Summer has a way of sneaking up on all of us. So it's never too early to start making plans for the warm and sunny season.
For us, that always means live music. And there are plenty of festivals in Colorado that let you soak up the sun while enjoying some of the best music from the Centennial State and beyond.
Below, read up on 11 music festivals taking place from May to September. You'll find dates, info and musical highlights for each.
Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
SEPT. 15-17
The summer festival season comes to a close with this music and microbrewery collaboration. This year's headliners include some classic rockers as well as relative newcomer Benjamin Booker, whose new "Witness" album is out in June.
Highlights: Steve Winwood, Benjamin Booker, Chicano Batman
Past Events
Project Pabst
MAY 20
After a successful inaugural year, Project Pabst returns to Denver's River North neighborhood for a day of national and local music. The lineup for this year features a diverse blend of rap, electronica and indie rock.
Highlights: Phantogram, Kurt Vile & the Violators, Danny Brown, STRFKR
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
JUNE 15-18
The first of several events listed here taking place in beautiful Telluride, the Bluegrass Festival brings four days of folk, gospel and bluegrass artists to the southwestern Colorado town. Fans of "A Prairie Home Companion" on CPR News should be sure to catch at least one of two scheduled performances from that program's host, Chris Thile.
Highlights: Brandi Carlile, Elephant Revival
Westword Music Showcase
JUNE 24
Last year's Showcase demonstrated the resolve of Colorado musicians: After a power outage hit many venues in Denver's Golden Triangle neighborhood, several artists played acoustic shows to appreciative attendees. Here's hoping all the lights can stay on this year, especially at the two outdoor stages.
Highlights: Shakey Graves, Cut Copy, iZCALLi
The Ride Festival
JULY 8-9
It's hard to plan an Independence Day getaway when July 4 lands in the middle of the week, like it does this year. But if you can have patience and make it to the weekend, The Ride Festival provides ample opportunity for a musical vacation starring Beck.
Highlights: Beck, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Rose Hill Drive
The Underground Music Showcase
JULY 27-30
This four-day festival in Denver's Baker neighborhood is always one of the biggest chances for new musical discoveries in Colorado each summer. The first lineup announcement featured a list 195 bands -- most of them from Colorado.
Highlights: Benjamin Booker, Esmé Patterson, Chimney Choir
Telluride Jazz Festival
AUG. 4-6
Not for jazz fans alone, this festival brings some of the premier soul and funk artists in the country to a beautiful mountain backdrop. And for night hawks, there are plenty of Jazz After Dark late shows to prolong the experience.
Highlights: Mavis Staples, Bootsy Collins, Lee Fields & The Expressions
ARISE Music Festival
AUG. 4-6
A short drive from both Denver and Fort Collins, Loveland's Sunrise Ranch hosts three days of this nature-minded music and arts festival. Attendees can also stay busy with yoga and art workshops during breaks in the music.
Highlights: Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Pandas & People
Velorama Music Festival
AUG. 11-13
Velorama is the latest festival to come to Colorado. It's tied to the Colorado Classic bicycle race set to wind through Denver, Colorado Springs and Breckenridge. The music event -- which features some marquee indie rock acts -- takes place in Denver's RiNo neighborhood.
Highlights: Wilco, Death Cab For Cutie, Tennis
Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest
AUG. 11-13
Fort Collins continues to develop as a live music destination, with new venues and performance spaces. This free, three-day festival takes place downtown and highlights dozens of northern Colorado artists, as well as some national headliners.
Highlights: Brandi Carlile, Cake, Slim Cessna's Auto Club
Rocky Mountain Folks Festival
AUG. 18-20
This festival celebrates its 27th year in Lyons with a Colorado-heavy lineup, including headliner Gregory Alan Isakov. The nearby St. Vrain River should help festival-goers stay cool in the August sun.
Highlights: Gregory Alan Isakov, Lake Street Dive, SHEL
Browse our Colorado summer festival map to plan out your road trip:
