Nothing screams summer in Colorado more than rodeos, country music, whitewater rafting, parades, hot air balloons, festivals, car racing up a fourteener and well, more festivals. Take your pick from a weekend full of outdoor fun. You can cool off in the Gunnison River while watching athletes race past you in kayaks, drive up Pikes Peak and watch cars whiz by going over 100mph, or eat a turkey leg and view medieval-themed shows from jousting matches to acrobatics at the Colorado Renaissance Festival.

Explore more Colorado events on our OutThere Colorado Events Calendar!

1. Colorado Renaissance Festival

Travel back in time to the 16th century with medieval festivities galore. You’ll walk through magical village scenes surrounded by costumed merrymakers, chivalrous knights, and pirates, performing and living out the time period. Pick and choose from combat jousting, acrobatics, a petting zoo, climbing wall, dungeon museum, maze, archery, ancient crafts, delicious food, and more at this year’s Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur.

Admission Prices: Adult*: $24 Children* (5-12): $11 Children Under 5: Free *Save a couple bucks on tickets if you purchase/print your tickets online, or if you purchase tickets from King Soopers

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2. Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Who will be this year’s king of the mountain? Get ready for some heart pounding and adrenaline pumping fun this weekend while watching over 100 fearless drivers and riders race around 156 turns to the top of Pikes Peak, also known as America’s Mountain. Aptly called the Race to the Clouds, racers will begin at 9,360 feet and climb 12.42 miles to reach an elevation of 14,115 feet. As the second oldest car race in America and held on arguably one of the world’s most unique race courses, the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb draws thousands of people from all around the world. There are numerous racing divisions and classes to watch, from electric car and vintage motorcycle divisions, to open wheel and time attack divisions. Spectators will be able to view the motorsport spectacle from several designated spectator viewing areas along Pikes Peak. The course speed record? A mind boggling 8:13.878 set by Sebastien Loeb in 2013.

Admission Prices: $25-320

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3. Greeley Stampede

Pull on your cowboy boots and get ready for 12 straight days of rodeo and western fun in Greeley with extreme bull riding, american bullfighting, barrel racing, mutton bustin’, and a demolition derby. There will also be live music from popular headliners like Chase Rice, Toby Keith, and the Barenaked Ladies, parades and firework shows, a Kids Corral area with lots of fun activities, a carnival, western art show, food galore, and so much more.

Admission Prices: $15-110

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4. Frederick in Flight – Hot Air Balloon Festival

Head to Frederick this Friday thru Sunday for some small town, colorful fun. Each morning, over 30 hot air balloons will take off from Centennial Park and fly high above town. Be on the lookout for the tasty mini donuts and coffee available for sale. On Saturday evening, there will be a glow party with inflated hot air balloons, silent auction, live music, a bunch of kids activities, and a beer garden.

Admission Prices: FREE

On Saturday, Primitive Country Loft House will be serving FREE specialty coffees and teas throughout the day and will also be offering FREE hot dogs and chips until they run out in the afternoon.

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5. Gunnison River Festival

Escape the heat, head to the hills, and enjoy a refreshing, adventurous weekend at the Gunnison River Festival. Kickback along the shore and enjoy a beer from Upslope Brewing Company or participate in the river games and competitions like the always entertaining inflatable rodeo. In addition to competitions, there are free demos, plenty of food vendors, a parade, cook-off, a beer garden, and live music in the evenings.

In its 14th year, this annual river festival is a celebration of recreation, community and commitment to protect the ecology of the Gunnison River Basin. The title sponsor of the event, Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, is an active leader in the community making it their mission to solve issues affecting the Upper Gunnison River Basin’s water resources. With educational events, endless river activities, competitions, vendors and entertainment, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Admission Prices: FREE

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