Explore Colorado's Best Annual Events & Festivals

ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Some of the best events in Colorado are hosted in our beautiful valley. Please Visit our events calendar to find out the latest. Here is what you can expect and much more.

SPRING

In the spring we celebrate the ski season with Monarch Mountain’s signature event Kayaks on Snow. Once the snow melts the run off begins and the rivers fill with whitewater. Buena Vista & Salida are world class whitewater rafting, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding destinations. Professionals from around the world come to compete in the best whitewater festivals in Colorado. These festivals are typically surrounded by amazing music and beer festivals.

CKS Paddlefest Buena Vista, Colorado Memorial Day Weekend 

FIBArk Whitewater Festival Fathers Day Weekend

SUMMER

Our parks and outdoor amphitheaters are filled with free music, art festivals, farmers markets, beer festivals and craft fairs. Both Buena Vista & Salida host some of the most challenging and scenic mountain bike races and running races. The Fourth Of July is always a spectacle in both towns. If you are on the right peak you can see fireworks from both towns.

FALL

People flock from around the world to this 14er region to see the amazing fall colors of Colorado’s unique golden aspen. Festivals this time of year are filled with beer, food and outdoor fun.

In late September the Buena Vista Chamber Of Commerce host a Fall OHV Color Tour and then Buena Vista hosts14er Fest the best multi-sport Festival in Colorado.

WINTER

Winter will bring the best of both worlds in our valley. The valley typically stays dry to fish, hike, bike, and go off road. Our world class music venues draw some of the best national touring acts. While if you climb 7,000 feet in elevation just minutes from town you will find the best snow in the state. Events at Monarch include ski races, naturalist ski tours, equipment demo days, and Kayaks On Snow. 

The towns of Buena Vista & Salida feel like a Hallmark Christmas Special with their small town charm, holiday festivals and decorations. Be sure to check out the largest Christmas Tree in Colorado and maybe the world in Salida, Colorado. The Friday after Thanksgiving this 750’ Christmas tree on Christmas Mountain is lit and is visible until the first week in January.

Get Inspired

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce
111 E Main St
Buena Vista, CO 81211

Salida Chamber of Commerce
406 W Rainbow Blvd.
Salida, CO 81201

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