The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals.
We’re looking forward to summer for a variety of reasons—not least because longer days mean more hours of light to pack in activities. If you need some help filling this season’s social calendar, we’ve rounded up the best high-altitude happenings in Colorado’s mountain towns.
From Pride events to a meeting of notable minds, the only problem with your warm-weather itinerary will be finding time to work and sleep (sorry, we can’t help you there).
Jump ahead:
Estes Park
Wool Market
It’s not just humans who have started packing away their Patagonia puffers and bulky flannels for the summer: sheep, rabbits, alpacas, and other furry animals have also shed their layers in preparation for warmer days. At this market, you’ll get to see the results of their shearing, as dozens of natural fiber purveyors display yarn, apparel, blankets, and jewelry. Curious guests can watch demonstrations and sit in on workshops to learn how to paint with wool, dye yarn, and more. June 5–8; Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; free attendance
Winter Park
Blues from the Top Music Festival
Whether you want to hear veritable legends like Little Feat or young up-and-comers such as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Winter Park is the place to be for blues lovers this month. Over three days, hear rollicking licks from the likes of the Record Company, Southern Avenue, and JJ Grey & Mofro. Make sure you save enough energy for the to-be-announced late shows at venues across town—and upgrade to VIP tickets for a more luxe experience. June 27–29; times vary; starting at $80 for one day pass
Vail and Beaver Creek
Vail Craft Beer Classic
This anticipated annual event exists at the intersection of all things Colorado: heady jams, flowing brews, and mountain scenery. Sign up for one of the grand tastings to sample endless suds from breweries including Wibby Brewing, the Grateful Gnome, and Busey Brews, plus listen to live entertainment from outfits like the Scott Rednor Band. June 13–-14; event times vary; starting at $59
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 orchestras from around the world to Vail so they can play for locals and visitors alike. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Sinfónica de Minería from Mexico will play everything from Beethoven to Madonna throughout the summer, and don’t miss the mini concerts from community members held at various spots across Vail. June 19–July 31; times vary; prices vary
Creekside Park Grand Opening
Be among the first to peep the new Creekside Park during this opening event. Local movers and shakers (think: Beaver Creek Resort board of directors and leadership team) will unveil the new space, which includes habitat-themed play pods, a nest-inspired play structure, a new multiuse lawn, plus a new patio. The event will include passed apps, beverages, and a live band. June 20; 4–6 p.m.; free
Summit County
Irrational Indigenous Insights Exhibition
What we now call Summit County was historically inhabited by the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Indian tribes. While much of that history is overlooked today, multimedia artist Anna Tsouhlarakis is highlighting Native American culture in this exhibition which focuses on Native art and the experience of Native women. Through sculpture, video, photography, performance, and other mediums, Tsouhlarakis tackles the struggles—and resilience—of Native American communities. Now–August 31
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 the Intergalactic Peace Jelly and psychedelic rock band Hobo Village stave off the scaries. Now–Aug. 31; Sundays 6–8 p.m.; free
Lake Dillon Beer Festival
What says summer more than drinking a cold beer by a body of water? At this lakeside festival, more than two dozen beverage makers—from Dry Dock Brewing to Strange Craft to Angry James—will help you live your best lake life. Proceeds from the get-together will benefit the Colorado Brewers Guild and Blue River Watershed Group. June 7; 1–4 p.m.; $18–$49
AirStage Summer Après
Après doesn’t end when ski season does. This free music series invites outdoor enthusiasts to stop by for some post-sweat-sesh tunes. Hike, bike, or bus to the Breckenridge Arts District for draft brews and live music from the likes of May Be Fern (June 13), the Reminders (June 19), and Local Folk (June 26). June 13–Aug. 21; Thursdays 4–7 p.m.; free
Pride in the Park
Do Pride Month the high-elevation way during Mountain Pride’s annual bash in Avon. Start the day with a grounding yoga sesh, go gaga over fashionable pups at the “Pawshion Show,” watch high-flying stunts at a variety show, and round out the day with a drag performance. Also don’t miss Breck Pride (June 9 to 15), which will have fun runs, karaoke, and live performances. June 14; noon–8 p.m.; free
Breckenridge Farmers’ Market
Breck-based chef Matt Vawter has already won a James Beard Award and oversees two popular restaurants (Radicato and Rootstalk), but now he can add farmers’ market proprietor to his resume. This brand-new Thursday-night market will have more than a dozen vendors (including Five Freedoms Dairy and Pines’ Nut Butter) and will take place on the same night as the AirStage Summer Après, so attendees can kick back to live tunes after filling their tote bag with produce. June 19–Sept. 25; Thursdays 4–8 p.m.; free
Rosé Reverie: A Château d’Esclans Pairing Dinner
We know to pair red wine and red meat and that white wine complements seafood—but what do you serve alongside rosé? Don’t sweat the answer: Stoke & Rye will teach you during this four-course paired dinner. Château d’Esclans sips will be paired with dishes such as cantaloupe, watercress, Serrano ham balsamic reduction, and candied pistachios; brown butter scallops, creamy saffron risotto, and Hollandaise sauce; pan-seared duck breast with smoked bacon sweet potato hash; and honey poached apricots, with whipped house-made ricotta. June 26; 6 p.m.; $135 per person
Steamboat Springs
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 set of calming tunes. In June, hear local singer-songwriter Tyree Woods croon his soulful original songs, Camille DiTrani and Friends play from the Great American Songbook, and Pat Waters strum favorites from the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. June 25–Aug. 20; 10 a.m.; free
Aspen
Food & Wine Classic
Any foodie worth their (Maldon) salt has had this event on their calendar since last year’s festival concluded. Gourmands can pick their own adventure, with tons of seminars and demonstrations to choose from, such as “Beer for Breakfast: Drink Your Vitamins,” “The Perfect Pairing: Potato Chips & Wine,” and “Guess the Grape: How to Blind Taste Like A Pro.” But the can’t-miss events are the grand tastings, where the who’s who of the food and beverage industry will be offering elevated bites and sips. June 20–22; times vary; passes start at $2,950
Aspen Ideas Festival
If you walked into a room with Brené Brown, Jeff Koons, Sean Penn, and Fareed Zakaria, you might think you’re dreaming. But no, you’re just at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Since 2005, the annual fete has gathered hundreds of the foremost thinkers in a variety of fields (politics, entertainment, science, tech, etc.) for moderated conversations, interviews, and more. When your brain is ready for a break, join one of the festival’s guided nature tours, art walks, or field trips. June 25–July 1; times vary; passes start at $4,000
Crested Butte
Alpenglow Concert Series
If you’ve aged out of the all-night festival circuits and rowdy jam band gigs, this kid-appropriate music series is perfect for your music-loving family. Held before bedtime on Mondays, Crested Butte Center for the Arts will bring acts such as Paul Hoffman (of Greensky Bluegrass), Grateful Dead cover band Easy Jim, and solo pianist Holly Bowling to town for a series of relaxing lawn shows. June 16–Aug. 11; Mon 5:30 p.m.; free
