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Summer is in full swing—and even Colorado, with its enviable temperate weather, isn’t immune from sweltering heat. Luckily, the Centennial State has plenty of high-country locales that serve as excellent hiding places from high temps.
Consider heading for the hills, where there are plenty of ways to pass the time while avoiding a heat stroke. Just this month, watch a rodeo that dates back to 1900, indulge in a meal made by Michelin-starred chefs, and peep wildflowers in the backcountry. Stay cool, Denver!
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Summit County
SunsetLive!
In mountain towns like Avon, you’re safe from the Sunday Scaries. That’s because instead of fretting about Monday morning’s problems, you can spend Sundays lounging and listening to live music at the Terrace at the Avon Performance Pavilion. Claim a spot on land or sidle up to the stage on a SUP board and let acts such as four-piece string band Moonstone Quill and funk trio Earth Juice stave off the scaries. Now–Sept. 1; Sundays 6–8 p.m.; free
A Creative & Culinary Affair
Raise a toast to 10 years of BreckCreate at this soiree featuring epicureans and artists alike. This organization aims to support Summit County creatives through exhibitions, workshops, festivals, and performances—so it only seems fitting to celebrate its anniversary with some of the town’s top creators. Guests can taste offerings from some of Breck’s beloved eateries, including Hearthstone, Rootstalk, and Fatty’s Pizzeria; watch live performances from singer-songwriter KelLee Carlile and multi-instrumentalist Diego Espinoza, and dance the night away during a DJ-led decades party. July 20; 5 p.m.; $300 per person
Vail and Beaver Creek
Lionshead Live
No matter which week you visit Vail this summer, you’ll be able to catch a no-cost music performance thanks to this new series. Each Thursday for two hours, you’ll get to hear tunes from the likes of country duo Tim & Taylor, funk group Johnny & the Mongrels, and tropical-rock outfit the Margarita Brothers. While you listen, grab grub and beverages from Tavern on the Square. Now–Aug. 29; Thursdays 6–8 p.m.; free
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
The coordinators of this renowned classic music festival are well-versed in, ahem, orchestration—and not just the musical kind. Each summer, the nonprofit brings four orchestras to Vail, so they can play for locals and visitors alike. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Sinfónica de Minería from Mexico will play everything from Brahms to Kacey Musgraves throughout the summer; don’t miss the mini concerts from community members held at various spots across Vail. Through Aug. 1; times vary; prices vary
Fourth of July Luau
At first glance, a ski resort might be an unconventional venue for a summertime luau—but this poolside party at the Gore Creek Terrace just might change your mind. The buffet will abound with Hawaiian-inspired fare like Huli Huli chicken, a poke bar, and a carving station for kalua pua (aka roasted pig). Work up your appetite at the pool or dancing to the live-spun tunes from DJ Krusher Jones. July 4; noon; $75 per person
Chefs in the Gardens
If you’re typically glued to the Food Network, take a break from Bobby Flay and watch renowned chefs demonstrate their culinary prowess IRL—in a stunning setting, no less. During the five classes, local culinary artists such as Paul Ferzacca of La Tour and Rudy Williams of Cucina will prepare a meal beneath the peaks at the Gerald Ford Amphitheater. The best part? You get to sample the finished product. July 11–Aug. 15; noon–1 p.m.; $25
Even if Catherine Hurlin and Aran Bell aren’t household names for you right now, we promise you won’t be able to stop talking about them once you see the duo perform Jerome Robbins’ Afternoon of a Faun at this world-renowned dance festival. This annual arts extravaganza brings some of the biggest names in ballet, tap, modern, and more to the stage in Vail for 13 performances. Attend a master class by New York City Ballet principal Sara Mearns, attend a lecture by Balanchine ballerina Heather Watts, and don’t miss the International Evenings of Dance, when acclaimed artists from all over the world perform an unforgettable repertoire. July 26–Aug. 5; $10–$140
Crested Butte
Cattlemen’s Days
What better place to get acquainted with cowboy culture than this rodeo, which has been held since 1900? In addition to plenty of bucking broncos, you’ll be able to view horse, poultry, swine, and dog shows; catch the sunset from the ferris wheel at the carnival; and attend Cowboy Church on Sunday morning. July 11–13; rodeos start at 7 p.m. daily, other event times vary; $5–$30
