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For many people, spring break conjures up images of Fort Lauderdale or Cancun. Coloradans, however, are lucky enough to have a trove of vacay-worthy destinations a car ride away.
Skip the lines at DIA and instead hit up one of the many locales below—there’ll be plenty to do once you get there, from a highly anticipated foodie festival to a whole gathering dedicated to bigfoot.
Jump ahead:
Summit County
Avon Egg Hunt
Chances are good that you’ll snag at least one of the 10,000 eggs hidden at Avon’s marquee Easter event, but even if you don’t, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Stop by the petting zoo to hang with cute animals, play on inflatables, try your hand at a coloring contest, and participate in a number of other activities—some of which have a prize attached. April 19; 10 a.m.–noon; free attendance
Sunsation
Copper Mountain might be closing its slopes soon, but that doesn’t mean the sun is setting on fun at the resort. This annual two-day festival offers all-day free music and giveaways, including sets from indie band Hippo Campus and blues-rock band Andy Frasco & The U.N. Before the music starts, Copper will host a farewell pop-up that’ll include a community barbecue, autographs from pro snowboarder Danny Davis, and giveaways. April 26–27; 9 a.m.–5:45 p.m.; free attendance
Vail and Beaver Creek
Taste of Vail
True gourmands have had this epic culinary affair on their calendars since last year’s event. Attendees should expect to stay busy—there’s an abundance of paired dinners, seminars, tastings, and experiences on the schedule. The grand tasting will include bites from Chasing Rabbits, Mountain Fish House, and Makoto Vail. Need help sifting through the overwhelming lineup? Check out our guide to the best events at this year’s Taste of Vail. April 2–5; times vary; ticket prices vary
Vail Après End of Season Bash
While it’s sad to bid adieu to après season, this high-country bash will ensure you give it the au revoir it deserves. The day will start with a social ski race down Golden Peak where awards will be passed out for the best costume and speed. Then, party down with live music from Quadrasonic and Pixie & the Partygrass Boys. Finally, raise a glass to the goodness of Ullr at the new Avanti Food & Beverage. April 18; 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; free attendance
Champions of Magic
Why fly to Vegas when you can have the world-class magicians come to you? This team of showmen and women—who’ve been touring for over a decade and are debuting a new show—will mystify you with perplexing illusions, shocking spectacles, and humor-twinged stunts. April 6–7; 6:30 p.m.; $40–$85
Root Down Rise Up Yoga at the Westin Riverfront
Connect with Mother Nature during this special Earth Day Vinyasa yoga class held at the Westin Riverfront’s Spa Anjali. The class fee will be donated to Walking Mountains Science Center and be to pick up a packet of wildflower seeds before leaving; the spa will be handing them out for free all day. April 22; 5:30 p.m.; $20
Crested Butte
Deadhead Ed’s End of Season Party
Since 2008, Crested Butte has closed out its ski season with this rowdy gathering hosted by its namesake, Deadhead Ed. The music will be provided by, of course, Grateful Dead tribute band Easy Jim and food will be provided by Teocalli Tamale. We’d tell you to keep an eye out for the LED hula hoop dancers, but we have a feeling you won’t be able to miss them. April 3; 8 p.m.; $40–60
Estes Park
Environmental Film Festival
You’re surrounded by the Centennial State’s stunning scenery every day—but how much do you actually know about it? Documentarian Nick Mollé is helping Coloradans fill in their knowledge gaps with his award-winning films. During this fest, attend screenings of his movies, including Climb Longs Peak and his newest, the PBS documentary Water: the Sacred Gift. Mollé himself will be in attendance to chat about all things conservation following the premiere of his new film. April 11–12; 2–7 p.m.; $15–$25
Estes Park Bigfoot Days
Some adventurers dedicate their entire lives to finding this elusive beast—but someone should tell them that Estes Park will be brimming with bigfoot this month. This quirky festival is centered around the Sasquatch, and as such, guests can run in the Bigfoot Half Marathon and 5k, swap tales with so-called “bigfoot celebs,” participate in axe-throwing and bigfoot-calling contests, and much more. April 26; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; free attendance
Winter Park
Mountaintop Après
There’s no lift ticket required for entry into this monthslong après bash—and we won’t tell if you happen to skip the whole skiing part. After 4 p.m., ride Winter Park’s gondola for free to the Lodge at Sunspot to see dozens of live music performances (including Liver Down the River, Blood Sugar, and Wild Love Tigress), enjoy food and drink specials, and watch the sun go down at 10,700 feet. Now–April 5; Thursdays–Saturdays, 4–8 p.m.; free admission
Spring Bash & Splash
Winter Park knows how to let us down easy about ski season ending. Over the course of five weeks, the resort will host festivities culminating in the season-ending pond-skimming contest. Before that, revelers can attend TheBigWonderful’s beer and bluegrass festival with unlimited samples from more than 20 breweries, attend a throwback party (bring on the neon!), and boogie at a beach-themed bash (bikinis optional). April 5–27; times vary; most events free, TheBigWonderful at Winter Park tickets start at $40
Steamboat Springs
Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series
Inflation hasn’t yet hit the cost of this concert series, which remains free this year. Over the course of six weeks, hear live sets from the genre-spanning Magic Beans, SoCal surf rock duo the Wheeland Brothers, and soul-and-roots ensemble Southern Avenue. March 15–April 13; Sat 3:30–5 p.m.; free
Aspen
Aspen Film Shortsfest
One way to watch more films? Only watch movies that are about 20 minutes long. This annual fest screens genre-spanning cinema that’s a fraction of the length of a full-length feature. Watch shorts such as 19-minute-long Cattywampus, about two diamond thieves who struggle with work-life balance amidst a heist and 15-minute Georgie, which follows an ex-mobster’s reflections on love and loss after a 32-year stint in prison. In between films, make sure to attend panels, chats, and after-hours showings. Now–April 5; times vary; single tickets $28
Songs from the Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical
Culture vultures won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear tunes from Tony Award–nominee Joe Iconis’ new musical—in the former home of its protagonist. Iconis’ forthcoming play revolves around writer Hunter S. Thompson, from his childhood in the 1940s to his Gonzo journalism days, to his tenure in Aspen. During this performance, Iconis and his band will preview songs from the play before its first-ever run in Washington, D.C., later this year. April 11; 7:30–9 p.m.; $45–$65
