Fall will be here before we know it! Autumn is a great time of year for road trips, and our state offers several excellent music festivals to check out while you’re at it. Whether you prefer to stay close to home in Boulder or you’re ready for a change of scenery, here are some of the top fall music festivals to explore:
Boulder Roots Music Fest
When: 8/27-30
Where: Venues throughout Pearl Street
You don’t have to travel far to find captivating live musical performances. Right here on Pearl Street, Boulder Roots Music Fest kicks off festival season. Set throughout downtown Boulder across more than 20 venues, this gathering is a community-driven celebration of creativity, culture, and connection. You can expect talented artists spanning numerous genres, plus great food, drinks, and atmosphere. Explore the full schedule and get your passes here.
JAS Labor Day Experience
When: 9/4-6
Where: Snowmass, CO
The Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) Labor Day Experience is one of our state’s top musical destinations. This gathering will feature well-known artists such as Benson Boone, Tim McGraw, and Shaboozey in beautiful Snowmass, Colorado. About 20 minutes from Aspen, this venue offers an exceptional opportunity for a weekend spent in style. Get your tickets and browse the performers here.
Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
When: 9/18-20
Where: Telluride, CO
If you’re a fan of blues (or brews), you won’t want to miss the 32nd annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival. This long-standing tradition brings visitors from across the country to the small town of Telluride to take part in one of the nation’s most scenic music festivals. You’ll find a great mix of genres here, including blues, funk, indie, rock, jam, gospel, and soul. For those looking for an immersive experience, you can explore after-hours club shows, morning yoga, and more.
Smalltown Gathering
When: 9/25-27
Where: Salida, CO
Ready for a road trip? Salida, Colorado, is about a three-hour drive from Boulder. This iconic mountain town is hosting Smalltown Gathering: a celebration of music, yoga, and community. In addition to the fantastic lineup of artists, you can participate in rejuvenating yoga sessions and workshops on songwriting, meditation, instrument-making, and more. If you’re looking for a weekend experience where you can get inspired, immerse yourself in nature, and enjoy soulful live music, this is an excellent option.
FreeFall Bluegrass Festival
When: 10/9-11
Where: Avon, CO
Located in beautiful Avon, Colorado, the FreeFall Bluegrass Festival is a can’t-miss event for bluegrass fans who want to see nationally touring artists amid stunning fall scenery. The festival will be held outdoors at Nottingham Park, where peak fall colors are usually on full display. Discover the lineup and get your tickets here.
With fall just around the corner, now is the time to start planning your festival itinerary. Whether you prefer to stay close to home in Boulder or venture farther out for festivities, Colorado won’t disappoint. Happy festival season!