6 New Summer Festivals Worth Checking Out

Summer calendar looking bleak? Not anymore. There are enough events in Colorado to fill almost every day of the warm-weather months. We’re highlighting a few of the newest offerings so you can keep being the hip one among your friends.

Applejack BrewDown and Block Party: One of the city’s top booze-sellers is hosting a block party with everything from lawn games to music to beers. Plus, it’s for a good cause: The event benefits the Denver Active 20-30 Children’s Foundation, which helps disadvantaged youth in our community. June 6, Applejack Wine and Spirits

Loudwire Music Festival: Colorado may not need another music festival, but that doesn’t mean we’ll turn down the chance to head bang outdoors, sleep in a tent, and wake up and do it all again for two more days. In its first year, Loudwire (a rock website) brings more than two-dozen rock bands to western Colorado, including headliners Linkin Park, Weezer, and Rob Zombie. June 26–28, Jam Ranch

(Pack your schedule even more with these can’t-miss concerts)

Steamboat Movement Festival: Get your ohm on at elevation with this inaugural four-day festival jam-packed with live music, outdoor activities, and, of course, yoga. July 23–26, Steamboat Springs

Jackalope Art & Craft Fair: Denver’s newest makers fair—we’re one of three cities hosting the event—brings more than 200 local artisans together for two days of browsing through a juried collection of home decor, jewelry, art, and more. July 25–26, EXDO Event Center

Mac-N-Cheese Fest: Everyone’s favorite picnic side is at the center of this head-to-head competition between Summit County restaurants. May the cheesiest one win. (If you can’t wait until August for some mac and cheese, get your hungry belly to the Macaroni & Cheese Festival in Durango on June 13.) August 22, Copper Mountain

Jaipur Literature Festival: For the first time, the “largest free literary festival on Earth” is headed to the People’s Republic. Expect plenty of dialogue and debate as speakers expound on South Asia’s literary traditions, with a specific focus on Latino, Native American, Asian American, and African American literature. September 18–20, Boulder (multiple locations)

Heads up: Pick up our June issue (on newsstands now!) to discover plenty more ways to enjoy summer in the city—including four lesser-known fests.

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