Explore Western Colorado's Summer: Festivals & Outdoor Fun

When friends or family from out of state ask you what summer is like in Western Colorado, what do you tell them? If you had to select three events to send them to that would show them what summer was like here, which events would you choose?

Open our station app and hit the chat button, and share your three essential Western Colorado events that would show someone what summer was like on the Western Slope.

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Fruita Fat Tire

Fruita Fat Tire Festival
Dates: May 2–4, 2025
Location: Downtown Fruita & 18 Road Trail System
Website: FRUITA FAT TIRE FESTIVAL 2025

The city of Fruita gets to host one of the first fun festivals of the outdoor season with the Fat Tire Fest. Fat Tire is one of the longest-running festivals for bicycling fanatics, celebrating 29 years in 2025. While there is no official ‘race,’ the event features trail rides on Fruita’s singletrack, bike demos, live music, food trucks, and all the Colorado sunshine you can stand. Summer can’t start without the Fat Tire Fest in Fruita.

Telluride Bluegrass Festival

Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Dates: Fridays, June 19^th to 22nd
Location: Telluride Town Park
Website: Telluride Bluegrass Festival

In addition to the music of Jason Isbell, Alison Krauss, Union Station, and Gillian Welch, the festival also features bluegrass workshops and a chance to Q&A with the artists. Hotels, condos, and vacation rentals in Telluride and Mountain Village fill up fast, so make plans now. Bluegrass Fest will take place from June 19^th to the 22^nd in Telluride Town Park. Enjoy summer in Colorado's San Juan Mountains.

Palisade Peach Festival

Palisade's Peach Blossom Festival Blooms
Dates: August 15–16, 2025
Location: Riverbend Park, Palisade, CO
Website: Palisade Peach Fest 2025

We wait all year long for those incredible Palisade Peaches. Western Colorado endures that July heat just so we can make it to August to enjoy the Palisade Peach Festival next to the Colorado River. They are already planning this year’s event with live music, peach-eating contests, the biggest peach contest, and lots more. The Palisade Peach Festival has been a Western Slope tradition for more than 50 years.

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LOOK: Colorado's Fun Backcountry Swimming Holes & Hot Springs

Get out on the trails and discover Colorado's super fun swimming holes and hot springs. Remember to obey all posted signs and to check water levels and conditions before swimming. All locations are 'swim at your own risk'.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: Western Colorado's Top Picks for the Best Pizza

We asked you to tell us your favorite places to go for pizza in Western Colorado. Scroll on to see the top 13 picks you suggested via our station app, and where to find each location below.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

UP NEXT: 10 Places To Stay Cool This Summer in Grand Junction, Colorado

As summer temperatures arrive in the Grand Valley, Grand Junction has a number of places that can help keep you cool. Scroll through the photos below to find a place to cool off. Know of more places? Share them with us on the station app and we will add them to the list.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams