Summers in the Colorado high country are hard to beat. Add great food, wine, entertainment, art, and the natural beauty of the mountains; there is no better place to escape from the dog days of the metro area. We've rounded up several options where high culture meets high country, some you may need to wait until next summer to enjoy. But keep them on your radar for 2026.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
July 11-20
The "Wildflower Capital of Colorado" welcomes visitors to more than 150+ events led by locally and nationally recognized leaders in painting, pollination, photography, culinary arts, and more. Founded in 1986, guided hikes and arts sessions take participants into Crested Butte's wildflower-filled trails to identify the beautiful blooms and explore our unique geology and history. crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org
Chatfield Botanic Gardens Lavender Festival
July 19-20
Imagine yourself in the South of France and celebrate lavender with artisans, demonstrations and live music. Ramble among more than 2,000 lavender plants at this family-friendly event. Guests will have the opportunity to talk with Chatfield Farms horticulturists and farmers, purchase lavender products made by local growers and artisans and attend educational programs. botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/lavender-festival
Vail Dance Festival
July 25–Aug. 5
Vail Valley Foundation’s internationally acclaimed festival will include 14 performances and over 30 events celebrating excellence and innovation in the world of dance at venues throughout the valley. Anchoring the season, five major companies, such as Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and Paul Taylor Dance Company, will present performances and repertory specially curated for this year’s festival. vaildance.org
Breckenridge International Festival of Arts
Aug. 14-24
BIFA invites audiences on a 10-day journey exploring the deep connections between nature and human expression through adventurous, arts- and play-based programming that transform Breckenridge into a vibrant, creative playground for all ages. Taking center stage this year is Studio Roosegaarde’s SPARK, an immersive field of poetic, sustainable and biodegradable light sparks gracefully floating through the air.
Telluride Film Festival
Aug. 29-Sept. 1
Every Labor Day Weekend, Telluride swells with film enthusiasts ready for cinematic immersion. Passes go on sale in March, but no one knows until they arrive which programs will be featured; it’s a surprise. Recent Oscar winners from the festival include "Moonlight" and "Parasite," alongside art-house films "The Imitation Game" and "Saltburn." telluridefilmfestival.org
Snowmass Balloon Festival
Sept. 12-14
A beloved Snowmass tradition, the 50th Anniversary festival features three days of hot air balloon beauty at Snowmass Town Park. Friday features a Night Glow under the stars, where guests can walk among tethered balloons while enjoying music and concessions. The morning launches begin at sunrise on Saturday and Sunday, now the biggest mountain festival of its kind. gosnowmass.com/event/snowmass-balloon-festival-2/2025-09-12/
Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
June
While it may be too late to enjoy this year, the 2025 Food & Wine Classic featured over 80 cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, panel discussions, and spirits tastings, combined with five Grand Tastings where attendees sampled ingredients, dishes, and drinks from 150+ winemakers, chefs, and distillers. 2025’s headliners included Padma Lakshmi, Giada De Laurentiis, Tyler Florence, Phil Rosenthal, and many others. Tickets go on sale in January. classic.foodandwine.com