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It hasn’t exactly been a banner snow year in Colorado’s high country. As we put a wrap on this less-than-ideal winter, let’s look at the positives: April still delivers one of the best excuses to head for the hills. The crowds are thinner, the days are longer, and the calendar is packed with festivals, live music, and après-adjacent antics.
It’s as good a time as ever to enjoy springtime in a higher clime. While you’re at it, grab tickets to an eminent tasting festival, book a refreshing Earth Day yoga class, or kick back with some brews at a free concert.
Read More: Fun Things to Do in Denver This Week
Jump Ahead:
Aspen
Aspen Film Shortsfest
Whether your attention span is fried from too many TikToks, you’re just strapped for time, or you enjoy films that pack a punch, there are many reasons to love short films. This annual festival is dedicated to the art form. The movies in the program will take you to a rural Taiwanese funeral, a small-town American wrestling team, the Los Angeles wildfires, and more. Make sure to pencil in time for the panels and awards ceremony at the end of the fest. April 7–11; times vary; passes $225, single tickets $28
Earth Day Celebration
Celebrating Earth Day is extra special in a place like Aspen, where the beauty of nature is impossible to deny. The Farm Collaborative is hosting this bash, where you can start the day with a morning salutation, sample goods from local growers and producers, get a farm tour, and participate in planting activities. April 25; 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; free attendance
Crested Butte
Deadhead Ed’s End of Season Party
Throw on your trusty tie-dye and grab your dearest deadheads for this end-of-season jam session at the Center for the Arts Crested Butte. Colorado-based Grateful Dead tribute group Easy Jim will perform timeless tracks like “Fire on the Mountain” and “Friend of the Devil” to usher in shoulder season. Crested Butte locals Mountain Jam will also take the stage. April 2; 8 p.m.; $35–$45
Estes Park
Bigfoot Days
Some adventurers dedicate their entire lives to finding this elusive beast, when all you have to do is go to Estes Park this month. This quirky festival is centered around Sasquatch, and as such, guests can run in the Bigfoot Half Marathon and 5K, swap tales with so-called “Bigfoot celebs,” participate in a Bigfoot-calling contest, and much more. April 24, 6–9 p.m.; April 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; free attendance, some events ticketed
Steamboat Springs
Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series
Inflation hasn’t yet hit the cost of this seven-week concert series, which has been free to the public for 25 years. Over the course of six weeks, hear live sets from genre-spanning groups including Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel, the Sweet Lillies, and the iconic reggae artists the Wailers in Steamboat Square. March 7–April 12; Saturdays 3:30–5 p.m.; free
Summit County
Frisco Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter Bunny enjoys the mountains too—and he’s going to be spending his Easter vacation in Frisco. At this spring celebration, more than 5,000 eggs will be spread across Frisco’s Town Hall and Historic Park. Little ones can gather the candy-stuffed orbs, then snap a photo with the bunny himself. April 5; noon; free attendance
Sunsation
Copper Mountain might be closing its slopes soon, but that doesn’t mean the sun is setting on fun at the resort. This annual two-day festival offers all-day free music and giveaways, including free sets from blue-rock the Record Company and DJ Don Fuego. On Sunday, stick around for the annual pond-skimming event, featuring a 60-foot rail. April 25–26; times vary; free attendance
Vail and Beaver Creek
Taste of Vail
Ski season is coming to a close, but you can still satisfy your après urges at events like Vail’s marquee foodie fest. The event opens on Wednesday with a reception that features wine and paired hors d’oeuvres and a kickoff dinner at Ludwig’s. The rest of the week, fill your schedule with dinners at spots such as Tavernetta and Mirabelle, wine seminars, and the grand tasting event where local and national chefs and wineries will serve up delectable bites. April 1–4; times vary; passes start at $700, single-event ticket prices vary
Après at the Amp
Those who aren’t completely tuckered out by a full day on the slopes can make the most of their vacation by heading to this after-hours concert. Night one will include performances by electric music icon Tiësto and German electronic-folk DJ Bunt; on night two, see the groovy Purple Disco Machine and remixer LP Giobbi. The early-to-bed crowd can still catch a DJ set or two during the day, thanks to a bevy of on-mountain performances. April 10–11; starting at 5:30 p.m.; starting at $190
Root Down Rise Up Yoga
Whether your Earth Day plans include picking up trash off the roadside or planting a few new bulbs, these free yoga classes at Westin Riverfront are an excellent addition to your agenda. Offered three times throughout the day, the all-levels lessons will focus on connecting breath with movement, flowing at a natural pace, and rooting you to Mother Nature. April 22; 7:30 a.m., noon & 4 p.m.; free, suggested donation to Mountain Pride, book here
Winter Park
Spring Bash & Splash
Spring might be here, but that doesn’t mean we’re done playing in the snow. This three-week celebration of late-season skiing boasts one raucous event after another. The festivities kick off at the end of March with tons of craft beer, live music, and more than 40 Colorado makers at TheBigWonderful Beerfest & Bluegrass. March 28–April 12; 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; free attendance
