Entertainment
Best of the Fests
We all know that music simply sounds better in the summer. The weather’s nicer, the air is fresher and, dammit, it’s time to make some noise. We’ve made it easy for you and boiled everything down for this list of can’t miss summer festivals
We all know that music simply sounds better in the summer. The weather’s nicer, the air is fresher and, dammit, it’s time to make some noise. We’ve made it easy for you and boiled everything down for this list of can’t miss summer festivals.
What’s Left Fest
July 8
Prepare to rock your socks off at the Black Sheep in Colorado Springs with music by Stab Crew, Blighter, Sic Generals, The Conjugal Visits, Bullhead*ed, Milogic and Sonic Vomit.
www.coloradospringslivemusic.net.
Colorado Irish Festival
July 8-10
Experience the largest Irish celebration in the Rocky Mountains with traditional music, performances, dancing, Irish drama, storytelling, crafts, games, food and drinks at Clement Park in Littleton.
www.coloradoirishfestival.org.
2nd Annual Greenhorn Valley Arts & Music Festival
July 9-10
A celebration of American and world roots featuring Lazy Alien Blues Band, Sonny Hoot Band, Sarah Samantha Rose, Fabulous Mojo Tunes, The Bones Band and Lion Souljahs in Colorado City.
www.greenhornvalleyproductions.com.
Crested Butte Music Festival: Bluegrass in Paradise
July 9-10
Get rootsy with performances by Gypsy Jazz Social Club, Head for the Hills, Town Mountain, Sierra Hull & Highway 111, Seldom Scene, Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys, Honey Don’t, The Josh Williams Band, Nashville Bluegrass Band, Keller & The Keels, The Kruger Brothers and The Paradise All-Star Band at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort.
www.bluegrassinparadise.com.
Music in the Mountains: Classical Music Festival & Conservatory
July 9–31
Live music will include orchestra, chamber and conservatory performances of classical and world music at various venues in Durango.
www.musicinthemountains.com/musicinthemountains.
Global Dance Festival
July 14-16
This is the first year Global Dance Festival is expanding to three massive days! With the additional day and the killer venue (Red Rocks), we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the huge success of electronic dance music in our state!
www.globaldancefestival.com.
14th Annual Blues n BBQ
July 17
Enjoy great blues by Eden Brent, Sammy Mayfield, The Duke Street Kings, Teresa Lynne and the Dreamboats, The Big Motif and School of Rock in Olde Town Arvada.
www.bluesnbbq.com.
Denver County Fair
July 28-31
The Denver County Fair is a place to share ideas, traditions, creativity, local culture and innovation. The Fair—held at the National Western Complex—will highlight the talents, trends, diversity and interests of the residents of our amazing city and county.
www.nationalwestern.com.
Colorado Renaissance Festival & Artisans Market
Thru July 31
Flash back to the 16th Century and journey through a medieval city. Enjoy full-armor jousting, tasty turkey legs, music and a marketplace featuring more than 200 artisans plying their trade at the festival grounds in Larkspur. www.coloradorenaissance.com.
Rocky Mountain Music Festival
Aug. 28
Featuring performances by BoDeans, Everclear, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Desert Rose Band, plus 15 local bands that can all be enjoyed at the lovely Denver Botanic Gardens-Chatfield.
therockymountainmusicfestival.com.
Rock Jam
Aug. 26-27
Unlock the rock courtesy of Meatloaf, Skillet, Godsmack and Twisted Sister in Grand Junction.
www.rockjam.com.
(Compiled by Janet Martin, Chris O’Keefe and Matt Tapia)