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
Those of us lacking green thumbs are lucky to live in Colorado—an oasis of gorgeous flora is never too far away. During this 10-day annual fest, bask in the natural beauty of Crested Butte’s wildflowers during dozens of events including flower identification walks, medicinal plant classes, photography workshops, watercolor-and-wine sessions, wildflower folklore seminars, and much more. July 12–21; times vary; registration is per event, prices vary
Grin and Bear It Trail Run
While the ski areas are closed for the summer, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore the backcountry in other ways. This trail run—Crested Butte’s oldest—is held on a wildflower-studded course that starts and ends at the town’s Nordic Center. Whether you opt for the 15k or the 27.5k competition, either one will give your quads that same double-black diamond feel. July 13; bib pickup starts at 7 a.m.; $65–$75
Estes Park
Rooftop Rodeo
This rodeo’s youngest contestants are five years old—and, no, that isn’t in bull years. During the “Mutton Bustin” event, tots compete to see who can stay on a sheep the longest. In addition to the world’s cutest rodeo event, you’ll also get to watch full-sized humans compete in steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and more. Don’t miss the parade, where floats, rodeo royalty, and horse-mounted riders will trek around the Estes Park Fairgrounds. July 5–10; times vary; general admission $17–$35
SnowyGrass Music Festival
If you prefer your music festivals to feel less like Coachella and more like a backyard jamboree, head to this Estes Park bluegrass bash. The four-day fete starts with a “Campy Hour” during which attendees can mingle while enjoying pours from Snowy Peaks Winery and tunes from the Charlie Stevens Band. The rest of the weekend is a blur of top-notch bluegrass bands, from Grammy-nominated fiddler Bruce Molsky to Asheville, North Carolina’s Fireside Collective. July 12–14; times vary; $25–$155
Winter Park
Kinky Boots
After a long winter of quad-busting ski sessions, we don’t blame you if you want to kick back and put your, ahem, boots up. During this Tony Award–winning musical, forget all about ski boots and focus on main character Charlie Price, his floundering footwear factory, and his shoe muse Lola, who might help him save his family business. Now–Aug. 24; times vary; $35–$65
Venture Out Fest
While park rats are certainly entertaining to watch at Winter Park Resort, the competitors in this summertime slopeside fest might take the cake. Professional Dock Dogs (aka dogs who compete in water activities) will participate in everything from long jumps to speed retrievals off a dock at the base of the mountain. Families can also attend exercise classes, meet with avalanche dogs, get their faces painted, and attend live concerts. July 13; 11 a.m.; free
Steamboat Springs
Olympic Heritage Tours with Olympian Ben Berend
Before the Summer Olympics kick off in Paris this month, brush up on your Colorado Olympics lore during this educational tour. Nordic combined skier Ben Berend will talk about Steamboat’s athletic excellence—it’s produced more Winter Olympians than any other town in the U.S.—his own journey to the 2018 Pyeongchang games, and the history of Howelsen Hill. June 11–Sep. 10; Tuesdays 9–10 a.m.; free, donations appreciated
Music on the Green
Far removed from rush-hour traffic and miles-long Starbucks lines, this weekly series invites guests to start their morning in the serene Yampa River Botanic Park with a 45-minute set of calming tunes. In July, see singer-songwriter duo Chamberlin Birch pluck folksy tunes and the Erinys String Quartet show off their classical training. Now–Aug. 7; Wednesdays 10–10:45 a.m.; free
Art in the Park
If your kiddos have already begun the “I’m bored” refrain, spare yourself from their grumbling and head to this fest in West Lincoln Park. In addition to more than 120 artists selling their paintings, leather goods, and clothes, there are also interactive creative stations for aspiring makers, food trucks, a beer garden, and live performances—meaning everyone will be far too busy to be bored. July 13–14; Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; free
Aspen
If you’re looking for guaranteed good grub, head to the Little Nell for this feast featuring culinary heavy hitters. Michelin-starred chefs, including Gabriel Kreuther of his eponymous New York City restaurant and Suzette Gresham of Acquerello, will whip up memorable meals paired with wines handpicked by sommeliers such as Little Nell wine director Chris Dunaway. Opt for á la carte events like an Italian wine luncheon or purchase a festival pass. July 7–10; times vary; individual event prices vary, festival pass $1,950
