Written by Alyssa Mavor
Staying in the Springs this summer? Never fear—Colorado is bustling with fabulous festivals, concerts, and art events that you won’t want to miss. Here are some of our top picks:
May 22-25 – Denver Comic Con, Denver
Pop-culture fans, unite! The annual Denver Comic Con brings together comic-junkies, sci-fi fanatics, anime lovers, fantasy TV aficionados, and movie buffs for a massive celebration of pop culture. Voted “Best Fan Convention 2013” by Westward Magazine, DCC’s size has grown from 27,000 people in 2012 to over 86,000 people last year.
Attendees are often found in cosplay (read: costume-play), dressed as their favorite animated characters. The festival features gaming and comic competitions, panel discussions, and the chance to meet celebrities like Karen Gillian from “Dr. Who” and Garrett Wang from “Star Trek.” Day tickets can be purchased at denvercomiccon.com/tickets.
May 26 – Chromeo & ODESZA, Red Rocks
Live in the beautiful Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Funk on the Rocks will feature Chromeo & ODESZA on Tuesday, May 26 to jam the night away. Cashmere Cat, a rising artist known for his down-tempo/electronic beats, and Classixx, known for their indie rock remixes, are opening for them at 6:30 p.m. While tickets are currently sold out on the Red Rocks website, it’s always possible to snag one online. Check out redrocksonline.com for more info!
June 18-21 – Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride
The Telluride Bluegrass festival has long been recognized for its celebrated bluegrass acts and ‘festivarian’ culture. Bands such as John Butler Trio, Trampled by Turtles, Leftover Salmon, and Yonder Mountain String Band stack the 2015 lineup in what is sure to be the biggest year yet.
The four-day festival features free workshops of informal musical performances for all ‘festivarians’ in addition to the main stage acts. Each year, musicians and bands from all over the country take part in the Telluride Troubadour and band competitions to win cash prizes and fine instruments.
The Telluride Troubadour competition is designed for songwriters that have not been signed to a major label. Competitors must perform original pieces in hopes of receiving prizes, and the winner has a chance to perform on the main stage of the festival! Accommodations range from camping to cabins. Tickets may still be available at shop.bluegrass.com.
June 27 – Climb for Courage, Colorado Springs
On June 27, the U.S. Air Force Academy will team up with the Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation to host Colorado Springs’ only stair-climbing event. Participants can sign up as individuals or teams to race around the Academy’s Falcon Stadium for over 2.7km and 2,700 stairs to raise money for the foundation. Adult registration is $35 with a fundraising minimum of $50. After the climb, a festival with games, activities, entertainment, and vendors will take place at the Academy. Participants must register by June 24. More information is online at http://www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org
June 27 – Summer Symphony: Flash Cadillac and the Haunted Windchimes, Colorado Springs
At 6 p.m. on June 27, retro rock band Flash Cadillac will be performing in Bear Creek Park accompanied by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Special guests The Haunted Windchimes, known for their Southern Colorado/Americana feel, will be introducing them. This family friendly event is free and open to the public. People are encouraged to picnic at the event and local food, brews, and wine will be available for purchase. Additional information is on csphilharmonic.org
July 3-5 – 11th Annual Pikes Peak Art & Music Festival, Colorado Springs
Formerly known as the Pikes Peak Arts Fest, this festival features over 100 national and local visual artists as well as three days of music performances. Hosted at America the Beautiful Park in downtown Colorado Springs, the festival features arts activities and is hosted by the Pikes Peak Arts Council. People interested in becoming a member of the PPAC can visit pikespeakartscouncil.org/join.
Aug. 28 to Sept. 7 – Colorado State Fair, Pueblo
The annual Colorado State Fair will return to Pueblo starting this August, bringing carnival rides, rodeos, and concerts galore. Greasy fry bread, cotton candy, and snow cones abound at the western-themed festival. There will be a plethora of contests including fine arts exhibits, small animals, and livestock shows. The concert lineup features Tracy Lawrence, Chase Rice, Jake Owen, and Los Lonely Boys, with more to be announced. Tickets and prices are online at coloradostatefair.com.