The 3 Best Summer Festivals Or Events Around Glenwood Springs

Summer in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys comes with a built-in calendar. From late July through August, weekends fill with events that mix music, food, art and long-standing local traditions. Some lean creative, others agricultural, but all serve the same purpose — bringing the community together in a shared space. As showcased in The Post Independent’s Locals’ Choice contest, these events define what summer feels like in Western Colorado.

Carbondale Mountain Fair

Carbondale Mountain Fair, held each July in Sopris Park, centers on art, music and community-driven activities. The event features more than 145 vendors presenting juried work across mediums such as ceramics, jewelry, painting and woodwork. Multiple stages host live performances throughout the weekend, while designated areas provide family-focused programming. Longstanding traditions like the wood-splitting contest, pie-baking competition and Mt. Sopris Run-off remain core elements of the experience.

Garfield County Fair & Rodeo

The Garfield County Fair & Rodeo in Rifle brings together rodeo events, concerts and traditional fair attractions each August. PRCA competitions, demolition derbies and monster truck events anchor the schedule, alongside a full carnival midway. Livestock shows and auctions highlight the work of local 4-H and FFA participants. Additional events, including a parade and community breakfast, extend the fair beyond the grounds into the broader community.

Strawberry Days Festival

Strawberry Days in Glenwood Springs marks the start of summer each June and remains one of the region’s longest-running festivals. Held at Two Rivers Park, the event is known for its tradition of serving free strawberries and ice cream, a practice that dates back more than a century. The festival includes a large arts and crafts market, a full schedule of live performances and a community parade through downtown. Family-focused programming and local showcases round out the multi-day event.

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