Unique Festivals and Events in Colorado
Colorado isn't just about its stunning mountains and outdoor adventures; it's also home to some of the most unique and fun (IE weird) festivals and events you'll find anywhere. From celebrating headless chickens to racing coffins, here are some festivals throughout the year that perfectly capture Colorado's spirit of fun and eccentricity. Whether you’re a local or visiting the state for vacation; you’re sure to find something that will make you say, “…what!?”.
Leadville Skijoring
Location: Leadville, CO
Date: March (exact dates vary)
About: Skiers are towed by horses through an obstacle course, blending the thrill of skiing with the power of horseback riding.
Telluride Nothing Festival
Location: Telluride, CO
Date: August (exact dates vary)
About: Imagine a festival that celebrates doing absolutely nothing! Participants engage in impromptu and humorous activities, making it a hilarious and unforgettable experience.
Frozen Dead Guy Days
Location: Nederland, CO or Estes Park, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 1 hour
Date: March (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free to attend; some activities may have fees
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Celebrates the town’s frozen grandfather with coffin races, polar plunges, and a vibrant celebration of life.
Olathe Sweet Corn Festival
Location: Olathe, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 4 hours
Date: August (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free admission; activities may have fees
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Celebrates sweet corn with music, corn-eating contests, and a lively community atmosphere.
Telluride Mushroom Festival
Location: Telluride, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 6 hours
Date: August (exact dates vary)
Cost: Festival passes required; varies by event
Dog Friendly: No, dogs are not allowed in festival venues
Details: Celebrates everything fungi with foraging expeditions, culinary demonstrations, and educational seminars.
Mike the Headless Chicken Festival
Location: Fruita, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 4 hours
Date: May (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free admission; some activities may have fees
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Commemorates Mike, the famous headless chicken, with a 5K run, chicken-themed activities, and plenty of quirky fun.
Leadville Boom Days
Location: Leadville, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 2 hours
Date: August (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free admission; some activities may have fees
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Celebrating the town's mining heritage with burro races, mining competitions, and a lively street fair.
Emma Crawford Coffin Races
Location: Manitou Springs, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 1.5 hours
Date: October (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free to watch; participation may require a fee
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Teams race coffins down Manitou Avenue in honor of local legend Emma Crawford.
Donkey Derby Days
Location: Cripple Creek, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 2 hours
Date: June (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free admission; some activities may have fees
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Features donkey races and Wild West-themed activities, celebrating Cripple Creek's unique heritage.
Ullr Fest
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 1.5 hours
Date: January (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free admission; some activities may have fees
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: A winter celebration honoring Ullr, the Norse god of snow, with a parade, bonfires, and snow-centric activities.
Lafayette Quaker Oatmeal Festival
Location: Lafayette, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 30 minutes
Date: January (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free admission; oatmeal breakfast and health fair activities may have fees
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Celebrates oatmeal with a breakfast and health fair, including an oatmeal baking contest and a 5K walk/run.
Great Fruitcake Toss
Location: Manitou Springs, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 1.5 hours
Date: January (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free to watch; participation may require a fee
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Participants compete to see who can toss a fruitcake the farthest, with creativity and hilarity abound.
Cardboard Classic
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 3.5 hours
Date: April (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free to watch; participation may require a fee
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Homemade sleds made of only cardboard, glue, and tape race down the slopes in a hilarious and creative end-of-season event.
Splashdown Pond Skim
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 3.5 hours
Date: April (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free to watch; participation may require a fee
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Skiers and riders attempt to cross a pond at the base of the mountain in outrageous outfits, judged on distance and creativity.
Estes Park Duck Race Festival
Location: Estes Park, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 1.5 hours
Date: May (exact dates vary)
Cost: Free to watch; duck adoption supports local charities
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: Adopt a rubber duck and race it down the Fall River in support of local charities, with family games and live music.
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
Location: Durango-Silverton, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 6.5 hours
Date: May 24-26, 2024
Cost: Registration fees for some events; free to watch
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: A historic bike race against the Durango and Silverton train, offering scenic views and challenging terrain.
FIBArk Salida
Location: Salida, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 2.5 hours
Date: June 13-16, 2024
Cost: Free admission; some events may have fees
Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
Details: America’s oldest whitewater festival with events like the Slalom Race, Crazy River Dog, and Hooligan Race, plus camping nearby.
Sundown Colorado
Location: Denver, CO
Drive Time from Denver: N/A (in Denver)
Date: TBD 2023 (usually summer)
Cost: Tickets required; varies by event
Dog Friendly: No dogs allowed
Details: Denver’s first sober music festival focusing on mindfulness, wellness, and connecting through music.
Polar Express Train Ride
Location: Durango, CO
Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 6.5 hours
Date: November 17 – December 31, 2023
Cost: Ticket prices vary; reservations required
Dog Friendly: No dogs allowed
Details: A holiday-themed train ride complete with hot chocolate, a light show, and a visit from Santa Claus.