West” and so the festival will feature female musicians, artists and lecturers. The cost is $9 per day. There will also be several children’s programs.
Contact: 435-649-5400; www.thecanyons.com.
CRESTED BUTTE, CO
FAT TIRE BIKE WEEK, JUNE 20-24
This weeklong festival features guided rides for all levels of bikers, entertainment and the main race for both downhill and cross-country bikers. Check out wildflower ride, where experts point out Crested Butte’s unique foliage. There are also instructional clinics, the chainless race and the main race event. Courses vary according to ability.
Contact: 800-950-2133, www.crestedbutte.com
WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL, JULY 9-15
Activities include guided hikes and walks, cooking, art, photography classes, slide shows and garden tours focusing on flowers and gardening. Kids programs also featured.
Contact: 800-950-2133, www.crestedbutte.com
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, AUG. 4-5
Juried art show with more than 150 artists in categories ranging from handmade clothing to sculpture. Held on Elk Avenue with dance and musical performances plus kids booths. Free.
Contact: 800-950-2133, www.crestedbutte.com
REEL FESTIVAL, AUG. 8-12
This short-film festival features dozens of short films from international artists. Tickets can be purchased for any of the multiple-day screenings the day of the performance.
Contact: 800-950-2133, www.crestedbutte.com
JACKSON HOLE, WY
EXUM SKI AND SNOWBOARD MOUNTAINEERING CAMPS, JUNE 5-9, JUNE 12-16
Group ski and snowboard Mountaineering Camps are offered twice during the summer. These five-day courses are designed for expert skiers and snowboarders who seek challenges. Skills covered in the camps include moving over snow, ice and rock, ice axe use, self arrest, placing rock and snow anchors, belaying, avalanche awareness and rescue beacon practice.
Contact: www.jacksonhole.com
KEYSTONE, CO
KEYSTONE ARTS FESTIVAL , JULY 14-15, 2001
This two-day festival features juried art, children’s entertainment and art booths Includes live music and barbecue.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
X-TERRA TRIATHLON, JULY 28-29
This challenging triathlon takes place on Sunday with a 30-km mountain bike, 11-km run and a 1.5-km swim. A two-day event, the triathlon weekend includes expos activity booths, a climbing wall and kids’ races.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
BLUEGRASS AND BEER FESTIVAL, AUG. 11-12
The fifth annual festival showcases Bluegrass performers nationwide. The event showcases a variety of Colorado microbreweries, plus a lumberjacking competition featuring several of the state’s best lumberjacks.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
KEYSTONE FIDDLE CONTEST, AUG. 25-26
Enjoy a barbecue, children’s activities and fiddle players of all ages. The contestants compete for cash prizes throughout the day.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
RIVER RUN WINE, JAZZ & ART FESTIVAL, AUG. 25-26
Experts showcase award-winning wines and pair them with exquisite art.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
THE MOUNTAIN ART GATHERING, AUG. 4-5
This classic art show features twelve of America’s leading artists to benefit the Summit Foundation.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
PARK CITY, UT
INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, AUG. 24-26.
This is one of the country’s premier jazz events. Three-day passes run $95. A one-day pass starts at $30.
Contact: 888-451-2787, www.parkcityjazz.com
BEST IN THE WEST FINE ART AUCTION, JUNE 2
“A Night for the Grizzly” fine art auction including live and silent auctions, quick draws with live grizzly bears and wolves and food. All proceeds go to the preservation of America’s wild heritage.
Contact: 435-658-0009, www.parkcityinfo.com
PEDALFEST, JUNE 9
This Intermountain Cup Mountain Bike Series race features a multi-lap course on Deer Valley’s world-famous trail system. The wide service road climb up Tour de Homes provides ample space for passing before hitting the wild and snaky singletrack downhill through the dense woods. Courses differ by ability level.
Contact: 801-942-3498, www.intermountaincup.com
PARK CITY MARATHON, JUNE 16
The route will run to Trailside Park, which offers a spectacular distant view of the Bear Hollow, Utah Olympic Park and Kimball Junction area. Awards will be given to the top three male runners, top three female runners, and top three runners in each age division.
