By Barry Coughlan
With music events taking place around the world, and especially in Ireland and the USA this summer, many fans take the opportunity to mix, song, dance and travel.
It’s no different in Colorado and with the Sunset Amphitheater due to open this August in Colorado Springs, it’s perhaps timely to look at the best festivals – with of course music events – around the state that could be worth traveling to.
Not too far away in the inaugural Outside Festival that takes place in downtown Denver, between June 1 and 2. That and others right through to September are featured here in a list of enticing options.
Attend the Inaugural Outside Festival, Denver, 1-2 June
The inaugural Outside Festival will take place in downtown Denver from 1-2 June 2024. With the intention to make the outdoors more accessible and exclusive, this new event is a one-of-a-kind celebration of everything outdoors. The festival is designed for beginners and experts alike, with experiences appealing to climbers, hikers, cyclists and skiers, all whilst having a soundtrack from headliners including Thundercat and Say She She.
Feel the Blues at Palisade Bluegrass and Roots Festival, 14 -16 June
From the music to the sunshine, The Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Festival encompasses Colorado culture by bringing together the nation’s top bluegrass performers for a three-day festival. For over ten years, Palisade has been honoring its love of guitars, outstanding artistry, blazing fiddles and Colorado sun. As well as top performing artists, the festival promotes the state’s best emerging stars. Travelers can choose to camp or stay in a hotel. The Grand Valley is filled with outdoor experiences, wineries, orchards and farms for exploration.
Play homage to The Beatles at Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver, 22 August
A geological phenomenon, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre is the only naturally-occurring, acoustically-perfect amphitheatre in the world. Located about 10 miles southwest of Denver, the venue has hosted everyone from Sting, to The Beatles and U2. Visitors can also hike, bike, watch movies or attend a yoga class in the open mountain air at this natural wonder. This year, it’s the 60th anniversary of The Beatles world tour which went down in history. On 22 August, PBS12 is thrilled to announce “1964” THE TRIBUTE live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Enjoy the sound of Jazz at Telluride Jazz Festival, 9-11 Aug
Nestled at the base of a majestic canyon, and surrounded by waterfalls, the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado host the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three-day and night music event centered around jazz. The annual event combines the finest pristine natural landscape aesthetics with boundless creativity, accompanied by a once-in-a-lifetime soundtrack, provided by acclaimed artists. The towering mountain peaks and glowing aspen trees that dot the hillsides provide the perfect amphitheatre for music to resonate through the mountain canyon. Providing a sample of Colorado’s renowned craftsmanship, amenities include food vendors, craft brews and cocktails.
Experience soulful sounds at Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Lyons, 9-11 August
Set in the culture-rich mountain town of Lyons, the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival celebrates song and story with music from morning until night whilst song-writing workshops take place in the beautiful 300-seat Wildflower Pavilion throughout the day. This gives attendees the opportunity to closely interact and learn from inspiring artists. For over 30 years the “Summit on the Song” has brought songwriters of all genres together for three days of music, camping and inspiration. This year the likes of Brittany Howard and John Vincent III will be taking to the main stage. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring a swimsuit to take a refreshing dip in the St. Vrain River, located steps away from the festival.
Mountain Town Music Festival, Keystone, 17 August
A celebration of the state, Mountain Town Music Festival, situated in Keystone welcomes warm summer days teamed with free live music. Be amazed by live performances from Salida Circus who move in time with the music. Stumble across acrobats, stilt walkers, magicians and more. Festival goers can take advantage of lodging discounts on a range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms to cosy condos, as well as complimentary activities including golf, tennis, pony rides and a free gondola ride when two or more nights are booked.
Vail Jazz Party, Vail, 30 August – 1 September
Marking its 30th anniversary this Labor Day weekend, Vail Jazz Party will return better than ever to acknowledge the founders, instructors, all-stars and musicians who have brought nothing but joy to audiences for 30 years. The Vail Jazz Party features an array of headliners that join together to play in group performances, multi-artist jam sessions and inspiring multimedia tributes to jazz legends. The festival aims to perpetuate jazz music whilst expanding the audience for the genre by presenting entertaining and educational live performances, and providing jazz education to youth and assisting in the development of aspiring musicians.
For more information, visit www.colorado.com.