Bucket List Summer Festivals
As of April 1, 2020 the following events were still scheduled, however due to COVID-19 precautions, please check the official website for up to date information.
Move over, Coachella – Northern Colorado is making a name for itself in the festival realm! A region bursting with a thriving music, arts and culture scene, drool-worthy culinary creations, plenty of craft beverage options and truly unbeatable summer weather, Northern Colorado is the perfect setting to soak up some sunshine and join your friends, families and neighbors at one (or more!) of the region’s bustling, lively summer festivals. From live music to local brews to unique eats, there’s a festival for everyone in Northern Colorado – we’ve outlined a few of our favorites to get you started:
Jam Out
Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest (Fort Collins)
If you’re all about discovering the best musical acts in Colorado, then Fort Collins’ Bohemian Nights is the festival for you. Organizers of this popular annual event make it their mission to expose the Northern Colorado community to new, emerging and established Colorado-based artists, as well as promote Fort Collins as a city with a thriving local music scene. This free, family-friendly event in Fort Collins’ buzzing downtown features over 50 artists across 5 stages – many of whom are Northern Colorado locals!
Estes Park Jazz Festival (Estes Park)
Known throughout the state for its commitment to excellence in Jazz, the Estes Park Jazz Festival kicks off NoCo festival season every June. Held at the picturesque Performance Park outdoor amphitheater, this two day festival brings the cozy mountain town of Estes Park to life with the sounds of the finest national and regional jazz artists – and at just $10/day (or $15 for a full weekend pass), there’s no better way to celebrate summertime in Northern Colorado.
Greeley Blues Jam (Greeley)
Few things are more telling about the Greeley Blues Jam than the festival’s official motto: “It ain’t nothin’ but a party!” Complete with numerous food vendors, local libations, activities for the whole family, camping – and, of course, some of the best Blues performers in the world, Greeley Blues Jam brings attendees from across the state to its beautiful town to celebrate the cultural impact and sounds of the Blues musical genre.
Imbibe
Colorado Brewers Festival (Fort Collins)
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019, downtown Fort Collins’ award-winning Colorado Brewers Festival has been a staple of Northern Colorado’s festival lineup since before we can remember. This annual event came to fruition back in 1990 with the intention of showcasing the local brewers making a name for themselves in Colorado’s growing beer scene and made its mark in history as the first beer festival in the state. Today, the festival attracts attendees from far-and-wide to enjoy unlimited samples of over 100 local brews from 50+ Colorado breweries, live music and entertainment and local artisan exhibitors.
Estes Park Wine Festival (Estes Park)
It’s no secret that Colorado is essentially synonymous with craft beer – but did you know that the state is also home to a plethora of local wineries? Head up to Estes Park this summer to spend a full weekend soaking up the sights, sounds and tannins of the Rockies at 7,500 ft. Attendees can taste wines from over 25 Colorado wineries and enjoy local eats to the sound of local and Colorado-based bands, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. Name a better way to spend a sunny summer weekend in Northern Colorado – we’ll wait.
Front Range Wine Festival (Windsor)
Calling all wine connoisseurs! Head over to Windsor for a summer day filled with live music, local artisan vendors, food from local eateries and complimentary tastings from over 35 Colorado-based wineries! Feeling fancy? VIP tickets include admission to the VIP tent, where you and your crew can enjoy catered food and wine in an intimate setting.
Devour
Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival (Loveland)
Put on by the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, this local festival is anything but business. The Old Fashioned Corn Roast Festival showcases Loveland’s unique local culture and celebrates the town’s small-town vibe and favorite crop – corn, of course. This lively festival includes plenty of fresh Colorado sweet corn, local food vendors, live entertainment, corn-centric contests, kid-friendly activities and the famous Corn Roast Parade.
Taste of Fort Collins (Fort Collins)
A Northern Colorado tradition, the annual Taste of Fort Collins food festival brings all of the city’s best cuisine to Old Town’s Washington Park. This three-day festival is all about bringing the Northern Colorado community together, and nothing unites people more than delicious eats. Complete with numerous local food trucks and booths featuring local and regional dishes from some of Colorado’s best chefs, Taste of Fort Collins is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the sights, sounds and – most importantly – tastes of Northern Colorado.
BBQ, Bands and Brews (Loveland)
This essential Northern Colorado festival, which has drawn around 25,000 attendees in recent years, brings together the finer things in life: smoked meats, live music and local drafts. When you take a break from dancing to the live tunes, which range from country to soul and nearly everywhere in-between, explore local artisan and vendor booths, eat all the BBQ your heart desires and sample some of the best craft beers that Colorado has to offer. Bonus points for supporting your community – proceeds go toward Northern Colorado charities like the Boys & Girls Club of Larimer County, Loveland Sertoma and more.
With plenty of lively festivals and community events, it’s no wonder that people from all walks of life are flocking to beautiful Northern Colorado to live, work and play. Learn more about things to do and see in Northern Colorado by visiting workinnortherncolorado.com/living-here/.