While most people only think to head to ski destinations in the winter months, when the sun’s shining and the temperatures are soaring, Snowmass is just coming alive.
With an events calendar guaranteed to keep you busy every weekend of the year, this Colorado ski town knows how to celebrate the best music, outdoor pursuits, culture and food in a style that regularly includes a free weekly summer concert series and rodeo shows. Don’t miss these five incredible summer festivals in Snowmass.
Snowmass Mammoth Festival (June 12-14)
You may have known it previously as the Snowmass Chili Pepper and Brew Fest, but the Mammoth Festival is bigger and better than ever for 2015 with an awesome musical lineup that includes the Wheels of Soul Tour with Tedeschi Trucks and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Three days of camping, performances, tastings of 25+ microbrews and 20 chilis, it’s the perfect summer pairing.
Colorado Wanderlust Festival (July 2-5)
If your soul needs a recharge, the Wanderlust Festival is an all-out celebration of healthy living. Combining music, yoga, and eating well into a “mindful triathalon,” practice meditation and challenge yourself to live a balanced lifestyle with like-minded individuals. With four days of guided adventures, local, sustainable food, meditation programs, and live-music, did we mention Moby’s performing for free?
Colorado Scottish Festival & Rocky Mountain Highland Games (July 31-August 2)
Presented by the St Andrew Society, don your finest kilt and tartan and make your way out to Snowmass for the Colorado Scottish Festival & Rocky Mountain Highland Games. Promoting Celtic arts and culture, it’s a festive gathering of Scottish, Irish and Wales heritage where men will compete in events testing skill, endurance, and athleticism.
JAS Labor Day Experience (September 4-6)
A massive musical lineup that includes No Doubt, Hozier, Lenny Kravitz, The Fray, Fitz & The Tantrums, and Jimmy Cliff, Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) has been called the hottest 72 hours of the summer. Drawing crowds of 11,000+ per day, two stages keep the music going throughout the weekend with a mix of established performers and up and coming artists.
Snowmass Balloon Festival (September 18-20)
There’s nothing quite like the sight of the mountainous landscape filled with colorful hot air balloons. One of the highest-altitude balloon events in the country, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Snowmass Balloon Fest where 30 pilots will compete for honors in distance and height while offering free musical performances and nighttime shows at the Night Glow extravaganza. The event conveniently coincides with the Snowmass Wine Festival, which makes for a pretty perfect summer weekend.