Contact: 801-944-7339, www.pcmarathon.com
WESTBOUND FESTIVAL, JULY 14-15, 21-22
The Westbound Festival series will focus on “Human and Natural Resources of the West” the first weekend, and “The Women of the West” the second weekend. Both will present representative musicians, dancers, artists, writers and thinkers.
Contact: www.summitinstitute.org
32ND ANNUAL CADILLAC PARK CITY ARTS FESTIVAL, AUG. 4-5
More than 200 artists, working in a variety of visual media, line the streets, in conjunction with performing and culinary artists.
Contact: 435-649-8882, www.kimball-art.org
FOUNDER’S TITLE FOLK AND BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, AUG. 11-12
Presented by Intermountain Acoustic Music Association, Saturday’s events include a songwriting contest, instrument championship and band scramble. Sunday will be a day of performances at Deer Valley Resort.
Contact: 801-339-7664, www.iamaweb.org
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO
20TH ANNUAL STEAMBOAT MARATHON, JUNE 3
Consists oContact: www.jacksonhole.com
KEYSTONE, CO
KEYSTONE ARTS FESTIVAL , JULY 14-15, 2001
This two-day festival features juried art, children’s entertainment and art booths Includes live music and barbecue.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
X-TERRA TRIATHLON, JULY 28-29
This challenging triathlon takes place on Sunday with a 30-km mountain bike, 11-km run and a 1.5-km swim. A two-day event, the triathlon weekend includes expos activity booths, a climbing wall and kids’ races.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
BLUEGRASS AND BEER FESTIVAL, AUG. 11-12
The fifth annual festival showcases Bluegrass performers nationwide. The event showcases a variety of Colorado microbreweries, plus a lumberjacking competition featuring several of the state’s best lumberjacks.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
KEYSTONE FIDDLE CONTEST, AUG. 25-26
Enjoy a barbecue, children’s activities and fiddle players of all ages. The contestants compete for cash prizes throughout the day.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
RIVER RUN WINE, JAZZ & ART FESTIVAL, AUG. 25-26
Experts showcase award-winning wines and pair them with exquisite art.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
THE MOUNTAIN ART GATHERING, AUG. 4-5
This classic art show features twelve of America’s leading artists to benefit the Summit Foundation.
Contact: 800-354-4386, 970-496-4386, www.keystoneresort.com
PARK CITY, UT
INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, AUG. 24-26.
This is one of the country’s premier jazz events. Three-day passes run $95. A one-day pass starts at $30.
Contact: 888-451-2787, www.parkcityjazz.com
BEST IN THE WEST FINE ART AUCTION, JUNE 2
“A Night for the Grizzly” fine art auction including live and silent auctions, quick draws with live grizzly bears and wolves and food. All proceeds go to the preservation of America’s wild heritage.
Contact: 435-658-0009, www.parkcityinfo.com
PEDALFEST, JUNE 9
This Intermountain Cup Mountain Bike Series race features a multi-lap course on Deer Valley’s world-famous trail system. The wide service road climb up Tour de Homes provides ample space for passing before hitting the wild and snaky singletrack downhill through the dense woods. Courses differ by ability level.
Contact: 801-942-3498, www.intermountaincup.com
PARK CITY MARATHON, JUNE 16
The route will run to Trailside Park, which offers a spectacular distant view of the Bear Hollow, Utah Olympic Park and Kimball Junction area. Awards will be given to the top three male runners, top three female runners, and top three runners in each age division.
Contact: 801-944-7339, www.pcmarathon.com
WESTBOUND FESTIVAL, JULY 14-15, 21-22
The Westbound Festival series will focus on “Human and Natural Resources of the West” the first weekend, and “The Women of the West” the second weekend. Both will present representative musicians, dancers, artists, writers and thinkers.
Contact: www.summitinstitute.org
32ND ANNUAL CADILLAC PARK CITY ARTS FESTIVAL, AUG. 4-5
More than 200 artists, working in a variety of visual media, line the streets, in conjunction with performing and culinary artists.
