Annual Events in Southwestern Colorado
Many events take place on the Western Slope of Colorado throughout the year. These celebrations attract people from all over the area and the world. Below is a list of the most popular and attended activities in southwestern Colorado. To learn more click here to see the San Juan Realty Calendar.
January
- Ouray Ice Festival
The Ouray Ice Festival takes place every January and is the largest ice climbing event in North America. Slideshows, ice climbing competitions, ice climbing clinics, gear demos and a big party are all part of the fun.
February
May
- Annual Balloons N Vrooms Festival – Ridgway Town Park
- Mountainfilm Festival – Telluride
Promoting amateur filmmakers the world-over, the Mountainfilm Festival mostly features films with mountain or outdoor themes. Awards are given for the best films.
June
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Great music and spectacular scenery combine to form one of the most popular events of the year. Competitions determine the best troubadour and band.
July
- Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in Ouray
One of the biggest events in Ouray, this 4th of July Celebration attracts multitudes of people from all over the country. The event is famous for water fights that take place with fire hoses. Hotels and rentals are completely booked for this event, so please book early. - Deltardo Days – Delta.
Delta’s oldest event has been a Delta tradition for years and celebrates “authentic western” adventure. This is a great family friendly event.
August
- Annual Ridgway Rendezvous Arts & Crafts Festival
Taking place for more than 25 years in Ridgway, the Arts & Crafts Festival is a juried two-day event with a focus on quality. Music entertainment is provided all day, both days at Ridgway Town Park. Admission is free. - Annual Mt. Sneffels 1/2 Marathon Run/Walk – Ouray.
- Annual Grillin’, Chillin’ & Thrillin’ Music & Brew Fest – Ridgway.
- Telluride Jazz Celebration
The first Telluride Jazz Celebration took place in 1977 and it continues to attract some of the best performers of the genre. Concerts are hosted throughout the town of Telluride, indoors and out. - Telluride Mushroom Festival
Every August the nutritional, medicinal, and spiritual virtues of mushrooms are celebrated at the annual Telluride Mushroom Festival, one of Telluride’s most popular summer events. - The Olathe Sweet Corn Festival
Taste the delicious sweet corn of Olathe, located between the towns of Montrose and Delta. The festival includes numerous events and live music.
September
- Labor Day Ouray County Fair and Rodeo – Ridgway.
The Ouray County Fair and Rodeo attracts 4-H and rodeo participants as well as a large crowd of spectators from all over Colorado. It is one of the biggest events of the year in Ridgway. - Ouray County Railroad Days – Ridgway.
A weekend event: Ouray County Railroad Days takes place in Ridgway and includes a Museum open house, scenic hikes, guided tours and so much more. - Annual Imogene Pass Run – Ouray.
Taking place for more than 35 years, the annual Imogene Pass Run begins in Ouray. - Telluride Film Festival
Every Labor Day film connoisseurs from all over the U.S. come to Telluride for what locals call “The Show”. In addition to formal movie screenings, the festival features an open-air series that is free to the public. - Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
Beer from the 50 finest microbreweries are brought into Telluride for this music festival. There are many side-events, including beer tastings, a blues breakfast, and a kid-friendly play area. - Council Tree Pow Wow & Cultural Festival and Jamboree – Delta.
Visitors from around the world come to Delta to see the Ute Indian dance and festival.
October
- Oktoberfest & 45th Annual Jeep Raffle – Ouray.
- Annual La Sportiva Ouray Mountain Trail Run – Ouray.
- Annual Chief Ouray Gun Club Gun Show – Ridgway 4-H Events Center.
- Ouray Elks Haunted House
December
- Yule Night in Ouray
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Ouray.
