Colorado FestivalsTake a Denver day trip, to check out these Colorado festivals:Frozen Dead Guy Days is a festival that takes place in Nederland, 15 miles west of Boulder. It is held during the first weekend in March. I find this to be one of the most interesting fests out there. This festival showcases an actual frozen man, hoping to one day be brought back to life. Nederland is the perfect match for such an off-beat celebration. From what I gather, this event has all of the normal pieces of a festival like arts & crafts, music, food and a costume contest, plus truly unique events like a parade of hearses and even coffin races. If you’re tired of the average community get together, then this is your place. The Telluride Blues and Brews Festival takes place on the third weekend in September, Friday through Sunday. Tickets must be purchased for this event and it is generally a sell out. There are campgrounds available for a small fee. Leadville Boom Days is an Old West themed festival in the historical mining town of Leadville, 100 miles southwest of Denver. There is a gun show, mining contests, and an outhouse race. The three days of festivities always take place during the first weekend in August. New West Fest is an annual event that takes place in Fort Collins during the third weekend in August. It’s free to the public and is fun for the whole family. Over 50 bands play throughout the weekend, including a main headliner. Past headliners include Melissa Etheridge and Earth, Wind & Fire. The Snowdown Winter Festival in Durango isn’t your typical craft and food festival. The five days are jam packed with contests and games, such as scavenger hunts, Spam carving contests, dance parties, mattress racing, and drinking contests. It is being held February 2-6th, 2011 in downtown Durango. Boulder International Film Festival is being held on February 17-20, 2011. The film venues are scattered about in downtown Boulder and include Boulder Theater and Boulder Public Library. Tickets are $10. The Four Corners Folk Festival can be found in Pagosa Springs over Labor Day weekend. Pagosa Springs is about a 5 hour drive from Denver, but would be a great excuse to see some great Colorado scenery. A three day pass runs anywhere from $85 to $105. The Colorado State Fair is held in Pueblo from August 26th to September 5th, 2011. General admission is $5-$8, but an additional pass must be purchased for carnival rides. Events include roller derby, musical performances, and livestock competitions. Pueblo is a scenic 2 hour drive South of Denver. Two hours from Denver, in Buena Vista, is where the family festival called Gold Rush Days takes place. On August 13th and 14th is when the fun begins. Food and crafts, along with events such as storytelling and duck races, make up this small town festival. |