Contact: 435-649-8882, www.kimball-art.org
FOUNDER’S TITLE FOLK AND BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, AUG. 11-12
Presented by Intermountain Acoustic Music Association, Saturday’s events include a songwriting contest, instrument championship and band scramble. Sunday will be a day of performances at Deer Valley Resort.
Contact: 801-339-7664, www.iamaweb.org
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO
20TH ANNUAL STEAMBOAT MARATHON, JUNE 3
Consists of a marathon, half marathon, 10-km run, 10-km fitness walk and a fun run.
Contact: 970-879-0880, www.steamboat-chamber.com
YAMPA RIVER FESTIVAL, JUNE 9-10
River races, slalom course, whitewater rodeo and even a river dog race. Sponsored by the Friends of the Yampa.
Contact: 970-879-6249, www.steamboat-chamber.com
COWBOY ROUNDUP DAYS AND 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION, JULY 4
This 98th annual event includes a parade and fireworks on the Fourth and rodeo performances Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Sponsored by Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort.
Contact: 970-879-0880, www.steamboat-chamber.com
RAINBOW WEEKEND, JULY 13-15
-21st Annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo: 50 hot air balloons take to the sky over Steamboat early Saturday and Sunday morning.
Contact: 970-879-0880.
-27th Annual Art in the Park: More than 100 artisans take to West Lincoln Park to play and sell their goods. Also includes entertainment and food.
Contact: 970-879-9008 , www.steamboat-chamber.com
VAIL, CO, JULY 1-8
VAIL’S LACROSSE SHOOTOUT
This Ford Park tournament is a weeklong lacrosse tournament, featuring college and high school teams from across the United States. The festival brags the hottest talent in the U.S. Free for spectators.
Contact: 970-479-2280, www.snow.com
CASPER MOUNTAIN, WY, JULY 21-22
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
A family-oriented event with bluegrass bands, this bluegrass festival features the Wyoming Symphony and lots of food and vendors. Free.
Contact: 307-235-9325
WINTER PARK RESORT, CO
MUSIC AT THE PARK CONCERT SERIES, JUNE 16-AUG. 25
Artists include Mary Jones and Pork Boilin’ Po Boys, Bruce Hayes and The Ragged Mountain Ramblers and Washboard Annie. Free.
Contact: 800-979-0332
POLE CREEK GOLF CLASSIC JUNE 14-16
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy two days of tournament play at the award-winning Pole Creek Golf Club. Tournament fees include two rounds of golf with one practice round, cocktail parties and a silent auction. Sponsored by The Fairways at Pole Creek, to benefit the Fraser Valley Recreation District and its youth programs.
Contact: 800-511-5076 or 800-903-PARK.
MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIES, JUNE 17-AUG. 26
This popular series on Winter Park mountain hosts competitors who ride two, three or four laps of an approximately 4.5-mile course that varies according to ability. The races are open to riders of all abilities and offers men and women age classes for competitors eight years and older. Entry fees for adults are $25 in advance or $35 on race day. Cost for participants 18 and younger is $20 for pre-registration and $25 the day of the race.
Contact: 970-726-1590, www.winterpark-info.com.
11TH ANNUAL AMERICAN RED CROSS FAT TIRE CLASSIC, JUNE 22-24This two-day pledge ride/walk benefits the Mile High Chapter of the American Red Cross. Riders can choose from one of three separate routes geared towards different abilities. The event also offers entertainment, food, music, free seminars, product demonstrations and vendor booths. Registration is $25 per person if you register before April 15, $40 from April 16 through May 31 and $55 after May 31, plus a minimum pledge amount. Participants 18 and under are free with a paying adult. Entry fee includes five meals, the Saturday Night Celebration with free Fat Tire Amber Ale and the awards ceremony.
Contact: 303-722-7474, http://www.denver-redcross.org
EIGHTH ANNUAL RUN FOR INDEPENDENCE, JUNE 30
Celebrate national independence while promoting independence for children living with kidney disease by participating in this popular five-mile run and walk along the Fraser River Trail. Race proceeds benefit the Scott Hughes Foundation of the Vacation Kidney Center at Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA.
Contact: 800-903-7275
FRAS